Jude Aquilina
Monday February 3rd was a hot day. I was driving home to Milang, listening to the radio and they were talking about dry lightning starting fires. They urged listeners to watch out for fires and call 000 if they saw any. Little did I think I would see a fire start on Lake Road, Lake Plains. It began as a small patch in a stubbly paddock. The sheep ran to the other side, and I saw it quickly spreading. Ensuring the fire was heading away from the road, I stopped the car and called 000. I was asked whether I wanted police, ambulance or fire.
My call was taken immediately and I was surprised that they knew my name and where my car was. Thank goodness for technology and satellites. They asked me if I wanted to wait until the CFS arrived, which I did. By this time the fire had spread into a row of trees and flames were leaping up high.
Firstly, some local farmers who had seen the smoke arrived in utes with water tanks, then Milang CFS arrived. I was impressed that they came in about 10 minutes, showing what a good response system we have to keep the community safe.
Milang CFS Captain, Alistair McInnes, said the fire was quickly upgraded to alarm level two, due to large amounts of smoke. 25 CFS volunteers from Milang, Clayton, Langhorne Creek and Strathalbyn, along with five trucks, and a command car attended the fire. Fortunately, it was contained to two hectares. It is believed the fire stated from a lightning strike hitting a nearby Stobie pole.
Then on February 6th, Milang CFS responded to two grass fires on the Milang Road. These fires were contained to a very small area, and were started by a faulty powerline on a Stobie pole. Both of these fires could have been much worse if we didn’t have our local brigade, responding and acting quickly. Milang CFS is always looking for enthusiastic local people who want to make difference in their community, meet new friends, and become involved with the brigade. The range of opportunities on offer include: training and support to become qualified and operational firefighters, plus opportunities behind the scenes with fundraising and catering activities. If you are able and willing, please get in touch via our Facebook page.
Milang Brigade’s latest training session involved the annual chainsaw revalidations. They also conducted a tour of the Westminster School campsite at Point Sturt, along with Clayton CFS – to familiarise themselves with the layout of buildings and where water points are.
