Firefighters’ Sincere Thanks For Local HelpIt is not just flames that can overwhelm small towns like Dargo while the bushfires rage in the high country of East Gippsland By DSE/CFA - 10th February 2003 - Back to News It is not just flames that can overwhelm small towns like Dargo while the bushfires rage in the high country of East Gippsland.
Since the start of February, Dargo and surrounding districts, normal population 75, has been swamped by hundreds of firefighters, their vehicles and their support teams.
"Apart from the basic problems of food and accommodation, there are also matters like noise, dust and traffic," Dargo Fire Incident Controller, Ewan Waller said.
"Without the cooperation of the local businesses and residents, a difficult job would be almost impossible."
The effort put in by Dargo residents was recognised today when the visiting Secretary of the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Professor Lindsay Neilson, awarded certificates of appreciation to several Dargo citizens.
Head Teacher Wayne Roffey and his wife Gail, offered the Dargo Primary School and computer room to the Incident Management Team.
Scott and Jodie Hammill, from the Dargo Hotel and Wayne Traill and Megan Linsday from the Dargo Mill Tavern, have been working very long days to feed and accommodate the firefighters.
Also recognised was the Captain of the Dargo CFA Brigade, Keith Price.
"The 24 hour shifts we work place enormous demands on local services and Dargo, like many other small towns this year, has coped very well," Mr Waller said.
"With the possibility the fires could burn for weeks, the strain on towns like Dargo will be immense, but we ask for residents to be patient so we can persist with the job in hand."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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