| You cannot hear the emergency sirens of the Rural Fire Brigade Trucks, the State Emergency Service or the Police vehicles. They have stopped. The supporting water tankers and crew transports together with Ambulance Crews stationed on the perimeters, have all returned to their stations and depots. Yes .... there are still many road closures and restrictions because of safety concerns. Many burnt / damaged homes contain asbestos, have dangerous brick walls and structures .... many trees are unsafe and can collapse without warning.
At the height of the fire no less then five water-bombing helicopters worked continuously during daylight hours to suppress the raging fire in the Springwood Area. These helicopters ferried water from the Springwood Golf Course refilling pond, onto the fire fronts. Now the loud deep 'thud' of these helicopter blades cannot be heard.
No less than 200 - 300 people worked on the Linksview / Springwood fire fronts. Most worked long 12 hour shifts in heat, smoke and rough mountain terrain. But also, there were 100's of volunteers working in the Fire Stations supporting the front line crews. These volunteers provided backup, relayed radio messages and weather reports. And most importantly, they provided a place to rest and three meals per shift for the crews.
Right now it is raining in the Blue Mountains. The fire has stopped. The Faulconbridge Rural Fire Brigade has acknowledged and recognised the spontaneous, very generous support provided by four Polish manufactures - The Cousin Bagies Bakehouse, TopSmak, Olka Polka Bakery and Polonez Smallgoods. The Captain of the Faulconbridge Rural Fire Brigade has provided a Certificate of Appreciation to Wieslaw Pazolzior - Polonez Smallgoods. Thank you for the delicious and high quality of all the Polish Produce that was delivered.
Richard Brymora
on behalf of Marysia and Andrew Rosiak
Marysia Rosiak with Ula Brymora sifting the rubble of the burnt home |
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