Tannum Foley and Mick Banfield went to Tallangatta, a town situated north of the Alpine fire near Mt Buffalo and Omeo, and west of the Corryong fire.
Their main role was to help set up the base camp, putting up tents and beds to accommodate CFA firefighters tackling nearby blazes.
Tannum said it was tiring work but he was happy to lend a hand.
“I was pretty tired by the end of it, walking around in the orange gear it’s hot and very tiring,” he said.
“To come from the Rochester SES, it’s good to be able to chip in and show the local community support.”
“I think the people who were helping out were happy to be there, but coming in the morning the CFA guys were thankful, but tired,” he said.
The pair went up at 6:30 am on Saturday, January 28 and came back the next night.
“When I got up there the first time you don’t know what to expect, you can be doing something one minute and then a tree falls down or something,” he said. "It’s exciting in one way but you also get a lot of nerves.”
Tannum returned to Tallangatta last Thursday night with another Rochester SES member and will return today.
“I’m more than happy to help, some volunteers have been up there for a lot longer than we have.”
Rochester SES controller Judith Gledhill said they assisted as needed; when there was a requirement for support, available members were sent out to lend a hand.
“It’s just good to be able to help out, it’s a national emergency and it’s good to play our part,” she said.
8°C