Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews from the New South Wales RFS Snowy Monaro District (NSWRFS-SMD) demonstrated their rapid response capabilities as they successfully contained two fires on Saturday March 8, one near Maffra and another close to Cooma Airport.
PHOTO: The pine trees at Snowy River Way Maffra will be monitored for residual heat CREDIT NSWRFS-SMD.
At 10:13am Saturday, crews responded to a fire on the Snowy River Way at Maffra. Brigades from Nimmitabel and Dalgety called for support upon arrival, with brigades from Berridale and Brothers then attending the incident. The fire was contained at two hectares in size and will continue to be monitored over the coming days.
NSWRFS-SMD Inspector Langdon Gould said “The fire will be monitored and patrolled till such time as we are confident there is no residual heat within affected pine trees. The cause of that fire was due to an escaped permit burn.”
At 1:13pm on Saturday, NSWRFS-SMD were alerted to a grass fire south of Cooma Airport. Brigades from Berridale, and Dry Plains responded, and upon arrival, called additional units, from Cooma, Dry Plains and Brothers.
PHOTO: Grass fire on Kosciuszko Road near Cooma Airport.
Quick work by crews extinguished the fire at just two hectares in size, noted NSWRFS-SMD Inspector Langdon Gould.
“The fire was contained at two hectares and the cause is still being investigated. However, we do know the the origin of the fire was on the side of Kosciuszko Road.”
PHOTO: Crews quickly contained the Kosciuszko Road fire.
The two incidents came on a day which the Cooma RFS had initially committed resources to the annual Cooma Show further complicating response efforts. Inspector Langdon Gould said the fires provided a timely reminder to the community.
“These two fires clearly demonstrate the volatility of fuels across Snowy Monaro District, and we are asking the community to remain vigilant in ensuring they prevent ignitions, as it is clear, fires are still readily igniting.”
PHOTO: Cooma RFS trucks committed to the 2025 Cooma Show.
“We ask people to take all care with any heat sources in open areas, especially vehicle exhaust, any hot works, or slashing. The bush fire danger period remains in place, until at least March 31, and fire permits are required for any burning in the open, with the exception of cooking and recreational fires.”