Brigades join forces for late firefighter

Bush fire brigades in Albany are joining forces on Sunday to raise money for the family of the late firefighter Wendy Bearfoot, who died from burns suffered in the Two Peoples Bay fire on October 12.

The Fight for Firefighters Fundraiser will also raise funds for Mrs Bearfoot’s colleagues who were injured in the same fire. South Coast Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade Station will host the open day, with a fundraising target of $10,000.

Mrs Bearfoot, a Department of Environment and Conservation firefighter, died in Royal Perth Hospital on November 1, with burns to 76 per cent of her body.

Her 24-year-old female colleague suffered burns to 17 per cent of her body and four male firefighters had minor burns and smoke inhalation.

Brigade captain Darren Prior said the day would feature a vehicle rescue demonstration, where they would peel the roof off the car with the jaws of life.

“There will also be a hot fire demonstration, we will light a vehicle up and go and put it out,” he said.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services will do a chip fire simulation on a stove, with participants to put out the flames with a fire blanket.

Also featured at the fundraiser will be a silent auction, bouncy castle, kids’ activity area, stalls, raffle, sausage sizzle, tea, coffee, sandwiches and fairy floss.

The open day will be from 9am to 4pm. Visit www.southcoastfire.com.au and click the “Fight for Fire Fighters” link to donate.