Lower Hunter Firefighter Neil Mutton describes it as the worst bushfire season he has ever seen.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) member of 42 years says the 2019/20 campaign was “a hectic and constant” time.
“You never knew where you were going,” he says.
“We thought we had had it bad, but last year topped it.
“Basically, most of the fires we went to we did nothing but property protection, you couldn’t put it out, so, all you could do was protect the assets.
“We just had to look after life and property.”
He adds that it got to the point where he and his wife, Alison, a volunteer of 30-odd years, always had an overnight bag ready to go wherever they were needed.
As Group Captain for the Lower Hunter, Mr Mutton offers leadership and advice to seven brigades across the region.
While it doesn’t come without its challenges, he says being a part of the RFS has led to some of the best experiences he’s ever had.
“You meet so many interesting people,” he says.
“The interesting thing about it is you can go on a fire ground and not know if you’re talking to a barrister, a doctor, or a pensioner.”
The 60-year-old became a part of the service because he was, as he puts it, in “the wrong place at the wrong time”.
“I was actually getting my ute checked for registration and the fella that was doing it said: ‘Come and help us put out a fire and I’ll get the job done quicker,’” he says.
“From that day on I have been there ever since.”
Then his wife Alison “married into it” and their two children grew up knowing mum and dad were helping the community.
In 2018, Mr Mutton was lucky enough to be nominated in the Queen’s Honours list for an Australian Fire Service Medal.
“That blew me over,” he says.
“I had to go to Government House to receive the medal from his excellency David Hurley.
“That would be the highlight of it all.
“We had afternoon tea on the lawn, and it hit home what it all meant. It was something I won’t forget.”
Mr Mutton is hopeful that this year’s fire season will be better than the last.
“It’s a little bit unknown at the moment,” he says.
“But [I am hopeful] it won’t be anywhere near as bad as what we have had.”
Mr Mutton believes the prediction for a wetter than normal season and access to water in dams will help in any fights they face.
RFS District Manager for the Lower Hunter Martin Siemsen says he wants the community to be prepared for what may come.
According to Mr Siemsen, one of the most important steps in preparation is developing a Bushfire Survival Plan.
“Be prepared, make sure you have had a talk with your family, and everyone knows what actions are in the Bushfire Survival Plan,” he says.
“Keep up-to-date and download the Fires Near Me App or visit the NSW RFS website.
“Know and understand the bushfire warnings and alerts system – this will help you understand what action you need to take in the event of a bushfire near you.”
Go to the RFS website for more information and updates about the bushfire season.
For more stories like this:
