NSW Bushfires: WIRES desperate for more volunteers
A lucky possum saved from incineration during the Gospers Mountain fire is among hundreds in the care of WIRES Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains branches. But the demand is taking its toll on volunteers.
The Blue Mountains News
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A lucky possum saved from incineration during the Gospers Mountain fire is among hundreds of animals currently in the care of WIRES Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains branches.
But looking after these often badly injured animals — who can sometimes die in care — is taking a huge toll on the services’ 80 to 100 local volunteers.
The branches are in dire need of more volunteers to “take some of the weight off” during this ongoing fire emergency, WIRES’ spokeswoman told The Blue Mountains News.
“The toll on the carers is just unbelievable at the moment; they’re seeing horrific things,” she said.
“A lot of the animals are already being transferred out of the area to provide some additional support.”
In December the national wildlife rescue service received an unprecedented 20,000 calls for assistance due to bushfires, and the calls keep coming in.
Blue Mountains-Hawkesbury WIRES carers have been run off their feet looking after injured flying foxes, sugar gliders, koalas, wallabies, blue tongue lizards, native birds and possums — among them is ‘Possy the Possum’, who is very lucky to still be alive.
Orchard Hills Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers found Possy locked in a pen that was on fire in Kurrajong Heights on December 21.
Crews had been called to the area to help fight the Gospers bushfire bearing down on the small ridgetop suburb.
They were protecting property when they spotted a badly-burnt Possy who they took to the North Richmond Veterinary Hospital to be treated.
“We are so relieved to share with you that Possy, against the odds, is doing well and is due to be released once the area he was rescued from is safe,” a rescuer posted to the Orchard Hills RFS page on Saturday.
“After losing two of our (RFS) brothers so tragically that week, Possy was more than just a possum.”
North Richmond Veterinary Hospital sent Possy to Hawkesbury WIRES after treatment.
Possy will go back to the animal hospital once well enough to be released back into the wild.
However the road to recovery is not a short one, WIRES’ spokeswoman told The News.
“It takes many months for an animal to get over a burn or heat situation,” she said.
“It’s just amazing how many people have put their hand up to help, but we can never have enough (volunteers) of course,” she said.
People interested in volunteering with WIRES can sign up for a free online community course while waiting for workshops to be offered.
WIRES
- WIRES Hawkesbury branch looks after all wildlife in the Hawkesbury region including Richmond, Bowen Mountain, Kurrajong, Freemans Reach, Windsor, Pitt Town and surrounds.
- WIRES rescue hotline: 1300 094 737.
- To get involved, visit wires.org.au/training. Or to donate, visit wires.org.au/donate/online.
- For information directly related to fire activity please contact the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.