Mumballup farmers briefed after bushfire
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, JANUARY 26, 2023 3
A SUNDOWNER and information night at the Mumballup Volunteer Bushfire Brigade shed last Friday night aimed to ensure local landowners were prepared for future bushfires. Brigade president and acting fire chief officer Garry Hatch chaired the meeting and said the recent bushfire that burnt 8000 hectares of land was the biggest in the brigade’s history. About 100 people, including representatives from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the local brigade volunteers, attended the sundowner.
Mr Hatch said the aim was to ensure landowners were prepared for future bushfires. He said city people new to the area were unaware of the risks associated with bushfires. “All the recent fires started on farms where the people are new to the area,” he said. Two of the recent bushfires were started accidentally by machinery operating on or near dry grass. “We just want to raise awareness,” Mr Hatch said.
“Such as people calling triple-zero to get the emergency process started. “In three of the last four fires, people called the brigade instead, I work and might not get the call so they should call triple-zero as a first point.” Mr Hatch also wants people to start preparing for the bushfire season earlier. “Some people were slashing in December when it’s hot,” he said. “We want people to start their fire mitigation earlier.” He said it was also important to have appropriate fire fighting gear, particu-
larly when doing burn offs. “Take the recent fires, one farmer had no fire fighting gear, while another one had the gear but couldn’t use it.” He said local farmers were very receptive to the information and he planned to have another information night later in the year. The function also highlighted the roles and responsibilities of the local brigade, with farmers encouraged to get involved. Mr Hatch said about a dozen new volunteers have since signed up to volunteer with the brigade.
The library is introducing a junior board game club to its school term program. Games suitable for ages 10 to 14 will be provided and participants are welcome
to bring their own games along. This program begins on Thursday, February 2, and will meet fortnightly at 3.30pm. It is free of charge.
Junior gaming club starting at library
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INSPECTION: firefighters from the Collie Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service in Wittenoom Street on Tuesday following a chlorine gas leak at the Collie Mineworkers’ Memorial Swimming Pool.
Gas leak closes pool SWIMMERS were evacuated from the Collie Mineworkers’ Memorial Swimming Pool on Tuesday afternoon following a chlorine gas leak. The incident occurred at 1.30pm, and the pool was reopened about 2.30pm. Collie Shire acting chief executive officer Matt Young said the cause was unknown. Chlorine gas is stored separately to the pool, and gas levels were detected at the storage site, he said. However, when fire services attended, no leak was detected.
“A technician will visit the pool to review the system,” he said. Mr Young said emergency fire services attended. Due to faecal matter in the main pool, it remained closed yesterday. A “code brown” was issued, and Mr Young said high amounts of chlorine were added to the pool. Chlorine levels were being reduced yesterday to a safe level. “The main pool will reopen when the chemical levels are safe for the public,” he said.
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