ARLA/CLUSTER: Radioamadores auxiliam no combate aos fogos no Sul da Australia

[João Costa > CT1FBF]

WICEN helps in South Australia fires

After days of high temperatures, low humidity and wind that fanned a large
bushfire in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, comes rain with cooler
weather giving some relief to the area.

The fire that began nearly a week ago covered more than 12,500 hectares
with a 240-kilometre perimeter resulted in houses and sheds being destroyed
and wide areas of sheep and cattle farmland burnt. About 130 people
including firefighters needed medical treatment.

WICEN President *Nic McLean VK5ZAT* said UHF commercial handheld radios,
which WICEN owns, were given to SAVEM (SA Veterinary Emergency Management),
and a radio mast to extend the range was installed.

SAVEM with veterinary surgeons and nurses is recognised for its response
and recovery of companion animals, wildlife and livestock. WICEN has an
agreement with it to provide communications help.

SAVEM liaises with fire responders, emergency management and Biosecurity
South Australia. It uses radio communications and training, both in-vehicle
and with central control, through temporary masts, equipment and personnel
from WICEN.

SAVEM Nurse Coordinator, *Carol Haley* in a report said: "Radios supplied
by WICEN enabled efficient communication between each vehicle.

"Throughout the day the team attended koalas, kangaroos, possums, joeys,
cats and sheep, and spoke to many members of the public and animal owners."

She said the handhelds enabled effective communications in the Adelaide
Hills fireground area, while longer distance communication was through the
South Australian Government Network equipped fire vehicles.

Carol said: "A Sleepy Lizard was euthanased at Kersbrook oval, brought in
by a Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources fire crew - the
lizard's feet had been burnt off.

"Several animals (koala, kangaroo) with limb fractures... were euthanased
by the team's RSPCA officer. Two koalas and one grey kangaroo joey were
triaged and not treated locally, but taken back to Adelaide. Being treated
for burns were three kangaroo joeys (young ones)."

Channel 9 television did a live interview with Carol from SAVEM talking
about the work. SAVEM has been very busy, giving both animal rescue and
WICEN some good publicity.


*Jim Linton VK3PC* Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee.
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