Members of the Trunkey Rural Bush Fire Brigade thanked the community for its support during the recent bushfire crisis in the district.
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Brigade secretary Scott Brown has penned an open letter to the community to acknowledge everyone who helped them during the ordeal.
“On January 18, due to dry storm activity the Trunkey Creek district experienced several fires which were started by lightning,” Mr Brown’s letter states.
“A major forest fire started west of the village in the Copperhannia Nature Reserve and this fire grew in size and intensity in the days that followed until the village of Trunkey Creek was put on alert for possible evacuation.
“With the assistance of National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Rural Fire Service had large numbers of crews on the ground, as well as up to eight aircraft in the air trying to contain the fire.
“This level of activity continued for the next week. Several times the fire breached containment lines and these had to be re-established in what was a very trying time for all local residents.
“In total an area of 2950 hectares was burnt, with a perimeter of 50km.
“Two weeks later there are still crews on the ground doing the hard yards of blacking out hardwood stumps and logs.
“As with all small communities, our own local RFS Brigade of Trunkey spent many long days and nights doing our best to protect the village and potentially our own homes and livelihoods.”
Mr Brown’s letter also noted the generous community support from larger surrounding towns such as Bathurst and Blayney which still amazes all involved.
“One landowner lost grass country to the fire,” the letter continued.
“York Ridge Enterprises of Cowra donated a load of much-needed fodder. A special thanks to JTM Earthmoving of Barry who bought in heavy earthmoving equipment at a moment’s notice to help contain the fire.
“Fresh fruit, sausages, snack packs and even bakery delights all found their way onto the fire ground, to tired and hungry firefighters.
“All donated from these local businesses; IGA of Blayney, Akehurst Bakery, Ryan’s Bakery, Aldi Bathurst, Pee Wee’s Bakery and Harris Farm of Bathurst, Subway Bathurst, Westpoint IGA of Bathurst, JTM Earthmoving, Argent Minerals, Yarralee Orchard, Blackstump Hotel Trunkey Creek and York Ridge Enterprises.
“Trunkey Creek RFS would like to extend a huge thank you to all these businesses for their support.”
