Seventeen ForestrySA firefighters will be recognised for their significant contribution during the Cudlee Creek Bushfire. National Emergency Medals have been approved by the Governor-General, in recognition of sustained service during the nationally significant fire which devasted the Adelaide Hills in December 2019. Source: Timberbiz
ForestrySA fire crews spent 12 consecutive days on the fireground battling blazes on both private and public land. They also maintained fire response coverage across ForestrySA’s 20,000ha Kuitpo, Mount Crawford and Second Valley forest estate during this time.
More than 450ha of ForestrySA plantation and native bushland were lost in the fire, leading to the immediate closure of the Cudlee Creek Forest Reserve and popular visitor site Fox Creek Bike Park, and a $1m damage bill.
ForestrySA Chief Executive Julian Speed said the service medals would be recognition of a long and arduous job well done.
“As a registered CFS fire brigade in our own right, ForestrySA firefighters are highly trained, backed by a fleet of specialised fire appliances and dedicated members of the Adelaide Hills firefighting community,” he said.
“As part of our commitment to community fire protection, we respond to fires both on our own land and to assist our neighbours in surrounding areas”
“Notably, on the first day of the fire, our crews were able to save the home and property of a well-known Lenswood vigneron and winemaking family. It’s positive outcomes like these that make what we do so worthwhile.”
The National Emergency Medals will be formally presented on the second anniversary of the fire, by Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham. The presentation will be held at the ForestrySA Kuitpo Head Office, on Wednesday 15 December, from 1pm.
