“The Danthonia Community has been working with and supporting the Rural Fire Service for many years, and the placement of this equipment to bolster the protection of the community,” (NSWRFS Supt. Chris Wallbridge said.

The placement of the equipment will improve protection of assets within Danthonia in the event of a fire while fire tankers respond. The trailer contains a high pressure fire fighting pump, hoses, nozzles, hand tools and other basic tools of the trade.

Supt Chris Wallbridge said14 members of the Danthonia Community have joined the Elsmore Brigade, undertaking bush fire fighting training which is the first course RFS fire fighters undertake. The course can be followed by more advanced and structure fire training.

“The boost for Elsmore Brigade to respond to fires within its area (Elsmore, Newstead Paradise and parts of Swanvale), as well as support for their surrounding brigades of Stannifer, Kings Plains, Matheson, Inverell, Nullamanna and beyond will be immeasurable,” Supt Chris Wallbridge said.

Danthonia Community member and volunteer fire fighter Bill Kaiser said that the RFS was great to work with throughout the training, and that community members looked forward to working together in their neighbourhood.

“We are also very happy with the way the RFS has equipped the new recruits with the skills and tools they need to help protect the local community,” Mr Kaiser said.

All new members are encouraged to gain as much experience as possible in live fire prior to summer. As such these and other new members have and will continue to be actively involved in bushfire hazard reduction activities.  

Anyone wishing to join the NSW Rural Fire Service is welcome, with roles available in all aspects from frontline fire fighters to communications and many other support roles. For further information contact the Northern Tablelands Fire Control Centre on 6732 7046 or a local Rural Fire Brigade.