by Lucy Andrews, WIRES
WIRES gained valuable
‘bushfire’ experience during the devastating bush fires of 1994 so when the
fires started in December last year we were able to act immediately. WIRES has been a part
of the NSW Government’s State Emergency Plan since 1994, our involvement is in
conducting search and rescue efforts for wildlife in bushfire affected areas.
We were involved in a search and rescue operation in the Pilliga State Forest, which
contained what is reputed to be the largest known fire in Australian recorded history -
over 240,000 hectares of scrub land were burnt over a 3 week period, at a rate of 12
football fields per minute!!! This area was well known as pristine koala habitat,
supporting some 1000 koalas.
WIRES rescuers retrieved numerous koalas along with several other animals including
swamp wallabies and reptiles. Sadly, some 200 dead kangaroos and numerous koalas, reptiles
and birds were sighted by the searchers.
• If a fire hits an area you walk in, here’s how you can help;
• Leave water in a protected area, away from predators such as dogs, cats and
foxes.
• Always pick up rubbish on the side of the roads around the area.
Call WIRES if you find a sick, injured or burnt native animal. If there is a vet nearby
take it there immediately, they can then call WIRES after initial treatment has been
administered.
Many animals come into WIRES care in the months after a fire, as they face stress from
habitat loss, starvation, feral animals, lack of shelter and competition for territory.
It’s a time we need your support most.
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Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible. Please send your donation to
WIRES, PO Box 260, Forestville 2087