Captain’s Message
Another quiet month for us in the middle of winter. Cold wet nights have chased our training indoors with members catching up on computer-based training and equipment maintenance.
Upskilling and training continue with two members working through an Advanced fire fighter course and another two travelling to Dubbo over a weekend for a fire line tree falling course.
Perhaps it’s time for a Winter check-up of your house as well. Winter is when the majority of house fires occur.
Here is a safety checklist:
- Wood heaters and flues are cleaned and working properly with no leaks
- Keep everything a metre away from heaters
- Do not overload power boards
- Check electric blankets and cords for damage
- Never use outdoor BBQs or outdoor heaters indoors
- Check your smoke alarms and change batteries if required
Special thank you to local residents that donate funds to our local RFS brigade with several substantial donations received for the end of June. These donations make all the difference to our brigade for additional equipment purchases not supplied by the RFS. Please note that donations made are tax deductible. Please contact the captain if you would like any details of how to keep it local in Kangaroo Valley for your volunteers.
Captain Dusty 0412 865 638
Know your risk for bush fire season:
The RFS Get Ready Weekend will be held at Kangaroo Valley Fire Station on Saturday 21st September.
For further information, go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/get-ready.
Incident Calls
Just the three fire calls for the month that crews attended with a mix of incident types:
1 – Assist ambulance by using our gas detector to check for carbon monoxide gas which proved to be all clear.
2 – Another large oil/diesel spill on Cambewarra Mountain. Crews used what spill sorb we carry on the vehicles then left with RMS crews to continue cleanup.
3 – Call to a Motor Vehicle Accident, which was an automatic call from a mobile as a result of sudden impact, but nothing found.
Pile Burns and Burning Off
The Fire Permit season finished on the 31 March, and will recommence on the 01 September 2024; however, there is a process that still needs to be adhered to prior to burning off in the off season:
1.You must notify the NSW RFS at least 24 Hours before you light the fire.
Ways to notify the NSW RFS
ONLINE: Online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify or via the QR code.
PHONE: Shoalhaven FCC 44244424 between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday
- You must advise your immediate neighbours at least 24 hours before you light the fire.
- You must not light the fire if a Fire Danger Rating is HIGH or above
- At least one responsible person must be present on site until it is extinguished.
- Check the upcoming weather conditions as the pile may continue to smolder for days.
- If you believe that you cannot safely control the fire once it has been lit, dial 000.
If you have concerns about doing this yourself, please contact the KV fire brigade and we can possibly assist you with your pile burn or check your site for you.
Compiled by Tracey Basman
