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Summer 1990.Big fires.

Fires are always devastating, heart breaking and costly in losses of life, and live stock and property. This is no matter where on earth fires occur.
I always enjoyed working on fires for the pleasure it gave me in helping people. Farmers had water trailers, pumps and hoses and purpose and common sense. I knew all these fellows in my local area because I worked for most of them. I would not take payment and neither did they for their effort. They would always be grateful. Many called to say thankyou and some wrote to me. I regret not keeping those letters. I once got a statement of gratitude on the front page of the weekly times.
One summer day the atmosphere was crisp, temp high and wind high. It was clear we were in for trouble. Yes the phone rang. Help please. Jerilderie area was out of control. I sent Dennis in the tanker to load me. The wind was so strong it was difficult to control the aeroplane. It took maybe 3 minutes to take on a load. Because of the heat the fuel in the carburettor boiled and when I opened the throttle the only thing that happened was yellow flame and black smoke would flow from the exhaust. It took about 8 seconds before cool fuel would fill the carby and the engine would power up. I worked nearly all avo and made the fire manageable and the farmers were able to take control. I was pleased when it was over and I headed home. Didn’t get home. The town of Tocumwal has called and they need help. Another big fire, started by campers on the river bank opposite the town and ran down the railway next to where I now live. High winds had taken embers across the river and started many little fires and of course a little fire quickly becomes a big fire. These were too extensive for me to quell so I advised and directed the crews. There were about 25 fire engines with crews. Some had come great distances. The wind abated about dark and fires were travelling slower now. It was after 11 at night when it was under control and I departed. It actually looked spectacular in the dark.
Many thousands of sheep were lost in the Jerilderie fire which was moving about 30mph across the grass lands. Losses less at Tocumwal but some houses were burned. Irrigation channels and green crops confined the fire somewhat.
Since that time I have flown for the state fire authorities in 3 states but did not enjoy that. Bureaucracy and stupidity and egos ran those with the exception of South Australia. Priority was not always extinguishing the fire. I formed a policy on who I work for. Farmers yes, they are easy and I always feel rewarded. Government no. Just no.
An internet sourced picture.