Devastating.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It’s the only word that can describe our thoughts when looking at photos of a hay shed going up in flames at a Terramungamine property.
And as hard as it must be for the property owners and the firefighters on the ground, there is absolutely nothing they can do other than letting it burn itself out.
Thankfully we aren’t in the middle of a few hot days, and more rain is expected to assist this in happening, but it’s still a major blow for a farming family who would have been struggling over the past year with the drought.
It wouldn’t have been an easy decision to let it burn itself out, but with the conditions, it was the one that had to be made.
Firefighters worked for 1.5 hours to control the blaze before making the decision to let it continue to burn under the controlled conditions. And still they remain on the ground waiting for it to burn itself out.
With 500 bales tucked in tight the structure of the shed was also compromised from the heat of the fire, therefore deemed without a large excavator it would be too dangerous for firefighters to completely extinguish the fire.
Speaking to the Daily Liberal, Fire and Rescue NSW Dubbo station officer Mick Medlin said the property owner had been borrowing hay to feed stock, before he received the allotment.
“It’s quite devastating for him to have a fully loaded hay shed go up in flames.
“I imagine it would be quite expensive and quite a headache before Christmas,” Mr Medlin said.
Not only before Christmas, but at any time, this would be hard for anyone of our farmers to handle. With the way the weather has been affecting everyone, and the price of hay over the past 12 months, it’s a hard blow to deal with at any time of the year.
It’s been a tough year for all our farmers, and that has spread into the wider community, with businesses around town also feeling the pinch as funds that usually flow in slow down.
It’s probably an important reminder that these things can happen at any time and they may not have an effect on just one person but on many as they ripple through the community.
They are things we have to deal with, as a community and with our neighbours.
If you see someone struggling give them an ear and let them talk. It’s been a tough year, and this fire has only made it harder.
SEND US A LETTER:
We welcome your comments which may be published on this website and/or in the newspaper. Please provide all the required information below. Only your name and suburb will be published.
NOTE: Your submission may be edited prior to publication and a correct email and telephone number must be entered for verification purposes.
All fields are required.