Devastating bushfires, fiery scenes, hectares of land burnt, communities’ shattered, an unimaginable death toll…everyone has the images and sad stories of the Australian bushfire tragedy still fresh in their mind.  The immediate surge of solidarity is reassuring showing us the way to recovery and rebuilding.  Each time disasters strike, far away from home or closer, we can feel it in our hearts and even more so when it is our Anzac brothers.  The images I saw reminded me vividly of the forest fires I fought back in my region in France.

The violence of the flames, the speed of the fire bought back memories of the 100 grecque people that died in the raging Peloponnese forest fires of summer 2007.  Fighting these fires is like an impossible task, the heat is extreme, the fumes shock you and the sound of the fire advancing is petrifying; the noise of the pumps, the lights of the sirens, the orders of command, the rolling of hoses makes it like a living battle field.  No wounder in France, fire fighters are called Soldiers of the fire.

You are fighting something bigger than you but you’re there.  It is when the days after, you are called back in for surveillance and walk through this moonlike landscape with ashes covering your boots and your gear, when the saddening silence of lifelessness overtakes you, that the redness of your eyes prompts you to ask the question: could we have protected ourselves better from this?  In my region, all forest fires I was called to were started by arsonists.  Day or night, simultaneously or sporadically, these fires were deliberately lit.

I wanted to share with you what I have learnt from these fires.  I have learnt that those everyday prevention activities seemingly insignificant are in fact our best protection.  The potential for fire in Greenhithe might appear very low but is a real threat.  The potential of a major forest fire in the Waitakere Ranges is high and very real.  We live in Greenhithe, we carry out outdoor activities in the Waitakere Ranges.  It’s all about us following the 5 Golden Rules I’ve mentioned before:

1. Do some kind of prevention activities in the month (see below)
2. Be disciplined at doing it over the year
3. Keep a positive mental attitude – don’t just think it’s good to do it.  Believe it makes a significant difference to you and the others
4. Be a leader and surround yourself with good team-mates
5. Have some fun doing those golden rules

Prevention activities at this time of the year relate to being careful with BBQs (check gas bottles and connections), keeping an eye on what is cooking (don't drink and fry), being safety conscious when using caravans and boats (small fires can turn these in death traps), keeping easily accessible driveways, and making sure the fire hydrant near you is easily seen and clear of any vegetation.  Please also remember that at this time of year and until March 31st, we are in a Prohibited Fire Season so no one can light any fires outside without the express permission of Council.

In brigade news this month, all members successfully completed their BA recertification recently. They must complete this training yearly to maintain a high level of knowledge and experience of breathing apparatus use in fire conditions.  The Greenhithe Volunteer Fire Brigade attended a car fire and a rubbish fire during the last month.

Concluding word: We all need to take time to smile.  If you see someone without a smile; give him one of yours.

Firefighter Isabelle LARDEUX-GILLOUX