Volunteers from the Rural Fire Service (RFS) on the mid north coast of New South Wales are feeling devastated after over $30,000 worth of firefighting equipment was stolen.
The Coolongolook RFS volunteers made this unfortunate discovery on Sunday while responding to a crash on the Pacific Highway.
Upon arriving at the station, Captain Andy Gilbert found that thieves had broken into the building as well as a truck parked nearby.
“They took a lot of our equipment from the truck, including radios and hoses that we rely on regularly,” he stated. “It’s truly heartbreaking.”
Wheelie Bin Used in Theft
The missing equipment included chainsaws, UHF radios, firefighting hoses, breathing masks, and specialized tools intended for car rescues.
Also taken were an air compressor and a pressure washer, both donated to the station in August.
Upon investigation, Mr. Gilbert was puzzled about how the thieves managed to transport such a large amount of equipment until he realized the station’s yellow recycling bin was also missing.
“We thought, ‘Wait a minute, our wheelie bin is gone,’” he recounted. The bin was later found in nearby grassland, suggesting it may have been used to carry the stolen items to a parked vehicle.
Community in Jeopardy Due to ‘Selfish Act’
Mr. Gilbert mentioned the incident has shaken the brigade, already stressed from battling a severe fire at Bulahdelah where a firefighter lost their life.
“It was hard on all the crews; it felt pretty intense,” he reflected. The theft has diminished the brigade’s ability to handle emergencies during the peak summer wildfire season.
“Some crucial tools were taken, affecting our capacity to assist trapped individuals in vehicles. This selfish act has significantly increased risks for the Coolongolook community.”
