18 Mar 2019
Evoenergy has donated head torches to the Community Fire Unit (CFU), part of Emergency Services Australia, to say thanks for their ongoing commitment to bushfire management in the ACT and surrounding regions.
“Many Evoenergy (formerly ActewAGL) employees were involved in helping restore the Canberra electricity and gas network after the Canberra bushfires in 2003, when 52 of Canberra's 123 suburbs had power services disrupted, leaving 37,500 customers without electricity and 6,500 without gas,” said Evoenergy Works Delivery Branch Manager Clinton McAlister.
“Recently we held a BBQ to raise money to purchase fire-resistant head torches for the CFU, to help them provide support during times of low visibility.
“We understand the importance of all emergency services working together to best support this city in times of need. These head torches are just a small gesture to acknowledging the important work of the CFU volunteers.”
ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) service is supported by the CFU program, which has been operating in Canberra since 2003 and grown to more than 800 volunteers, distributed over 51 operational areas that are classed as Bushfire Prone Areas due to close proximity to bush or grassland.
CFU volunteers are residents primarily living in bushfire prone areas, who have put their hand up to protect their immediate neighbourhood, and to support ACTF&R in the event of a fire impacting urban land.
“Volunteers are trained and equipped to protect their unit area during a bushfire,” said CFU Co-ordinator Tony Wiggan, “Our members are provided with training in the safe use of firefighting equipment prior to being an active member with a focus on bushfire education, prevention and preparation.
“I would like to thank Evoenergy for their dedication to bushfire prevention in the ACT and for thinking of the volunteers who give their time to keeping this city safe.”
ACTF&R is always looking for new CFU volunteers to join the program in their local area. For more information visit: http://esa.act.gov.au/actfr/community-fire-units/introduction-to-actfr-cfu-program/
Evoenergy