Back, Chris Smith, left, Grant Stevenson, Sam Stevenson, Ross Hollander, Alex Leonard, Peter Chapple and Richard Watkins with front: Sam McGovern, left, Nic Cooper, Simon Gurney, Karen Jones, John Helliar and Steven Jones.
A well-earned barbecue took place on Tuesday, January 22 for members of the Merimbula Rural Fire Service (RFS) at the fire shed in Merimbula Drive.
As the barbecue was fired up, members cleaned up trucks, flushed lines and de-briefed after the horrendous fire day on Friday, January 18 and the resultant fire in Millingandi which destroyed one home, five sheds and a water tank.
The barbecue was a chance to kick back for an hour or two after two exhausting days.
Captain of the Merimbula RFS, Grant Stevenson, thanked all the firefighters for the “terrific work” they had all done and also thanked the community for its support.
“People were calling in to the shed on Friday and Saturday offering food and donations,” which was wonderful he said.
Woolworths opened a free $1000 account for the fire fighters so they could get food and bottled water out to crews.
“There was general support out on the fire line with people understanding the need for the road closures,” Captain Stevenson said.
But he admits with about 12-14 active members, the Merimbula team could always do with more volunteers.
“If we had 20 it would be a damn sight better,” he said.
The Merimbula RFS is just about to start a new training process and Storm Masters, of Tura Beach was keen to sign up.
She said that she would like to learn more skills and help the community.
Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Grant Stevenson 0409 986 935.