​Arriving back from Swan Hill
The Captain brought dire news
Years of drought brought a threat
The threat of bush fires
The Mallee was burning
70,000 acres had burnt

Outback New South Wales also burnt
Echuca could be next
Lambing Flats nearly burnt to the ground
Jindera was saved by a wind change
Eyes scanned the horizon
Day and night looking for signs

Bluey what the hell is that
Curly asked pointing to a pump
We are gunna fight fires mate
Let's get this thing hooked up
200 feet of hose was stowed
Hopefully it will stay there

A rider rushed into town
Seeking their help
Yarrawonga was burning
They needed help fast
Curly and Bluey readied Belle
They were off to fight fires

Thirty men aboard her
The Belle headed into the river
Whistle blaring farewell
A load of heroes off to battle
The fire threatening Yarrawonga
Aiming to stop the rampage

Smoke filled the sky
Blocking out the sun
Five miles before Yarra
A paddock was burning wildly
Gum trees exploding
Come on fellas time for action

Backed into the bank tied to a tree
Belle's hoses were rolled out
Men with wheat bags in hand
Ran to the fire
Beating at the flames
Bluey started the pump

Twelve hours they worked
Beating down the fire
The water saved the day
Did the job of 20 men
Black faced, tired, sweaty men
Sat sharing smokes and beer

Three weeks they were gone
Yarrawonga was now safe
Returning home heroes
Bloody good excuse to hit the pub
Said Bluey nudging Curly
Leaving the captain to tie up Belle

​Bushfires Along the Murray