Weekend to remember Berringa Enfield fire

THIRTY years ago, the Berringa Enfield forest fire burned out of control across fourteen thousand hectares of land, destroying nine homes.

Starting on 25 February 1995, the fire was caused by an unattended campfire and threatened the towns of Dereel, Little Hard Hills, Napoleons, Ross Creek, Smythesdale, Scarsdale, Staffordshire Reef and Berringa.

The Cape Clear Fire Brigade is holding a commemorative weekend later this month to mark the occasion, including a mix of reflective and fun community events.

It will begin with a reflective evening on Friday 21 February where community members past and present who experienced the fire can come and share stories.

Then on Saturday 22 February there will be a community breakfast at 8am, a free fair from 10am until 4pm, and talks and speeches from 1pm.

All events will be held at the Berringa Public Hall.

Cape Clear CFA captain Jeremy Peet said the events are about providing the community with a way to connect.

“For those who are actually involved, a problem shared is a problem halved, and it was a significant event with a huge impact to many people,” he said.

“There is also a need to keep sharing wisdom and knowledge to others and we have new members in this community that haven’t experienced any of that.

“There will be practical tips about how you respond, how you defend yourself and also how you prepare your mind and your attitudes which I think is really important.”

The events are supported by Mount Mercer Wind Farm, Headspace, Apex Australia, the Lions Club and the local community.