Battle goes beyond fires: Firefighters bravely battled high winds and towering flames to stop a fast-moving fire from devastating Corowa last Thursday. But Deputy Group Captain Nathan Ractliffe, Federation Support Captain Luke Doering and Redlands Captain Phil Penny say members of the public also increased the potential risk by obstructing fire vehicles.
A fast-moving wheat crop fire that threatened homes north of Corowa last Wednesday has prompted authorities to remind residents to be aware of the dangers of such fires that are fanned by high winds.
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The fire scorched more than 540 hectares and triggered an emergency alert as extreme heat and winds up to 69km/h rapidly pushed the blaze toward Corowa’s Honour Avenue.
The fire, reported around 3.30pm, spread from Corona Road to Whitehead Street in just over half an hour, with flames reaching seven metres high.
About 110 firefighters from across the region, supported by three aircraft, including a Hercules waterbomber, brought the blaze under control by 6pm.
Crews had already been responding to a separate grass and scrub fire across the river on Federation Way earlier in the afternoon, forcing some brigades to be redeployed while others covered nearby stations.
Firefighters were concerned about people hindering their efforts to contain the potentially devastating fire.
A Hercules C-130 Fire Bomber on approach to help extinguish Corowa fires.
Despite the intensity, major infrastructure escaped damage, though power outages and fencing losses were reported.
Firefighters said public interference created dangerous delays, urging residents to stay clear of fire grounds.
Officials stressed the incident shows how quickly fires can escalate as summer approaches and urged communities to follow warnings and maintain fire-safe properties.
“We’re putting ourselves at risk when the public intervenes,” Federation Support Captain Luke Doering said.
“We need people to stay away during a fire. Our trucks and equipment were slowed or blocked by rubberneckers.”
Deputy Captain Ractliffe agreed: “People were pulling out in front of us or hanging phones out of car windows. We really need them to hang back so we can protect the town.”
RFS leaders said the incident highlighted the importance of public preparedness and compliance.
“Moving into summer, this showed how quickly a fire can start and spread,” Captain Doering said.
“When we put messages out about fire restrictions, they’re there for a reason.”
