They promptly responded and successfully brought the fire under control, extinguishing it.

In the early hours of the next day, (Thursday, April 6), the fire started again in the same area, and assisted by strong winds, quickly travelled up the hills and gullies burning approximately 250 acres of private property.

The flames threatened the village of South Pindimar and got within 150 metres of 10 rural homes and buildings, destroying fencing, beehives, pile driving barges etc.

Again it was the quick response of the local Rural Fire Service that saved the day, they recognised the danger and called for assistance.

13 Rural Fire Units from Great Lakes to Macquarie Lakes responded, along with two helicopters (water bombing), and one large bulldozer that worked continually until the fire was brought under control that evening.

Fire fighting continued for the next 36 hours mopping up.

This is one of a number of fires that have started in the same area of South Pindimar over the past few years, and its cause is being investigated.

The local Rural Fire Service sincerely thanks all the Volunteer Services that assisted.

Any persons wanting to join the local Rural Fire Service, which holds its training sessions each Wednesday at 7pm at the Tea Gardens Premises, Industrial Area, should contact any member for details or phone Fire Captain, Steve Carmichael on 0402 411 279.