Pride of Australia: Dane Green’s courage forged in flames too close for comfort

AS FIRE marched across North Stradbroke Island, sending campers and residents scattering, this man helped hold the line.

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FOR two weeks, Dane Green fought for his home.

Breathing through smoke in searing 42C temperatures, the 25-year-old auxiliary firefighter worked around the clock to help save North Stradbroke Island.

As the fire engulfed 60 per cent of the island in January, the local fought the blaze for more than 10 hours a day to protect hundreds of homes.

At one point, he became stuck – tangled in vines – as flames marched toward him.

“It took me a little bit to get out of it and get untangled … long enough for the fire to build less than a metre (away),” he said.

Mr Green said that the fire was the “hardest and longest” that he had fought in seven years on the job.

Mr Green has been nominated for the 2014 Pride of Australia medal in the category of heroism, which recognises a member of the SES, police, fire, ambulance, coastguard, defence forces or air rescue service who have gone beyond the call of duty to protect the community.

When told that he had been nominated, Mr Green said he felt “humbled”.

Remembering those two weeks in January when the blaze was sparked by a lightning strike, he said: “It was exhausting.

“It was hot.

“We had a couple of days where it was up to 42 degrees, plus the heat of the fire and all the gear.”

Mr Green told how the fire front had marched forward, with wind fanning the flames, throwing the blaze “all over the place”.

He still thinks about the fire today – particularly his joy at fat rain drops “belting down” and, effectively, stopping the blaze in its tracks.

“As the storm rolled in, you could see the fire glowing in the clouds,” he said.

“It was the biggest relief. Everyone was really happy.”

The January North Stradbroke Island fire from the air. Picture: Angie Simms

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised by the community for their unsung deeds? There are multiple Pride of Australia categories in which to nominate outstanding contributions. More info here

Award nominations are open.

OUTSTANDING BRAVERY MEDAL

For an Australian, or group of Australians, who, through their act/s of bravery, helped save or attempted to save a life/lives.

COURAGE MEDAL

For an Australian, who through his or her act/s of courage have overcome personal adversity through determination and strength of character.

HEROISM MEDAL

To recognise a member or members (professional or volunteer) of the SES, police, fire, ambulance, coastguard, defence forces, air rescue service who have gone beyond the call of duty to protect the community.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT MEDAL

To recognise an individual or a group whose selfless, tireless and largely unacknowledged actions have enriched the lives of those around them in their community.

CHILD OF COURAGE MEDAL

A child 16 years or under who has helped save, or attempted to save, the life of another or overcome personal adversity through determination and strength of character, allowing them to improve the quality of not only their lives, but also those around them.

YOUNG LEADER MEDAL

A person under 25 years who has advanced a community, or will advance a community, through academic or personal endeavours.

CARE AND COMPASSION MEDAL

To recognise a professional or volunteer carer or group, or a member of the health professions who has made a significant improvement to the lives of those around them.

INSPIRATION MEDAL

To recognise a member of our teaching professions from early childhood to university education or a role model whose compassion and wisdom while teaching, coaching and mentoring our youth has been truly inspiring.

ENVIRONMENT MEDAL

For an Australian or a group of Australians who have demonstrated community leadership in the development and delivery of any of the following: responsible environmental practices (reducing environmental footprint), action to enhance the natural environment (clean air, clean water, clean spaces) or leadership in educating others on what they can do to enhance the natural environment.

FAIR GO MEDAL

For an Australian permanent resident or citizen, born overseas, who has enriched Australia through their community involvement, hard work and willingness to embrace their new home.