Cowra’s Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigades have been feeling the heat in the last few weeks, assisting with the Mount Canobolas and Gowan fires.
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Brigades from Kangaroo Flat, Waugoola, Walli Islands, Darbys Falls, Billimari, Mt MacDonald, Moorbell, Glen Logan and Woodstock were all involved with bringing the fires under control.
Facing her first fire, Kangaroo Flat volunteer Lou-Anne Pech said it was, “a bit daunting” but that she was proud of all the brigades.
“I was scared at first, but we have such a good team that I knew everyone had my back,” she said.
“Everyone watches out for each other so I felt ok, I was really proud of the teamwork we had, not just within our brigade but with the other brigades there.
“It was good to consolidate and put it into practice all of our skills we learn in training each week,” she said.
Canobolas Operations Officer, Cameron Bird, said they received help from all over the state and the Orange crews were appreciative of the assistance.
“All shires that we cover were involved (in firefighting), obviously Cowra was one of those, they were very instrumental in helping us out,” he said.
“They (the Cowra Brigades) helped out with airbase operations as well as firefighting, I don’t think there was a Cowra brigade that didn’t turn out.
“Talking to the guys on the ground out there, the local guys a very appreciative of the turn out, we’ve had brigades from Cowra, Blayney, Cabonne and Orange as well as Parks, Forbes, Condobolin, Young, Dubbo and Sydney.
“We’re very grateful to all those areas have come to the call for help.
“We’d like to give a big thanks to the brigades that helped from all of us here, especially those Cowra guys, we sincerely appreciate it and hopefully we can help them out in return,” he said.
All RFS brigades are currently seeking volunteers, those interested in becoming a volunteer can contact their local rural fire brigade or visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/Join-the-NSW-RFS