Army fire relief DPR/TV/560,563

A week after the start of the fires in Tasmania, isolated pockets of flame continue the pattern of destruction in the Hobart area. But with the fire fighters now moulded into experienced teams and in constant radio contact with a central control station at Anglesea Barracks, the fires are being quickly brought under control. The teams are on 24 hour standby, ready to move immediately a message of distress is received. The massive task of salvage and clearing of debris from the devastated areas will continue for weeks. Many residents are seeing the remains of their homes for the first time as Army relief workers arrive to clear the properties. The ruins are filled with reminders of family comforts, toys, and treasured possessions - even a World War 2 German Machine gun. Most of the material is beyond repair and is dumped by convoys of civilian and Army trucks. The Minister for the Army, Mr Malcolm Fraser, visited the area yesterday and saw Army personnel who have been on duty since the emergency began, clearing a property of twisted and burnt corrugated iron sheets. Mr Fraser said that the Army would continue giving all assistance for as long as it was needed.