Whats been going on...

This fire season we have experienced on of the driest in years, with hardly no rain recorded since the middle of November 2012. There has been a number of major fires in the district including the Tooleen fire some months ago. Of concern is the continued threat we face until we receive rain. The fire danger period will continue until the moisture levels in the ground return to a safe level to prevent fire from spreading. So far this year, the community has been wonderfully proactive in ensuring that fires don’t start, something brigade members are thankful for. We ask that you continue with the great vigilance until the rains come.

The brigade has received it’s first sets of breathing apparatus. These devices allow crew to enter a burning building to allow for rescue and internal fire attack. Training is underway for the technical side of internal firefighting but it is a wonderful addition in protecting life and property in the Goornong area. 

The CFA through the VFBF who represent the volunteers have advertised widely about the importance of thinking like a volunteer. Again we reinforce the message that because a fire starts in your area does not mean that you will receive a warning or that a tanker will turn up to protect you and your property. Goornong has two tankers with experienced crew but they can’t be everywhere. Have you thought about your fire plan. What happens if you see smoke upwind of your place. What actions will you put in place to keep your family, cherished pets and property safe. 

For more information, please see the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au or talk to one of our members.

New members are always welcome at the brigade – meetings are on the last Monday of the month.
For more information, please ring Tim McCrohan Captain of the Goornong fire brigade on 0409 404 498.

Goornong Resident of the Year one of our own...

We wish to congratulate Barry Winzar on His award this year – Goornong resident of the year. Barry has been involved in many of the community groups around the district over the years including the CFA where He held the position of secretary for a number of years. There are very few people around who have the local knowledge of the Welshford forest like Barry has, and this has aided in reducing the fire threat to our community over the last past few years. Barry now calls Bendigo home but frequents his farm regularly. Congratulations Barry.

RIP Brian 'Giffo' Giffney

Since our last post, our brigade lost one of its stall warts, Brian Giffney who passed away recently. He was an active member of the brigade until health took its toll and He was unable to turn out to incidents. He still was able to pass on a wealth of experience through His wisdom. One thing that Giffo was always remembered for and all the members of the brigade say in unison, `Black out off the truck’. He would force crews to do the hardest and dirtiest part the hard way and He had a sound motto – Do the job once. So often we have heard of fires that have jumped containment lines because of poor blacking out. This is one skill that all new members have learnt and it is second nature now. Off the truck and do it right. I guess that’s why we don’t have to return to fires. Our thoughts are with his family.