Early Start to the ACT Bushfire Season - Kowen Forest and Castle Hill Fires

ACT Rural Fire Service crews today attended several fires during gusty winds periods, including fires located at Kowen Forest, near Queanbeyan and another near Castle Hill, located along Tidbinbilla Rd.

KOWEN FIRE
The Kowen fire was approx 1 hectare in size, and the crews worked really hard under very difficult conditions, particularly with winds gusting to around 40kmh plus at times.

Kowen Forest fire being contained.

CASTLE HILL FIRE, Tidbinbilla Rd

Late in the afternoon, Rivers 20 and 30 crews called in a 'white' message to COMCEN when they spotted smoke in the distance in the direction of Booroomba Rocks and Tidbinbilla, ACT. 

Rivers, Southern, Tidbinbilla and Guises Creek units were subsequently responded to the fire following multiple 000 calls received from members of the public. The fire turned out to be a hazard reduction burn being undertaken by the property owner.

The strong winds whipped up a lot of smoke from paddocks which were still fairly green and wet and sent plumes of smoke up into the air.

Southern, Tidbinbilla, Rivers and Guises Creek crews mopping up along Tidbinbilla Rd in the lee of Castle Hill. 

The fire ran along the fence line.

Over Water Confidence Course at ADFA

On Wednesday 25 September 2013, 16 members of the ACT Rural Fire Service attempted the Over Water Confidence Course at the Australian Defence Force Academy's (ADFA) Indoor Sports Complex.
The activity was organised by Paul Murphy (Group 2) with Gungahlin, Tidbinbilla, Jerrabomberra, Molonglo and Rivers Brigades represented. The Over Water Confidence Course tests physical strength, agility and confidence at height within a safe environment.

Two members successfully completed the course; Ewan Mason (Gungahlin) and Allan Freedman (Jerrabomberra) on his second attempt having fallen just short the first time. Several others made it most of the way around only to come undone at the most difficult obstacle near the end of the course, including, but not limited to, Alanah Mayberry (Tidbinbilla), Leanne Dunshea (Rivers), Anna Polson (Gungahlin) and Ryan Winefield (Gungahlin). All members attending thoroughly enjoyed the activity, with bragging rights going to Ewan and Allan.

A big thank you has been given to the ADFA Physical Training Staff, especially the On Duty Physical Training Instructor who conducted the activity.

Ewan Mason from Gungahlin Brigade reached the end and was 1 of only 2 individuals to complete the course. He then completed 11 heaves.

Andrew Lomas and Alexander Hodder from Gungahlin Brigade cling on for dear life.

Emma Van Der Moezel  (Gungahlin) shows how to do it.

Ryan Winefield (Gungahlin) navigates the ropes.

Nothing like finishing off with  few pull ups.

For more photos please click here:

 Simon Butts Photo Stream of the Over The Water course