New fire refuge on show

Captain John Schauble from Sassafras Ferny Creek Fire Brigade runs residents through how to use the Fire Refuge. Pictures: GREG CARRICK

FERNY CREEK’S fire refuge was officially opened last weekend at the local primary school.
Attended by many in the community as well as local fire brigade members, the community had been waiting for the opening.
Sassafras Ferny Creek Fire Brigade Captain John Schauble was on hand to explain how the refuge was run and to answer any questions residents had.
Community fire refuges can provide shelter as a last resort for people whose other plans have failed and are located so they are not exposed to high temperatures and are ember proof.
Organisers say that a community fire refuge, like a Neighbourhood Safer Place, is a place of last resort and is not a substitute for having a well thought out and practiced personal survival plan.