Grass fire jolts teens into action
A GRASS fire sparked by an exploding power pole in Glen Iris could have consumed a nearby school if it wasn't for the decisive action taken by three teenage girls last week.
Alys and Sadie Peace were walking to the bus stop along Jeffrey Road, near Vittoria Road, on Thursday when they heard a loud bang across the road.
"It made a bang then sparks went down and set the grass on fire," Sadie said.
Alys, 15, said they thought about turning back when a former friend from primary school pulled over alongside them.
Bunbury Senior High School graduate Ellie Griffiths, 17, said she was driving to work when she saw the smoking power line.
The Australind fire department was already out of the station when Sadie called for help, but the girls managed to put out the fire after 15 minutes using sand.
Sadie said she then called her neighbour, a Western Power employee.
Picton Primary School teacher Bruce Cornish, who arrived after the fire started, commended the girls for their approach.
"It could have burnt into Grace Christian School if it had not been for these girls' responsible and decisive actions," he said.
"This type of occurrence in the country could have, again, tragic consequences."
Ellie was late to her shift at M & B Sales, but she said they understood once she explained why.
"They were pretty surprised… but one of them joked it was the best excuse they'd heard in a long time," she said.
Western Power was not available for comment.
