With the State Mine Fire and the Howes Swamp fire being contained and basically at patrol and mop up stage, last Sunday (November 3) posed as a potential last threat to containment lines with hot and windy conditions.

Containment lines stood up virtually all day and although there were some breaches to the north, east and west of the Howes Swamp fire, it is understood that these breaches are being dealt with and do not pose any threat.

But at around 1545hrs on Sunday afternoon, we were responded to a new outbreak on Laws Farm Road. Freemans Reach were first on the scene to a completely out of control, crowning fire, running and spotting through the tea tree and eucalypt bush along Laws Farm Road.

Not much could be done except a quick sum-up of threatened properties (which included the community of around 100 houses at Cumberland Reach) and then straight into property protection.

The next couple of hours were nothing short of hectic and at times frightening but thanks largely to the efforts of the two sky cranes and four water bucketing helicopters, no houses were lost.

At the time of writing, this fire had taken a second run towards West Portland Road between Packer and Lower Colo Roads under a strong Southerly but it is hoped with cooler and overcast conditions today, backburning operations will contain this fire.

For further info refer to the RFS website for all the latest updates.

Unfortunately in the early hours of Monday morning, the pump on our truck broke down and is still in the Council workshop being repaired. Hence a forced days rest for our guys and girls.

With rain forecast for this weekend, we can only but hope for a good soaking. Our brigade has continued to place crews in the field where possible. Carol has done an outstanding job with arranging crews but there is no doubt we are all ready for a well-earned break, lets hope the forecast for rain comes true and we can soon get back to ‘normal’ life again!