Fighting fires

Working on remote sites in the heat of a North West WA summer can present unique challenges and risks so it is great to hear when a team bands together to overcome these.  

On a Tuesday in January, one of our teams working received an urgent call from our customer reporting multiple bush fires across the site. Swiftly responding to the call for help, the team mustered at camp, the designated safe zone.  

Recognising the gravity of the situation, our customer requested the assistance of Monadelphous' three water carts. Positioned strategically around the camp, these carts were ready to combat the encroaching flames, highlighting our team's foresight and preparedness. 

Project Manager Aaron Ford said the fires intensified later that day, triggering a rapid response by personnel.  

“Everyone was sent to their rooms and advised not to leave until further notice,” he said. 

“The fire's proximity demanded additional precautions, with people instructed to wet towels and cover drains to mitigate the potential risk of smoke exposure – everyone responded calmly and looked out for one another to keep each other safe.” 

It wasn't until 1.30 am that night that the alarm ceased.  

During the briefing the following day, our team was commended for swiftly supplying water carts and for their exemplary conduct during the emergency. 

Thanks to a great effort from emergency services, work resumed safely on Saturday. However, our team was tested again when another fire occurred later that day. They were quick to respond again as they swiftly mobilised all three water carts once again to help extinguish the flames, using over 55,000 litres of water.  

Aaron said the team must be commended for their efforts and response to the threat. 

"This event really showed our personnel demonstrating our core values, in particular their commitment to teamwork and safety," Aaron said. 

"The team’s response is a powerful example of collaboration and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges."