'Don’t leave a fire unattended'
Published Date: 24 Dec 2016
Summary
It might be Christmas, but it doesn’t mean it’s time to take your eyes off the barbecue.
View the Central Western Daily story
By Declan Rurenga
“We urge everyone to be cautious over the holiday period, especially of open fires and barbecues,” NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Canobolas Zone manager Superintendent David Hoadley said.
KEEP AN EYE OUT: Superintendent David Hoadley and district officer Lachlan Allan keep a watchful eye on the Canobolas Zone at the Fire Control Centre. Photo: DECLAN RURENGA
Superintendent Hoadley encouraged people use to use gas fires or properly built fireplaces.
“Don’t leave a fire unattended and don’t leave one un-extinguished, when people take their eyes off it or lose concentration it can be devastating,” he said.
“A fair part of our volunteer work includes attending motor vehicle accidents, we want people to get to their destinations and back home safely.
“If people see fire, call triple zero immediately. All information about bushfires is available on our website and our Fires Near Me mobile app.”
Meanwhile, the NSW RFS has raised 12 tonnes of non-perishable food for the Stuff Your Chopper Challenge.
“We encouraged all our brigades to contribute to the Stuff Your Chopper Challenge,” Superintendent Hoadley said.
“It was a worthwhile project and brigades across the zone contributed. We’re pleased with the overall result, which was donated to Foodbank NSW.”
Canobolas Zone responded to the challenge, originally issued by the NSW Police Force, who stuffed their chopper with 762 kilos.
“Following NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione’s direct challenge to beat the boys and girls in blue, it is quite pleasing to see our members in yellow across the State really get behind this great cause,” RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.
“NSW Police decided to take up the idea that originated overseas, to fill an aircraft with items for a nominated charity. They then threw out the challenge to all NSW emergency services in the name of supporting those doing it tough at this time of year.
“Across the state our members and their communities have not held back, digging deep and donating items of non perishable food to support Foodbank NSW.
“RFS members have risen to the challenge. Not only have we filled one helicopter, but our aircrane ‘Delilah’ and one very large truck as well.”
