30 Aug 2019
Sophie Ballard and Mya Smith took time out from their Year 12 HSC Trials to help battle the bushfires endangering lives and property throughout the Clarence Valley in the recent Section 44 emergency.
Sophie and Mya, together with a number of students, completed the RFS Cadets Program when in Year 10. Both Sophie and Mya went on to complete their training and joined the Ashby Fire Brigade.
Sophie went out for a night shift and had a real baptism of fire. The Brigade completed a 12 hour shift that included the full range of activities undertaken by RFS volunteers. This included carrying out back burning and direct attacks in response to emergency 000 calls from residents whose properties were being impacted by fire.
Mya had a day out at Shark Creek tackling a difficult fire running in marsh land that was difficult to attack as it was travelling under the marsh and appearing in different places to become sudden outbreaks. She used the Thermal Imaging Camera to identify hot spots and then extinguish them to prevent the run of the fire.
Sophie and Mya impressed all the other experienced crew members with their skills, abilities and willingness to take on any task. They demonstrated their ability to think quickly and keep aware of their surroundings in dangerous situations.
Good on you Sophie and Mya, the Gulmarrad crew says you are welcome back anytime.
Mr Keith Ward.