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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Elliot Williams

Queanbeyan firefighters head north to help battle NSW fires

At 18 years of age Bridget Macleod is the youngest volunteer to put her hand up to travel from Queanbeyan and head into some of the worst fire conditions ever seen in Australia.

But, like all her fellow volunteer firefighters, she just wants to help those in need.

Deputy Captain of the Carwoola rural fire brigade Lewis Conn and volunteer firefighter Bridget Macleod, wait for the bus to take them on assignment to fight the fires in northern NSW near Port Macquarie. Picture: Karleen Minney

After a group of almost 30 Queanbeyan-based volunteers spent the week helping their northern NSW counterparts fight deadly bushfires another group left on Tuesday to offer some respite.

The 29-strong brigade headed to the devastated community of Wauchope to help combat the "unprecedented" fires.

Ms Macleod has only been part of the rural fire service for 18 months and admitted she was scared about heading into the dangerous situation.

"I know it will be horrendous, heartbreaking and terrifying," Ms Macleod said.

"But I've got a good crew and support network, I'm with good people and I know I'm capable."

It would be by far the biggest fire she's experienced fighting and she hoped it would stay that way.

Queanbeyan firefighters all smiles as they prepare to fight the fires in northern NSW near Port Macquarie. Picture: Karleen Minney

An art student in everyday life, Ms Mcleod has relatives in Port Macquarie and said she volunteered to be able to help people that were suffering with the fires.

Joining Ms Mcleod and the rest of the crew will be Lewis Conn who is deputy captain of the Carwoola rural fire brigade.

He has been a volunteer firefighter since 1998 and recalled having to leave his graduate job in the public service on just his third day to fight the 2003 Canberra bushfires.

But despite experience in some massive fires, including Carwoola in 2017, Mr Conn said these fires appeared more extreme than anything he's been to.

"They're just so big and inaccessible," he said.

"These conditions are when it is really crazy, it is a scary situation."

He said during the Carwoola fire crews were really appreciative for the help they received from volunteers who travelled from Sydney, the south coast and other parts of NSW.

It was a nice feeling to be able return that favour by helping with these fires, he said.

He also thanked the employers and families of volunteers who supported their efforts by approving leave from work and picking up the slack at home so they could go and help.

The crew from Queanbeyan are expected to battle the fires for most of the week before returning on Saturday.

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