Volunteers aiding firefighters in South Australia's southeast

Volunteer firefighters are helping small towns in South Australia's south-east combat bushfires. These volunteers travelled over 1,000 kilometres to provide support during this challenging time. At a makeshift base camp in Naracoorte, more than 100 volunteers gather early each morning. They start their day with cooking bacon and eggs, creating a positive atmosphere despite the hard work ahead. Pia Douglass, a volunteer from Ceduna, expressed her passion for helping others. She believes in being part of the community and supporting those in need. The Salvation Army provides meals for the volunteers, ensuring they are well-fed. A recent fire, named the Fox fire, burned about 650 hectares before being contained. Firefighters plan to stay in the area to fully extinguish it. Port Lincoln CFS brigade captain Greg Napier shared how volunteering fosters friendships among firefighters. Many volunteers reconnect at different firefighting events, sharing stories and experiences over the years. Other support services are present at the camp, including the State Emergency Service and St John Ambulance for first aid. Volunteers sleep in tents or in local buildings on stretcher beds. The efforts to keep their spirits high include small surprises, like hiding candy in meals. Response coordinator Reno Elms described how grateful the volunteers are for the support they receive. Little acts of kindness can greatly boost morale, making all the hard work feel appreciated.