The latest Yallingup Rural crew came home late Sunday night after a long day at the Northcliffe fire. Currently no crews are on call and it is anticipated the 4.4 will return soon for much needed maintenance.
The crew of Duncan, Mark S, Mark P, Mitch and Tony, along with Ian for the 12.2, set off from home around 4am and returned to Dunsborough around 10pm.
After the morning briefing, they spent the day in exactly the same area as the Wednesday night crew, attacking flare ups and blacking down. Two helicopters were called in to suppress a spotover in front of the truck. They also spent time draughting and supplying water to the Hithergreen and Sussex trucks which were unable to draft. Credit to the driver, Stando, for his skills in tricky terrain and his swimming skills.
Over the last week there have been six 4.4 crews sent to Northcliffe along with the 12.2 crews. In total it is estimated there have been 23 members of the brigade at the fire with four doing three shifts, including Steveo spending over a week looking after the 12.2.
Along with the Northcliffe action there was a local fire last week with lightning starting a fire in Yungarra Drive. Adam turned up quickly with the Light Tanker, along with Tony and the Dunsborough Light Tanker. By time they arrived, however, the neighbors had helped to put it out.
Along with use by our crew, the 4.4 has been used by Dunsborough and crews from Victoria, NSW. As of Sunday it has a cracked windscreen, a wonky electric winder, missing one hand winder, a malfunctioning foam system and one door handle is coming off.
Apart from the crews getting a break, it is hoped this will also be a good break for our hard working coordinator, Barb, and for all the spouses who have had to drive their partners to Busselton at very unsocial hours.
Yallingup Rural Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade 