The “little town with the big heart” banded together to help battle an out-of-control bush fire that took hold on properties on the outskirts of town on Sunday afternoon.
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Boggabri fire victims Andrew Watson of “Kilmarnock” and Sam Conway of Boolah Partnership want to give back to those who fought alongside them to save their farms.
“The fire could’ve gone a lot further than it did,” Mr Watson said.
“When you have 30-40 blokes around you desperately fighting fires, you’ve got to say thank you somehow.
“The amount of people turning up with water and food on the night was unbelievable, it was very much appreciated.
“The Boggabri community really band together in these times and I’ve had people ringing up all morning to help.”
A barbecue will be held at the Boggabri RSL on Friday from 6pm for fire victims and volunteers.
”We would love them all to come down and enjoy a feed and drink as a thank you,” Mr Watson said.
The fire is believed to have started on “Benalabri”, a property on Binalong Road owned by Boolah Partnership.
Farm manager, Sam Conway said around 400 hectares and infrastructure, including a house, small sheds and machinery, were lost in the blaze.
He said two staff lost everything when the “Benalabri” homestead burnt to the ground.
One of them, George Lennon, was helping his family fight fires in Dunedoo when the Boggabri fire took his home and all of his belongings.
“It started on this block and took off quickly,” Mr Conway said.
“It’s incredible the amount of people who showed up to help, firefighters, volunteers, workers from around the district – we just want to say thanks.
“It will be good for the Boggabri community to get together after this fire.”
