While the experts were warning of a coming El Nino event this summer, a fire at Coasters Retreat served to remind everyone how vulnerable we all are even in the middle of Winter. Wayne Lazarides of The West Pittwater Brigade recounts what happened.
“At 1.30pm on a sunny, and very windy Saturday 8th July, multiple NSW RFS brigades were alerted to a bush fire emergency at Coasters Retreat.
What began as a casual family gathering, cooking a few sausages on the wood BBQ, developed into something which had the potential to become a major catastrophe.
From the BBQ a single hot ember sparked out and ignited surrounding bush. Fanned by the blustery conditions, the fire rapidly took hold and spread into the surrounding bush that backed residential areas. It was a serious escalation and flames came within 5 metres of some homes.
Residents, realising the fire was unmanageable dialled 000. The RFS were alerted and quickly responded. Fire calls went out to an extensive list of water and land brigades: Coasters Retreat, West Pittwater, Scotland Island, Berowra Waters, Brooklyn, Dangar Island, Moonie Moonie, Ingleside, Terry Hills, Headquarters, Davidson and many other Northern Beaches Brigade as well as a sizeable contingent of out of district Brigades responded to the Fire Call.
The fire quickly escaped into the most inaccessible areas of bush making a quick resolution impossible. It proved to be a long day and night in difficult inaccessible conditions.
Firefighter battle flames at back of houses. Image: Nick Moir
Logistically, it is a difficult inaccessible area. The southern bank of Coasters Retreat has no road or fire trail access. The only access is by water or a steep walking track. Land based fire crews have to run hose from above the escarpment and walk hoses down.
A difficult steep terrain for firefighters. Image: Nick Moir
Water crews had to run hose uphill in slippery, steep and treacherous terrain, often multiple times. Many hundreds of metres of hose had to be run to both the east and west flanks. Water Brigades headed by West Pittwater and Brooklyn began pumping water uphill. (West Pittwater has one of the most powerful fire fighting pumps in Pittwater and was the primary source of water for firefighting on the flanks and property protection.)
Water Brigades line the Coasters jetty. Image: Wayne Lazarides
Paramedics were also called in during the fire for some residents who experienced smoke inhalation. They stayed on scene for many hours.
By 6pm the foreground was in darkness and conditions for crew worsened. Night vision is lost when looking into flames so traversing slopes and firefighting in darkness takes on added risks. Winds were also gusting to 50-60km causing erratic fire behaviour.
Crew battle fire in darkness until early hours. Image: Nick Moir
Crews battled the conditions and fire until after midnight. The fire was contained earlier, however crews had to work for many hours ‘blacking out’ (The process of extinguishing or removing burning material along or near the fire control line) .
The majority of crews were released at 1am with relief crews from Scotland island and Ingleside monitoring the fire overnight.
Some crews return to Palm beach – 1am – A night shift remained at coasters. Image: Nick Moir
Crews from National Parks, West Pittwater, Scotland Island and land based brigades returned at 6.30am on Monday morning to continue blacking out and to ensure the area was safe.
Relief crews on route to Coasters Fire Image: Nick Moir
Crews ‘blacked out’ through the night and into the next day. Image: Nick Moir
Hugh Macken, longtime Captain of Coasters Retreat, commented on the professionalism of all Brigades “who cut through the difficult conditions to get the job done.” He also highlighted the need to be diligent in the coming bushfire season. “This fire could have started anywhere. Even experienced ‘Fire ready’ communities need to maintain their preparedness.”
During the fire some residents fire pumps did not work when RFS crews tried to use them. Hugh said to “Always test pumps regularly and do not store old fuel in pumps.”
The fire view from the water – Fire boats visible extreme right. Image Wayne Lazarides
The Coasters Retreat fire was a collaboration of multiple emergency services including; NSW RFS, land, water and air services, Police, National Parks and NSW Ambulance.”
Note: For any emergency always dial Triple Zero (000) first.
Images Courtesy: Nick Moir from Ingleside Brigade and Wayne Lazarides West Pittwater