With about 40 years firefighting experience between them, the two Terowie citizens took part in separate deployments, with Captain Haustorfer being deployed at Kilmore East and Murrundindi South, and the Mt Torbreck and Rubicon sectors.

Lt Huddlestone was deployed in the infamous Churchill sector, and expressed the opinion that it was “an eye-opener” to experience the devastation caused by the fires. Captain Haustorfer said that fighting the fires was made especially difficult by the mountainous terrain and dense forest growth, with trees up to 60metres high and overhanging the tracks, conditions not normally experienced by South Australian firefighters.

A member of his team, Ian Kleinig from Port Augusta had been injured but, was recovering well, and all of his team mates wished him well. Team morale was described by Captain Haustorfer as “great, with faultless teamwork. There was mutual respect for everyone involved. ”

Both members were high in praise for their Victorian counterparts who bore the brunt of the battle, and were appreciative of the special care taken to provide accommodation, and such amenities as were available, during their deployment.

Lt.Huddlestone, whose own son is a cadet in the Terowie CFS, said that the deployment was very difficult on families back in South Australia but “duty had called.”

When asked if there were any valuable lessons to be learned from the deployment, Captain Hau-torfer said that it was impossible to come away from any experience without learning something new, as the learning process never ends, and that anyone who failed to do so needed to reassess their position.

Both firefighters expressed the hope that SA will never experience such a disaster.

PHOTO: HELPING OUT...Trevor Huddlestone, left, and Ross “Roscoe” Haustorfer of the Terowie CFS were Among two SA volunteers who undertook deployment to assist Victorian CFA in battling the recent disastrous bushfires. Both members expressed the hope that South Australia would never experience such a disaster.