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THE resilient community of Pappinbarra will look to rebuild after bushfires devastated 1000 hectares of forest and property.
Mayor Peter Besseling and Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey have thrown their support behind the village, and thanked the amazing men and women who risked their lives to fight the fire.
They joined Rural Fire Service Superintendent Kam Baker amid the charred remains in Pappinbarra on Monday morning (February 13).
“We are inspecting the outcomes of the fires from yesterday, and how grateful we are for the work of the rural fire service,” Mrs Pavey said.
“For every house that is there, there is also a trauma involved for those who haven’t been so fortunate.
“Things could have been a hell of a lot worse if it wasn’t for the angels in orange.”
Mrs Pavey said that a lot of work lies ahead to make sure everyone is safe.
“But thank you to the rural fire service and all the agencies involved in keeping this community from a lot more damage,” she said.
For every house that is there, there is also a trauma involved for those who haven’t been so fortunate. Things could have been a hell of a lot worse if it wasn’t for the angels in orange.
- Melinda Pavey, Oxley MP
Mayor Peter Besseling echoed Mrs Pavey, adding that the firefighters and volunteers risked their lives to save others and their homes.
“It was so hot that people didn’t want to go outside, but these volunteers put their lives in the way,” he said.
“It was a terrific effort from the volunteers and the agencies. As you can see, the devastation here shows it is just phenomenal that some of these houses are saved.
“Their houses and their lives wouldn’t have been saved without their efforts.”
Supt Baker said the work will now begin to rebuild Pappinbarra.
“There is a lot of work to do over the next few days. There are 1000 hectares of fire devastated area and a lot of uncontained edge fires,” he said.
“Rural Fire Service, National Parks Forestry crews and fire rescue are all working hand in hand together.
“We will work at getting everything contained and restoring normality to the community.”
Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie has praised the volunteer firefighters.
Dr Gillespie said he wanted to compliment the volunteer firefighters, who did a fantastic job, and the community spirit such as that shown by Rob Hamilton from Timbertown Resort and Motel.
The business offered free accommodation for residents impacted by the fires at Pappinbarra and surrounds.
"That shows what a strong community we have got," Dr Gillespie said.
The Lyne MP had a phone briefing about the fire situation in the federal electorate.
"I think our volunteer firefighters are the real heroes and the community spirit is fantastic," he said.