Rural Fire Service volunteers train to help us in the worst of times Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad Myall Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 15, 2023 New recruits get a handle on the fog nozzle, with expert training provided. FIREFIGHTERS of the Pindimar/Tea Gardens Rural Fire Service (RFS) held a special local area training practice session near Tea Gardens’ ANZAC Park on Thursday, 9 November. Passers-by could see how the myriad tools and systems operate on the big Category One truck, as veteran volunteers Steve Carmichael, Maurie Leembruggen and Alex Sinclair helped new recruits practice essential operations and safety drills for the fireground. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au New recruits ran through ‘bowling and rolling’ the hoses, operating the hose nozzles, and dealing with unexpected equipment failures using the truck’s backup systems. “We’ve found it a great way to meet new people in town, and be useful to the community,” agreed three of the newest members of the Brigade. “It may seem dangerous, but there are so many protocols and systems in place to protect us.” One such system was the ‘halo’ cabin protection sprayer, which uses the truck’s own carefully monitored supply to keep crews safe in the event that a fire-front overruns during an action. Other skills include radio operation, several new hand and power tools, and assisting with the maintenance of pumps, vehicles and engines. Recent rain events may lull us all into a false sense of security, but the coming summer months are set to be among the hottest yet. “The volunteer brigade needs more people, and they are most welcome to come along and join,” Mr Leembruggen said. The Pindimar/Tea Gardens RFS is always welcoming new volunteers to join. “The easiest ways are to speak to a current volunteer, contact the Captain, come to a meeting, or even just put a comment on our Facebook page,” Brigade Captain David Bright said, the latter available by searching ‘Pindimar/ Tea Gardens R.F.S’, or through www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064257626389. By Thomas O’KEEFE The live-reel delivers water fast to put out grass fires. Regular training and review of the mechanics of the portable pump and hose connections are pivotal. Big red ‘Pindimar 1’ supplies water as volunteers practice dealing with a pump failure. Professional and volunteer firefighter Alex Sinclair shows everyone how its done at ANZAC Park, Tea Gardens. The halo system keeps all windows and cabin sides hydrated, saving lives during an overrun.
