Very true ianjb; there's a lot people don't understand; but I don't believe ANYONE should be questioning the intentions of the RFS and their loyal volunteers.
We are bloody lucky to have them, and they very nearly lost a crew in Winmallee as I understand it.
There were a few very big mistakes made with regard to the loss of control after the hazard reduction.
A couple of mates hold fairly senior ranks in the Mountains, and were surprised at the slow response to the flare up; one even decided to have his crews on standby AT the shed 2 hours prior to receiving their first page.
He made his judgement based on what he could hear on his home scanner.
There is also an app for iPhone & android that you can listen to the RFS channel if people are interested; I'll see if I can dig it up.
There has been a lot of "back slapping" in the aftermath, but there are a bunch of RFS people that think it definitely shouldn't have gotten as bad as it did.
They were caught completely flat footed by the abrupt change in conditions.
Also Tim, I have been watching with increasing frustration your apparently inflammatory posts in various areas of the forum.
You are clearly an intelligent individual; so I am at a complete loss as to why you go around and stir up unnecessary trouble in some excellent threads.
Then, when people call you on it; you seem to feign innocence and either go on the attack, or try to divert attention from your comments.
I'm all for a bit of shit stirring, and I'm often in it up to my armpits; but can I suggest that whether or not it is your intent, you have a little more of a think.
People are not yet familiar with you and your sense of humour, and frankly, right now; you're coming off like a bit of a prick.
I'm sure you're not, and I believe you have a tonne to offer, but a lot of it is getting lost in translation right now.
I don't want this to turn into a gang up or anything; so if anyone thinks I'm being presumptuous, let me know & I'll delete.
Cheers, Dale.