A Black Hawk aerial firebombing chopper and the Naracoorte Swimming Lake were valuable resources during a major firefighting operation near Repeater Station, outside of town last week.

It took 21 fire trucks, 120 firefighters, and seven firefighting aircraft almost 20 hours to contain the bushfire that started on March 6.

The Naracoorte Swimming Lake was also used by the Black Hawk aerial firefighting chopper to assist CFS in gathering water.

People flocked to the lake when the helicopter flew in to use its water and help fight the bushfire.

Many people in the district took to social media to express their gratitude to the firefighting crew, with a Facebook user saying, “the swimming lake has paid for itself today”.

CFS confirmed the bushfire burned through scrub in an easterly direction towards Repeater Station Rd, Martins Rd, Valley View Rd and Wild Dog Valley Rd.

While no reported damage to assets or properties was received, the fire that was first reported at 1.30pm burned 20 hectares of scrub.

The CFS crew worked throughout the night on the fire and received assistance from replacement crews from across the region the next day to monitor and strengthen the containment lines.

Expressing his gratitude to the firefighting crew, a local Facebook user wrote: “wow, how fortunate to have such talented people and amazing resources helping to protect our rural communities”.

“Thank you to everyone at Naracoorte CFS Brigade, SA Police, and air support crew that helped fight the fire, as well as those who stayed overnight to keep the fire contained,” another Facebook user posted.

CFS has requested the public to report to 000 if they see any active fires without crews in attendance.

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.