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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Hairs on August 21, 2023, 06:46:51 PM
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The Clarence Valley has just been classified as a S44.
Which is declared a high Fire Risk, the Commisoner can ask for what ever resources needed from the state to attend.
With windy conditions, and fires throughout The Clarence Valley over the last week or more, Brigades have been stretched.
A Chinook Water Bomber was use yesterday on a fire near Coutts Crossing.
Our Brigade, lost a Cat7 on Friday night, our town was under threat. Local farmers used tractors & bulldozers to help put in fire breaks.
Yet yesterday, a neighbour thought it was a good time to burn off 2 piles of fallen trees, about 6 acres were burnt, Our team attended, 3 hours, two appliances(Cat1 & 9), 6 volunteers.
I believe he will be charged.
Frosts over the last 2 months has the grass dead, it's not looking good.
Just thought I would share this, Be prepared, clean up around your property, clean gutters, do not have open fires.
To all Myswag members who are members of their local Bush Fire Brigades and emergency services, Take care.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230821/3ce58bacac925a25dc454d8252a92966.jpg)
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Being home at the right time in a loooooooong time will allow me to do a massive garden clean up.
Big clean, Big cuts, Big burns
Sent from the roads less travelled
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Our Brigade, lost a Cat7 on Friday night, our town was under threat. Local farmers used tractors & bulldozers to help put in fire breaks.
"Just" grass fires, or bush ???
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"Just" grass fires, or bush ???
Hi Fizzie, both.
The farming country is dry as, dead grass, as well as dry swamp country, so it's attacked from the air, back burn, and wait for it burn it's self out.
The fire jumped Sportsman's creek into pine plantation.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Some 4000ha have burnt in the last 10 day from this fire.
It started in country west of the summerland H/way, Dilkoon.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230821/591d6e5185c4429835c324ecc68f8db1.jpg)
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Our Brigade, lost a Cat7 on Friday night,
Define lost ??? ??? ???
Saw the news sayin there was a bit going on in your area..
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Define lost ??? ??? ???
Saw the news sayin there was a bit going on in your area..
It ended up in the Creek, missed a turn in the smoke.
All are safe, but wet.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Define lost ??? ??? ???
Saw the news sayin there was a bit going on in your area..
Lost but found.
Sounds familiar eh Bird
Sent from the roads less travelled
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Hi,
'Lost' reminds me of.....
Using an older Rural Toyota tanker on the flanks of Mt. Wellington years ago.
Petrol fire pump playing up and cutting out all the time which we diagnosed as a carby float not seating properly and flooding.
Radioed in for a replacement part.
But no.
Troops may not do repairs, a replacement vehicle will be sent.
So a shiny new Toyota arrives to swap over.
We were parked, in gear, low range and handbrake on.
Replacement driver parks, climbs out leaving the motor running and walks up to us - only to turn and stare open mouthed as his Toyota rolls back down the hill, gaining speed before becoming airborne and rolling.
That was a very expensive carby float.
Cheers
Sent from my SM-T380 using Tapatalk
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Austastar,
Do you know how the incident report went? ;)
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Hi,
Not sure on that, I was driving the old Toyota just for that day, and it was from another brigade. The new vehicle was driven by one of the Townies, but I heard on the grapevine that the chassis was bent and was a right off.
I nearly put the old Toyota off the road at the end of the day; all day driving on fire trails and then finding that bar tread 'walks on bitumen corners.
Cheers
Sent from my SM-T380 using Tapatalk
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I have completed my RFD on road to drive a Cat1(MR) under lights & sirens, I'm yet to do my off road assessment, to be able to drive off road.
Listening to other RFS Members, things can quickly go wrong on Fire Ground, seconds count.
There is a lot to learn, there is a lot to take in and be calm about when sh1t hits the fan.
You still a member?
There are couple of other Myswaggers who are, or use to be Firies.
In our 4wd Club we have 4 members out 15 vehicles who are active RFS members.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Hi,
Life member of our local brigade, but stopped active attendance as I lost night vision and couldn't read dials and LCD screens and felt I wasn't performing at the right level.
Cheers
Sent from my SM-T380 using Tapatalk
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Hi,
Life member of our local brigade.
Thank you for your service.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Yesterday I attended to a patril of the boundary of the Fire that crossed the Summerland H/way, this was to extinguish any hot spots, stumps burning and tree roots under ground, 9 hours. Weather conditions have been kinder to crews today, and many swaggers that are involved in their local Bush Fire Brigades, only know to well the hours spent dealing with these.
Still many fires around The Clarence Valley and the state.
Take care.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230827/d889c88552c3f899049a83a39c10f88a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230827/6554bb9eb8a8550b73eed09ba949a36d.jpg)
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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There are a couple of dry storms moving through atm :(
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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The Clarence Valley has just been classified as a S44.
Which is declared a high Fire Risk, the Commisoner can ask for what ever resources needed from the state to attend.
With windy conditions, and fires throughout The Clarence Valley over the last week or more, Brigades have been stretched.
A Chinook Water Bomber was use yesterday on a fire near Coutts Crossing.
Our Brigade, lost a Cat7 on Friday night, our town was under threat. Local farmers used tractors & bulldozers to help put in fire breaks.
Yet yesterday, a neighbour thought it was a good time to burn off 2 piles of fallen trees, about 6 acres were burnt, Our team attended, 3 hours, two appliances(Cat1 & 9), 6 volunteers.
I believe he will be charged.
Frosts over the last 2 months has the grass dead, it's not looking good.
Just thought I would share this, Be prepared, clean up around your property, clean gutters, do not have open fires.
To all Myswag members who are members of their local Bush Fire Brigades and emergency services, Take care.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230821/3ce58bacac925a25dc454d8252a92966.jpg)
We are currently in Thredbo. All the open plains around the Cooma area, are just completely dead. Only green stuff is around dairy farms as they are obviously irrigating it. Could be a bad fire season I thing
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Yes, As a brigade we are preparing for a long dry season. The state authorities are also gearing towards a terrible fire season.
My wife is an SES Member in our village, they too are preparing to assist the RFS where possible.
Both agencies help each other where possible.
The astounding thing is, people are still burning off, :(
Do they not have access to media broadcasts, social media or family & friends to know how dry it is?
:(
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Yes, As a brigade we are preparing for a long dry season. The state authorities are also gearing towards a terrible fire season.
My wife is an SES Member in our village, they too are preparing to assist the RFS where possible.
Both agencies help each other where possible.
The astounding thing is, people are still burning off, :(
Do they not have access to media broadcasts, social media or family & friends to know how dry it is?
:(
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
Yes, but they are just morons. You can not help stupid.
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-04/queensland-catastrophic-fire-risk-bushfire-grass-fire/102809692 (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-04/queensland-catastrophic-fire-risk-bushfire-grass-fire/102809692)
We were thinking of a trip both up & out there in October, but have to give it a miss ??? :'(
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-04/queensland-catastrophic-fire-risk-bushfire-grass-fire/102809692 (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-04/queensland-catastrophic-fire-risk-bushfire-grass-fire/102809692)
We were thinking of a trip both up & out there in October, but have to give it a miss ??? :'(
Sorry to hear you have to change your travel plans, better safe hey.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Bloody hell, Country is dry as, yet some brain dead has decided to have an unauthorised burn, just out of town.
:(
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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What's the fine for something like that ???
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What's the fine for something like that ???
I actually don't know.
Sorry.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Sunday our Brigade, along with many others over the last week and coming weeks, holds a Ready Day.
We invite community members to attend, ask questions, help people prepare for a Fire Event.
We put on a free sausage sizzle, have information packs, kids activities.
It was well attended, a lot of new residents to our area.
Be aware, be prepared.
Over the weekend there were warnings to leave, if safe to do so on the Sunshine Coast QLD.
A return with caution
is in place.
Take care.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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What's the fine for something like that ???
I asked our Group Captain yesterday, he said it was up to the court to determine the penalty.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Alerts have been posted on social media for a Fire Warning tomorrow across the State of NSW.
To keep up to date, visit the RFS Web Site.
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans (https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans)
This happened today, I don't know the circumstances, I hope all who are involved are OK.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230930/e50fe60aacb7d656b7f4fed3edc9d8c4.jpg)
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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It's a concern to see so many active fires today across NSW alone.
Wonder what other states are like?(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231001/2cb3031a0b856087429eff3ffc34cc6d.jpg)
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Not that different :'(
https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=dcb5bb2e432b4c79858bbc48def2e814 (https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=dcb5bb2e432b4c79858bbc48def2e814)
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WOW, Not looking good :(
Thank you for sharing that link mate.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Here is a link I came across a couple of years ago, I forgot about it.
Hotspots.
https://hotspots.dea.ga.gov.au/ (https://hotspots.dea.ga.gov.au/).
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Here's another interesting one
https://myfirewatch.landgate.wa.gov.au/map.html
There's an interesting filter that shows what has been control burnt in the last 1, 2 & 3 years
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Thanks For that.
Interesting.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Sleepless nights for some out east of Melb... and how windy it is wouldnt fill you with confidence... now the storm has hit with lightning and Shit, radio says possible flash flooding is next....
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Hopefully this wet front will dampen this a bit
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Was amazing fo see on the Emergency App a flood warning icon right beside the Emergency Warning - Prepare to evacute icons for the Briag fire this morning.
Has been raining in Latrobe Valley since about 11am. 57mm so far. Good soaking rain. Not heavy.
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The call out has been asked. For members, Strike teams required.
Active(Nsw RFS app for members) has been pinging most of the day.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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lets hope the weather helps
https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/out-of-control-bushfire-rages-near-byron-bay-coastline/news-story/16ca3cc9d52b907ec2c9f70721a45467a (https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/out-of-control-bushfire-rages-near-byron-bay-coastline/news-story/16ca3cc9d52b907ec2c9f70721a45467a)
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lets hope the weather helps
https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/out-of-control-bushfire-rages-near-byron-bay-coastline/news-story/16ca3cc9d52b907ec2c9f70721a45467a (https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/out-of-control-bushfire-rages-near-byron-bay-coastline/news-story/16ca3cc9d52b907ec2c9f70721a45467a)
Sorry mate, link doesn't work.
:((https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231016/dcc5eb59fd38dbc613937488346afd53.jpg)
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Sorry mate, link doesn't work.
:((https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231016/dcc5eb59fd38dbc613937488346afd53.jpg)
works without the a on the end :(
https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/out-of-control-bushfire-rages-near-byron-bay-coastline/news-story/16ca3cc9d52b907ec2c9f70721a45467 (https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/out-of-control-bushfire-rages-near-byron-bay-coastline/news-story/16ca3cc9d52b907ec2c9f70721a45467)
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Thanks mate.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Our 4wd Club has cancelled this Sundays Hut Maintenance day, there are many fires in the country we visit
No point in putting anyone at risk.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Doesnt sound good.....
https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/anxious-wait-for-residents-as-fires-blaze-across-queensland/news-story/cc4716bdf74791f4ce814fca7368f845 (https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/anxious-wait-for-residents-as-fires-blaze-across-queensland/news-story/cc4716bdf74791f4ce814fca7368f845)
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Hey Bird,
We got 38mm Thursday night, Friday, was good, but nowhere near what is needed.
Heaps of people on FB asking who delivers water. Nymboida residents asking council to waiver water fee on the Cubes that are used for firefighting.
And there are people watering lawns, in Yamba, Maclean & Grafton, even here in Lawrence.
Unbelievable :(
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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What's it like out towards Moree? Got a job out there in a weeks time
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What's it like out towards Moree? Got a job out there in a weeks time
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me (https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me)
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What's it like out towards Moree? Got a job out there in a weeks time
This link shows Hot Spots.
https://hotspots.dea.ga.gov.au/ (https://hotspots.dea.ga.gov.au/)
The Hazzards Near Me app is good, but gets overloaded.
Talking with a lady who just bought a property west of Bingra, it's dry.
Take care mate.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Talking with a lady who just bought a property west of Bingra, it's dry.
I was out there a month ago. Noticed it was extremely dry :cheers:
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My pager(Active RFS), Has just asked for all Clarence Valley Members to assemble at their stations and jobs will be assigned.

You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Good luck & stay safe!
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Stay outta trouble champ

Sent from the roads less travelled
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good thing not to head into Qld on travel or holidays.. reports 38 and windy as intercourse.
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Hey, Thanks guys.
Unfortunately I can't attend, screwed my knee 5 weeks ago, still waiting to have X-rays.
My thoughts are with all crews, and those that have lost homes in QLD and elsewhere.
:(
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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good thing not to head into Qld on travel or holidays.. reports 38 and windy as intercourse.
A Long night & couple of days ahead for crews.
:(
And those that have lost everything.
Floods make a mess, fires leave nothing. :(
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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I have helicopters and aeroplanes buzzing around, Firefighters down my back yard. They tell me they are going to defend the hospital.
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I have helicopters and aeroplanes buzzing around, Firefighters down my back yard. They tell me they are going to defend the hospital.
Where abouts are you mate?
Hope all will be good.
Take care.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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I have helicopters and aeroplanes buzzing around, Firefighters down my back yard. They tell me they are going to defend the hospital.
just about to post on your region..
' near Herberton have also been told to leave their properties immediately. '
https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/qld-residents-ordered-to-evacuate-fireys-hospitalised-after-truck-rolls/news-story/010de46e44338c1ea6c5b90b700c00a7 (https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/qld-residents-ordered-to-evacuate-fireys-hospitalised-after-truck-rolls/news-story/010de46e44338c1ea6c5b90b700c00a7)
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They can but I won’t. they list my street; I am the only one on my street though.
I have a fire brake around the house, I asked why not back burn from the the fire brake, but then said no.
No actual fire here, just up the back burning over the hills, nothing there but old abandoned mines.
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I am actually camping, I come home for other things, but I plan on going back later this afternoon.
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Are you OK up there, JC ???
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All good here, the fire stopped at the fire brake on the next hill.
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:'(
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R.I.P Leo.
:(
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Fingers crossed, the rain event predicted for mid week eventually comes and extinguishes many of these fires across the country.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Indeed!
They got at least some yesterday in areas that desperately need it :cup:
http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/index.shtml?ref=hdr (http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/index.shtml?ref=hdr)
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While the little amount of rain has helped, fires are starting to pop up again. :(
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231212/45ae390dcf6187936643a8f052f7806b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231212/b1c7db81d8ed95c03aaf69600789b0df.jpg)
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Although the country here looks green, we have only had 558ml this year.
Yearly average is about 1800ml.
Thankfully, we haven't seen conditions that other areas have.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Well, we had a little rain, atm fires here are not an issue.
In other parts of the country it is catastrophic, WA homes/property have been lost, our prayers are with anyone dealing with fire or those dealing with the aftermath of cyclone Jasper in North Queen.
Take care.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Our Brigade has been issued with Flood Kits.
Each appliance will carry one.
This is so we can assist SES in floods.
Another module of training to be completed, assessed, certified :)
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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So what's in a Flood Kit ???
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So what's in a Flood Kit ???
Not 100% sure,
I wasn't able to attend that afternoon.
Here is a pic, however I will ask my Deputy Captain.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240106/8f8580cab765345584e235d3a5cc2579.jpg)
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Where's the floaties ;D
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That's it.
Vest, helmet, rope, gloves.
What training is involved, unsure of that at this time.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Where's the floaties ;D
And Mankeeny, ;D
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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And Mankeeny, ;D
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
That's an image no one needs
Sent from my SM-X806B using Tapatalk
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That's an image no one needs
I dunno, could be very effective marketing ???
If it's flooded, just think about who'll be rescuing you!
(https://hurly-burly.com.au/cdn/shop/products/Borat_Mankini.jpg?v=1493617408)
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I know, A stupid thing to do in this humidity, anyway our RFS brigade had training this morning.
4 young kids, 1 has just completed their BF, The other 3 have just started their journey.
We practised draughting and associated skills. Pumping from a static water supply to one appliance, then to another appliance, then attacking a
(pretend), even a couple of Over runs. Even the old hats felt it.
Valuable training, this is were we learn to work as a team, keep an eye on each other, make sure members are drinking enough water.
Anyway, just thought I share.
Cheers
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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I know, A stupid thing to do in this humidity, anyway our RFS brigade had training this morning.
4 young kids, 1 has just completed their BF, The other 3 have just started their journey.
We practised draughting and associated skills. Pumping from a static water supply to one appliance, then to another appliance, then attacking a
(pretend), even a couple of Over runs. Even the old hats felt it.
Valuable training, this is were we learn to work as a team, keep an eye on each other, make sure members are drinking enough water.
Anyway, just thought I share.
Cheers
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
nice work... Shitty fire weather here today :(
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nice work... Shitty fire weather here today :(
Cheers mate, It's what we need to do more often, no matter what the temp is. As I said to one of the young girls, just image, you're trying to contain a fire, it's blowing a gale, your hands are drenched in sweat, your have been tasked to run out a line of 38, connect the two hoses and nozzle, those tools are slippery as, even operating the levers to direct the water through the valves/pump, to get water to where you need it. It can be a struggle.
In NSW, I'm surprised there aren't more fires with the weather we've had the last fortnight.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240204/165e8bac952ad00779eef1eb8423be52.jpg)
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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I'm surprised there aren't more fires with the weather we've had the last fortnight.
I was trying to work out how there are any fires in Qld after these last few weeks ???
Now I'm trying to reconcile two maps, one saying half the state is on fire, the other saying most of it is under water! ???
https://bushfire.io/?location=3.9052631892221226/-25.531761540534873/143.69271751693236/satellite/0/0 (https://bushfire.io/?location=3.9052631892221226/-25.531761540534873/143.69271751693236/satellite/0/0)
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those tools are slippery as, even operating the levers to direct the water through the valves/pump, to get water to where you need it. It can be a struggle.
Give em a 65 and turn it up :) It'll get there... may not be where you need it but it'll get somewhere ;)
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Give em a 65 and turn it up :) It'll get there... may not be where you need it but it'll get somewhere ;)
Deputy captain did something similar, just to show the force of the pressure at the nozzle.
One young bloke full of gusto, was surprised how much strength was need to control the hose with the pump at full song. 
Days like this are good for the newbies and also for the Old Hats.
I believe our next couple of training sessions will be focused on EV's.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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I believe our next couple of training sessions will be focused on EV's.
By my layman's understanding, that's stand back & let it burn itself out, while trying to make sure it doesn't spread ??? :-\
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Hi
Yep, protect exposures .
Cheers
Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk
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By my layman's understanding, that's stand back & let it burn itself out, while trying to make sure it doesn't spread ??? :-\
Yes, Identity the risk, if safe to do so attend to anyone in the vehicle.
Contain the area.
Structural fires where there are solar panels and batteries on site are another cause for caution and being aware of unseen dangers.
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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Hi
Yep, protect exposures .
Cheers
Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk
Yes. 
You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.
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By my layman's understanding, that's stand back & let it burn itself out, while trying to make sure it doesn't spread ??? :-\
Yes that was our unofficial training as well.
Unofficial because there is apparently no officially recognised training available in Aus.
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Had a mate heading to perth.. didnt get far, been in Beaufort since Thursday last week. Ended up staying and helping the community and fireys.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/bushfires-australia-live-updates-latest-weather-warnings-victoria-news/8b54729f-9566-4e03-b5ac-40e92ddd2df5 (https://www.9news.com.au/national/bushfires-australia-live-updates-latest-weather-warnings-victoria-news/8b54729f-9566-4e03-b5ac-40e92ddd2df5)