Natural fires have long been part of the ACT landscape and are a natural occurrence across the Australian environment. Much of the native vegetation of the ACT is fire prone, particularly the dry forest, woodland and grassland communities.
On 7th and 8th of January 2003 there were numerous lightening strikes over the Australia Alps, which ignited at least 89 fires in Victoria, 74 in NSW and three in the ACT. Those fires not controlled, burnt for over 60 days and eventually covered 1.96 million hectares. Four of these fires directly affected the ACT, starting in the western rangers on the 8th January 2003 and gradually increased in size over the following 9 days. Due to severe weather conditions experienced on the 18th the fires spread rapidly out of control across Namadgi National Park, pine plantations and leased grazing lands towards Canberra. Fire then entered into the suburbs of Western Creek between 2pm and 6pm in the afternoon resulting in the deaths of four ACT residents and the burning of 164,000 hectares (or nearly 70%) of land in the Territory. Over 500 houses and most of the Mt Stromlo Observatory were destroyed, fire damage to a further 315 houses, and major damage to various infrastructure and facilities. Ninety percent of Namadgi National Park was burnt (much of it severely) and severe fire damage occurred to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, the Stromlo Pine plantation and pine plantation west of the Murrumbidgee River. The fires also effected the ACT water catchment, and as a result Canberra’s water supply.
The ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) is responsible for protecting life, property and the environment from all bush and grass fires that occur within rural areas or non-suburban areas of the ACT.
The cache you are seeking is located outside the fenced compound for the Molonglo Volunteer Bushfire and Emergency Service Brigade.
You will not need to climb any fences or enter the compound in anyway. At certain times of day stealth will be required. The cache is a small systema with logbook and pencil and room for small swaps. We have started the cache off with 1TB and 1GC - The geocoin is on its maiden journey from its owner and is aptly called Pride of a Nation. We certainly have a lot of pride and respect for these amazing volunteers who give so much to their community.
Happy hunting.
**FTF*** Garschdi