In addition to the huge effort being made by firefighters to contain two major fires in the Tenterfield district, there's an army of people behind the frontlines supporting those affected.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Council's chief executive Terry Dodds is one of three local emergency management officers, along with Wes Hoffman and Barry Frew. With Mr Hoffman fighting fires as part of the Tenterfield Fire and Rescue crew, Mr Dodds and Mr Frew have been a tag team sharing duties since evacuation notices were issued.
Once word came from the Rural Fire Service that those in the fire's path had to evacuate, council's Emergency Management Plan kicked into action. Council made water carts and plant available to the RFS, and staff worked through the night monitoring council assets in the fire's path.
Tenterfield Memorial Hall was opened to evacuees, and NSW Family and Community Services (FACS) was notified and delegated food and drink duties to the Salvation Army. (Local Salvo officer Yolande Soper looked after the evacuation centre, while husband Joel assisted at the fire front). Tenterfield Hospital manager Tony Roberts organised beds and bedding.
"Council and the police coordinate with state government services so the the RFS can concentrate on fighting fires," Mr Dodds said.
Three households - from Rover Park and Sugarbag Road properties - took advantage of the evacuation centre on Wednesday night but were able to return home on Thursday.
Meanwhile a menagerie of pets displaced by the fire have found a safe haven at Tenterfield Veterinary Clinic after the clinic threw open its doors to help. On Thursday morning the count was five cats, two dogs, 12 hens and a rooster, and one rabbit.
Vet Luke Annetts said the animals (and birds) are all in good order, and he was happy to given them a temporary home.
He said fire-affected householders can leave dogs in the kennels at the rear of the clinic if it's out-of-hours, where people can also find some emergency cat litter. Cats, rabbits and smaller animals will have to be brought into the clinic during business hours.
Arrangements are also in place for displaced livestock. Local Land Services veterinary officers and biosecurity staff are on the ground to help, primarily dealing with animal welfare-related issues.
Access to the firegrounds due to safety concerns is limiting the ability to assess the full extent of the damage, however the number of stock losses is expected to grow over the coming days as landowners gain access to their properties.
Anyone who needs assistance with emergency fodder, livestock or domestic animal assessment should call the Ag and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647.
A recovery centre is also being set up at the Tabulam Hall. Those affected by the fires can attend to access welfare services such as Red Cross, FACS, Local Land Services, insurance counsellors, psychological support and a rural financial counsellor. Local police will also be in attendance.
