Geelong CFA volunteers assist in Queensland bushfires

TWENTY Geelong CFA volunteers have headed north to assist Queensland firefighters grappling with intense bushfires.

Set for a three-week deployment, they are part of the 211 Victorian emergency management personnel dispatched to Queensland this past fortnight to reinforce bushfire response efforts.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Pitcher has been stationed at the State Operation Centre in Queensland, overseeing Victorian resources in the South West Region.

Mr Pitcher said the Geelong CFA crew formed a strike team, managing six fire trucks, and have been active in the south-west region near Warwick.

“The fires they are experiencing at the moment are very similar to those we experience in Victoria in our bushfire season,” Pitcher said.

Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent expressed gratitude to the Victorian team.

“Ahead of what will likely be a busy bushfire season in Victoria, I commend those who have made the commitment to helping our fellow firefighters and communities up in Queensland and I wish them all the best for their deployment,” he said.

“Our teams are highly skilled and we will continue to do all we can to support our Queensland counterparts.”

Highlighting the mutual respect among states Mr Pitcher said that those volunteering are reciprocating the support Queensland has offered previously.

“We have experienced it ourselves in Victoria where we have long campaigns that last one or two months and by the time you get six weeks into it, there is a high level of fatigue.”

For Pitcher, this mission serves as both an educational venture for rookies and a timely refresher for seasoned firefighters, particularly as Victoria anticipates a lengthy fire season.

“It’s a good opportunity for some of our newer members who are going away for the first time to experience some of those fire conditions, to learn and bring that knowledge back.”

“For our more experienced people, it’s a chance to put their skills to use earlier in the season as a refresher ahead of what could be a long fire season in Victoria.”

“CFA volunteers are doing a fantastic job in assisting our Queensland firefighters. They are all up there giving 100% and representing Victoria to the best of their ability.”