DELAMERE - In the wake of the Delamere/Parawa fires last Friday, it has been revealed that a communication breakdown on the Government Radio Network almost spelled disaster for both regions.
Fires in Parawa and Delamere broke out at approximately 10.30am after lighting strikes hit the region.
There was also a small fire in Rapid Bay, which was quickly contained by the public.
The Parawa fire burnt through nine hectares of forest reserve, while the Delamere fire burnt 20 hectares of farmland, threatening a number of properties.
Due to heavy usage of the radio network during the Stage Four of the Tour Down Under on the same day, relaying fire information became "extremely difficult" according to Group Officer for the Southern Fleurieu CFS Group Greg Crawford.
"There were 70 'busy's' (lines in use) in three quarters of an hour," he said.
"We couldn't communicate and get situation reports from headquarters to know what was happening. It was very frustrating.
"Headquarter s in Mount Barker were wanting to know what was going on, forward control at the fire couldn't get the information back to the Southern Fleurieu base, for us to then relay (the information) on to Mount Barker to let them know."
The breakdown in communication between ground crew and aerial support also saw delays in water drops on selected targets.
Mr Crawford said that if it was not for the quick thinking of the CFS, who utilised back-burning and the air support the situation could have been disastrous.
"We were stretched to the limit, the Tour Down Under was on and we had no priority, it was extremely difficult," he said.
"If it was not for the support of the (water) bomber planes and the helicopters, things could've been a lot worse."
Both fires were contained at 3.30pm by local and regional crews.
Adding to the situation was the lack of basic facilities at the Delamere Fire shed.
Lacking toilet and kitchen facilities, volunteers struggled to cater for the CFS brigade and were forced to use the nearby general store's kitchen to prepare meals.
Mr Crawford said the Delamere CFS has been lobbying for an upgrade of the shed for years but after funding cuts, the upgrade became no more than a dream.
However, a possible plan to combine the Delamere Station with the Second Valley CFS could see a new two bay shed and upgraded facilities for the fire fighting volunteers.
Member for Finniss Michael Pengilly shed light on the poor facilities after visiting the Delamere fire shed and finding the conditions to be less than satisfactory.
"The growing number of rural residences and families coupled with an inadequate station are a recipe for future chaos," he said.
Mr Pengilly said he plans to write to the emergency services minister seeking a more suitable facility for Delamere to aid and assist Country Fire Service volunteers in the region.
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