As usual, we do things a bit differently here in Canyonleigh. Instead of having an open day at the Fire Shed and inviting the community to discuss their bush fire readiness and planning, we “took it to the streets” – well, the corner intersection actually.
On the morning of Saturday 19 September, we staged a display on the corner of Canyonleigh’s main intersection – the corner of Canyonleigh and Tugalong Roads. The display consisted of the Brigade’s Cat 1 truck, undercover display of RFS GRW materials, surrounding banners and posters.
Activities ran from 9am through to 2pm – a time when many local residents and visitors entered or exited Canyonleigh.
The Brigade took and extremely proactive stance – with good spirit. The offer was simple, and attractive: a free windscreen wash by the Brigade’s Captain, free sausage sandwich and a free bush fire plan!
We even turned-on the hoses for the kids to `have a go’ at hosing targets: a lot of members ended up as wet targets too! Thanks to our sign-wielding members waving traffic into parking zones, we attracted over 120 people to the event.
Brigade members took down people’s details, answers to questions and property preparedness. Several visitors also requested the Brigade undertake an on-site property inspection to discuss their situation in more detail.
By the numbers:
People visiting the corner – 120 (including kids)
People who discussed fire issues – 80
Windscreens washed – 50
Sausage sandwiches – 85
Property Visits
The second phase of our GRW activities were home visits. Over the Saturday and Sunday of GRW, and the following Saturday, the Brigade made both unannounced `drop-in’ and pre-arranged visits to some 21 local properties.
These visits accomplished two specific tasks – 1) scoping the property’s size, assets, livestock and water sources. 2) discussing the property and resident’s preparedness in the case of a bush fire event.
Following these discussions, Brigade members and the residents undertook a property inspection – highlighting any potential fire risks, preparing perimeter areas and inspecting water sources should they be required – including the advantages of Storz fittings on aboveground tanks.
All properties were supplied with both bush fire plan kits and advice leaflets.
We can confidently say that many properties in the Canyonleigh area are now ready for bush fire season!