‘Mates standing with mates’: Big job feeding fatigued firies

Firefighters slogging it out on the frontline in the Gold Coast hinterland have been bolstered by about 2000 meals provided by the Rapid Relief Team (RRT)

FIREFIGHTERS slogging it out on the frontline in the Gold Coast hinterland have been bolstered by about 2000 meals provided by the Rapid Relief Team (RRT).

Up to 15 workers from the charitable arm of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church have been providing meals for crews since Wednesday.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) asked the team to help fuel the firefighting effort in the Scenic Rim and they gladly complied.

Rapid Relief Team (RRT) state team leader Daryl Muller and his volunteers feeding firefighters at Canungra Sports and Recreation Ground. Picture: Luke Mortimer

State team leader Daryl Muller said the RRT had to bump the number of workers up from about seven to 15 over the last couple of days as more firefighters arrived from out of town to back local brigades.

“A lot more resources were pulled in and we had to upscale accordingly,” Mr Muller said.

“We’re basically going day by day at this stage.

“We’ve been asked to stay to Sunday night, however, it certainly looks like the situation’s continuing and we’re here to provide support when it’s needed.

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“A good feed will keep them going and that’s what the Rapid Relief Team is all about.”

Mr Muller said the firefighters were evidently under “a lot of stress”.

Fatigued firefighters take a rest after battling the Hinterland blaze for four days. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“We’re just mates standing with mates, giving them a helping hand,” he said.

“They’ve obviously seen some things out there, nasty sights with homes getting lost.

“We just want to give them a refuge to relax and rewind. Give them a smile and a few kind words.

“The RFS guys, you can definitely see that they’re coming back from 10-12 hour shifts.”

The RRT has been loading up trucks with supplies as well.

“Some of the places where they’re going, it’s really hard to get food out to them and we’re providing meal packs for the trucks,” Mr Muller said.

Firefighters have been working overtime to protect people. properties and animals. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“Every truck that goes out we give them a pack that’s enough for four guys. Just to keep them going.

“Up until now I reckon we’ve served about 2000 meals.”

Firefighters have eaten bacon and egg burgers for breakfast and meatball subs for dinner, for example.

RRT operates across Australia and the world.