Yallingup Rural joined 47 other brigades in helping to fight the fires around Perth this week. The crew consisted of Alan, Andy, Bruce, Mitch and Steveo. Alan reports:
The Lower South West Taskforce convoy included the 4.4, our 12.2 crewed by Vasse, Dunsborough 3.4, Sussex 2.4, Walcliffe LT, and Vasse LT. We met at Busselton bypass, and departed around 1400 Wednesday for the Pinjar pine plantation fire in Wanneroo.
En route we were diverted to the Serpentine fire near Karnet prison farm, but were then re-assigned to our original destination after stopping for further direction at Keysbrook, north of Pinjarra.
We arrived in the early evening at Barbagello raceway for a briefing, and then were assigned mopping up duties through the night in company with the rest of the LSW Taskforce vehicles.
The tracks were very sandy, in limestone country, and the 4.4 managed the conditions quite well, except for one moment right at the end of our shift when a considerable amount of digging, road making and some water dumping, plus a bit of a pull on a tow strap from a friendly passing Kalamunda LT got the 4.4 moving again.
During the night there was a good view of the electrical storms around Perth, and just a few teasing spots of rain. By about 0400 we were all tucked up in bed at the Vines resort.
On the way back home on Thursday the 4.4 crew saw what appeared to be a new fire east of the Forest Highway, and after checking in, headed over to investigate. The Coolup brigade were already on site, and the 4.4 assisted them in the early stages of the fire, then carried on for home by the time that the water bombers were on site.
We were happy to assist the Perth Brigades which have been under pressure for weeks, with a lot of tired volunteers needing relief, although on the way home down the Forest Highway we came as close to a lightning strike as any us wanted.
Note: GWN News is carry a report on the LSW Convoy Friday night.
Yallingup Rural Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade 