Supporting Local Heros

WHEN disaster strikes in small country towns people get cooking and the Meads Creek fire has brought out the best in the Merriwa community.

The Rural Fire Services are fighting more than 80 fires across the state and are also tapping into local cafes, community groups and motels to ensure firefighters are cared for well.

Mike Gilder from the Rural Fire Service collecting sandwiches, fruit and muffins from Tracie Power and Cassie Hillhouse. Photo: Thanks to Andrew, Merriwa RSL.

For the Meads Creek Fire the logistic unit in Mudgee has called on businesses from Merriwa, Denman, Mudgee, Bylong, Kandos and Rylstone for food, accommodation and fuel.

Inspector Troy Gersback said the local community had been critical in supporting their fire fighting efforts.

“Local businesses have been supplying food and water for the firefighters and it’s important to have local businesses doing this which are accessible to the fire ground and briefing points and it is one small upside for businesses in country towns to be getting some extra business during the drought,” said Inspector Gersback.

“Our fire fighters do maintain self-sufficiency for 12 hours, in case we are prevented from getting to the fire ground,” he said.

“We have to ensure food given to the fire fighters is made to food standards, but non-perishable items from the community are always welcome and the best way people can help is through financial donations on the RFS website,” said Inspector Troy Gersback.

All local RFS crews accept donations of bottle water and non-perishable food items.