Car fires add to firies’ workload

Mid Murray district assistant John Temlett said while most could not be avoided, because they were started by the conditions, he did say firefighters did have to deal with three fires that were deliberately lit.

Three cars have been set alight in grassland throughout the district since Tuesday - one at Moama, one at Mathoura and one at Jerilderie.

“The ones started by lightning or arced powerlines are part of the job, but the human caused ones we could do without,” Mr Temlett said.

“While we have not calculated the total hectares yet, they mostly averaged about 10 hectares.

“And that is only thanks to the quick response from our firefighters.

“All callers in the zone were engaged.

“Again I am yet to do a propert count, but I would be surprised if we did not have 30 brigades out throughout the day.

“It was a very tough day, and full praise to everyone who was involved.”

Fires were started in the Mathoura, Moama, Birganbigil, Moulamein and Jerilderie areas in the last few days.

Mid Murray firefighters at Yanga were also sent out of area to assist with a fire at Balranald.

Mr Temlett said Moulamein appeared to have the most significant activity.

“We had a few nasty ones over Moulamein way, with some saying it’s the worst lightning they have seen.

“The bolts were big and thick, and as soon as they hit the ground there was smoke.

“But crews reacted really well, and none of the fires reported got too far out of hand.

“The biggest concerns were the cars that were lit up in the centre of paddocks.”

Landholders are urged to continue monitoring their properties for fire, even though the storm has passed.

Trees struck by lightning can burn on the inside for a number of days before the fire becomes visible.

If you see an unattended fire, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.