For 3InOne's third cache we have created our first mystery
puzzle for you to solve. Use the information below to find ground
zero, and as always, please ensure the container is placed back
properly and camo properly secured to prevent muggling. It all
started here December 2009, but before we get that far, here's some
history about this location.
The co-ordinates listed above are for the
disused refuse depot. There is no public access now that it is
closed. Nearby you will find the remains of what used to be a full
18 hole, par 70, golf course and club house. It used to have
regular use by many in town until insurance premiums caused it to
close. With the golf course being closed, some thought the
overgrowth was a fire hazard - not the normal kind of hazard found
on a fairway. They wanted the grass brought under
control.
This concern became a reality on Thursday 17
December 2009, a week before Christmas. Something in the nearby
rubbish tip spontaneously combusted, and it soon spread through the
golf course and beyond until the countryside was alight. The Fire
Danger Rating for that day was forecast to be "Extreme", with 37
degrees, 10 percent humidity and North-West winds of 45-60kph. A
000 emergency call was put in at 1338 and less than 70 minutes
later the main firefront had reached the township of Gerogery in
the heat of a hot, dry day.
On this day, two fires absorbed Riverina
firefighter’s attention. This one in the Walla Walla-Gerogery
area, and the other 90kms to the East, near Tooma.
Initially heading SE for Gerogery West, the
wind shifted and the town of Gerogery was soon engulfed by smoke.
Eyewitnesses reported fire whirls with flames up to 30 metres
high.
Firefighters were concerned that the fire
would go straight over the range and continue down the other side,
but a cool change and some rain thankfully helped them bring it
under control, yet it still took a number of days to
extinguish.
Miraculously there were no fatalaties. This could easily have
ended up much worse. However, the toll was still very high. Two
firefighters were injured (one receiving burns to 20% of his body).
Five homes (including Children's Christmas presents) plus sheds
were destroyed. An area of 5,500ha was scorched. Hundreds of cattle
and sheep, plus horses dead. Unrept crops, stubbles, hay, other
feed, and fences ruined, plus vehicles and other machinery and
equipment lost. On top of that, the Sydney-Melbourne railway line
and Olympic Highway were closed for around 8 hours. Power, water
and phones were all cut for a number of days. Some roads took a
number of days to open due to the risk of falling trees, and the
rubbish tip was closed.
The remaining buildings on the site of the golf course haven't
been touched since that day and so are an example and reminder of
the great work of the RFS and volunteers that day in saving so many
houses and sheds and lives. Without their effort these buildings
and, more importantly, many others wouldn't be here. All of the
surrounding locals say this was the worst fire they have seen in
their lifetime and certainly the worst I have experienced.
For more
award-winning photos of the day, click here.
For more information here is a
one-page-poster with map and timeframe and a
fuller RFS report on pages 4-6.
Life has moved on. The grass is green again,
fences, houses and lives rebuilt. Yet this rubbish tip remains
closed, with the one at Gerogery being further developed,
instead.
While you're trying to find the coordinates,
you might like to have a go at this themed Sudoku. (I think you
will know the rules.)
Beware there may be long grass here too. Original contents
included notebook, pen, golf ball, golf tees and 3 small treats for
the first one to find.