More bushfire fighters wanted

The Advertiser: Wanted urgently: more bushfire fighters

: "As firefighting helicopters worth $3.5 million came into operation and Premier Mike Rann announced that $2 million was being spent on new protective gear yesterday, CFS chief officer Euan Ferguson said firefighter numbers were worryingly low as about 200 fires were reported in the past 10 days, the busiest firefighting period in a decade."

It's true, we have invested more money inot bush fire fighting right across the nation because the whole nation has suffered from the onslaught of massive fires and damage , loss of property, stock, family and friends over recent years. On the one hand we have worked so hard and so well, but enquiries like the Port Lincoln one, although they have to be had, might make some people think, why bother? Bush fire fighting is dangerous, it requires a co ordinated team effort but it is the sort of thing where people can be criticised for doing their best on the day. By and large our bushfire fighters are fantastic and do not ever lose commitment or courage. For that we should all be thankful, but we need to understand it is a thankless task as it is and as a community we take a lot for granted. Maybe we all need to get out there and lend a hand instead of criticising. It is easy to criticise, it's not so easy to give up hours and hours of your life trying to save the lives and properties of others.

I think we need a bit of community planning on this. I think it's something which can be introduced with little kids and that we can look at "citizenship" as part of bringing up our children. I think we also seem to have a number of 16-25 year olds who seem to be a bit negative or at a loose end. I accept selecting correct
personnel is essential, but I also believe people earn responsibility. We get lots of messages about lifestyle and helping ourselves and looking after number one. I am not so certain we look at community involvement. Economies are all very well, but societies need people who will work as a team towards the common good. Given that approach, then bush fire fighting might have more cudos and then will be something which can take on board the overall organisation issues highlighted in the Port Lincoln enquiry. Maybe it's also something which can be recommended to suitable people who need to do community service, voluntary service or work for the dole.