Protecting the Community - Goolman Conservation Park Fire - October 2007
Multiple units from the Ipswich Group including all four Ripley Valley Units were called to a bushfire in very challenging terrain in the Ipswich City Council's Goolman Conservation Park on a hot October Sunday afternoon. Smoke could be seen clearly from as far away as Brisbane for this nasty piece of fire. Much of the area was quite inaccessible and so 'The Night of the Long Walk' was called for.
Well it took many days to manage the incident and the time and efforts of many people. There were Rural Fire Brigade crews rotating through from across the Ipswich and Beaudesert Groups. Thanks also to the ICC crews who have helped long into the night as well. It was a very challenging fire due to the terrain and nature of the bushland with a considerable falling tree and smoke hazard in typical billygoat country.
Gathering the 'troops' on site initially.
Helli-Attack 668 was called in for 'recce'.
Hi-Tech impromptu map making.
The first night saw many kilometres of back burning put in.
Day Two added a new dimension to the fire, mainly vertical.
Plenty of back burning required..
Meanwhile at the top of ridge lines, conditions were atrocious.
The fire created it's own considerable winds in conjunction with the steep slopes which made it a challenge to maintain the containment lines. The photo below gives an indication of the poor visibility due to the smoke, wind & embers (That's Ripley Valley 51 six metres away).
After the wind died down a little, the countryside around Goolman took on a strange beauty.
Candles and Christmas trees..
Ripley Valley 51 in Delta Sector on the second night.
With many near misses and at least three vehicles touched up by falling trees it became necessary to bug out of some sectors on the second night.
Spot fires occured in several areas requiring a quick response.
Using the AWG on a 38mm hose to put out some of the spot fires.
The night shift about to go home; all smiles.
After three days and nights; the fire management had been finally concluded and the landscape of Goolman Conservation Park transformed rather dramatically. Thanks to all who helped with this incident.
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© Ripley Valley Rural Fire Brigade and Brigade members.