Although June was a lot quieter month than May, Gundagai Fire and Rescue still received 10 fire calls throughout the month and has already been in plenty of action since the beginning of July.
Here’s a quick recap of the calls Gundagai RFS responded to in June:
• 2/6 – Structure fire – Gundagai
• 7/6 – Assist ambulance – Gundagai
• 8/6 – Commercial kitchen fire – Dog on the tuckerbox
• 12/6 – Yard fire – South Gundagai
• 16/6 – Truck rollover – Muttama
• 17/6 – Structure fire – Gundagai
• 18/6 – Yard fire – South Gundagai
• 21/6- AFA – Tumut
• 22/6 – Truck accident – Tumblong
•23/6 – Fuel spill – Tarcutta
Gundagai RFS said that it doesn’t matter if “it’s a large structure fire or a minor call-out, we’re always ready to respond.”
Already in July, the Gundagai RFS has been around helping the community and beyond. On July 3, crews arrived in Ulladulla to form Strike Team Echo, which includes appliances from Gundagai 313, Cootamundra 266, Ulladulla 477, Nowra 405, and the RS2 Duty Commander from Goulburn. Crews were immediately tasked to the Sanctuary Point area, focusing on making properties safe from fallen trees and storm-damaged structures. With the ground completely saturated, many trees had no chance of staying upright, causing widespread damage. They continued the work until July 5 and after several days assisting storm-affected communities along the coast our Gundagai firefighters have returned home safely.
Gundagai RFS said, “[Those] past few days saw crews working tirelessly to help clear roads and driveways, assess and make damaged buildings safe and restore a sense of normality for those impacted. It was tough, rewarding work with plenty of chainsaw hours, teamwork and even a cheeky milkshake and doughnuts stop by the water was called.
“We’d like to extend a massive thank you to the incredible firefighters from Nowra, Cootamundra, Ulladulla, Goulburn, Gundagai and Yass who made up this dedicated strike team.
“To the community members who welcomed us, supported us and thanked us it was our privilege to be there when you needed it most.”
As recent as last Thursday, Gundagai RFS were in action shortly after 1:00 pm when they were paged to a report of a rural structure fire near Tarcutta. On arrival of local RFS crews, it was determined that the property was already fully involved and unfortunately a total loss. As a result, Fire and Rescue were stood down allowing the crews to return to the station shortly after and resume town coverage.
“Our thoughts are with the property owner during this time, we thank the local RFS crews for their quick response and efforts at the scene.”
-Jack Murray
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