OVER the past few weeks, News Of The Area has been following local firefighters as they volunteer their time in flood-ravished Lismore and surrounds.

While their skills fighting fires are not being used, ancillary skills they learn as emergency responders have been put to good use.

As previously reported, Mr Harrison Wright a volunteer firefighter from Medowie explained, “Given the nature of the disaster, we will be utilising our skills and expertise in Safe Working on Roofs as well as Chainsaw Operations.”

On Sunday, 2 April, five volunteers from Tilligerry Rural Fire Brigade travelled to Lismore to assist with the clean-up of the high school and to clean the streets so that people could access them.

On a rotating roster, after four to five days they were then rotated with another group.

Other local brigades across the region also sent up volunteer crews to assist in the emergency, such as Soldiers Point, Medowie, Pindimar, Largs, Lochinvar, and Raymond Terrace.

Reported exclusively to News Of The Area, a volunteer said that the town was completely devastated.

“There are people that haven’t eaten in days.”

“As well as cleaning, the Firies are going door to door and checking on everyone.”

“The streets [are] absolutely full of rotting rubbish and mud.”

Many of the volunteers have to take time off work in order to participate in this vital activity, showing a willingness to make sacrifices to help others.

With the crews now back from their service, they have returned to their families and loved ones who hold together the home while their partners and family members are helping the broader community.

By Heather SHARP  and Rachael VAUGHAN