Fire brigade to work with students on hydrant poster

The Killcare-Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade will work with Pretty Beach Public School students on a poster for a Hydrant Heroes campaign.

"The idea is that people in our community will identify the hydrants nearest their homes and businesses and will then clear anything that prevents them from being visible or accessible," said brigade community engagement officer, Mr Martin Riddell.

"They will also notify us of the whereabouts of the hydrant, what they have done to make it available and tell us about its condition," Mr Riddell said.

Prizes will be awarded for the best posters in two age groups and for the best Hydrant Hero story.

"Local businesses have welcomed the initiative and have shown overwhelming support by donating prizes for the campaign and helping to promote the idea.

"It's another indication of just how fabulous our community is."

The Killcare-Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade holds a regular cake stall at Killcare Cellars on the first Saturday of each month.

The August fund raiser was a roaring success and its theme was Fire in the Home.

Members of the brigade spoke to local residents about the risks of home appliance fires, including washing machines, tumble dryers, stoves and ovens and the like.

Many people were surprised by the risks inherent in electrical appliances if they are not cleaned and maintained regularly, according to brigade spokesperson, Mr Martin Riddell.

The Brigade also recently held its annual general meeting which saw a number of new faces stepping up for some of the non-operational roles.

The successful recipe of the operational officers was, pretty much, "the same as last year" so the community can be confident in our operational readiness and effectiveness, Mr Riddell said.

"We have a significant number of new members going through their training at present and we are pleased to announce that we now have two newly qualified Village Firefighters and seven newly-qualified Bush Firefighters," he said.

"The growth of the Brigade continues with four members up for assessment in the coming months.

"On an advisory note: the Bush Fire Season is approaching and, within the next month or two, Hazard Reductions will begin again.

"Take a moment to take a look at the RFS website for information about what is or will be happening in local areas."

Mr Riddell said the brigade also encouraged residents to download the MyFirePlan and Fires Near Me NSW apps, available for both Apple and Android.

The first will enables residents to review, or perhaps determine, a plan in the event of a bush fire and the second gives information about any fires in NSW.

Media release, 18 Aug 2016

Mark Riddell, Killcare-Wagstaffe Rural Fire Service