A WEEK after the Boya Quarry Reserve fire threatened homes in Darlington members of the Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade (DVFB) gathered for a debrief on Saturday January 10 at the Darlington Fire Station.

The fire, which started just before 5pm on Friday, January 2 quickly took hold and headed for properties along Sandover Road, View Terrace and Orange Road.

A huge response by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, including Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Fire and Emergency Service, and Bush Fire Service units from around the metropolitan area, well supported by the use of water bombing aircraft, prevented any homes from being lost.

The Darlington VBFB were among the first fire crews to arrive, and not only battled the initial blaze, but provided crews for firefighting, mop-up and patrols until the following Wednesday.

Dozens of the brigade’s crews volunteered their time at this incident, including overnight shifts, to make sure that the community were safe and protected, beyond the impact of the initial fire.

Last Saturday morning, after their volunteers had checked, serviced and restocked their trucks, completed their weekly radio checks, and tidied up their station, they got to catch-up during a BBQ brunch, giving them time to reflect on, and chat about the fire, their response, and any issues to be addressed.

The brigade members were also joined by Shire of Mundaring President Paige McNeil, shire councillors Ben Heptinstall and Luke Ellery, and Bullwinkel MP Trish Cook to discuss recent fire events, the brigade’s responses and actions, and the brigade’s requirements moving forward.

For further information on the brigade’s debrief, or the Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade please contact publicity and promotion officer Ricky Harvey on 0409 685 445 or email him at rdharvey@iprimus.com

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