The five firefighters were advancing through a creek crossing to extinquish spot fires when their truck became marooned.
After trying in vain to free the vehicle, Captain Holmes made the wise decision to withdraw his crew on foot.
"My main priority was the crew, I justed wanted to get them off the truck and get them to safety. As we've been taught, our personal safety is more important." Captain Holmes said.
"The truck is replaceable, the crew isn't, that's how we looked at it [immediately after the event]."
The truck was extensively damaged by fire and is being assessed by District 7 Mechanical Officers.
A replacement tanker has been supplied to Garnawarre Brigade in the interim.
District 7 Operations Manager Gerry Verdoorn praised the actions of Captain Holmes and his crew.
"[Monday] was a day which highlighted grass fires burn very quick and very hot, and while [the Gnarwarre crew] were unfortunate to get stuck, they did all the right things, followed all the right procedures and the crew's safety was paramount, so we're very proud of how they behaved."
The incident highlights the increased emphasis placed on burnover drills, recently implemented by Chief Officer Euan Ferguson.
Every operational fire fighter within CFA is now required to successfully complete the drill annually.
Images & video by Keith Pakenham CFA Strategic Communications
News footage courtesy Channel 10
Subscribe to this comment's feed
