The strike teams were set up in Narre Warren East last friday as firefighters across Victoria braced for the worst weather conditions since Black Saturday.
By Kelly Yates
FIRFIGHTERS from Queensland manned last Friday’s strike team staging area in Narre Warren East as firefighters across Victoria braced for the worst weather conditions since Black Saturday.
CFA volunteers from across the City of Casey gathered on standby to attend a fire at a moment’s notice, according to Berwick Fire Brigade captain Alan Boyd.
The community of Lysterfield was urged to stay vigilant in regard to Friday’s weather conditions, while tourists were also advised to avoid Lysterfield Lake Park.
Staging manager at Narre Warren East Paul Simmons from Queensland Fire and Rescue told the News all plans were in place for an immediate response if a fire broke out in the area.
Mr Simmons said that firefighters were concerned about the changing weather patterns, with winds set to reach up to 50km/h.
The local firefighters were kept amused while on standby by kicking the football, playing hacky sack and playing ten pin bowling with a ball and bottles.
“We need to keep them entertained so their minds are active and ready to go if an emergency breaks out,” Mr Simmons said.
Mr Simmons said the crews from Queensland would be based in the area for as long as it took to get the jobs done.
A rapid deployment strike team was also stationed at the Berwick Fire Station from midday on Friday and also from 10am to 7pm on Tuesday, due to the high winds.
Mr Boyd said fortunately there were no serious fire outbreaks in the City of Casey on Friday and Tuesday.
