New cameras aid Narrikup brigade

The new thermal imaging camera means both of the brigade’s trucks are now equipped with technology which allow volunteers to more effectively locate, then extinguish spot fires.

Southern Ports General Manager – Great Southern Paul McSweeney said volunteer bush fire brigades played an integral role in regional communities.

“Volunteers in regional communities such as Narrikup go above and beyond to look out for each other and we’re proud to be supporting them,” he said.

“Our Community Investment Program is designed to have a positive, enduring impact within our regions and supporting applications from volunteer brigades certainly does that.

“An additional thermal imaging camera for the brigade can prevent disaster and it will certainly reduce the strain on volunteers.”

The Narrikup brigade has roughly 30 volunteer members and is based 16km south of Mt Barker.

It remains a vital asset for the farming community which has a population of roughly 500 spread across a wide area either side of Albany Highway.

Narrikup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade Captain Dale Wyland said the brigade was always looking for ways to better protect its community.

“It’s vital to deal with flare ups and hot spots during and following an incident, especially when volunteers are already fatigued,” he said.

“Having our own cameras has reduced our reliance on neighbouring brigades to significantly boost our own capabilities to detect and mop up issues before they can flare up to become something much bigger.

“We’re grateful for the support from Southern Ports through its Community Investment Program – the whole process from application through to acquittal ran smoothly for our volunteers.”

Southern Ports received a record level of applications to its Community Investment Program over the past year and the program is expected to surpass $400,000 of funding for the first time over the coming 12 months.

The program is open to applicants from the South West, Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance region until Friday 14 August.

Learn more and apply today - Community Investment Program | Southern Ports.

Southern Ports General Manager – Great Southern Paul McSweeney (middle) with Narrikup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade Vice Captain Chris Norton, Captain Dale Wyland and volunteer Belinda Rupp.