Hazard Reduction Burn at the Fyshwick Sewage Treatment Works

Last night members of the Jerrabomberra, Guises Creek and Rivers RFS Brigade completed a hazard reduction burn at the Fyshwick Sewage Treatment Works.  The grass had been sprayed and therefore 100% cured which created interesting flame height. 

Keep an eye out for our Chief Officer Andrew Stark on the drip torch and hose!!!

Sector Leader Anura Samara from Guises Creek

Guises Creek medium tanker knocking down some of the flames.

"You want me to do what???"

Guises Creek tanker feelin the heat.

We have made things easy for our Fire Investigator / Operations Manager Richard Woods by finding the point of ignition.

One wrong turn and the tankers could be in the proverbial!



Arthur Sayer's Farewell

Yesterday the ACTRFS staff headed out into the bush for a business plan review followed on by a farewell barbecue for our Rural Liaison Officer.  Everyone who is anyone within the ACT Rural Fire Service Community knows Arthur Sayer who is the Captain of Tidbinbilla.  Arthur has had a long distinguished career in the ACT dealing with all things bushfire related.

Class Of 2012 Photo

Trying to work out the way to the next destination.

Arthur receiving his surprise farewell gift.

We think Arthur liked his gift.

Arthur telling a few war stories of the various fires he was involved in throughout the Brindabella Ranges.



Ngunnawal Hills North Hazard Reduction Burn

The Gungahlin Brigade completed a HR burn last Thursday near Ngunnawal. 

This burn was to reduce the fuel loading and the burn achieved it's objective.



Tidbinbilla Brigade's

The progress on the Tidbinbilla Brigade station is progressing well. 

ACTRFS at the Summernats

The ACTRFS was well represented at the Summernats this year. We had crews on hand to assist with the dampening down of the main arena, the helicopter joy flight area and the main competition area. From all accounts, everything has gone off really well.

The time spent at Summernats provided us with a great opportunity to promote the ACTRFS to the younger community. There were many shouts from the crowd for the crews to do burn-outs (which obviously wasn't possible), but they did enjoy the occasional demonstration of lights & sirens!

I think next year (subject to the fire danger) we can expect bigger and better things at Summernats.

Well done all, and particularly to Rohan Samara who took on the task of organising for us to attend. Roh is currently holidaying in Thailand so couldn't see the result of his efforts.

Here's a few very ordinary shots from my iphone - Mick Joyce DCO

Jamie Lankford with Lucas Tan hiding in the cabin!

The guys on Rivers 19 (middle of picture) enjoying the burnout action

Rivers 19 bulk water tanker with crew ready to keep the dust down at Summernats

MLO30 was kept busy on the main arena (this was obviously a quieter moment - Jamie telling us all about how many flatheads he caught down the coast while on holidays)

Special Children's Christmas Party 2011

On Saturday 10 December 2011, eight members from the Rivers and Molonglo Volunteer Rural Fire Brigades attended the Special Children’s Christmas Party at Exhibition Park in Canberra that 1,600 children went to.

The Rivers Volunteer Fire Brigade provided a heavy tanker (RIV 11) and five crew with the Molonglo Volunteer Fire Brigade provided two members plus Shyler the Community Support/Fire Awareness Dog. Shyler and the heavy tanker proved very popular on the day with a number of children taking advantage of the opportunity to sit in a fire truck and pat/play with Shyler.

The event was very rewarding for all concerned and despite the volume of children wishing to climb all over the fire truck, all members who attended have commented on how rewarding it was to participate in the event.

Tidbinbilla Brigade's new shed work has started!

The foundations have been poured and preparation for the walls and roof are in place on the brand new Tidbinbilla Brigade shed.