After 67 years battling blazes along WA’s remote south coast, dedicated fire volunteer hangs up his helmet

After more than half a century of battling blazes to safeguard communities along WA’s remote southern coast, a dedicated firefighter has hung up his helmet for the final time. Rod Daw has resigned after 67 years of service in the Shire of Ravensthorpe, including 50 years as chief bushfire control officer. Mr Daw, who has worked on farms in the region since he was a teen, stepped up to fight fires when he saw there was a need in the community. “It was necessary to protect the many farms in the district, which used fire to clear their farms,” he said. “I knew the district well and wanted to help, I also felt deeply connected to help the community with the experience I had gained.” Mr Daw started protecting his community from the threat of fires at a time before brigades had the benefit of instant communication or GPS navigation. Of all the blazes he had helped control, Mr Daw said the Lake Tay bushfire was one of the most challenging. The fire which started in February 2003 burned so hot it started melting bitumen, with ash travelling hundreds of kilometres. “It burned for 10 days in the bush north-east of Ravensthorpe before burning fiercely towards the ocean, hitting the Number One Highway with a 25-kilometre front. “It was very hard to rein in - ash from this fire landed on cars in Esperance 200km away.” Following his resignation, Mr Daw was recognised for his service by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm, who presented him with a special medal. He was also recognised for his contributions to the community as senior citizen of the Year at the shire’s 2024 Australia Day celebrations. Mr Daw said he felt “sad but proud” to be stepping away from his service, although he planned to continue sharing his experience and advice with the shire. “I leave knowing that exceptional fire control officers and volunteers will continue to do a fabulous job for the community,” he said. “Thanks to my wife Lyn and family who assisted me in fighting so many fires and attending the never-ending meetings. “Also, thanks to my wonderful shire bushfire volunteers who are an outstanding group themselves and who I am very grateful for — I am proud to call them my friends.” Shire president Tom Major said Mr Daw’s remarkable service was unprecedented. “There’s no one else that comes to (his) level of experience,” he said. “On behalf of council and the Shire of Ravensthorpe I’d like to extend my gratitude to Rod for his tremendous contribution, we’re all going to miss his wisdom and leadership.” An acting CBFCO will be appointed to sit in the role until the next Bush Fire Advisory Committee AGM in March 2025.