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Bundaberg Strike Team - October 2009

A Strike Team from south east Queensland was put together in October 2009 to assist crews near Bundaberg which had been dealing with numerous fires in the Gaeta area over previous weeks. The Strike Team was made up with crews of Rurals and Auxiliarys with trucks from from Wasp Creek, Marburg, Rocky point, Numinbah Valley and Ripley Valley RFB's. John B, Gary C and Steve W went from Ripley Valley RFB and this is a summary of their trip.

The crews assembled at Beenleigh Station prior to heading north to Bundy. They proceeded to Bagara where they were based for the duration.

Crews were briefed and Shaun (aka Mum), an Urban officer was the designated Strike Team leader. An early start was needed on day two as crews had to travel about 90 minutes just to reach Gaeta Control, west of Bundaberg. Hurry Up and Wait was implemented whilst final checks were carried out. A contingent of NSW Rurals were also deployed to Gaeta Control and utilised in local rural appliances.

First task of the day was to black out earlier backburning operations. Smoke was later reported in the area and units were responded to attend. Another call was then received for urgent assistance at a new fire at Horsecamp Road, Port Curtis and so the SEQ Strike Team was sent to assist local Brigades and helitacks.

The helitacks diligently water bombed the edges and ground crews were sent in with hand tools, knap sacks and blowers to black-out. With increasing winds, the fire broke containment lines and proceeded to threaten some nearby rural properties. Crews went into property protection mode and then made the area safe again with numerous trees needing to be brought down. After a long day; the crews were relieved by local crews and returned to the motel for the evening around 20.30 hours.

Day three and Day four were just as long; with backburning, blacking out the name of the game. A second Strike Team , known as the South Strike Team, also from SEQ crossed paths at one stage. The SEQ Strike Team then went to work on a very long 25km backburn to the river at Gaeta and were later joined by local crews. Crews had to make sure the fire was kept from a neighboring 3000 hectare hardwood plantation. Day five was supposed to be the transit day but the Strike Team stayed another night. Further patrolling and blacking out was required.

As with all deployments, there are always unusual sights.

Chucka must have been looking for some tucker; no just diligently hosing down a smouldering log.

On the sixth day; the taskforce returned to Brisbane and had a final debrief at Beenleigh Station.

A big thank you to all of the staff at the Bagara Hotel for looking after the guys and staying back to cook the meals after hours. John Bowles, our First Officer said it was a pleasure working with all of the members of the SEQ Strike Team and thanks to Shaun Moloney (Mum) for looking after us and providing us with many laughs. Ripley Valley 52 became affectionately known as JayCar due to many technological enhancements. All members learnt a lot and new friendships made. Thanks Guys. Stay Safe.

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