On Monday 28 December a fire, caused by a lightning strike from a recent thunderstorm, started on a neighbouring property to the west of Naree Station Reserve on Budjiti country in north western New South Wales.
I was called out to attend, and over three days assisted the firefighting efforts led by the local Rural Fire Service (RFS) crew from Yantabulla and Bourke.
On Wednesday 30 December it looked as if the fire might jump the containment lines but thanks to the hard work and coordination of all involved we managed to contain it.
The fire ultimately burnt out around 1000 hectares, largely contained to one neighbouring property.
It was a real community effort with everyone pitching in to help, and in a small, remote community this proactive response and swift cooperation is critical to any success in controlling wild fires in the flammable swamp area.
Naree’s new vehicle, a Landcruiser funded by an incredible donation by US-based philanthropic group Earth Alliance, had a good work out on the fire ground and proved invaluable during the supporting work. Fighting fire in a swamp environment has its challenges and the new vehicle is much more suited to the work than its predecessor.
I’m thrilled that the community containment efforts reduced the impact of the fire on the lignum swamp habitats of the broader Yantabulla Swamp