A number of Winmalee Brigade members along with other members from across the District attended a community training day at Kenthurst Rural Fire Brigade last Sunday. Kenthurst has been running these course for the community for the last 6 years and is designed to prepare residents to look after themselves and their property before during and after a bushfire. This Sunday was for women living on rural properties who may well be alone on a day of extreme fire danger and wanting to know about bushfire survival.
After some classroom discussion the residents moved outdoors and learned how to connect hoses to a portable pump, start the pump and use the hoses to extinguish spot fires around the property. The also learnt how to use fire extinguishers, fire blankets and other techniques to reduce the threat to life and property during a bushfire event.
The day ended with pizzas and refreshments and it was a totally enjoyable day. The residents who attended were very complimentary of the course.
The Blue Mountains brigade members who attended very also very impressed and have gained extra skills to assist in protecting our own communities.