Charlotte Varcoe
PENOLA firefighters have had a busy summer period so far with volunteers attending 26 callouts since the beginning of December.
Country Fire Service (CFS) volunteers for Penola have attended all major fires and road accidents within the region, including the recent Crater Lakes Fire at Mount Gambier and the Coles fire which burnt around 3,800 hectares.
Penola CFS captain Peter Robinson said they were expecting more callouts throughout the coming months as total fire ban days become more regular.
“The Coles fire was one of our most intense fires we have seen this year so far,” Mr Robinson said.
“There were a lot of crews from everywhere including the Adelaide Hills and Victoria as well.”
Mr Robinson said the increase in callouts also left the local brigade in need for more volunteers.
He said volunteers were able to help in a range of ways from radio transmission to directing traffic at an accident.
“I have been involved with the CFS for around 20 years and know there is a job here for everybody,” Mr Robinson said.
“We also cover a range of other incidents including pet rescue and trees on the road so people are able to assist with that.
“A great example of this was the Coles fire where the first two days were very intense and then it went to volunteers just making sure there was water on everything.”
Mr Robinson said following the recent fires across the region, many community members had shown an interest in volunteering.
“Fires always bring people out of the woods and they say they want to volunteer,” he said.
“Over the course of time we might only get two out of the five long-term because some people just lose interest, but it is better than nothing.”
He said fires such as the recent Crater Lakes fire were the odd occasion where a full community were able to observe the work volunteers put into protecting the area.
“These fires are a wake up call for a lot of people because they don’t think that fires like that can happen in town until its right in their face,” he said.
“It also makes them want to help a lot more but when the fires, such as Coles, are more out in the country, it is just the surrounding community who come together.”
Volunteers must also undergo a strict police check protocol prior to beginning their work with many jobs volunteers attend having vulnerable people or children involved.
“Volunteering makes a difference in the community to a lot of different people and people respect what we do as well,” Mr Robinson said.
“It is very rewarding work.”
Those interested in volunteering with the Penola CFS can contact the station on 87372864.
