For the second Saturday afternoon in a row, Edithvale volunteers, supported by Patterson River staff, were called to a fire at opposite ends of the same street in Aspendale Gardens.
The large column of thick black smoke and several explosions resulted in several calls being received by ESTA and immediate identification of a going fire for responding crews. Upon arrival, fire-fighters were confronted with a large caravan in the rear yard of the Aspendale Gardens property fully involved in fire with a significant number of onlookers.
Quick action by crews spending their Valentine's Day afternoon in breathing apparatus and fighting the blaze stopped it spreading to neighbouring properties and contained the fire to only minor damage to the rear pergola and garden areas of the property involving the caravan.
Edithvale Captain Graham Fountain said, "the owners had only recently taken possession of the large caravan a week ago and were in the process of fitting it out when the blaze occurred."
"Whilst the $75,000 caravan and contents were a total loss, firefighters did a great job to minimise exposure damage which could have spread into the double-storey property and neighbouring properties, especially if the LPG gas cylinders fitted to the caravan had vented or exploded. We were extremely lucky that whilst it was a hot afternoon there was no wind to spread the fire into the property itself," Graham said.
This is a timely reminder to consider the location of caravans, their proper operation and adequate insurance when first taking possession of this type of major asset.
Edithvale Pumper, Tanker, Salvage and Car as well as Patterson River Pumper and approximately 20 fire-fighters attended the blaze.
Author: Peter Tripp