ABOUT 20 cars are getting packed and loaded in preparation for the inaugural Country Fire Service Fire Trail, which departs from Adelaide to the Flinders Ranges this Friday, September 30.
The car rally is expected to raise more than $30,000 for the CFS Foundation, which provides financial assistance to CFS volunteers and their families who have suffered through death, injury loss or damage of property while in the line of service.
Chair of the Fire Trail Taskforce Kristian Appelt said, like many South Australians, he is in awe of the bravery shown by CFS volunteers in the emergency situations they encounter throughout the year.
“During the fire danger season, which is just around the corner, CFS volunteers undertake rigorous training and are on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to join their brigade and protect their community from bushfires,” he said.
“However, while ensuring the safety and survival of others, CFS volunteers are often the victims of bushfires themselves.
“CFS volunteers have lost their own homes and vehicles to fires, and sadly in recent years fire fighters have been severely injured and have died while in the line of duty.
“The CFS Foundation exists solely to support CFS volunteers in their time of need.”
Mr Appelt said the trip would take in some of the state’s most spectacular scenery, which includes regions recently devastated by bushfires, such as Freeling.
“Many teams may be visiting country SA for the first time, so I hope they can appreciate the natural beauty of our state and that their experiences along the way encourage them to visit again,” he said.
The trip will include stops at Peterborough, Quorn, Brinkworth and Mallala, as well as a chance to watch the AFL grand final at Burra.
There will also be a variety of activities organised across the three days to ensure everyone is entertained, including a lunch at Burra on Saturday to watch the AFL Grand Final.
Details: firetrail.org.au