SAVEM is activated for the Deep Creek fire. We are not yet permitted onto the fireground itself – this is still a very dangerous uncontrolled Level 3 fire, and the focus is on firefighting. Today Commander Rachel, Forward Commander and Operations Officer Steve, and Planning Officer Sue attended Staging at Yankalilla. We spent several hours meeting CFS, SES and SAPOL personnel, and drove along the now open Main South Road, stopping at road blocks and where CFS were stationary. This gave us the opportunity to gather intel about the terrain, and to introduce ourselves, explain our role and pass on SAVEM’s contact details. We were very well received, and it was heartening to be among so many positive and enthusiastic people working together. We are aiming to locate the SAVEM Field Hospital at Staging on Saturday. Tomorrow, Friday, SAVEM will be at the community meeting, and have a further opportunity to raise awareness of our teams and our work. SAVEM teams wear bright red overalls embroidered with the SAVEM logo. We carry photo ID, are in marked vehicles and never work alone. Anyone not fulfilling these criteria are not from SAVEM.
This fireground is approximately 1000 hectares larger than the Cherry Gardens fire of 2021. Much of the terrain is very, very steep. It is likely to be some time before the fire is controlled, or even contained. In one of the photos below, you can see just how closely it burnt up to Main South Road. Supreme efforts by the CFS prevented it crossing the road. Once SAVEM has access to the fireground, our teams will conduct surveillance on foot, in vehicles and using our thermal imaging camera. Emergency services and the local community can contact us at any time with reports of injured animals needing veterinary assistance.
