Fire
(c) Phil Janson 2019
In December 2019 Upper Yango was impacted by both the Little L bushfire and the monstrous Gospers Mountain Fire complex, as it became known. The largest “mega fire” in the state’s colonial history.
The Black Summer Fires
Tuesday 3rd December 2019
Little L roared out of the gullies at Cagneys Road, hitting the ridge in an inferno, before plunging downwards into the valley below. Upper Yango was on high alert. Some evacuated, some stayed, and some returned from as far away as Melbourne and Perth.
That night, a few of us gathered on Bruno’s verandah watching the “Christmas Lights” on the far side of the valley. The Battle for Upper Yango was about to begin.
It took four days for Little L and the Gospers Mountain Complex to burn through the valley, taking sheds, fences, a caravan and the Stiles house in Rocky Arm. The landscape was black, the ecology was in shock and countless wildlife had perished.
Out of the ashes, a unified, committed and resourceful community emerged.
WATCH: Landholder Ian Fenton recounts his experience in the fire.
VIEW: Black Summer Photo Gallery
Most landholders, who are not in the RFS, are unfamiliar with bushfire behaviour, and the equipment used to manage or fight a fire. Understandably, being confronted by a fire front can also be daunting.
Having the opportunity to undertake training is important. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming. There are just a few basics to understand.
“Something is only obvious when you know it”.
Take time to get the hang of all the equipment.
Not everyone will be suited or fit enough for every job. Decide what your role on the crew will be, pump, blower, hose, water backpack and make sure you know what your doing, on good days and under pressure.
Undertaking Cool Burns, as a crew, is an excellent training ground.