NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Emergency Management, Peter Thurtell APM visited the Duck Creek fire ground last Wednesday following the devastating blaze which swept through Pilliga Forest last year.
Dep Com Thurtell was joined by Officer-in-Charge of the Narrabri Sector, Chief Inspector Robert Dunn, during the tour of the district.
While in Narrabri, Dep Com Thurtell met with police and key stakeholders who worked on the bushfire, including members of the Local Emergency Management Committee.
Bohena Pet Motel, which narrowly avoided devastation during last year’s fire, was also visited by the Deputy Commissioner.
The blaze stopped at the fenceline of the property, owned by Danny and Vicki Allan.
“It was good that the Deputy Commissioner came out, had a look and talked to us,” Mr Allan said.
In the 17 years of operating the pet motel, and 20 years of owning the property, it is the first time the couple has experienced a fire so close.
While the fire was still a good distance away, Mrs Allan made the decision to evacuate the pets and was able to find support from customers and their families.
The pets unable to be temporarily re-homed were cared for by Stacey Dunn and the team at Allpets Veterinary Clinic.
Mr Allan was full of praise for the community support they received during the fire.
“We know when you’re living in a small community with how much support you get,” Mr Allan said.
“It still gets me.”
Once the pets were evacuated, the Allans’ efforts turned to defending their property located near the Newell Highway.
Mr Allan was equally as glowing in his praise for the Rural Fire Service and their continued efforts.
“They patrolled the area for weeks,” he said.
Mr Allan said the work on the fire ground continued well beyond the smoke disappearing, something some people might not realise.
“There was still a lot of work to do,” he said.
While in Narrabri, Deputy Commissioner Emergency Management Peter Thurtell APM met with local police. Pictured, Dep Com Thurtell, Detective Senior Constable Jason Dickinson, Acting Assistant Commissioner Kylie Endemi, Constable Ben Dawson, Constable Molly Borger, Chief Inspector Robert Dunn, Inspector Jackie Barlow, Senior Constable Ben Stride and Acting Sergeant Ajarna Imrie.
