The Rapid Relief Team (RRT), supported by volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC), were called to sustain firefighters battling bushfires in the Adelaide Hills.

As residents fled the Adelaide Hills due to fires moving through Cherry Gardens, the local RRT mobilised to work through the night and prepare meals for the hard-working firefighters.

The RRT worked tirelessly to serve almost 700 meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which was a welcome relief from the extreme heat the firefighters had to battle.

The Cherry Gardens bushfire destroyed homes, buildings, and vehicles, and burnt more than 2,700 hectares of land.

National RRT Operations Manager, Dan Alderton said as soon as the RRT was called upon to assist we jumped at the opportunity to help.

“Volunteer initiatives like the bushfire in Cherry Gardens are at the heart of the RRT’s Christian values and beliefs, including supporting and caring for local communities,” Mr Alderton said.

“Our volunteers work in the same communities as those impacted by these fires, so we did not hesitate to offer our catering services to frontline emergency services workers.”

“The RRT’s volunteer efforts are not exclusive to providing bushfire relief; but we are particularly motivated to help in these situations as we know emergency workers put their lives on the line for us.”

Mr Alderton said that a NSW Bushfire Inquiry found that many firefighters do not eat for extended periods at the frontline.

“Providing food for the first responders is the least we can do to show our gratitude for their bravery. We hope our catering services go some way to provide relief for these courageous heroes”.

The RRT is made up of volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, and provides catering and emergency support services at a range of charitable events and emergencies.