Sunbury residents whose houses were threatened by a deliberately lit blaze on Christmas Day have gone out of their way to thank CFA volunteers.
Firefighters were part way through a brigade meeting at Sunbury’s CFA headquarters last Monday night when residents of Settlers Way arrived to praise members for their quick response.
‘‘These residents shared details of their close encounter but also expressed comfort in knowing that, over the following days as trees reignited, seeing the flashing blue and red lights of CFA trucks … made them feel safe,’’ a post on Sunbury CFA’s official Facebook page says.
‘‘To these residents, you may think your expression of gratitude is insignificant, but it’s not. As you exited the room, it was quite evident that your words touched us all and we thank you for taking the time to come by.’’
Sunbury duty officer Rick Flood said the visit was appreciated by CFA staff.
‘‘[Firefighters] weren’t worried about missing Christmas Day lunch – they were just doing their jobs,” he said. “But it’s nice to be acknowledged.’’
Sunbury man Stuart Dean Robson, 47, this month faced 13 charges in Melbourne Magistrates Court relating to fires lit in the Sunbury area on December 25, 28 and 29.
Police allege Robson lit the Christmas Day fire that burned through 100 hectares of grassland. Robson was remanded in custody with his case due to return to court in March.
