The wildlife rescue group WIRES yesterday introduced The Border Mail to Phoenix, an eight-week-old Australian owlet-nightjar rescued by an Albury firefighter following Sunday’s blaze on Nail Can Hill.

The baby owl was suffering smoke inhalation as a result of the fire and will remain in care for up to two weeks to allow him to recover from suspected secondary pneumonia.

When he does recover, carers will need to find young Phoenix a new home since it’s believed the nesting hollow he was living in was destroyed by the fire.

Destruction of their habitat makes young birds and native animals particularly susceptible to larger predators.

It’s a great result when firefighters are able to save people’s homes from damage in fires such as those that ignited on Sunday and Monday but it would be better to not be in that situation in first place.

If the fires are confirmed as having been deliberately or carelessly lit, then it is confirmation of the need to ensure those responsible feel the full weight of the law.