This cache is hidden near the RFS Berrima brigade in some bush land. It is one of the many RFS brigades around the Southern Highlands and is run by volunteers. The cache is firefighter themed and has room for swaps and TBs. Please return as found! <\p>
Some history: Over the spring and summer of 2019/2020, record breaking heat as well as drought, arson and dry lightning strikes were to be the cause of devastating bushfires across Australia which would be the worst in living memory. These fires would uncontrollably burn across most states of Australia resulting in over 46 million acres, or 186,000 square kilometres being burnt out. Almost 6000 buildings were lost including approximately 2600 homes. Sadly at least 33 people were killed, 20 of those in NSW alone. An estimated one billion animals have also been killed and some endangered species may be driven to extinction, and possibly up to a third of the entire koala population affected. By mid November Western Australia sent over 100 firefighters and the Australian Government announced the Australian Defence Force would also help in the efforts. Around this time also sees the very first Catastrophic Fire Danger declared in NSW since the new system of fire ratings were brought in in 2009 with widespread fire bans across the state. Eventually firefighters from all around the world including New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore and the USA would come to help with the mammoth job and in January 2020 the NSW government declared a state of emergency which extended for a week. <\p>
Here in the Southern Highlands, the Green Wattle Fire impacted the townships of Balmoral, Buxton, Bargo, Couridjah and Tahmoor. Two firefighters sadly lost their lives when a tree fell on their tanker and it rolled in Balmoral. Then on New Year’s Eve fears were raised for the townships of Mittagong, Braemar and surrounding areas but thankfully they were to be spared. Then Saturday January 4th saw the Southern Highlands threatened again from the south side. The Currowan Fire, whipped up by ferocious winds, spread up towards the Kangaroo Valley, Bundanoon and Wingello and formed the Morton Fire. Over a dozen homes were lost to this fire, with many in Bundanoon and surrounding areas evacuating. <\p>
As devastating as the fires of 2019 and 2020 are, and as sad as the loss of life is both human and animal, there is absolutely no doubt that this toll of land, structures and life would have been far greater if it wasn’t for the amazing work done by the men and women of all the various fire departments of NSW, other states and around the world who assisted in this huge effort. <\p>
I hope you enjoy this themed cache. Please replace the lid securely and enjoy!<\p>