"Black Saturday"

(07/02/2009)

South Warrandyte Fire Brigade responded to the recent bushfires that have unfortunately become a part of our history. Many of our members were a amongst the crews that responded to the fire front on Black Saturday or have been a part of the replacement crews that travelled to Kinglake for many days following the events of February. Our first crew that responded amongst many other tasks, defended a school, that was filled with a number of residents that had taken refuge, from ember attack over night. Even though the main fire had passed, many of our members were in Kinglake for many days following that day, helping in numerous ways, from putting out smaller spot fires or reignited logs and trees, to just being someone for the residents and survivors to talk to in order to help them through such a tough time.

Many of our members spent numerous day and/or night shifts relieving St Andrew’s volunteers so that they could spend time with families, grieving, rebuilding or just appreciating what life has to offer.

Throughout the recent summer season our members have also responded to other fires across Victoria such as the Endeavour Hills fire. We cannot forget the other members that have protected our own home area during this stressful time or helped out behind the scenes in many different areas. A few of our more senior members were a part of the many Incident Controllers and are even still a part of the recovery and rebuilding effort.

Many employers have been very good to our members by allowing them time off in order to help out with the fires or to protect their local area. This has been a very stressful and exhausting time for our members as well as their families and friends waiting eagerly for their return home.

Below are some images taken by our members during the 2008/2009 Summer season:

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