Standing on ground blackened by fire, Glenburnie residents have issued a heartfelt thank you to those involved with fighting a blaze which tore through paddocks and threatened properties earlier this month.
Fire crews, neighbours and the community did not hesitate to help residents Mick Nelson and Rebecca Mason, Gordon Brill and John Osman.
More than 20 CFS and MFS fire appliances and water bombers fought the blaze, which burned to the verandah of Mr Nelson and Ms Mason’s home.
“It was just starting to come across the road and I was nearly putting it out, I nearly had it, I only had a hand-held fire extinguisher,” Mr Nelson said.
“The fire extinguisher ran out as the wind changed and it came across and there was no stopping it then.”
Mr Nelson said he tried to save his hay until conditions became too dangerous.
“As I was going down the driveway, the flames were actually coming up over the bonnet of the car,” he said.
“I would not say it was frightening, it was just happening, there was not time to be frightened as such, you were just trying to run around and do what you could do.”
The couple received an anonymous donation of hay, instigated by the Mount Gambier Hay Run’s Zoe Simpson, which Mr Nelson said was a big help.
The hay was delivered by Williams Cranes and the Moorak CFS Captain also offered hay if needed.
Emma Johnson from Gambier Vets organised a $150 voucher from The Produce Store and contacted Blaze Aid, who will send volunteers to help with fencing in coming weeks.
Gambier Earth Movers supplied a grader to create fire breaks which reduced the fire front and saved homes, along with a water cart to flood fire fronts and a 30 tonne excavator to push down burning and smouldering trees.
Mr Nelson said Mr Brill’s son Matt cut their fences, which saved their cattle, while neighbours also offered the residents places to keep stock until they get back on their feet.
The residents said they received so much community support and the work by emergency services was “unbelievable” and “incredible”.
“There were just so many people trying to help out everywhere,” Mr Nelson said.
“It’s really appreciated.”
Mr Brill said he was amazed how the community had pulled together.
“Having never witnessed an event threatening our property at best, I had a slim understanding of what to expect,” he said.
“What I did witness was an amazing effort to protect animal and human life and assets.
“An amazing effort by all who, week in and week out, just keep giving and giving in challenging conditions.”
The fire burned towards Mr Osman’s property before making its way towards Mr Nelson and Ms Mason’s, then raced over to Mr Brill’s land.
“We looked out the front windows and saw this paddock erupting,” Mr Osman said.
“I came back down Old Gold Road and there was so much smoke, I could not see anything, all I could do was follow the banks of the road that go up each side, it was the only way I could find my way out of there.
“It was a scary time, I have never experienced it before, I have been here 42 years.”
Mr Osman said following the fire there was still plenty to do including knocking trees down and replacing fencing, but they would rebuild and help each other.
“It’s pretty sad, but we did not lose any stock, that’s the main thing,” he said.
“It was pretty hard sleeping for the first week, it just kept coming back to you all the time, and worrying about the cattle and calves getting burnt feet, so it’s been pretty horrific.
“But at least we did not lose our house, I cannot thank the firies enough.”
