Fire fighting made easier at Cape Bridgewater

Cape Bridgewater's dedicated volunteer fire brigade has received a boost this summer thanks to local resident Barry Wilson and Pacific Hydro.

A dam located on Mr Wilson's property which was used during the construction of the recently completed Cape Bridgewater Wind Farm has now been made available to the CFA for fire fighting purposes.

A solar powered bore has been installed at the dam to ensure that the water source is kept topped up and ready for use in the event of a fire.

The Cape Bridgewater Fire Brigade has welcomed the new resource which is closer to the cape than the existing water source at the Bridgewater Lakes and far easier to access, potentially reducing response times in the event of a fire.

Pacific Hydro's Manager of Government and Corporate Affairs Andrew Richards said the company was pleased to be able to assist the Fire Brigade.

"The Cape Bridgewater Fire Brigade volunteers work extremely hard year round to ensure the safety of local residents and their properties and we are happy to have been able to provide some practical support to assist them and provide peace of mind to the local residents", Mr Richards said.

"Installing a solar powered bore allows the dam to be filled using a clean, renewable source of energy."

"We'd like to commend Mr Wilson on allowing his dam to be used to provide this important service to the community," Mr Richards added.

Meanwhile construction of Stage III of the Portland Wind Energy Project at Cape Nelson South is continuing on schedule. All 22 towers have now been erected with commissioning expected to continue into 2009.