Despite saving countless homes during last month's Tingha Plateau blaze, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) were keen to learn how they could improve at a fire recovery meeting on Thursday night.
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"People seemed to feel very comfortable about raising their concerns," New England zone RFS manager Superintendent Steve Mepham said.
Around 40 residents joined RFS members, chaplains and Inverell and Armidale councillors, with the meeting chaired by Armidale Regional Council mayor Simon Murray.
The RFS took on around 20 key points to bring to their after action review, which will also include reports from other brigades and from the Tingha Citizens Association.
"Some people were a little frustrated, but as a whole, they were very appreciative of the RFS," Inverell Shire Council mayor Paul Harmon said.
"I thought the community has been very well informed."
Participants discussed the emergency warning system process between Telstra and the RFS, and the availability of fire crews.
"With a fire of that magnitude in that weather, everyone would like a red truck at their place," Mr Mepham said.
"It's almost 10 years to the day that the last fire threatened Tingha."
He explained that, with limited resources, fire crews had to priorities properties that could not be protected by the owners.
He said that the community protection plan which was created six years ago did accurately predict the areas that would burn, but said it was time to review the plan while the fire was fresh in people's minds.
Cr Harmon, who has attended each recovery meeting alongside Cr Murray, said he found the presentation of thermal imaging photos very helpful.
"It showed how fast the fire spread, due to horrendous weather conditions," he said.
Cr Harmon said that as the council prepares for Tingha to move from the Armidale council area to the Inverell Shire on July 1, it was important for councillors to make an appearance at such events and be involved in the community's concerns.
"We'd like to thank everybody for their participation," Mr Mepham said.
Residents will have another chance to debrief with a variety of agencies at another bush fire recovery meeting at the Gilgai Hall next Wednesday, April 3. Held from 7pm, a free sausage sizzle will be available from 6.30pm.
Anyone unable to attend can call the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.
Naomi Shumack
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
