Controlled Burn Got Out of Hand

A controlled burn that, well got out of control, saw over 60,000 litres of water used to put it out.

The fire, near Mill Road, Greeba on Saturday, was reported at about 3pm.

Upon arrival the attending Junior Officer identified that the fire had been caused as a result of a controlled burn that was no longer under control.

In total, 30 firefighters from three stations, two police officers, over 60,000 litres of water, two off-road appliances, a portable dam, a water bowser and eight beaters were used to bring the fire under control.

The fire service said: ‘Aside from the expense that this costs the taxpayer, all of these resources were tied up and unavailable for other emergency responses for six hours. And let’s not forget the extra pressure on the ESJCR staff who have to coordinate all these assets as well as dealing with the many other emergency calls that happen at the same time.