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Protecting the Community - Wensley Road Fire April 2007

In what has become our first major event for 2007, the brigade has recently had to deal with a most challenging bushfire between the townships of Ripley and Deebing Heights. The following page summarises some of the activities and experiences encountered by the numerous crews helping to manage the incident.

On Monday 16th April, a call came through of a scrub fire between Ripley and Deebing Heights. Initially RV41 and then RV51&RV52 responded. What started out a simple grass fire was fanned into a heartache of a fire by gusting winds. By mid afternoon, an Ipswich Group response was needed as well as aerial support with water bombing. All up, a five day effort was required to make the scene safe.

Contrary to some media reports, the cause of the fire is still unknown but due to dry nature of the drought effected countryside, a single cigarette butt may have been the culprit. A big thanks to all the crews from the Ripley Valley and neighboring brigades Marburg, Flinders Peak, & Mt Forbes RFBs for their help through-out the incident. Over the week, we were assisted by the Heli-attack crew, a number of Urban units as well as volunteer Rural crews from as far away as Beaudesert and the Gold Coast hinterland including Tamborine & Lower Beechmont. And then there were the support teams such as the SES whose efforts were also essential. Last but certainly not least, we've got to acknowledge Jim and his team for all their tireless efforts in controlling the troops; hope you have a good rest.

On behalf of all the members of Ripley Valley RFB, we would like to pass on our thanks to each and everyone who helped us out. Thanks must also go to Matt and John for their photo contributions. As it's only April and we are having fires which require group responses, it appears to be going to be a long season.

Day One - Smoke Over Ripley

What started as a simple grass fire turned nasty when wind gusts started and the fire reached the ridges.

Air support was requested.

An Ipswich Group response worked into the night to control the situation.

Day Two and Three were also an endurance test.

Ripley Valley 41 works with a dozer to put in a control line that is now known as George's Road.

The crew of Marburg 52 establishes a back burn.

Ripley crews burn off Oscar Section.

Racing the fire front.

Back at Ripley Control.

The photo that best captures the the heartache of this incident and highlights what you have to call determination in the face of a fire in terrible terrain. (Thanks Matt)

As of the evening on the 19th April, on day four, the fire was largely contained and still being monitored. All up, it took five days to make the scene safe (and complete the paper-work).

Charlie Sector Out.