I was out doing the last of my country rounds on a day that started out cool but was forecast to be 38c/100f with hot northerly winds, perfect for bushfires and also a declared Total Fire Ban day.

I got to the end of a road and was heading back when I came across this……

I rang 000 and was amazed how quickly you get through. Obviously not a Call Centre! The phone didn’t even ring and I was put through instantaneously to what I presume was the Country Fire Authority (CFA). I gave the guy a precise description, and while I was talking, he said that the Mannerim CFA had been notified. I presume they just hit a button and all the fire fighters get a page. I also suggested they contact the power company (BIT) as the fire had been chewing away at the base of the pole.

It was probably no more than 10 minutes before two trucks arrived quickly followed by BIT and a police car and they had the raging inferno out in minutes! I could see a burnt out fuse box holder on the ground so presumed that was the culprit.

One of the firemen said that the recent rain had greened up the roadside vegetation and so the fire couldn’t take a hold. On top of that, the paddocks are so dry at the moment there is barely a blade of grass to be seen. However, it could have been far more serious given more rain in spring or the paddocks had a crop.

It’s worth reflecting on what our CFA does. It’s one of the world’s largest volunteer organisations with 400 career fire fighters and 58,000 trained volunteers. These guys and girls drop everything to race off to a fire or an emergency response and do so in a very professional manner. It is financed by the State government and insurance companies who, of course, levy our insurance policies.

Just a couple of photos after the CFA arrived.

The Mannerim fire station is about 7k from the fire and I got there soon after to read the meter. I usually have to hunt for the hidden key and grope around in the dark to read the meters, but lo and behold, this is what greeted me. Mmmm, now there’s food for thought!!

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