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Bush fire threats to Canyonleigh

The 2017/18 bush fire season has seen Canyonleigh seriously threatened by two major fire events – the Paddy’s River fire in October 2017 and the recent Bannaby bush fire: and the season isn’t over yet.  Recent wet weather and storms are good for now, but with drying and curing of grasses and above average temperatures prior to Autumn, the threat could reoccur.

The big red truck

On Saturday 24 February 2018, the Canyonleigh RFS will be staging a Community Bush Fire Forum that will explain how these two major incidents started, how they were contained, what the real threat to our community was, what future threats can we expect in the short and long term and, most importantly, as a community were we ready physically, financially and rationally?

Commencing at 5.00 pm at the Fire Shed – the RFS will have experienced and qualified guest speakers to review the two fires, including personal accounts from both firegrounds. Canyonleigh’s Senior Deputy Captain Brett Bannerman, the first on scene at the Paddys River fire will run through the fire and its behaviour, who and what was threatened and potential ramifications. If you or your neighbours live on Inverary Road or Hanging Rock Road – we urge you to be there. We also welcome  Jamie and Amanda Buck from the Middle Arm Brigade that attended the Bannaby Fire – its impacts and what would have been impacted in Canyonleigh if the fire got out of control. We are also pleased to announce that Marisa Rockett from Landmark Insurance will discuss the various insurance and financial implications that a bush fire can make – what you are covered for and what you may need to discuss with your insurance agent.

There will be a Q&A session so you can ask questions of the speakers.

Following the event, which should run for 60 minutes, you are free to speak with our members regarding preparation or review of your bush fire plan, should you stay or leave, how to secure livestock and any other questions you may have. Interested attendees can also register for upcoming Community Fire Training and Women’s Bush Fire Training.

We certainly hope you will attend.