Rural Fire Service shares tips for bushfire safety, evacuating animals
Published Date: 15 Sep 2019
Summary
Tips for Bushfire safety were on display in Orange for this years get ready day.
View the Central Western Daily story
Bobby Turnbull from Toronto in Canada was among the people who attended the Rural Fire Service open day on Saturday.
He was used to seeing urban fire engines so was impressed by the height of the four-wheel drive trucks and how they could be used in country areas.
Archie Roach with Clifton Grove deputy captain Sheree Whitehead.
As well as entertaining children who got to sit in the fire engines, turn on the siren, and have a go at using a fire hose, the event was also meant to be an educational opportunity for their parents.
Canobolas group officer Geoff Selwood said by combining the brigades for one event at Bunnings Warehouse they hoped to attract more people.
Donna Schmelitschek holding Angus, Peter Schmelitschek from Molong Road RFS holding Maeghan, with Clifton Grove Ophir RFS volunteers Ron Russo and Arthur Lister standing in front of a frame that shows the width and height needed for a fire engine.
"We've already had one person put their hand up and say they want to join, it's only 11am," he said an hour into the event.
"The other thing is for people from out of town to come and have a look.
Emily, Oliver and Joseph Woodward attended the Rural Fire Service open day.
One thing he wanted to stress was making sure driveways and gateways were wide enough and had enough space for a fire truck to fit through.
"A lot of people make their driveways look lovely, [but] we cannot get these up there or we can get them up there but cannot turn them around," Mr Selwood said.
"If you are building a new home out of town talk to us first.
"Some traditional designs have one way in and one way out and usually the way out is back into the fire."
Bobby Turnbull from Toronto Canada.
Mr Selwood said people who plan to stay and fight should first make sure they have all the necessary equipment but are also mentally prepared for the fire because there was a big difference to a fire being a kilometre away and being right there.
He also wanted to make sure people were prepared and had a plan for their animals such as horses if they had to evacuate.
Michelle Gatenby from Orange RFS brigade with Mojo.
Mr Selwood said there were instances where the RFS set aside a community area for people to take their horses to but many had no way of transporting them from their property so he was encouraging people who don't have a horse float to find another way such as by having a network of friends or neighbours who could help.
