IT HAS been one of the worst weeks on record when it comes to bushfires in NSW and it has been Rural Fire Service volunteers from the MIA who have been lending a hand to help.
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RFS volunteers from throughout the MIA from brigades such as Hanwood, Yanco, Paynters Siding, Coleambally, Myall Park, Darlington Point, Hay, Widgelli, Grong Grong, Kamarah, Birrego, Carrathool, Colinroobie, Fivebough, Barellan and Hillston have all left their families and jobs behind to go where they are most needed during the current fire crisis.
The volunteers have been working across the many and varied fire zones in the state, seeing firsthand the devastation that is being felt throughout the affected communities.
Long days and nights have been greeting the crews, but their training has kicked into gear and they've been helping to get the job done.
MIA district operational officer Stephen Kada said so far the RFS MIA Zone had sent away five strike teams, all within NSW, to assist those already on the ground.
"There are currently 30 personnel on deployment in areas such as Grafton, Coffs Harbour and Sydney," he said.
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"Three incident management specialists have been deployed so far.
"Crews have been engaged with property protection, front line firefighting, back burning and mopping up/blacking out operations."
The RFS has been lauded this week for their efforts in the fire zones as conditions continue to worsen this week.
At home, temperatures are expected to reach the mid 30s to low 40s.
The MIA zone continues to have volunteers in the area should any issues arise here.
With a long, hot summer predicted, there's no doubting the volunteers will be spread thin throughout the scorching months ahead.
"Requests for personnel are ongoing and will continue for the foreseeable future," Mr Kada said.
"The only thing stopping the current fire situation will be substantial rain, which is not currently forecast for the affected areas."
So, how can residents in the MIA help?
Those wanting to donate funds to assist the RFS can do so directly through their local brigade, but there is also a bank account where money can be directed to.
Details
- Account Name: NSW Rural Fire ServiceBank: Westpac
- BSB: 032-001
- Account No: 171051
Those wanting to assist in a more hands on way, can also approach one of the many brigades in the MIA to inquire about becoming a volunteer.
The RFS is always on the lookout for more volunteers no matter the season.
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