The day started with a briefing for each unit OIC who then rejoined their crew members and departed for various evolutions in a pre-arranged pattern. I accompanied the bus which held the co-ordinators of the day and was informed of each event and what was expected of the CFS unit involved at that site. An estimated 40 trucks and 300 personnel were involved, ranging from the local unit and from as far away as four hours from Gawler. Trucks varied in size from the 1000 litre vehicle from Warooka to the more common unit, which is the 3000 litre vehicle. All vehicles are radio equipped and are complete fire fighting units irrespective of size.
Some towns only have a four wheel drive vehicle with a small tank and pump on the tray top.
Places like Ceduna, on the far west coast and the only fire fighting unit for hundreds of square miles, have several trucks and a Command and Control vehicle. Irrespective of the size of the Brigade, the personnel are just as dedicated and are often required to leave their place of work to attend any emergency. Sometimes, this may involve a person who actually owns the property on which the fire is raging. Australia has many bushfires each year, although recently they have been re-named Wildfires. It can be a very serious situation and each year lives are lost and much property destroyed including homes, out buildings, stock and fencing.