St Albans gets new fire danger sign

It might seem like only yesterday for many, but the Gospers Mountain fire – the world’s biggest ever forest fire from a single ignition – started on October 26 last year as a result of a lightning strike, and was threatening St Albans by November.

St Albans is always prepared for fire season, but this year, maybe just a touch more so thanks to a new electronic fire danger warning sign which stands outside the local RFS station.

MP Susan Templeman with St Albans RFS volunteers

The sign has been installed at St Albans Rural Fire Brigade shed after members successfully applied for a $10,000 grant through the Stronger Communities Program, matched by the Brigade.

“This community was hit particularly hard during last summer’s bushfire crisis, and now we are into the 2020/21 fire season,” said Federal MP Susan Templeman at the sign’s unveiling. Ms Templeman secured government funding for the new sign.

“The St Albans brigade had been investigating an electronic sign for fire danger rating and other communications to be located in the village, to help residents and visitors alike during fire season hazard reductions,” the MP said.

“The volunteers told me they wanted to position the sign outside the brigade so residents and visitors entering the village from St Albans Road, Settlers Road and Wollombi Road would be able to see what was going on.

“October 26 will be the first anniversary of the lightning strike that started the Gospers Mountain fire, the world’s biggest forest fire from a single ignition point that threatened St Albans in November last year.

“It’s been a slow process getting the new sign installed, but I think everyone is pleased to see it up for the beginning of this new fire season.

“Again, I commend the dedication and resourcefulness of all the volunteers from St Albans and indeed throughout the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains who responded during the crisis last summer to protect our community.”