A grass fire in Gobbagombalin, a northern suburb of Wagga Wagga, threatened dozens of homes on Friday, January 9, before fire crews managed to bring it under control. The blaze scorched 40 hectares of land, coming perilously close to residential areas.
The fire, which ignited in a paddock near Harris Road, quickly spread eastward. An initial advice alert was issued around 1 p.m., escalating to a Watch and Act alert by 1:20 p.m. Fortunately, by 2 p.m., the situation was downgraded back to an advice level as firefighters gained the upper hand.
Residents React Swiftly to Fire Threat
Gobbagombalin resident Alicia Williams was at home when she noticed spot fires in the paddock adjacent to her property. The fire came within 50 meters of her house, prompting immediate action.
“I chucked [my] handbag and stuff in the car, got the car out of the garage, and we got on the hoses,” said Williams. “We started hosing the paddock, the roof, and turned the sprinklers on.” She also prepared to evacuate with the family dog.
Despite the close call, the family did not need to evacuate and soon returned indoors. “We’re trying to get the smell of smoke out of our house … it’s much calmer, which is good,” Williams added.
Firefighting Efforts and Community Response
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) advised residents to “be prepared” as the fire leapt Old Narrandera Road. Firefighters, supported by aircraft, worked diligently to control the blaze, which was declared under control by about 2:30 p.m.
“Firefighters, supported by aircraft, are gaining the upper hand on the fire, which is now listed at an Advice alert level,” the RFS stated.
Crews remained on the scene to extinguish hotspots and strengthen containment lines. The fire impacted two hay trailers, but no homes were reported damaged.
Extreme Fire Danger and Precautions
The fire danger rating for the Eastern Riverina district was marked as extreme on Friday, prompting the RFS to declare a total fire ban for the day. Such conditions heighten the risk of fires spreading rapidly, necessitating vigilant monitoring and quick responses from both emergency services and residents.
As the region continues to face extreme fire conditions, the community is reminded of the importance of preparedness and adherence to fire safety advisories. The RFS and local authorities urge residents to stay informed and ready to act should conditions change.
Looking Ahead: Fire Safety and Community Resilience
As climate patterns shift, the frequency and intensity of grass fires in regions like Wagga Wagga are expected to increase. This incident underscores the need for ongoing community education and preparedness to mitigate the impact of such natural events.
Experts suggest that residents in fire-prone areas should maintain clear communication channels with local authorities and have evacuation plans in place. Additionally, regular maintenance of properties to reduce fire fuel can significantly lower risks.
The recent Gobbagombalin fire serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of communities. As fire crews continue to monitor and secure the area, the focus remains on safety and readiness for any future threats.
