Summary

These steel threads are from the tyres of the burnt-out remains of the trailer that was destroyed at Bill Coppinger's home by the Kilmore East Bushfire on 7 February 2009.

The trailer was a portable 800-litre firefighting unit with two 50-metre high-pressure hoses. It was located on on the upper drive area of the donor's property at Mount Disappointment and intended as an emergency source of water to protect the back of the house and its residents if necessary. The nozzles open up to create a circular curtain of water.

The trailer was purpose-built and purchased by Bill in about 2002 for firefighting.

This is part of the Victorian Bushfires Collection, which includes a number of interviews with Bill Coppinger and a large range of fire affected artefacts from his destroyed home.

Physical Description

A segment of steel threads from the burnt-out remains of a trailer tyre. Each thread is 1 ml in diameter, and there is an unknown base material securing the threads.

Significance

This is a story of good fire preparation but ultimate defeat before an overwhelming firestorm. On 7 February 2009, the donor watched closely as the Kilmore East Fire jumped the Hume Highway and moved across to the base of his property on Mount Disappointment. He was aware of the fire's movements, had vast amounts of water and was properly prepared to 'stay and defend', but his house, sheds and all their contents were destroyed. He lost his dog and very nearly lost his life.

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