Local Fire and Rescue NSW crews had a number of “close calls” with motorists while fighting a fire on the side of the Princes Highway at Meroo Meadow on Sunday morning.
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Nowra captain John Dun has urged motorists to take care around emergency vehicles after a number of motorists came within metres of firefighters battling the grass fire while traveling around 100km/h.
Around 10.10am crews from Nowra and Shoalhaven were called to the intersection of the Princes Highway and Meroo Road, after reports a grass section of the road verge was on fire.
Fourteen personnel from Nowra pumper 405, cafs tanker 405 and Shoalhaven pumper 440, took around 10 minutes to extinguish the fire in kikuyu grass but not before an area around 60 metres long and 30 metres wide was burnt out.
With a moderate westerly wind at the time, crews took around another three quarters of an hour to completely blacken out the fire.
Captain Dun said said while most motorists were respectful of fire crews and their efforts, a number of motorists drove through the area, which was shrouded in smoke, at the sign posted 100km/h speed limit.
“We didn’t shut the Princes Highway,” he said “we were able to keep the traffic flowing, but a number of motorists drove at speed past firefighters.
“We were working on the side of the road and despite our best efforts with demarcation signage and our pumpers having flashing lights on, some drivers sped through the area.
“At stages it was dangerous for crews. We were working under hazardous conditions and kept the highway open so to not inconvenience anyone.
“There was a lot of smoke in the area and most motorists slowed down, but a few drivers came pretty close, within metres, of firefighters.”
He pleaded with motorists to slow down around emergency vehicles.
“There is no law regarding speed limits around emergency vehicles in NSW,” he said.
“There are such laws in South Australia. But we ask motorists to please take care around fire crews or any emergency services while they are working on or dealing with emergency situations.”
Captain Dun said it was surprising how well the long grass had burnt considering the time of the year.