Popanyinning farmer and burns survivor Tim Haslam shared his harrowing experience during the launch of a new fire safety video series presented by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). This emotional event took place at Thomas Hogg Oval in Narrogin, where around 60 attendees gathered to watch the three-part short video series aimed at promoting fire safety awareness.
In the aftermath of a devastating fire that occurred on his property, Coogabbie Farm, on December 20, 2023, Mr. Haslam has taken on the role of an advocate for fire safety, utilizing his personal experience to educate others. The tragic incident, which left him severely burned, served as a catalyst for his partnership with DFES, which began a year ago.
During the videos, Mr. Haslam candidly discusses the critical mistakes he made during the uncontrolled harvest fire. Despite his extensive background in fire safety, having been educated on the topic from a young age and even serving as a volunteer firefighter, he found himself unprepared when faced with the flames. “If something good can come out of something bad, then that’s good,” he stated, underscoring his hope to encourage others to thoroughly evaluate their actions in the event of a fire.
The fire ignited while Mr. Haslam was operating a header, and in a moment of panic, he made several poor decisions. His immediate instinct was to escape, leading him to abandon his equipment and attempt to flee toward his vehicle. Unfortunately, his ute was bogged down and had a flat tire, forcing him to leave it behind. In the chaos, he tripped and fell into the fire, suffering severe burns to his hands, arms, face, and legs.
Rescued by a farmhand who spotted him through the smoke, Mr. Haslam was airlifted to Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth. He spent ten days in the intensive care unit, seven of which were spent in a coma, with 38 percent of his body severely burned. His journey to recovery included 13 operations over a four-month hospital stay, resulting in lasting physical changes, including the loss of the ends of his fingers and webbed joints.
Mr. Haslam emphasizes the importance of taking a moment to assess the situation when confronted with a fire. He advises that staying in a vehicle during a fire is often safer than attempting to escape on foot. “If you get out of your vehicle I can almost positively tell you you’re going to perish. If you stay in your vehicle I can almost guarantee you you’re going to live,” he explained.
His wife, Sally Haslam, also shared her insights during the video series, highlighting the critical role that immediate first aid played in her husband’s survival. They were fortunate to have access to an outdoor shower, which allowed them to cool his burns while waiting for emergency responders. Sally noted that the absence of protective clothing made the situation even more dire, stressing the necessity for farmers to always have personal protective equipment readily available.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the fire, Mr. Haslam pointed out that the consequences extend beyond physical injuries. The fire fundamentally altered his family’s dynamics; his son was left to manage the farm with no prior experience while his wife relocated to Perth to care for him throughout his recovery. “It was harder for them than for me because I was in a coma,” he said, acknowledging the significant emotional toll on his family.
Through his advocacy and the DFES video series, Mr. Haslam hopes to prevent similar tragedies and promote a culture of safety awareness among farmers and communities. His journey serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of fire and the importance of preparedness.
