With the major fire units deployed to battle the blazes in the mountains, our small fleet of fire Utes was all that stood between the encroaching flames and the communities along the river.
As we positioned ourselves strategically along the river, the situation was tense. The sky was a canvas of orange and red, ash fell like snow, and the air was thick with smoke. The fire had already ravaged parts of Bilpin, and the possibility of it jumping the river loomed large over us. The stakes were unimaginably high; if the fire crossed the river, it would reach the densely populated areas of Sydney, causing untold damage.
Throughout that long night, we patrolled, watched, and fought back flames wherever they threatened to advance. Our equipment might have been modest, but our resolve was not. The camaraderie among the team, the shared determination to protect our city, was palpable. Each ember attack was met with a fierce response, each flare-up addressed with precision and urgency.
By the dawn of the new year, exhausted but resolute, we held the line. The river acted as a natural barrier, and thankfully, the fire did not cross over. The relief was immense, but so was the awareness of what had been at stake. We were fortunate the wind patterns favoured us, and our efforts were enough to keep the east side of the river safe.
The New Year’s Eve of 2019 was a reminder of the unpredictability and ferocity of bushfires and the critical role of firefighters. It also underscored the importance of adequate resources and strategic planning in bushfire defense. As we move forward, let this experience be a call to action to enhance our preparedness and support for those who stand on the frontline, protecting us against the ravages of nature.