LONG days and longer nights are punctuating the efforts being put in by Leeton Fire and Rescue NSW during the ongoing bushfire crisis.
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The Leeton brigade has been part of 10 strike teams which have assisted throughout the devastating fires, with the first firefighters sent to the fire zones as early as September last year.
Since then the brigade as been involved with deployments that have seen them sent to Glen Innes, Ballina, Lithgow, the Hawkesbury region, Eden and more.
Leeton Fire and Rescue Deputy Captain Kirk Walker was part of a team from Leeton and the wider region who was on the frontline from Boxing Day up until their return home on January 3.
That particular team spent a large chunk of their time protecting the Jenolan Caves and the Jenolan township.
The caves were saved, but the Jenolan Rural Fire Service shed and three cottages were lost during the blaze despite their best efforts.
Across all of the fire zones, Leeton's team members have been involved with property protection, mopping up, logistics and much more.
A team returned home on Tuesday from Eden on the South Coast, while another left for that exact destination on Monday morning and have been working on the wood chip blaze there.
"While at Jenolan we lost our communications, there were blackouts, so they are all things you're having to contend with as well," Mr Walker said.
"There were long days and nights ... you can see and hear the gratitude when you talk to people there. They are really appreciative."
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Mr Walker said Fire and Rescue NSW team members were well equipped when it came to training and equipment while fighting these fires.
Many times they are part of a team made up people from across the region they've never met or worked with before.
"Credit to the Fire and Rescue as everyone is well trained and well-drilled, so we all work well together ... you do end up forming friendships as well," Mr Walker said.
Rural Fire Service volunteers from across Leeton shire and the MIA also continue to be on the fire front, with many emergency services workers from the are also helping out.
The Leeton Volunteer Rescue Association has been on the ground at the Dunns Road fire since New Year's Day, impacting towns such as Batlow, Adelong, Tumut and Talbingo.
Those volunteers have been providing logistical and welfare support.
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