BUSH FIREbulletinVolume 34 No.02 // 2012 THE JOURNAL OF THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE 60th ANNIVERSARY • 1952 - 2012
The Bush Fire Bulletin celebrates 60 years in publication Contents
06 14 19 36 52
01 FOREWORD 27 Lift Out 27 New National Mapping Symbology 02 IN FOCUS for incidents
33 GENERAL NEWS 04 INCIDENts 31 Courage Under Fire Project 4 Region North off the mark early in the season 33 Bush fire workshops for the urban setting 6 A week in the life of the NSW RFS... 34 And the winners are... 8 First Section 44 2012 World Firefighter Games for Barwon Darling Zone 36 Open Day 2012 10 No love for this grass 38 Inspiration and connection 12 Social media out west for community engagers 13 Power up 40 MyRFS update 14 Grassland Strategic Break Program 41-43 Watching grass grow 45 Students of the Carenne School 15 FEATURES Bathurst make history 15-18 State Championships 2012 46 NSW RFS State Training Calendar 2013 19-21 Meet Oscar, The Koala Detection Dog
22-25 Revolutionising Incident Management 60TH ANNIVERSARY through analysing fire behaviour 48 From the ashes of the 1952 Fires 26 ‘Detective’ work 50 Brigade in Profile – Cherrybrook 52 Brigade in Profile – Freemans Reach 54 Bush Fire Bulletin Wordsearch 57 Photo Competion
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2 BUSH FIREbulletin // contents Foreword
2012 is a significant milestone for the Bush Fire Bulletin, as it marks its 60th anniversary. The Bulletin began from a simple idea – to increase communication and knowledge sharing. That same aim remains today. Over the past six decades, plenty has changed – firefighting techniques, state of the art technology and equipment, and of course the Bulletin itself. Today, it’s a publication which reflects the diversity and professionalism of our organisation. It has captured many of the moments of our history right across the State, and has mapped the progress towards today’s Service. The Bulletin has always had a very special place in the hearts of volunteers and I expect this will be the case for many more years. This edition of the Bulletin shows some of the diversity of our Service, in terms of the types of incidents we attend, the activities we’re involved with, and the areas we cover. From the north of the State where members have experienced the busiest start to their fire season in years, to the Central Coast where fires threatened multi-million dollar properties, and to the State’s south and west, where grass fires remain a significant risk. It’s remarkable to think that one day we’re dealing with fires threatening homes, while just a few days later and a few hours drive away, our crews were shovelling snow. This diversity in landscape and seasonal conditions highlights the versatility and professionalism of RFS members. This Bulletin also highlights some of the changes which are helping us every day, ranging from fire behaviour analysis to the increasing use of social media. It also shines the spotlight on some of our biggest events like our recent Open Day, State Championships and the Community Engagement conference. This is a fitting anniversary edition of the Bulletin and I hope you enjoy reading and sharing it with your family and fellow members. With this the last Bush Fire Bulletin for 2012, I would like to thank all of our members for their ongoing commitment and effort this past year. I wish you and your family a safe and happy Christmas and hope you have the opportunity to spend some time with those close to you.
Shane Fitzsimmons, AFSM NSW RFS Commissioner 2 ulletin • 201 h Fire B • Bus 1952
facebook.com/rfscommissioner
BUSH FIREbulletin // FOREWORD 1 infocus
Bondi, 8 November There was royal treatment for NSW RFS members when HRH Prince Charles visited Sydney. NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons introduced the group of members to the Prince at the royal official reception saying that they had all made an outstanding contribution to the community through their volunteering work. “Nine of our most exemplary volunteers had the chance to speak with His Royal Highness at the informal reception today.” “Every single NSW RFS volunteer has courageous stories to tell and it is wonderful to see the work our volunteers do 24 hours a day 7 days a week, recognised by His Royal Highness,” the Commissioner said. Left: Craig Bardney (Myall Park), Kylee Wade (HQ), James Russo (Dubbo), Kennedy Tourle (Orana), Andrew Young (Napier Lane) and shaking hands with Prince Charles, Megan Young (Napier Lane). Copyright: © Brendan Read Photography Pty Ltd 02 9319 0999. All rights reserved. Photographer: Brendan Read
NSW RFS Headquarters, 23 October The Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre Research Advisory Forum, is held every six months and this time was hosted by the NSW RFS. More than 75 researchers, end users, PhD students, land managers and industry representatives joined NSW RFS members to hear updates on around half the current Bushfire CRC research programs. Featured projects include the “Awake, Smoky, and Hot” project looking at the effects of heat, sleep disruption and smoke on firefighter performance, and the Extreme Fire Behaviour project, whose lead end user is Dr Simon Heemstra of the NSW RFS. ABOVE: The research team from the Smoky and Hot project answered questions from participants at the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre Research Advisory Forum held at the NSW RFS Headquarters in Special guests included a Lidcombe. The project is led by Dr Brad Aisbett from Deakin University (with microphone) and Associate delegation of French bush fire Professor Sally Ferguson (in red) from Central Queensland University. researchers who attended the (L-R): PhD student Cara Lord, lead end user, Robyn Pearce (Tasmanian Fire Service), Dr Michelle Short forum as part of a week-long (University of South Australia), Associate Professor Sally Ferguson (Central Queensland University), tour of Australia. Dr Fabienne Reisen (CSIRO) and Dr Brad Aisbett (Deakin University).
2 BUSH FIREbulletin // INFOCUS
granddaughter, Arianna Barlow. Photo by Kim Barlow. Kim by Photo Barlow. Arianna granddaughter,
with Ross Barlow (Santa) former Captain, now Secretary and his his and Secretary now Captain, former (Santa) Barlow Ross with
(kneeling) and Colin Crawford (standing), both Life Members – – Members Life both (standing), Crawford Colin and (kneeling)
the Streets and have never missed a year, Barry Brotherson Brotherson Barry year, a missed never have and Streets the
The original Captain and Deputy who started Santa Round Round Santa started who Deputy and Captain original The
tradition for many years to come. to years many for tradition
past 30 years and they intend to carry on the the on carry to intend they and years 30 past
genuinely touched the lives of so many over the the over many so of lives the touched genuinely
up from the donated goods. The event has has event The goods. donated the from up
directly benefit from the food hampers made made hampers food the from benefit directly
families in the local area. Over 700 families families 700 Over area. local the in families
the St Vincent de Paul Society to help struggling struggling help to Society Paul de Vincent St the
collect food items, toys and cash donations for for donations cash and toys items, food collect
the Streets’. Every year, the brigade members members brigade the year, Every Streets’. the
event affectionately known as ‘Santa Round Round ‘Santa as known affectionately event
celebrated the 30th anniversary of a community community a of anniversary 30th the celebrated
time. This year the Oaks Flats Rural Fire Brigade Brigade Fire Rural Flats Oaks the year This time.
their local communities, especially at Christmas Christmas at especially communities, local their Our brigades make an enormous contribution to to contribution enormous an make brigades Our
Merry Christmas from Oak Flats Brigade
Merry Christmas from Oak Flats Brigade NSW RFS brigades make an Vincent de Paul Society to ABOVE: The two Life Members of enormous contribution to their help struggling families in the the Oak Flats Brigade who have local communities, especially local area. Over 700 families never missed a year of Santa at Christmas time. This year directly benefit from the food Round the Streets (kneeling) Barry the Oak Flats Rural Fire hampers made up from the Brotherson the original Captain Brigade celebrated the 30th of the Brigade and initiator donated goods. The event has anniversary of a community of the project and (standing) event affectionately known as genuinely touched the lives Colin Crawford. The NSW RFS Santa Round the Streets. Every of so many over the past 30 Christmas Card also features year, the brigade members years and they intend to carry Secretary Ross Barlow as Santa collect food items, toys and on the tradition for many years and his granddaughter Arianna cash donations for the St to come. Barlow. Photo by Kim Barlow
NSW RFS Headquarters, 16 October The new $2.3 million Prepare. property the best chance of Act. Survive. public awareness survival you need to plan and campaign was launched by do it now.” the Minister for Police and The new campaign began Emergency Services, the rolling out State-wide from Hon. Michael Gallacher MLC mid-October on television, at NSW RFS Headquarters in radio, online, outdoor and in Lidcombe. newspapers. The three new television ads were screened in the RIGHT: Minister for Police State Operations Centre for and Emergency Services, the media with the theme: the Hon. Michael Gallacher Planning To Make A Plan Is and Commissioner Shane Not A Plan. Fitzsimmons at the launch of the new Prepare. Act. “The message this bush fire Survive. campaign. Photo by season is clear,” the Minister Jacqueline Murphy said, “to give you and your
BUSH FIREbulletin // INFOCUS 3 Region North off the mark early in the season Heading into the 2012/13 bush fire season, the prediction was for a busy few months, with warmer and drier conditions looking more likely compared to previous years. For members across the State’s north, the predictions came true, somewhat earlier than expected.
For many in Region North, Big fires and a big effort equivalent of driving from a number of dwellings such as it was the busiest start to the Sydney to the Gold Coast. caravans and weekenders. bush fire season they had Over the weekend 20 and 21 The fire damaged significant seen in years and a distinct October alone, fires across Another near Tabulam, the Cyril portions of the Oxley Wild change from what they had the northern parts of the State Smith Circuit fire, burnt through Rivers National Park, which experienced over the past caused more than $1 million more than 2,500 hectares is part of the Gondwana few fire seasons, where floods damage and destroyed fences, of land. Fought by ground Rainforests of Australia and storms were the main equipment and more than 200 World Heritage Area, and crews, aircraft and heavy plant operations. head of stock. sent large volumes of smoke equipment, this fire lasted Between July and October By far the biggest fire was the over towns including Kempsey a week. 2012, brigades across Region and Armidale. Macleay River Fire, west of The dramatic increase in fire North attended more nearly Kempsey. This was the result The fire prompted a declaration 1,000 bush and grass fires, activity across the Region saw of two separate fires, the Freds of a natural disaster on 5 with seven Section 44 a remarkable commitment Creek and Georges Junctions November, covering the Local declarations. Fortunately most from local brigades. Due to the fires, combining under Severe Government Areas of Armidale of the fires burnt through long running fires, strike teams fire danger conditions on that Dumaresq, Walcha, Guyra remote areas, however some, were deployed from across the weekend. and Kempsey. such as incidents around region to assist and relieve local Kempsey, Casino and the Burning over several weeks, Other fires caused significant crews, from areas including Clarence Valley, threatened the fire burnt through almost concerns, like the Frazers Gully the Far North Coast, Mid North properties and in some, 60,000 hectares of bushland fire east of Tenterfield on 4 Coast and Lower North Coast. properties such as sheds and and had a perimeter of more September, burnt out over Help also came from further weekenders were destroyed. than 900 kilometres, or the 1,500 hectares and threatened afield, with a number of strike
4 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS teams sent to the area from conditions,” said Region Region North Section 44 Declarations August to October Region East to crew local fire North Operations Officer, appliances. Superintendent Bryan Daly. Clarence Valley 18-30 August 2012 “Under those conditions, it was easy for fires to get away Kempsey 21-26 August 2012 Aviation support and escape, despite their best Many of the fires burned in efforts.” Clarence Valley and 06-17 September 2012 remote location which required With permits suspended for Richmond Valley a big effort in the air. an extended period and very One of the primary locations dry conditions forecast to Gwydir 25-28 September 2012 for aviation activity was continue, there were concerns Kyogle, Richmond Valley, 07-13 October 2012 Grafton Airport, where a now that escaped burns might be a Clarence Valley and well-established support problem. Tenterfield brigade provided refuelling and The fires prompted a NSW coordination for a constant Police taskforce to be deployed Armidale and Walcha 20 October - 14 November 2012 stream of helicopters and fixed to areas including the Clarence wing bombers. Valley and Armidale. These Clarence Valley 20 October - 6 November 2012 officers worked alongside A big thank you NSW RFS Fire Investigators Commissioner Shane to investigate escaped fires, Fitzsimmons praised the work resulting in a number of of volunteers and all members. court attendance notices and “It’s been an incredible team infringement notices being effort from our volunteers, issued. Incident Management Teams Commissioner Fitzsimmons and other agencies such as met with some of the local the National Parks and Wildlife brigades in early November. Service and Forests NSW, “Many of our volunteers have limiting the damage from these taken time off work to attend fires in what have been, from these incidents to protect time to time, difficult weather communities and this simply conditions.” couldn’t be done without the While some of the fires across ongoing support of employers,” the region were the result of he said, “In some cases, our natural causes such as lightning volunteers are self-employed, in remote areas, many more meaning they have made a were the result of escaped significant sacrifice to help private hazard reductions. protect their local community.” “In a lot of cases, the local landholders simply underestimated the dry
OPPOSITE, ABOVE AND RIGHT: Armidale S44 on the weekend of October 20 and 21. Photo by Sean Bremner ABOVE RIGHT : Firefighters protecting a house and property on the Carrai Plateau in the Macleay River fire. Photo by Sean Bremner
BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 5 A week in the life of the NSW RFS... Three incidents and one award ceremony within one week in October 2012 show the breadth and scope of work of NSW RFS members.
5 October 2012: Pretty Beach, Central Coast It was pure hard physical labour from firefighters that protected homes at Pretty Beach just north of Sydney on 5 October 2012. The fire started at 0624hrs on Lobster Beach and spread into the heathland of Bouddi National Park eventually burning 138 hectares. Throughout the morning firefighters were on the ground supported by two fixed waterbombing aircraft. Firefighters got to work implementing a hand tool line Photo by Bernie O’Rourke on the headland to prevent the fire from reaching houses at Pretty Beach. property protection at Pretty and NPWS, with 15 tankers declared contained by the early But in mid afternoon a south Beach. An Emergency Alert and six pumpers in action. It afternoon. west wind change came was issued by the NSW RFS was hard physical work for the The Minister for Police through causing spot fires at 1343hrs for homes at Pretty firefighters who even had to and Emergency Services which forced crews to pull Beach and Hardy’s Bay. Some move cars and boats in order to and Commissioner Shane out of the fire trails. The fire evacuations were made as a protect assets. Fitzsimmons attended the spotted towards the houses precaution. Fire activity slowed later in fireground on the day and at Pretty Beach, and when the At the height of the activity the day and a large back burn took the opportunity to stronger than expected south there were over 100 firefighters was implemented over night. thank firefighters for their easterly wind came through, on the ground in the streets Firefighters patrolling the fires efforts and to urge all residents the fire took a run. of Pretty Beach including reported significant flame across NSW to become bush All fire units in attendance crews from NSW RFS Gosford heights in the early hours of fire ready. turned their attention to District, Fire & Rescue NSW the morning. The fire was
5 October 2012: Wyee, Central Coast On the same day as the Pretty Beach fire, a fire at Wyee further north on the Central Coast, flared up and a S44 bush fire emergency was declared. Homes came under threat and children had to be relocated from a child care facility from the fire near Lake Macquarie. Employees from a nursery and service station were also evacuated. A total of 649 hectares of bushland was burnt over three days. The fire started around 1300hrs on Thursday 4 October and houses on 15 streets in the area came under threat. The rail line between Newcastle and Sydney was closed. The fire was patrolled overnight. The fire entered Stage 2 at 1157hrs on Friday 5 October when crews patrolling the site reported the fire had flared up and a secondary fire had been identified on the eastern side of the Railway line. A Section 44 bush fire emergency was declared at 1450hrs and Photo by Zak Holgate remained in place until 1800hrs on Sunday 7 October. 6 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS Photo by Anthony Clark A week in the life of the NSW RFS...
5 October 2012: Australia Awards is just the most recent of many awards Macquarie St, NSW and accolades given to this Parliament House program. Community Engagement Community Engagement volunteers from the Wollombi Officer for Wollombi Valley, Valley in the Hunter were Glenn O’Rourke said that named state winners at the the team have taken a Resilient Australia Awards at strategic approach. State Parliament House on 5 “The local Bush Fire Risk October, 2012. The Resilient Management Plan is the Australia Awards recognise cornerstone of the program and innovative practices and is used to identify and target program introducing facilitated community who understand achievements across the high bush fire risk communities. Bush Fire Survival Planning and what we do and feel nation that are making our Once identified, the team practical hands-on firefighting comfortable and not intimidated communities better prepared developed an integrated skills training, as well as by asking for advice and to manage any emergency program of initiatives aimed at establishing a FireWise café assistance.” situation. mitigating the risks and actively where locals meet with brigade You can find out more about engaging with locals. The The Wollombi Team has members to review this program in the Bush Fire Photo by Bernie O’Rourke team also understands that no developed and rolled out their completed Bush Fire Bulletin Vol 34 No 1 pages project can succeed unless the an outstanding community Survival Plans. 38-41. Back Row: (L-R) outcomes are measured.” engagement program which “This has been so successful Glenn O’Rourke, Glenn Byrnes, has increased the knowledge Based on community feedback, for us,” Glenn said, “It Tony Hawkins. Front Row (L-R) and preparedness of the local the Wollombi Team have is building a network of Alan Johnston, Jordis Pointu community. The Resilient continued to evolve their connected people in our and Leanne Bell.
12 October 2012: the sound of timber creaking he refused to leave. I decided On the way back we managed and straining under the weight to continue on to locate the to persuade the civilian to leave Megalong Valley of the snow followed by the Brigade Captain. About 30 his vehicle and return with us. A matter of seven days sudden crash of trees falling. minutes later I heard the Just a few hours later the sun after the Central Coast fires, The first problem we came familiar warble of a chainsaw broke through the cloud, the volunteers were called to across was a civilian in his starting up and realised he Council sent a work crew with assist in the Megalong Valley vehicle who was unable to was just past another fallen a backhoe to assist us, and when snow blocked the road. traverse a large tree blocking tree. When he finally realised we finally managed to open Megalong Valley Brigade his path. A couple of the he had support I was greeted the road at 1900hrs that night. firefighter Ian Annetts sent brigade members tried to get by a warm smile from a very Everyone was pretty well in this story: him to leave the vehicle but exhausted and cold Captain. exhausted by then! The weather bureau had warned us that there could be a snow fall on the way, but none of us expected the amount of snow that came down that Friday. Megalong Valley is located on the southern side of Blackheath and is reached via a winding road through a sandstone gorge. Snow rarely gets down to the lower reaches of the gorge however, on Friday the snow not only fell in the lower reaches of the gorge but fell for most of the morning, building up on the branches of the forest trees until they snapped. At about 1030hrs we got the pager call that the Megalong Brigade Captain, David Bosworth was trapped in the glen and needed assistance. We arrived at the lower section of the Glen Rd and saw heavy snow falling and numerous branches across the road. We decided to park the Cat 7 off to the side of the road and walk up. It was then we noticed Megalong Valley Brigade on Glen Rd, Megalong Valley. Photo by Ian Annetts BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 7 8 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS First Section 44 for Barwon Darling Zone
The very first Section 44 Bush Fire Emergency was declared for the Barwon Darling Zone on Saturday 20 October. After a dry lightning storm came through, 38 fires were reported, burning around 150,000ha and killing large numbers of sheep in the area.
On the evening of Friday and Brewarrina districts a between Broken Hill and fires were started through 19 October 2012 lightning Section 44 was requested and Wilcannia. Numerous reports the use of machinery such as activity was observed in the subsequently declared by the of new ignitions were received slashers and other equipment Enngonia area north of Bourke. Commissioner of the NSW with members from the Little such as welders. Following this lightning event Rural Fire Service at 1100hrs Topar and Wilcannia Rural Over the remainder of the week a large cluster of fires was on Saturday 20 October 2012. Brigades responding. Luckily weather conditions improved most of these firegrounds reported.The fire originating Crews from Cobar HQ and received some rainfall allowing and firefighters contained all on the property Allawah took a Goodooga made their way to the brigades to quickly control fires within the S44 declaration significant run through grazing the area to assist and relieve the majority of these fires. area, this was subsequently country and across a number of the local crews on Saturday Several fires north of Wilcannia revoked at 1200hrs on neighbouring properties. afternoon. started as a result of this band Saturday 27 October 2012 Local brigades, along with Sunday 21 October started of lightning and continued to with the responsibility for fire Bourke Shire Council resources, with a series of storms burn over the next few days. management handed back to got to work and managed to crossing the NSW/SA border in the local districts. Late in the morning an hold that fire on the western the area between Tibooburra extension of the S44 side of the Mitchell Highway. in the north and Broken Hill, declaration was requested Unfortunately by the following by 0900hrs seven new fires to include the Cobar, Central morning more than 13,000ha had been reported in the area Darling and the Unincorporated OPPOSITE TOP: Heavy plant at had been burnt with significant with members of the Barrier work to create a containment line Area districts. Storm activity stock losses and damage to Range and Milparinka Brigades near the NSW/SA border. Photo continued throughout the day approximately 50kms of responding with private plant by Tony Mayo and by the end of the day 25 rural fencing. and NSW RFS equipment. OPPOSITE BELOW: After the fires were included in the S44 Enngonia fire came through. Due to the severity of this Later in the morning reports event including a fast moving Photo by Craig Warwick. event and the ongoing were received that another fire on Waratah south east of requirement to resource this significant storm was moving Brewarrina. During the next and other fires in the Bourke from west to east in a line few days a number of additional
BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 9 No love for this grass The area south west of Bega is Lovegrass country and even before the official fire season began, fire managers in the area were on high alert. This year they were especially anxious as fuel loads were at record levels.
Lovegrass is an introduced “Our biggest worry is that in senior volunteers from Bega weed that grows vigorously the windy months of August Valley Group Central brigades and dries quickly in the and September a spark in that gathered for a ‘pre-incident’ perennial frosts common in country can get away from us,” planning meeting. The meeting the State’s Alpine areas. This he said. identified resources and set year, due to record rainfalls priorities if such a Lovegrass in late summer, Lovegrass Thinking ahead fire were to ignite. Part of the south of the Snowy Mountains In September 2011, firefighters pre-incident planning included Highway grew abundantly. By in the Bega area had a glimpse locating an extra Cat 7 tanker the end of the winter, heavy of just how quickly Lovegrass on the property of John Wilson, frosts had left the thick grass fires can take off, when 90 captain of Wolumla Brigade. 70-80 percent cured. hectares near South Wolumla It turned out to be best Bega Valley Fire Mitigation were burned within a single planning possible. Officer Garry Cooper said afternoon. On 28 September 2012, a day fuel loads like that have Heeding the warning of of very high fire danger, hot and deadly potential. last year’s fire, in July 2012 windy conditions caused power
10 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS This is a major concern to firefighters in the area...as this No love for this grass problem is not going away any time soon. lines to come down and start structure and diverting the due to difficulties of access sampling and fuel moisture a blaze in Lovegrass on the fire away from assets. New but the SMSS crews have the readings in plots heavily Warren property on Towridgee crews arrived and within three right equipment and are able infested with Lovegrass in Lane, Wolumla. and a half hours the fire had to significantly reduce the fuel order to learn more about Local Group Captain Richard been contained. A total of six load around the township and the weed. Additionally the Cochrane spotted the smoke hectares had been burned but provide a huge support to the Far South Coast Team is from his property at South the property was safe. local community. developing a short DVD to Wolumla and called the Hazard reduction burns play a teach brigades how best duty officer to respond units Prevention better than the cure big role in reducing the build- to deal with Lovegrass both immediately. Between July and October, up of fuel but burning alone before it cures and also when it is a running fire. A farmhouse was in the direct brigades from Candelo, will not remove the problem path of the quickly moving fire Wolumla, Bemboka, this weed has become. If not Community engagement has and Group Captain Cochran Numbugga, Bega and Jellat managed after burning by played a big role in making estimated the house would carried out around two hazard spraying, ploughing or pasture the landowners aware of the be under impact within five reduction burns per week improvement then the weed dangers of Lovegrass fires. minutes. Wolumla, Candelo, assisting land owners with grows very vigorously and In conjunction with the Bega, Jellat and Bemboka burns and ensuring they remain becomes a bigger issue the NSW RFS State-wide media Brigades were responded to in control. These burns have following season with even campaign on grassfire threats, fight the blaze. provided valuable protection greater fuel loads. local initiatives such as to the townships of Wolumla signage, letterbox drops Significantly, the extra Cat 7 “This is a major concern to and Candelo. and local radio interviews Tanker at Wolumla was only firefighters in the area,” said have been employed to sell 5kms from the fire and it State Mitigation Support Garry Cooper, “The more proved to be a key factor in Service crews have also been we can learn and educate the message. saving the dwelling. The Cat providing mechanical mowing members on how to deal 7 arrived within minutes but and brush cutting support with this, the better prepared the fire had already run across on unmanaged Council and they will be in the future. This mown grass and was within Crown land reserve roads in problem is not going away any a metre of the farmhouse. and around the township of time soon.” The Wolumla Brigade crew Candelo. These areas had Volunteers in the local brigades used direct attack, saving the previously not been treated have been conducting fuel load
LEFT: Lovegrass agricultural burn in Candelo in October 2012 at 1900hrs. Despite mild conditions, the flames are burning at a high temperature, showing just how hot and dangerous Lovegrass fires can be. Photo by Ian Heffernan, Candelo Brigade RIGHT: Towridgee Lane Lovegrass fire 28 September 2012. A total of six hectares was burned. The house saved by firefighters quick work can be seen at the top of the burnt area. Photo by Gavin Mills OPPOSITE: This photo shows Fire Mitigation Officer Garry Cooper standing in the Lovegrass about 10 kilometres out of Bega. Garry is 1.8 metres tall – and the grass is around 1.2 metres. Photo courtesy of Garry Cooper
BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 11 Social media By Inspector Robyn comes into its own out west Favelle, Far West Team
Although in 2012 the far west to deal with the issue. One of • As the members move Fire Service unit hundreds of has a significantly higher fire these strategies was to start around the various kilometres away. In the past threat than it has faced for a a closed Facebook group with firegrounds, they report back 12 months, the Barrier Range number of years, the use of membership restricted to to the closest homestead Brigade has successfully new technology is assisting brigade members, family and a via UHF radio and their stopped up to six fires from the local NSW RFS in the early small number of staff from Far movements are tracked on crossing into NSW, with two of detection of fires, especially West Team. This has proven to the Facebook page. This these fires burning a massive following an electrical storm. be an invaluable tool in an area allows NSW RFS staff to 160,000 hectares. One The Australian Federal where the main communication update ICON with either intel fantastic asset for the brigade Government website Sentinel is landline or satellite phones or Sitreps as situation and is the assistance provided by (www.sentinel.ga.gov.au) and UHF radio. There is no resources change the staff and resources from has been the ‘eye in the sky’ NSW RFS PMR radio system • The Facebook page allows the Wild Dog Destruction over the past few summers, north of Broken Hill. for great information flow Board who manages the maintenance of the dingo fence sometimes alerting staff to the The system works like this: between the brigade and fire even before any smoke staff. The Far West Team along the South Australian and has been reported. Sentinel • At first sign of fire, one of Operations Officer will post Queensland borders. A glimpse is a public website which can the administrators will post weather updates, Sentinel into the world of these remote be accessed by anyone with info to Facebook and ask for maps, logistic details and area firefighters was provided internet access, with regular assistance. As information aerial reconnaissance details by one of the Barrier Range satellite images of fires or comes into the brigade, the while the brigade provide members who remarked that hotspots. The site is very Communications Officers will staff with constant Sitreps on “the only thing more common accurate, with the ability to provide further updates and all fires, fireground weather, than fires across the SA border provide firefighters with exact list members and resources logistic requests and photos is wild dogs”. coordinates and size of fire. which are responding from fireground During a recent Section 44 Other lightning tracking • Lightning is the primary • Members of adjoining websites are also used to bush fire emergency, the cause of fire and there are brigades also joined the monitor lightning activity and brigades in the Unincorporated often multiple ignitions. group as the fires spread allow staff to alert brigades if Area successfully contained 19 and these brigades are now their area is affected. Many property owners in fires, using social media and the area also own aircraft so looking at starting their own other cutting edge technology The NSW RFS Far West if possible, someone will fly closed group Facebook sites to overcome the tyrannies of Team, the Barwon Darling the fire to obtain accurate using similar guidelines as distance and isolation. Far West Zone and a number of local information for the Captain Barrier Range Brigade. staff remained in constant brigades are also using and senior officers. The Another of the challenges faced contact with the brigade and social media sites such as Captain will then prioritise by this resourceful brigade is had a clear overview of the Facebook which allow instant the fires and coordinate the that many of their fires originate fires and conditions, despite communication between response accordingly. This in South Australia. This amazing the fact that the staff were staff and brigade members. information is all placed border country landscape working in an IMT more than These new technologies on the Facebook page for is very sparsely populated 700 kilometres from most of complement other advances everyone’s benefit with the closest SA Country the fires. in communications, such as new radio repeater sites, use of pagers, mobile phones, spot trackers and satellite phones. The very remote Barrier Range Brigade is one brigade that has embraced the use of social media to communicate with each other and with NSW RFS staff in the Far West Team. Barrier Range leads the change Barrier Range Brigade covers an enormous area from Broken Hill north to Milparinka along the South Australian border. Despite decades without any significant fire activity, the brigade structure remained firmly in place, holding regular meetings, election of officers and social functions. When they realised that they were facing a real threat from fires in 2011, they started to develop strategies and plans
ABOVE: A grader working along the dog fence, building containment lines on the NSW/SA border. Photo by Mark Lacy. 12 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS PowerBy Leah Ross, Senior Deputy Captain, Mullumbimby Brigade up At approximately 0846hrs on Tuesday 14 August 2012, Mullumbimby Brigade was responded to a fire at the old Mullumbimby Hydro Power Station on Wilsons Creek Road Mullumbimby.
The power station is nestled in arrival one building was fully isolated from the site. In order By approximately 1230hrs the hill at Lavertys Gap below involved. The high voltage to maintain a power supply the fire was contained and the weir. It once supplied the power that was still running to some areas, the electricity CABA crews could enter power for the township but in through the site was the main had to be re-routed through the building and extinguish 1990 the Mullumbimby hydro- concern. Preventing the spread Ewingsdale substation and this remaining hotspots. At this electric power station was of fire to other buildings was took some time. time the conductors and decommissioned. Since this also high on the agenda. reactors were alight. Mullumbimby Brigade set up time it has become the HVDC Mullumbimby Captain Mark two tankers supplying water NSW RFS crews worked (high voltage direct current) closely with FRNSW and interconnector converter Ross worked closely with and foam directly to the CABA Pumper 388 from FRNSW crews from both services. Hazmat throughout the incident station between NSW and and should be commended for Queensland. The lines on site to develop a safe plan to Initially, the priority of the extinguish the fire. Fortunately CABA crews was to keep the their ability to work closely and carry 132,000 and 66,000 volts effectively together. and convert from AC to DC or Captain Ross had worked at the oil-filled cooling units from vice versa. site and was familiar with the catching fire and spreading to internal layout and contents of all other buildings. ABOVE: Mulllumbimby Brigade Mullumbimby Brigade each building. responded two Cat 1s and a The installed hydrants did not crew on site at the power station. Cat 7 and arrived on scene Despite that advantage, it was provide enough water, so the Photo by Leah Ross at the same time as Fire & not until 1130hrs that the high NSW RFS crews sourced a Rescue NSW (FRNSW). On voltage power was completely creek on the site.
BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 13 Grassland Strategic Break Program With predictions that the 2012/13 fire season will be fierce, and that grass fires in the western parts of the State may be a concern, the NSW RFS has undertaken a State-wide initiative called the Grassland Strategic Break Program.
The joint Program is coordinated Up to July 2012, 36 councils of additional measures taken by the Infrastructure and have been involved in the by the Service to prepare for Regional Services Directorate program and nearly ten the 2012/13 bush fire danger and implemented through the thousand hectares and 6,429 period and was made possible Regions and Districts in liaison kilometres of roadside have by an extra allocation of with local councils. been treated. funding for this purpose. The focus is on clearing the More than half of this work has vegetation around roadsides been done in Region West, BELOW: This roadside burn was of key strategic roads into and with Region South also quite on the Barrier Highway, about around isolated villages. Local busy. The burning, mechanical 170km west of Cobar. councils and districts identify clearing and spraying along Steve Skinner is one of the the areas of focus for the major strategic roads was volunteers from Region East project. Clearing vegetation completed with the assistance (Valley Heights Brigade) who along major strategic roads like of the State Mitigation Support came out to assist the local this creates an Asset Protection Services as well as out-of-area brigades. Photo by Robyn Favelle Zone and Strategic Fire volunteers. Advantage Zone around the villages improving, protecting The Grassland Strategic Break them in the case of a fire. Program was one of a number
14 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS State Championships
Over the weekend Our defending champions, Championships Trophy and the best performing Region based Mulloon from Lake George major prize – a fully marked on the combined scores of all of 14-16 September Zone, took on the challengers in Isuzu D-MAX community their teams. a valiant attempt to retain their 2012, 25 teams of support vehicle, thanks to Congratulations to Region title for another two years. The our long standing Principal South on winning the inaugural firefighters from teams competed in a range of Partners, Gilbert & Roach demanding, real-life scenarios Regional Trophy. They will across NSW Huntingwood and Isuzu Utes. hold the trophy for the next across the two-day event, This fabulous prize is provided gathered for the showcasing their firefighting, two years until the other to the team for their use during Regions have the opportunity biennial NSW RFS team work, leadership and the period that they remain the problem solving skills. to challenge them at the 2014 State Championships, State Champions. State Championships. hosted by Lower And the winners are... A huge congratulations also “Region South is very proud goes to Oakville Alpha Team, to be the inaugural winners Congratulations to Dubbo Hunter Zone at who was named the Junior of the best performing Headquarters who were Champions while Gundagai the Tomaree named the NSW RFS State Region,” Regional Manager were second with Tumut taking Ken Hall said. “The award Sports Complex Champions for 2012 after out third. completing a gruelling two showcases the great work that in Port Stephens. days of competition facing Regional Trophy our volunteers and staff are doing with training when you almost every dangerous For teams to attend the State consider the events rely on the situation imaginable. Jindera Champs, they must qualify reactive initiative of the crews. took out second place, while through a Regional selection We look forward to defending Castlereagh Alpha won third. process This year, along with the title in 2014.” The Dubbo HQ team has the individual team winners, a won the brand new State new trophy was awarded to the
BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE 15 PREVIOUS PAGE: (L-R): Brendan Gazzard, Lochinvar Team, Ken Hepplewhite and Bert Pipan from Lower Hunter Zone Office and Jeff Jackson, Lochinvar Team. Photo by Di Bennett. TOP: The Aquatic Inferno event took full advantage of the beautiful Port Stephens location. Photo by Paul Fowler. ABOVE: Superintendent Nick Turner accepts the Regional Trophy for Region South – with Chairman of the Organising Committee, Russell Taylor AFSM and Member for Port Stephens, Craig Baumann MP. Photo by Anthony Clark. NEAR RIGHT: Ahh...so that’s why they called this event Transfer Torment. Photo by Di Bennett. MIDDLE: The Alpha Protocol Challenge won the Competitors Choice Award as the favourite junior event. Photo by Jake Macklin. BELOW RIGHT: Members of the Dubbo HQ team celebrating their State Championships win while collecting the trophy and major prize, an Izuzu D-Max community support vehicle. Photo by Cate McDowall. RIGHT: The marshals made sure the 2012 events were on fire, especially the MVA Combination Experience. Photo by Anthony Clark. FAR RIGHT: Proof that rank isn’t everything in the novelty event. (L-R) Superintendent Jayson McKellar, Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers, Chief Superintendent John Parnaby Photo by Anthony Clark.
16 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE The teams competed in a range The State of demanding, real-life scenarios Championships across the two-day event, showcasing their firefighting, Trophy team work, leadership and problem solving skills.
The competing teams Senior Teams Team DTZ Region Castlereagh Alpha Cumberland East Castlereagh Bravo Cumberland East Ku-ring-gai Hornsby-Ku-ring-gai East Lochinvar Lower Hunter East Gilgandra Castlereagh North Nana Glen Mid North Coast North Scotts Head Lower North Coast North Jerrabomberra Creek Lake George South Jindera Southern Border South Mulloon Lake George South Surf Beach Far South Coast South Cooks Gap Cudgegong West Dubbo HQ Orana West Parkes HQ Mid Lachlan Valley West To mark the 40th anniversary of the Champs the NSW RFS commissioned an enduring Junior Teams NSW RFS State Championships Team DTZ Region Trophy. Blue Mountains Blue Mountains East Paul Garry, a sculptor and Illawarra Illawarra East model maker, was chosen to Lake Macquarie The Lakes East design the trophy. Mr Garry put a great deal of time into Oakville Alpha Hawkesbury East the concept and design of the Oakville Bravo Hawkesbury East trophy, which was sculpted by Gundagai Riverina Highlands South hand and then cast in bronze. McAuley Riverina Highlands South “The design is based on the Tumut Riverina Highlands South profile of a flame,” Mr Garry Orana Alpha Orana West said, “Like individual flames within a fire, the firefighters Parkes HQ Mid Lachlan Valley West also gain strength through South West Slopes South West Slopes West the efforts of the team. The curves of the ribbons are designed to reflect the precision and confidence needed by the teams to win the Championships.” “The State Championships Trophy is a reflection of the dedication and determination exhibited by the team who triumphs in this fiercely competitive and exacting event.”
BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE 17 Stories behind the State Championships
The State Championships are more than a weekend full of challenging events. An enormous amount of preparation goes into the competition so we have taken the opportunity to highlight some of the stories behind the Champs including an insight into the volunteers and marshals.
The volunteers Bennett OAM, the 2012 Host “To see this genuine interest in becoming a marshal District Volunteer Coordinator. commitment by NSW RFS will be released soon. The State Championships are members in providing the best an opportunity for volunteers The marshals experiences for their fellow More stories! to meet other members members is just amazing.” from around the State, share The marshals play a key role You can find lots more photos, experiences and learn from at the State Championships by video and stories from the 2012 one another. They also play an creating scenario-based events Competitor’s Choice Award NSW RFS State Championships invaluable role in making the as close to real life as possible, Also introduced in 2012 was at the dedicated State Champs Champs happen. testing the core skills of a NSW an award for the marshal who page on MyRFS or by visiting This year between 70-80 RFS firefighter while throwing delivered the best event based the Championships Facebook volunteers headed to Port in a mix of specialist skills and on the votes of competing page at www.facebook.com/ Stephens to assist with the devious twists. teams. The winners were NSWRFSStateChampionships. Simon May for the Emergency event. They included members For the 2012 State Champs of the Support, Catering and Response Event in the Senior Looking forward to 2014 there were 16 marshals from category, and Brett Loughlin for Communication brigades plus all over the State with each At the closing ceremony plenty of others from right the ALPHA Protocol Challenge Region represented, and they in the Junior category. the venue for the next State across the Lower Hunter Zone all brought along support Championships was revealed. – Dungog, Port Stephens, members to assist in judging or Simon May, winner of the Pambula in Far South Coast Cessnock and Maitland Districts. as part of the event. inaugural Competitor’s Choice Zone will host the 2014 The volunteers performed a Award was thrilled to be a part Championships, where teams Becoming a marshal is no easy variety of roles at the Champs. of the Championships. will once again gather to put feat explained one marshal Crews were assigned to assist “Thank you for giving us the themselves to the test and take Corey Philip. “You need the with each event and there were challenge to come up with and on Dubbo HQ for the honour dedication and creativity to safety officers, people assisting deliver the best event line up in of becoming NSW RFS State develop an interesting event,” with communications and fork State Championships history,” Champions. lift operations, catering for all he said, ”This year in particular he said in his acceptance the crews and much more. the marshals had their own speech, “I reckon we delivered! autonomy to create something Without doubt this was the Some of the fun aspects special and this was definitely PHOTO: Cooks Gap Team of being a volunteer at the best Championships I’ve been showcased at the 2012 involved in, over the last 10 members Phil Slater and Bill Champs are “getting together Robinson competing in the MVA State Champs.” years!” with members from other Combination Experience event. areas that we don’t see all that Nils Waite, from Region West Their outstanding efforts have Photo by Anthony Clark. often, telling ‘war stories’ and said it is a wonderful experience set the bar for 2014. Planning getting to see and cheer on to be a part of the State for the next Championships has the competing teams,” said Di Championships as a marshal. already started and a call for
18 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE Meet Oscar, The Koala Detection Dog Story and photos by Brydie O’Connor, Media Services
Traditionally sniffer dogs are used to track down criminals, find drugs or locate rabbits…until now. In the Cooma/Monaro area a clever detection dog named Oscar is helping to ensure hazard reductions get done by locating and saving koalas.
When a hazard reduction burn was required in one of the koalas’ favourite stomping grounds in the Cooma/Monaro area, a little bit of lateral thinking was required on how to track them down. Enter Oscar – the koala detection dog. When Oscar reported for duty he had two key tasks: to identify all koalas living on the land scheduled to be burned and any trees the koalas had been feeding off.
BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE 19 If Oscar detected any koalas in these areas, then burning would be postponed until the koalas had left the area.
Tracking down the koalas The scent of a koala for Oscar koala management strategy recorded in some areas. This is like a red rag to a bull. On in the Monaro area. Before he means that if you look up a tree Koalas don’t want to be hearing the words “go find the arrives in to find live koalas in the area you have an eight found. This has created an Katies” (Oscar’s code word for a great deal of work is done out of ten chance of seeing a interesting challenge for NSW koala) he transforms from your behind the scenes by NPWS, koala sunning itself at the top. RFS and National Parks and average friendly black labrador NSW RFS and volunteers from Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff into a frenzied streak of black the community, to identify the It was assumed the koala who need to carry out hazard hurtling through the forest at local koala strongholds. population in the area would reduction burns in an area break neck speed, determined have dwindled after the recent where numerous koalas have to locate any koalas within the They have focused their drought, but following this been seen. It was decided area and make their presence efforts on areas that had been ground-breaking research of that a ‘precautionary approach’ known to his handlers. prioritised for hazard reduction the local koala population, should be adopted to protect It’s quite something to watch burns in the Snowy Monaro it seems the koalas have in the local koala population. the world’s first koala sniffing Bush Fire Management Plan, fact flourished. dog in action. As an onlooker specifically areas west of The answer was to divide the Numerous trees were found it’s obvious when he’s picked Numeralla village. burn area into manageable in the area with koala teeth up their scent as he’ll do a sections for Oscar to Under the direction of Chris ‘bend’ or sharp change of marks which indicate they systematically search on the Allen from the NPWS, koalas’ direction to show his trainer were keeping themselves alive scat (droppings) was found and day the burn was scheduled he’s in hot pursuit of a ‘Katie’. by eating tree bark, a great to go ahead. When he came plotted on a map to indicate example of a native animal koala occupancy rates. The across a live koala he’d do Star of the show adapting to the environment. a ‘tree stand’, which means results of these surveys were This behaviour has only been standing on his hind legs with Without doubt Oscar is the astounding – with occupancy recorded once before in history. his front legs on the tree trunk. glamorous face of the current rates as high as 80 percent
20 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE This extract appeared in the Bush Fire Bulletin Volume 1 No 1 published on 1 September 1952.
Koalas and fire This also serves to protect the koala’s food source. However Environmental impacts are it can be challenging for crews taken into consideration for to keep flames low, with some all hazard reduction burns, trees only standing as high as mitigating the risk that fire 10 metres. presents to koalas is just one part of the equation. Controlled The long-term plan for the fire has been identified as a Snowy Monaro Bush Fire useful tool to manage koala Management Committee is populations because they have to gather enough data about a limited chance of surviving an the koala populations in the unplanned, high intensity fire. Monaro to support sound If a bush fire burns through risk management planning an area where a hazard decisions. Their aim is to reduction burn has been enhance the network of carried out it will reduce the ‘strategic fire advantage zones’ Fires intensity of the fire and make to protect both the community it easier for firefighters to and the koala populations. control and reduce the impact So now we know… thanks Kill on the forest. to the innovative thinking The Numeralla Rural Fire of people in the Monaro, Brigade and NPWS burning koala detection dogs can Koalas. crews further reduce the risk help preserve one of to koalas by controlling the Australia’s most loved and In a bush fire vulnerable species. flame and scorch height of at Newport the hazard reduction burns. one hundred koalas were incinerated.
he Chief Guardian of Fauna, Mr TF.J. Griffiths, commenting on this report, said that the bush fire is the most deadly enemy of Australia’s native fauna. He considers all bush fires dangerous even when homes and property are not threatened. The fire that is said to be “burning harmlessly in the bush” is destroying the food supply, the breeding places and the lives of birds and animals that live there.
“Unless we can prevent bush fires”, said Mr Griffiths, “we cannot hope to save our unique fauna from extinction.”
2 ulletin • 201 h Fire B • Bus 1952
BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE 21 through analysing fire behaviour By Laurence McCoy, Senior Project Officer, Fire Behaviour Analysis
Predicting how fast a fire is travelling, where embers may land and how hot a fire might get, are all part of a project at the NSW RFS entitled Fire Behaviour Analysis and Smoke Plume Modelling.
Fire Behaviour Analysis (FBA) The aim is to establish a FBA Fire Behaviour Analysts in the State Operations Centre itself is not new to the NSW capability, support operations RFS or fire management in with FBA products, improve NSW, but findings from the the Phoenix fire spread model Strategic 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal (see product feature below) Overview Commission have lead to the for use in NSW and to Officer establishment of the project automate a smoke plume which aims to expand the use modelling process for hazard of FBA and to integrate it into reduction planning. Fire Behaviour Incident Management Teams Two Portable Automatic Analyst (IMT) across the State. Weather Stations (PAWS) Supervisor The Royal Commission made have also been purchased to recommendations on the support FBA and Bureau of importance of warnings and Meteorology (BOM) forecasts. notifications for communities Fire Behaviour during bush fires. Fire Behaviour BOM Weather Analyst How will Fire Behaviour Analysts Analyst Forecaster Computer Providing timely and fit into the existing setup? Modelling informative advice about the predicted passage of A new role of Fire Behaviour Trainee Fire a fire and the actions to be Analyst has been created and may be incorporated into an Behaviour taken by people in areas Analyst potentially in its path, IMT. Operationally the role fits was a key recommendation. into both the State structure (State Operations Centre or The Royal Commission SOC) and within an IMT. Both recommended that Incident positions have slightly different Fire Behaviour Analysts in the Incident Management Team Management Teams (IMTs) roles. should have access to FBA predictions made by trained The SOC Fire Behaviour staff. It also recommended Analyst will play a coordination Planning Officer that fire service staff should and support role. An IMT Fire undertake further training in Behaviour Analyst may be prediction methods. appointed when an IMT is formed and is purely focused Fire Behaviour Analyst Supervisor The Fire Behaviour Analysis on the specific incident. The and Smoke Plume Modelling flow chart to the right shows project is funded by the how the roles are linked. National Disaster Reliance Fire Behaviour Analyst Grants Scheme. It was initially a one-year program but quiet fire seasons in 2010/11 and 2011/12 resulted in the project Trainee Fire Behaviour Analyst being extended.
22 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE through analysing fire behaviour How does it work? experience and other forms of level and some factors can experience and knowledge on incident intelligence and can make a significant difference to the ground. Consider: When an incident starts and assist an Incident Management a prediction including: • the FBA capability will State Operations Centre Team, however it is early days • Timing of wind changes – improve with experience as is activated, a State Fire for the NSW RFS. Behaviour Analyst supports difficult for forecasters to it is used and feedback is districts by generating first run The current aim is to introduce predict as an early or late received new FBA tools into the incident Fire Spread Prediction Maps change can result in a vastly • The Service will not be able management process and to using all the available data for different size or shape and to resource all fires that location. back these up with training to impact of a fire create a solid FBA capability • improved science and Due to the length of time for IMTs. • Wind direction – local winds methods will further improve taken to produce a prediction, can vary for forecast winds the FBA capability not all fires will be able to Individuals can progress to due to topography and other have a prediction completed FBA training after qualification local effects • you should not solely rely by an analyst. The State FBA in Incident Management on FBA and should be used • The impact of suppression Supervisor will prioritise Planning. along with other intelligence, (or putting a fire out) – fire fires for predictions until an knowledge and experience The training module is behaviour models do not IMT is formed and able to presented by some of take into account the impact • FBA is not new to the support itself with predictions. Service and is already Australia’s foremost fire of suppression Once the local IMT has been behaviour scientists headed functioning in various ways established, where possible a • Model limitations – generally up by Dr Kevin Tolhurst from • It is vitally important to get Fire Behaviour Analyst will be fire behaviour models are the University of Melbourne. ICON points of origin as included. There are currently created using experimental Victoria’s Department of accurate as possible to assist 40 NSW RFS volunteer and fires in low-moderate or Sustainability and Environment in the use of fire behaviour staff Fire Behaviour Analysts (DSE) have been training Fire in some cases high fire analysis as misleading trained across the State and Behaviour Analysts since 2007 danger ratings. This data is readings may lead to poor further training is planned for using this training program. then expanded to take into decision making June 2013. account higher fire danger For more information about conditions. In the case of • fire behaviour models training contact your District use an average of fire Roles performed by local IMT Office. the Macarthur meter (a Fire Behaviour Analysts standard fire prediction tool), behaviour for a time period on bad weather days, small (generally over an hour) but • Local weather interpretation The key challenges for the Fire changes in weather variables may vary considerably in that and fireground weather Behaviour Analyst can result in significantly time period. safety warnings Determining the fire’s point different outcomes • Individual fire spread, impact of origin is one of the keys • Accurate fuel (load and or Further information analysis to accurate fire behaviour curing) information – fuel If you have further questions • Suppression options. analysis load is not uniform across about this important project Often there isn’t time to the landscape and our fire please contact the team: accurately report a fire’s point history information is not Laurence McCoy (Senior How will incident managers Project Officer, Fire Behaviour access the predictions? of origin. Particularly on bad perfect. Variations to fuel fire days, small differences in load can result in differences Analyst) 8741 5357. Fire behaviour predictions the location of a fire’s point in fire behaviour. made by the NSW RFS of origin can mean large State Operations Centre will differences in the size, shape How FBA is best understood be uploaded to ICON and or direction of a fire. If you FBA models can improve accompanied by a fire spread are first on the scene, it is prediction report. Requests incident management but will crucial to get the fire’s point of not be a replacement for other for FBA can be found on origin as accurate as possible methods of experience and the intranet (or MyRFS) without compromising other knowledge on the ground. under Incident Management operational responsibilities. Procedures. There are some key messages Accuracy of predicted that need to be considered weather Operational Fire Behaviour when understanding the Weather forecasts are used introduction of fire behaviour Analysis – current thinking to create a prediction of fire analysis. It is not a silver bullet Fire Behaviour Analysis behaviour. Forecast accuracy to solve all problems nor complements local knowledge, can vary considerably at a local does it replace the ingrained
BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE 23 New technologies
New technologies in fire behaviour analysis are growing rapidly. As part of the Fire Behaviour Analysis and Smoke Plume Modelling Project, the Service is currently conducting research into leading edge and in fire existing products and procedures.
Manual Fire Spread Prediction Map Phoenix Fire Spread Prediction Map (reconstruction)
FBA Training Scenario
Scale: 1 : 100000
0 2 4
Km
LEGEND
Fuel Management Symbology
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Plot Information:
Date: Time:
Fire Statistics:
Burnt Area: ha Burnt Perimeter: km
Map Details:
Base Data: LPMA Cadastre and Topo Database Map Projection: GCS GDA 1994 Print Date / Time: 14/01/2011 10:52:56 AM Produced by: lmccoy
Phoenix Legend WARNING INFORMATION
Note colours indicative only 1. Fire Prediction Spread and Smoke Dispersion maps are a tool for fire managers to utilise in conjunction with other fire related intelligence. These maps should not be relied Low intensity upon in isolation to make operational decisions. Users should also consider the following:
2. The Agency has not verified or checked the data used to prepare this map. Moderate intensity The map may contain errors and omissions. High intensity The Agency has not made any attempt to ground truth the map. 3. There will be a margin of error in relation to the location of features recorded on the map. Spotting potential The Agency is unable to specify the extent or magnitude of that margin of error. 4. Significant changes may have occurred: Self extinguished i. in the time between which the data was originally collected and the map produced, and ii. since the map was produced.
5. Users must, wherever possible, ground truth the map before relying on it or the accuracy of the map or the information recorded on the map for any purpose.
6. The Agency accepts no responsibility for any injury loss or damage arising from the use Note: This is a prediction map and contains of this map or any errors or omissions in the information recorded on the map. assumptions. It is to be read in conjunction with KEY MAP the document firename_assumptionsdoc_ddmmyyyy or insert assumptions here
Manual Fire Spread Prediction Map Phoenix Fire Spread Prediction Map as it could look on a computer screen
This map is a reconstruction of the 2009 Gerogery Tip fire using The Phoenix Fire Spread model is a computer-based prediction the CSIRO grassland fire behaviour model. The model uses model developed as part of a Bushfire Cooperative Research predicted weather (in this case actual observations), slope and Centre program by Dr Kevin Tolhurst, Derek Chong, Alastair Pitts fuel load to provide estimates of rates of spread. and Martin Strandgard of the School of Forest and Ecosystem A number of conclusions can be drawn from this map including Science, University of Melbourne. towns/streets potentially impacted and when this might occur, This model is dependent on a number of inputs such as weather, speed of the fire, direction of the fire and potential impact of a fuel load (including fire history), topography and interruptions (e.g. wind change in addition to potential suppression opportunities. roads, rivers or urban areas). Incident Controllers can use these maps as a tool to inform Although a number of improvements to this data have been decisions about warning communities or firefighting tactics. made, the results of these improvements are yet to be fully As they are predictions, this should be done in conjunction evaluated. Interim results have been mixed; while there were with other incident intelligence such as situation reports, local excellent results in this example (reconstruction of the 2006 knowledge and experience. Junee Jailbreak Inn fire), some forest-based examples have been less accurate. This is likely to be a result of variations in fuel. One aspect of the NSW RFS Fire Behaviour Analysis and Smoke Plume Modelling project is to improve these inputs. At this stage the model is not yet operational. The current intent is for Phoenix to be be used as a ‘triage’ tool, that is as a way to gain a quick understanding of the potential for a fire to develop before developing a manual fire prediction report. The development of a number of four to seven-day outlook products simulating ignitions within 100km grids are currently being developed.
24 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE New technologies in fire behaviour analysis
Portable Automatic Weather Stations (PAWS) Smoke Plume Modelling Maps
Smoke Plume Modelling Map as it could look on a computer screen
Smoke Plume Modelling software is currently being automated which will be useful for prescribed burn planners to consider the impact of individual prescribed burns on towns or special protection facilities such as schools or nursing homes. Capability is also being developed to model the impact of multiple burns on a much larger extent, for example, in the Sydney basin. This A PAWS machine in action with its space-age design and function product is still in development and may change. This software is being developed by the NSW RFS and combines Due to the size of NSW there are often gaps in the Bureau of mapping, weather and CSIRO software to produce predictions. Meteorology (BOM) weather observation network. Portable Automatic Weather Stations (PAWS) can be rapidly deployed to the fireground to provide more accurate weather information relevant to a fire or hazard reductions location. Currently two PAWS units have been purchased by the Service. Data is hosted on the BOM website.
BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE 25 ‘Detective’ work
By Jason Taylor, Volunteer Fire Investigator, Galston Brigade Rural Fire Brigade
While the drama of TV shows such as NCIS and CSI have brought the world of forensic crime detection into our everyday lives, fire investigation is using forensic photography and other investigative techniques to catch arsonists and find the causes of fire.
The NSW Rural Fire Service investigations and to determine rulers, or objects of known size Under the expert guidance of Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) has the cause of a fire. such as a coin recorded within Detective Sergeant Shawn a team of nearly 170 volunteer Forensic photographers the image to give the image a Harkins from the NSW Police and salaried authorised wildfire combine their technical skills size context. Forensic Services Group, the investigators. with methodical and meticulous course included a number Forensic photographs remind of field exercises and insight NSW RFS Commissioner working practices to capture investigators of a scene, and Shane Fitzsimmons said that a permanent visual record of into the workings of the NSW provide tangible images for the Police Forensic Photography their job is to investigate the scenes for use in court. court to better understand the origin and cause of a fire Unit. The aim is to produce accurate sequence of events. whether it is through natural and detailed photographs Participants studied means or deliberately lit. Operations Officer, Fire that methodically record the methodologies used by both Investigation, Superintendent “The FIU use forensic location and the evidence Services, and gained first-hand Bob Mathieson said that investigation techniques to as clearly and as objectively experience on how the NSW forensic photography is establish the origin and cause as possible. Using advanced RFS and NSW Police work increasingly vital in prosecuting of a fire and if suspicious, photographic technology and effectively together. arsonists and invaluable in work with the NSW Police equipment, investigators can A short course on how to better understanding the cause Force to investigate and readily capture, store and protect and preserve the of a fire. assist in convictions and court transfer files immediately to scene is also available to evidence,” the Commissioner view and analyse evidence. “The rapid advance in members. This course focuses said. Forensic photographers need photographic technology is on awareness in detecting In 2011/12 the FIU formally to understand the legalities allowing our fire investigators deliberate fire lighting, how to investigated 483 fires surrounding the use of digital to complete investigations in a ensure that valuable evidence consisting of 110 structure photographs in court; the more timely manner,” he said, is not disturbed, and how to fires, 10 vehicle fires and procedures for handling and “and we believe this to be a assist the Service and Police 363 vegetation fires. Of the storage of data; the finer points vital part of the work of the to bring to justice those 483 formal investigations, 75 of day and night photography; Service.” responsible. percent had the cause of the and the superior technical In 2011, Region East For more information about the fire determined. skills required in the use of Operations conducted a workings of the NSW RFS Fire “The NSW RFS also placed SLR cameras. forensic photography course Investigation Unit contact your an Intelligence Analyst with The photographs taken must be at Cumberland Fire Control Regional Operations Officer the NSW Police Arson Team clear and usually are required to Centre to improve the skills of Fire Investigation or Operations further enabling our combined have a scale, for example the 22 salaried and volunteer fire Officer, Fire Investigation, ability to address arson-related use of photo documentation investigators. Superintendent Bob Mathieson. issues across the State,” the Commissioner continued. The majority of the Fire Investigators in action in the Greater Taree area. Photo by Anthony Clark investigations were conducted in collaboration with the NSW Police Force Arson Team Detectives, Local Area Command Detectives and Forensic Services Group Officers which resulted in several charges being laid leading to convictions. Getting the complete picture Documenting the investigation is crucial to the success of prosecutions. One of the main tools in the fire investigator’s kit is forensic photography. This process involves collecting evidence to prosecute arsonists, to assist in coronial
26 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE New national Mapping Symbology for incidents
The NSW Rural Fire Service has adopted the new National All Hazards mapping symbology.
Exercise at Duffys Forest 2012. Photo by Bernie O’Rourke Fire Investigators in action in the Greater Taree area. Photo by Anthony Clark
The experience of a number The most noticeable changes endangered flora etc) are There is also a hand drawn of major emergency events, for NSW are: marked using squares rather version of all symbols. • Operational points (base than diamonds including the 2009 Black The updated Incident Saturday bush fires in Victoria, camps, water points etc) • Asset points are drawn are now marked in circles in blue Management Procedure highlighted the need for for Bush Fire Mapping standard mapping symbology instead of a mixture of circles While some symbols have or rectangles Symbols and a sample incident across the Australian changed, the new symbols are • Operational points are map using the new symbology emergency sector. In April intuitive and easy to recognise are included in the following now drawn in black rather and a number of new symbols 2011, the Australasian Fire than blue pages and can posted on Authorities Council (AFAC) (such as road closure and • Proposed or Unconfirmed hotspot) are also available. the wall of your local brigade board endorsed a new set operational points can be The new symbology has been station. If you have any of symbology. The Bush Fire indicated by using a dashed designed for computerised questions or would like further Coordinating Committee rather than a solid circle mapping and both ICON and information, please email the resolved to adopt the new • All asset locations MapDesk have been updated NSW RFS GIS Support team at symbology in May 2012. (threatened asset, to accommodate the changes. [email protected].
BUSH FIREbulletin // LIFT OUT 27 Incident Management Procedures
Incident Management Procedures 6.08.016.08.01 Bush Bush Fire Fire Mapping Mapping Symbols Symbols DTG refers to Date TimeDTG Group refers which to Date uses Time the two Group digits which for the uses date andthe 24two hour digits time, for eg the 10:51hrs date onand 4 November 24 hour would be: 04 1051 time, eg 10:51hrs on 4 November would be: 04 1051
NAME SYMBOL NOTES
PREDICTED (fire edge) Show DTG
GOING (fire edge) Show DTG
CONTAINED (fire edge) Show DTG
INACTIVE (fire edge) Show DTG
EMERGENCY ALERT AREA Show DTG
PROPOSED CONTROL X─X─X─X─X─X─ Draw on far side of feature LINE COMPLETED CONTROL X X X X X X X X X X X Show DTG LINE PROPOSED BACKBURN Draw on near side of feature
COMPLETED BACKBURN Show DTG
Use Burnt Area polygon to show BACKBURN BURNING IN progress at DTG A pre-existing track not otherwise
TRACK marked (ie farm tracks). A track cut in by plant for the current MACHINE CUT TRACK incident.
RED – FIRE BLACK – OPERATIONS BLUE – WRITING and ASSETS 2 Operational 1 Proposed/ Unconfirmed Assets
NAME COLOUR SYMBOL NOTES Fire Origin (Unconfirmed) Red Show DTG Fire Direction Red Show DTG Wind Direction Blue Show DTG Spot Fire Red Isolated fire ahead of main fire Hot Spot Red Particularly active fire or smoldering fuels Burnt Area Black Burnt area of current incident
Previously Burnt Area Black Show month and year Aerial Ignition Red h h Proposed path to be treated. Complete circle when done. Divisional Boundary Blue Use geographical names Sector Boundary Blue Use alphabetical names
Incident Management Procedures Page 1 of 2 28 BUSH6 FIREbulletin08 01 Bush // FireLIFT OUTMapping Symbols.docx 3/07/2012 Version 2.1 Incident Management Procedures Incident Management Procedures 6.08.01 Bush Fire Mapping Symbols 6.08.01 Bush Fire Mapping Symbols (continued)
NAME SYMBOL NAME SYMBOL
Access Point Airbase (Fixed wing and helicopter base) Ambulance Location Assembly Area
Base Camp Control Centre (Incident Management Team location) Control Point Divisional Command
Escape Route Evacuation Area (Add arrow to show safe exit) Evacuation Centre Fire Fighting Vehicle
Helibase Helipad (Helicopter only base) Hydrant Point Livestock Medical Mobile Weather Station Plant Police Vehicle Portable Communications Property Damage RAFT Crew Refuge Area Road Closure Sector Command SES Vehicle Smoker On Ground Smoker Standing Staging Area (Annotate with class of Staging Area) Tree Down Water Point Water Point Helicopter Water Point Vehicle (Helicopter water supply) (Firefighting water supply) Asset Asset – Defendable Asset – Not Defendable Asset – Potentially Defendable Threatened Asset Asset – Flora
Asset – Historic Site Asset – Fauna (Building or Structures) Indigenous Site Asset – Hazmat The use of colours is recommended but optional.
Incident Management Procedures Page 2 of 2 6 08 01 Bush Fire Mapping Symbols.docx BUSH FIREbulletin3/07/2012 // LIFT OUT 29 Version 2.1 56 57 58 59 760000mE (MGA)
Escape Route The arrow indicates the direction of the escape route. The dashes indicate this route has not yet N (MGA) 59 been confirmed.
50 000m 50 59
RAFT Location Operational Points Circles indicate Operational Points. Here are a confirmed refuge area and a water supply for tankers.
49 Mumbulla Creek 49 Sector
Control Line Draw 'x -' for proposed and convert to 'x x' when the line is complete. Proposed Backburn 48 Show the DTG of This is a proposed 48 completion. backburn. Draw on near side of feature. Trig Road Sector 18 1600
1 9 1 10 0 Heavy Plant
1 9 105
47 8 47
Tee Ridge 2 Sector
Proposed Staging Area The '2' indicates this Previously Burnt Area is planned as a level
N (MGA) Shows areas burnt in incidents 2 Staging Area.
000m prior to the current one. 46 46
59 Fire Origin Use the dashed circle to indicate that the ignition Asset point has not yet been confirmed by fire investigators. DTG of initial report shown.
756000mE (MGA) 57 58 59 760 PRODUCTION INFORMATION LEGEND WARNING INFORMATION KEY MAP
Fire Incident Hydrant Point Control Line 1. This map has been prepared by a NSW Government Agency ("the Agency") using data Plot Information: supplied to it by other agencies and entities. Refuge Area Proposed 2. The Agency has not verified or checked the data used to prepare this map. The map may Asset Control Line contain errors and omissions. The Agency has not made any attempt to ground truth the Date: 19/11/2012 map. Sector Boundary Contained Fire Edge 3. There will be a margin of error in relation to the location of features recorded on the map. Time: 11:49:53 Asset - Fauna The Agency is unable to specify the extent or magnitude of that margin of error. Spot Fire Going 4. Significant changes may have occurred: Fire Edge Fire Statistics: Asset - Flora i. in the time between which the data was originally collected and the map produced; and Staging Area Inactive ii. since the map was produced. Fire Edge 5. Users must, wherever possible, ground truth the map before relying on it or the accuracy Burnt Area: 24 Ha Asset - Historic of the map or the information recorded on the map for any purpose. Water Point Predicted Fire Edge 6. The Agency accepts no responsibility for any injury loss or damage arising from the use Burnt Perimeter: 2 Km Asset - of this map or any errors or omissions in the information recorded on the map. BEGA VALLEY Indigenous Site Helicopter Machine Cut Water Point Track SCALE Asset - Vehicle Map Details: Threatened Track Water Point Divisional Burnt Area Scale: 1 : 25,000 Bush Fire Bulletin Base Data: © LPI, SPOT, AAM, SKM, OEH, Sensis, Kattron Boundary Aerial Ignition GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 Fire Direction Burning Emergency Alert Map Projection: Backburn Line Suspected Previously 0125 250 500 Completed Print Date / Time: 19/11/2012 11:26:05 AM Fire Origin Burnt Area Backburn Line Proposed Darren Marks Hotspot Produced by: Proposed Burn Area Backburn Line Meters
30 BUSH FIREbulletin // LIFT OUT going to Forster. I especially enjoy having a coffee with my wife Karen on the verandah overlooking the farm. Your link to this program I have been actively involved in the Service since I was born but attending fires since I was 15. My dad was the Captain of Scotts Flat Brigade and died while fighting a house fire in October 2004. I served in the Australian Army and it has always been a dream of mine to trek Kokoda, so for me Courage Under Fire Project trekking for fallen soldiers and my dad is something I was very The initiative focussed on supporting the descendants of fallen proud to do. firefighters was launched in May 2012 with a ceremony and morning Chief Superintendent John Parnaby initiated the project tea held at the Kokoda Track Memorial in Rhodes. and also participated in the first Trek this year. A team of volunteers and staff Interests Basketball, soccer, What do you currently do? “The 2012 NSW RFS Courage initiated the Courage Under rugby league, NSW RFS and I am a full time student Under Fire – RFSA Kokoda Trek Fire project to honour those computers studying Veterinary Science at was a life-marking experience the University of Queensland for the young participants,” NSW RFS members who had Your link to this program Gatton Campus. he said. given their lives while on duty. My grandfather is a former It also provides an opportunity Captain of Oak Flats Brigade and Interests Camping and hiking, “The physical and emotional for a small group of adult is also a life member and has rugby, water sports (skiing and achievement of completing children or grandchildren of received the AFSM. He passed wakeboarding in particular) one of the world’s toughest fallen or seriously injured NSW away at a fire call in 2003 when and surfing. treks will remain with the RFS firefighters to participate he had a heart attack. young participants for many in walking the Kokoda Track Your link to this program years, and it is through their My grandfather was fighting - a site of significance for actions that acknowledge and Kristian White a fire with the NSW RFS on Australians. honour the sacrifice of our Age 21 a property near Coolamon fallen firefighters in defence The inaugural NSW RFS Where do you live? in the Central South West of our communities, that the Courage Under Fire - RFSA Heathcote of NSW. The truck he was link between the Kokoda Track Kokoda Trek was held in April on was engulfed by flames and Courage Under Fire is What do you currently do? 2012. The RFSA is the major and he was very badly burnt. strengthened.” partner along with ARA Group I am a NSW Police Constable His strength enabled him to “Courage, Endurance, and Drager.. Interests NSW RFS, skiing, survive for several weeks but he eventually succumbed to Mateship and Sacrifice are the A total of 12 people took recreational shooting, his injuries and died in Calvary words that are inscribed on the Trek in April including bushwalking and trekking Hospital in Wagga Wagga on the Memorial at Isurava on the three young people who Your link to this program 19 January 1965. He was 26 Kokoda Track, they typify what are descendents of fallen I have been in the NSW and left his pregnant wife, our volunteers stand for every firefighters. The three young RFS since the age of 14. My Mary, with two young children. time they answer the call. Sadly members who participated father is currently Captain He is greatly missed by his sometimes, some of our own in the inaugural Trek were: of Heathcote Brigade. This family and we are all proud of don’t come home. brigade has seen two tragic Kristian White, Sutherland his sacrifice. “It’s a true honour to be part accidents, in particular Grays District; Ben Nolan, Illawarra of something so special as to Point in 1983 where Captain Zone and Ivan Moses, Far David Patton remember our fallen.” North Coast. A total of four Keith Campbell and two crew staff and eight volunteers were killed and six others Note: David is a self-funded participant Plans are in place to repeat the participated in the 2012 trek. were seriously injured. Keith’s due to age restrictions of the initiative. journey in 2013. To find out daughter, Sharon (who was one more about the 2013 journey Age 36 Ben Nolan of those injured) is our closest please visit the Facebook page: family friend, I am walking in Where do you live? 2012 NSW RFS Courage Under Age 17 memory of her father. Singleton Fire Kokoda Trek. Where do you live? What do you currently do? Oak Flats Ivan Moses I am a Shot Firer, a farmer and ABOVE: Kokoda trek participants a father of four. What do you currently do? Age 19 David Patton, Ivan Moses, Kristian I am in Year 12 at Oak Flats Where do you live? Interests I enjoy taking the White and Ben Nolan. Photo by High School. Park Ridge, Queensland family camping, fishing and Paul Sweeney/Jason Heffernan
BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 31 Subscribe to the Subscribenew to the new ebulletinebulletin
Get the latest news Get the latest news forfor all membersmembers To subscribe visit MyRFS To subscribe visit MyRFS www.myrfs.nsw.gov.auwww.myrfs.nsw.gov.au
D O O H H S A L F A S T E P U P B M N J H Y D R A N T Z H S P A Now, where is that equipment? L A C R E W R E R I A T C O S P Page 54 Wordsearch results C S R L H R I N E B N A R T T P T K V S E Z P N D W D C O Z E A S N U H F O E A N Z R O T S M R R B L A S R D P I L B M R O L A I N E GetR I S W S L RtheV M L R E latestT news F O G F B M F T Y V S S A B H U E Z D P R O T E C T I V E R Z S M Z D E U K W J D U F C E E N O F L O forG S E F A allG I P E membersE A I V G E W N H V A L V E W U I T N E N S C D E Y N A L A A D R H E R I E H N K E G I Y G T E P I P R H J A ToC E YsubscribeO D E T E I D N ZvisitU MyRFS T M I T S A I J L H R O G G P N O L N T K R L C L D W R L M C K L A U www.myrfs.nsw.gov.auO E P R F O A M O U O U C C M O C J S E O W D V P H I T U P H T A J D D O S E K E O D T R T O O L A A A D S A B A R A E T R S F L E Y E N E P W O Y R R B V E O D S E L G G O G R T E X A 2012 lletin • ire Bu ush F 2 • B 32 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 195 Bush fire workshops for the urban setting Preparing for Fire is a new series of workshops being held in conjunction with the Nature Conservation Council of NSW where residents on the urban fringe learn more about protecting themselves, their environment and their suburb from bush fire.
Similar to the Hotspots RFS officers, consideration is The cooperative interaction to these places because of the workshops, but held in an given to the likely impact from between officers from the natural lifestyle and amenity urban setting, the Preparing flames, radiant heat and ember NSW RFS, NCC and other on offer. for Fire workshops bring the attack. Aspects of properties agency representatives is also Tying it all together is the local fire and land management that affect fire ignition, such an eye-opener for participants. strong social research agency representatives as dwelling construction, entry Many are unaware that these component of the workshops. together with residents in the points, decking, property officers meet on a regular basis Post workshop interviews one setting. maintenance, and vegetation at Bush Fire Management provide further information and available fuel are identified Committees and are in close Four workshops were held in on participant attitudes. and discussed. Emphasis contact about fire management the first half of 2012. These The Institute of Sustainable is placed on the value of in their areas. were at Killingworth in the Lake Futures and NCC is currently maintaining Asset Protection Macquarie region, Cowan and “It was interesting that the evaluating the effectiveness Zones immediately around Westleigh in the Hornsby area, firies and everyone agreed of engagement processes on houses. Basic fire ecology is and Waterfall in the Sutherland with each other,” said one how community behaviour also explored, looking at the Shire. Each workshop was Killingworth resident, “Usually and attitudes about bush fire vegetation type, main plant held on a Saturday morning, you get your conservationist preparation and biodiversity species and the impacts of fire followed by a barbeque people that don’t agree with conservation are influenced. on plants and animals. prepared by local NSW RFS the firies but all the people If you think a community in brigade members. So far, 112 The planning behind prescribed from the agencies more or less your area would benefit from a community members have burns often surprises workshop agreed with each other.” ‘Preparing for Fire’ workshop, attended the four workshops. participants. While community safety is contact Anne Miehs via email The workshops are organised “There’s a myriad of different paramount, managing risk to at [email protected] or and facilitated by Dr Anne things you’ve got to look at,” life and property need not be ring (02) 9516 1488 to discuss. Miehs and Greg Banks said one Westleigh resident. exclusive to good biodiversity from the NCC’s Bushfire The technology or the science outcomes, especially since Management Program in that went with it was quite householders living in peri- partnership with the local NSW impressive.” urban areas are often attracted RFS and local land managers. The workshop begins at the local brigade station. Officers from the local RFS Fire Control Centre and senior brigade members use maps from the local Bush Fire Risk Management Plan to describe the area and articulate the bush fire risk of the area. Adjacent bushland areas are discussed including how they are managed for fire and their fire history. Workshop participants head out to field sites to further explore their own area and learn about the risk of fire in the area, fire history, likely fire behaviour including the influence of weather and topography, fuel loads, and the prescribed burn program for the area. The field sites are chosen to enable as many aspects of fire behaviour and impacts on properties to be investigated. Vegetation, slope and separation distances are assessed in relation to specific houses. Led by NSW
Maps are used to identify the risk allocated to the workshop area. Photo by Anne Miehs
BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 33 winnersAnd the are ... The 2012 World Firefighters Games were held in Sydney from 19-28 October 2012. While more than 55 countries were represented in the friendly Games, Australia topped the medal tally. Team NSW RFS won an impressive 69 medals for Australia after competing in 40 events, including 35 Gold, 17 Silver and 17 Bronze.
The 2012 World Firefighters Games (WFG), similar to the Olympics, showcased over 70 individual and team events, including World’s Toughest Firefighter, dodgeball, disaster challenge, surf lifesaving, poker, golf, fire truck challenge, tug-of-war and paintball. The biennial Games have been hosted in countries across the globe and this year, with the Games so close to home, we were able to build a large representation from the NSW RFS. Registrations were open to staff, volunteers and direct family members and over 80 members were part of Team NSW RFS. Many members also participated in a volunteer capacity helping with registrations, information, and photography. The Service members do us proud Sally Hatcher (Yarramundi) won a whopping 14 Gold medals in the Swimming events and Annie Gleason (Kenthurst) cleaned up at the Golf winning Gold, Silver and Bronze as well as a Silver medal in the Squash. Laurence McCoy (HQ) won Gold in the Open Water Swimming and Jim Loveridge (Horsley Park) won Bronze for the Disaster Challenge. Hans top: Team NSW RFS representing Rothe (Llandilo) won Silver and Australia in the WFG Participants Parade. Craig O’Neill (Kariong) won two Photo by Phillippa Baume Gold medals for Judo. ABOVE: Brodie Rafferty, Stewart Stephens (CFA Victoria), Luke Catorall Jody Preston (Wallacia) took and Susannah Bilous won the Silver out the Gold medal in the Fire medal in the Amazing Race team Truck Challenge and Paula competition. Photo provided by Neill (Chifley) won Bronze in Susannah Bilous the Firehouse Cook Off. Rudy left: Members of the Davidson Brigade Sicha (Limeburners Creek) won who competed in the World’s Toughest Gold in the Archery and Jeremy Firefighter. (L-R): Darryl Pearson, Trent Clegg (Kenthurst) took out the Dowling, Tony Abbott, Tim Eliot. Photo by Dan Meijer
34 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS Winning ABOVE: Competitors Jonathon Tan, Tony Longa and Simon Heemstra at the WFG Opening Ceremony. Photo by for a mate Phillippa Baume LEFT: The Dragon Boat team, Jody Preston, Captain of featuring NSW RFS members from Wallacia Brigade, found out Cobbity, Camden West and Valley about the WFG on MyRFS. Heights won Gold. Photo provided He drives B Doubles for a living by Sue Hackett so he thought he’d give the Fire RIGHT: Stewart Temesvary won Truck Challenge a go. Silver and Jody Preston won Gold in the Fire Truck Challenge. Photo “It was a timed event,“ he said, provided by Cassandra Semken. “involving driving and reversing through a tight course marked out by witches’ hats.” Bronze in the Indoor Volleyball event that replaced day one of won Silver in the 8km Cross His strategy was to go relatively in a combined NSW RFS / the Horseshoe Throwing. Chris Country Run. Tony Longa (HQ) fast through the course and FRNSW team. Jonathon Tan Bowser, Sue and Ben Hackett won Silver and Brodie Rafferty risk a couple of time penalties (HQ) won Gold for the Power and Owen McCague also won (HQ) won Gold in the Stair for hitting the hats. It obviously Lifting where he lifted a total of Bronze for the Bucket Brigade Climb event for running up an paid off because he ended up 345kg in his weight range and in their Team Cobbity. impressive 84 levels winning Gold using the FRNSW Ezra Zuydam (Austral) won Gold Valley Heights Brigade of Centrepoint Tower! truck and Stewart Temesvary for the Arm Wrestling. members, in their flame t-shirts, A full results listing is available (Valley Heights) won Silver! The Service cleaned up at won an impressive 16 medals. on the WFG website: http:// When Jody found out he’d the Trap Shooting with Glen These included Gold in the www.worldfirefightersgames. won he said, “You’re joking”. Castellaro (MIA) winning Dragon Boat with Cobbity and com.au/results/. Incredibly, the night of the truck three Golds and a Silver in his Camden West Brigades, Silver Some great WFG photos challenge, Jody responded to age division plus the World in the Fire Truck Challenge for capturing the events can a Duffys Forest fire until 3am Firefighters Games Title (High Stewart Temesvary, and six be found on the NSW RFS and a couple of hours later he Gun) for the best overall score medals for Bert Clarke and two Flickr page: http://www. competed in the gruelling Stair for the day. Charles Anderson Silver medals for Bec Price in flickr.com/photos/nswrfs/ Climb event in full PPE. A major (MIA) also won four Golds the Swimming. In the Team sets/72157631854216245/ test of stamina! in the Trap Shooting in his Orienteering Andrew Galea and and the WFG Flickr page: age division and Peter Lynes Matt White took out Gold and Jody has dedicated his Gold http://www.flickr.com/ (Illawarra) won one Gold, two Stephen Price took out Bronze medal to Phil Fisher, who photos/88730361@N06/sets/. Silver and a Bronze. Peter also in Individual Orienteering. was the Captain at Wallacia won four Bronze medals in the Kyle Parker from Davidson Brigade when he joined, and In the Track and Field, Brent Skeet Shooting. Brigade also competed in a who passed away earlier this King (Tamworth) won Silver couple of events and was a year. Phil encouraged Jody to Susannah Bilous (HQ), Brodie for the Triple Jump and Bronze volunteer photographer for get a truck licence and showed Rafferty (HQ) and Luke Catorall for the Javelin and Simon the Games. His photos can him how to drive. Truck driving (HQ), along with Stewart Herring (Loftus) won Silver in be viewed at: http://photos. ended up becoming his career Stephens (CFA Victoria) won the Triathlon. Julia Sercombe liveitseeit.com/FireEvents and now he’s the WFG Gold the Silver medal in a close finish (Blaxland Ridge) won Silver medallist. in the Amazing Race team and Mark Williams (Shoalhaven event. Sue Hackett (Cobbity) Heads) won Bronze in the won Gold in the Rolle Bolle, an Cycling Road Race. Julia also
BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 35 Open Day 2012
By Melissa Baker, Fire Awareness & Promotions Officer Another successful NSW RFS Open Day was held around NSW on Saturday 22 September with over 300 brigades participating. Another 50 brigades will hold their Open Day event on an alternate date.
We’d like to thank all of our State, with a difficult choice successful Open Day this year pump demonstrations. The dedicated members for their in choosing the winning with over 500 people coming brigade also used a PA system contribution to this important photographs. through the station doors – and throughout the day to announce NSW RFS event. Community that was 10 times the number when demonstrations were events such as Open Day take Congratulations to the winners welcomed in previous years. taking place, which encouraged a lot of planning and hard work So what did they do differently attendance and participation. and your efforts are greatly Danielle Kurnell this year? appreciated. 1st Various lucky door prizes Edwards Brigade, The brigade is sure that (donated by local businesses) Open Day is a great opportunity Sutherland the success of their Open were given out throughout to showcase what the Service District Day was a combination of the day. The prizes were all does and the important role factors including simplifying fire related items — such as our brigades and volunteers 2nd Mark Penrose the promotion to “Fire chainsaws and skip bin hire — play in NSW communities. It’s Compton Brigade, Station Open Day”, as well reminding the prize winners also an excellent opportunity Southern as undertaking a letterbox to prepare their homes for the for members to meet their Highlands drop one month prior to upcoming fire season. community and help people Team Open Day, utilising variable understand how they can Jenny Parkes 3rd messaging boards in the two Clarence Town - Lower Hunter prepare themselves, their Baker Head- weeks leading up to Open Team, Region East families and their homes for the quarters, Day, advertising on local radio very real threat of bush fire. Mid Open Day at Clarence Town Lachlan stations and in local petrol Brigade was a big success, with Open Day is also about having Valley stations (above the petrol close to 200 people attending. some fun, and with the Team bowsers), as well as using They had a static display fantastic weather attracting the brigade’s Facebook page offering safety advice and crowds to stations right across — which proved to be very information and held various the State, brigades hosted an powerful advertising tool. interactive demonstrations array of activities including The winning photos are shown throughout the day such as, interactive fire awareness on the opposite page. Murrumbateman, held what happens when water displays, Bush Fire Survival various demonstration events is thrown on a fat fire, how Plan advice to individuals Murrumbateman Rural Fire throughout the day, including and groups and equipment Brigade - Southern Tablelands tanker overrun with the to smother fire with water demonstrations. Of course Zone, Region South activation of the sprinkler and how to correctly use a there was plenty of really fun system, the dangers of using fire blanket. As always, the activities for the kids with face Murrumbateman Rural Fire water with an oil fire and fire interactive demonstrations went painters, jumping castles and Brigade held an extremely extinguisher and portable down very well with the crowd. hose and truck activities taking over many station forecourts! Many brigades like to use Open Day as an opportunity to invite new people to consider becoming members, which is a good way to plan for the future and help expand the knowledge and capability of the Service. The Community Engagement Team ran an Open Day photograph competition again this year, for all members participating in Open Day, to capture photographs of their brigade engaging with the community. We received some fabulous submissions for this year’s competition from across the Pheasants Nest Brigade preparing for Open Day.
36 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS Open Day Photo Competition winners
Clarence Town Brigade decided to focus on holiday fire safety this year, with many of the visitors coming from nearby camping grounds. The fact sheets given out on the day were very well received and the brigade received some really positive feedback The Brigade also had a surprise in store, when it presented a children’s bike to one lucky winner! Bourke Headquarters - Barwon Darling Zone, Region West Bourke Headquarters Brigade was joined by Enngonia and Yantabulla Brigades who pooled resources and hosted a very The Winner: Kurnell Brigade, Sutherland District. Photo by Danielle Edwards successful joint emergency Brigade Captain David Hinshelwood shows local Lucas Edwards how to hold the hose. services Open Day event The look on Lucas’ face says it all. with NSW Police Force, NSW State Emergency Service, Fire & Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance as part of the Second: Penrose Enngonia Field Day. Brigade, Southern Over 1,500 people came along Highlands Team. for the Field Day including Photo by Mark Compton a number of farmers from Captain Dale Chalmers, as far away as North West Senior Deputy Captain Queensland. The brigades Col Pyne and Heather engaged well with the crowd Pyne are seen here handing out fact sheets and enjoying a cuppa with Bush Fire Survival Plans. local residents while The day was a resounding discussing Bush Fire success with a lot of interactive Survival Plans for the involvement from the farmers, coming season a static information display, bookings for property protection inspections and the ever-popular sausage sizzle.
Third: Parkes Headquarters, Mid Lachlan Valley. Photo by Jenny Baker Captain Scott Baker allowing young Caitlin to use the hose at the Open Day
BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 37 Inspiration and connection for community engagers By Tanyia Tuckey, Manager Community Engagement. Photos by Melissa Baker, Fire Awareness & Promotions Officer
June 2012 saw We were lucky enough to have The conference’s final keynote We also examined some inspirational speakers such as speaker was very well received initiatives from overseas to see the 16th annual Celeste Geer, the Director and and a brilliant way to close the what they’re doing. Producer of Then the Wind conference. Dr Bob Murray Australian Community A few sessions looked into the Changed, a documentary about talked about ‘Getting anybody science of fires, and addressed Engagement and the 2009 Black Saturday bush to listen to you and persuading how we could use science to fires in Victoria. Celeste is a them to do what you say’. Fire Awareness engage the community and resident of Strathewan, one of There were a lot of nodding help them understand their Conference. Nearly the communities devastated by heads in the audience and also risk. There were a number of the 2009 fires. Celeste’s insight lots of laughter! 450 people, including sessions that addressed getting into how she was prompted to The workshop sessions also all brigade members involved in more than 200 leave early on the day of the proved popular with participants community engagement. volunteers from across fires was thought provoking contributing to research on and heartfelt. Based on the whether communities could It was very rewarding to see the State, attended written feedback, Celeste’s reduce house loss, suggesting a number of contributors from the conference hosted interview with Lew Short how volunteers could be universities and other agencies, was regarded as the best involved in the development of including NSW Police Force, the at the Novotel in presentation of the conference. Community Protection Plans, NSW State Emergency Service, Fire & Rescue NSW, Australian Wollongong. Frances Crown and Carolyn and getting their heads around Red Cross and fire services in Chaplin from the Southern the Community Engagement the ACT, Tasmania and South Highlands talked about their Spectrum. Australia. award winning Canyonleigh It was also interesting to Women’s Fire Awareness see the various methods After all the hard work, Program. Focus on the currently being used to engage delegates relaxed and enjoyed development of programs communities and the variety of a few drinks and nibblies at targeting women is growing, groups we are targeting. Aside the welcome reception, where and Fiona Dunstan from the from women, the NSW RFS is conference sponsors were South Australian Country Fire addressing how to reach other thanked for their contribution Service also spoke on this topic. communities such as those and support. The Fright Night Her talk ‘Why engage women already established, children, dinner led to an impressive in bush fire safety’ focussed Aboriginal communities, array of costumes, with the on another award winning online communities and groups parade of contenders for prizes initiative. ‘at risk’. being a highlight of the evening.
38 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS OPPOSITE: Collecting the awards for the inaugural Community Engagement Program Awards (L-R) Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers, Phil Rook for the Otford Brigade, Bill Duncan, Kenthurst Brigade, Glenn O’Rourke and Tony Hawkins, Wollombi Brigade and David Stimson for Canyonleigh Brigade ABOVE: Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers opened the 16th Community Engagement Conference in Wollongong ABOVE RIGHT: Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers and Srisutha Suntharesan from Ausgrid,with winners of the Ausgrid cooler bag competition
The presentations from the a site visit to look at a well- program transfers skills to the Otford Brigade’s Urban conference are available on prepared home and a hands-on community, with an emphasis Interface Program is cleverly MyRFS and the NSW RFS online session of how to use pumps on warmth, welcome and marketed as pre-incident library catalogue (find this at and hoses. The program follow-up with participants. planning. The whole brigade http://publiclibrary.rfs.nsw.gov. is involved in the program features live demonstrations so Wollombi Brigade’s au/public_home.htm) that participants can experience Community Preparedness which includes bowling hoses, radiant heat and practice Program consists of workshops intelligence gathering and Award winners techniques to put out fires. The (including one for women only) community engagement. brigade has produced a DVD This program helps improve This year the Service followed up by a Firewise and shares their program with Cafe, where participants are the brigade’s knowledge introduced the Community other brigades. of property access and Engagement Program Awards, introduced to the risks of bush fire, the importance of defendability. This is an which were presented at Canyonleigh Brigade’s ongoing program for the Otford the Conference. In particular Women’s Bush Fire Awareness preparing a Bush Fire Survival Plan and what they need Brigade who plan to visit the the following brigades Program encourages all brigade majority of properties in the should be acknowledged members to contribute to to consider when deciding whether to Leave Early or Stay area. Residents are encouraged and congratulated for the the program which has been to take responsibility for their outstanding work they are running successfully for a and Defend. Follow-up surveys demonstrated that 94 percent own property, complete a Bush doing in their communities: number of years. Workshops Fire Survival Plan and ensure address fire behaviour, of attendees completed a Bush • Kenthurst Brigade their property has suitable preparing yourself and your Fire Survival Plan or felt they • Canyonleigh Brigade access for fire crews. This property as well as hands had sufficient knowledge to • Wollombi Brigade program has been shared with on training – followed by complete one following the • Otford Brigade workshop. other brigades and improves property assessments in the brigade familiarisation with Kenthurst Brigade’s months after the program. A core feature of the program is the area. Community Inclusion Program The workshops are effective robust planning and adaptation encourages the community due to their hands-on nature to local needs. The brigade PostScript: We were thrilled to take responsibility for their with participants taking part strongly supports shared to hear that in late November, own preparedness. A letterbox in activities under stress such learnings and the program Celeste Geer won the 2012 drop is used to promote their as loud noises, time pressure, contains a strong element Walkley Documentary Award workshop that covers fire heat and darkness. These are of evaluation. The Wollombi for Then the Wind Changed. behaviour, preparing your designed to simulate making Brigade won a Resilient property and the Bush Fire a decision when there is a Australia Award and you can Survival Plan. It also includes fire. This multi-award winning read more about this on page 7.
BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 39 Update It’s been a big job building the new MyRFS for volunteers and the site is improving every day.
The new MyRFS has been built brigade. For example some We have also updated the administrators can now add from the ground-up, following brigades may choose to use it information on the password news and documents for their extensive consultation with for day-to-day availability, while expiry page to provide simpler brigade to MyRFS. volunteers about the tools reset instructions. others may only use it during Service Standards being needed to perform their roles, severe fire weather or during The manage brigades and stay up Search function difficult to navigate: holiday periods. Service Standards have been to date. enhancements: Significant enhancements have been categorised to make them New ways to stay connected made to the search function to easier to find and use. New brigade management tools make it more user-friendly and As well as providing a range Group Captain and Brigade easy to use. One of the biggest features of tools for brigades the new reports: Based on feedback of the new MyRFS is also MyRFS also includes a range eLearning portal: The from members the first set of one of the most requested by of useful communication tools. eLearning portal is now reports for Group Captains and volunteers – tools which can Districts are now able to post available within MyRFS in the brigades has been released, help manage brigades. news and documents to their training centre and members allowing Group Captains and Captains, Secretaries and other members, and are also able to are able to complete the brigade management roles to brigade management roles post news to only a particular Safety Induction and Volunteer run a range of reports on their have the ability to view and subgroup of members, such as Induction online. members. update a range of information Captains or Group Officers. Brigade management roles Attendance and availability about their members including The new MyRFS also includes being able to view the updates: A number of fixes their contact details, brigade a range of social tools including callouts of their members: and enhancements have roles and voting rights within a members’ forum and the Brigade Captains, Secretaries been made to the brigade the brigade. ability for members to post and any member with a attendance and brigade Brigades can also post comments on news articles. Brigade Management Team availability modules to make news and documents for role are now able to view the them easy to use for members. their brigade members on Improving MyRFS for all callouts attended by members We are also currently focussed MyRFS, as well as upload their members of their brigade by using the on resolving an issue which brigade constitution and any ‘member callouts’ tool in the Building the new MyRFS has prevents access to MyRFS for brigade rules. My Tools menu. been a big job. Like any major some Group Captains or people The new MyRFS also provides new release like this, a number Calendar enhancements: who are members of several tools to help brigades keep of issues and enhancement Enhancements have been brigades and have a particularly track of activities members requests have been identified made to the Calendar feature large number of roles against have participated in. This allows by MyRFS users. The MyRFS so that users can click on the their name. While we work to members to easily see what team has been actively working title of an event to get more permanently resolve this issue, they have done throughout to resolve these issues and detailed information about users who are impacted by this the year, from attending work on improvements to it and can also download can gain access to the site by training and maintenance, to MyRFS based on feedback the event into their Outlook contacting MyRFS support. community events and allows from our users. This includes calendar. brigades to keep a record of Jump online and try the new this information in one spot. the following changes made Site speed: Major MyRFS today. If you need a over the past few months. enhancements have been login, contact your local District Another new feature frequently Password expiry period made to increase the speed of office or email the MyRFS requested by brigades is the MyRFS, which has significantly team at [email protected]. ability for brigade members extended: Based on user feedback password expiry decreased the page load time to be able to indicate their for users. availability to attend an incident has now been extended to or activity. This module can six months, which means Brigade news and be used in a variety of ways you will only need to change documents: All Captains, depending on the needs of the your password twice a year. Secretaries and brigade MyRFS
40 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS Watching grass grow
When the volunteers in Consulting with volunteers in With the support of the Due to the success of this first face-to-face meetings known Commissioner, the Region Tour eight volunteers and three Broken Hill were asked was Regional Forums has West office set to work staff set out on a second tour what they needed for been a focus for the NSW RFS to organise the Region this time to the north west of Executive in 2012. It is a project West Familiarisation Tour. the State. the upcoming grassfire An Expression of Interest initiated by the Commissioner The focus of this trip was to was issued and around 13 season, it set off a where members of the again allow members to gain an volunteers from the Region Executive travel around NSW to appreciation of the heavy grass whole chain of events…. East set out on the first tour in meet with volunteers ensuring fuel loads in the mid north early August. they are updated about current western parts of the State. changes in the Service as well Brigades in Region West A feature of this second tour as the opportunity to provide also took up the idea was to also assist some flood- feedback and input. quickly arranging meetings, affected property owners with Since March 2012, Assistant presentations and tours of removing debris from fences, Commissioner Dominic Lane the local area not to mention re-setting fences and removing travelled the State attending 38 the afternoon tea and cakes. old ones. Regional Forums from Glenn Region West Manager Paul Crews from both tours Innes to Coonabarabran to Smith was very pleased with returned home with a different Bourke and south to Deniliquin the results. perspective on how the NSW meeting with around 1,200 “I was very impressed with RFS operates and saw with volunteers. When Assistant the response from the locals,” their own eyes the condition Commissioner Lane met with he said, “The discussions likely to be experienced in the the volunteers in Broken Hill he between the two groups were western part of the State in the asked them what they needed terrific. Once the ice was coming fire season. for the upcoming fire season. broken the discussions were “One of the other great results The idea of a Region West very productive.” of the Tours was a plan for Familiarisation Tour was raised. The bus of Region East volunteers in Region West to Volunteers in Broken Hill said volunteers set out from NSW return the favour,” Paul Smith that a visit from volunteers RFS Headquarters on Monday said, “The terrain is much from the east of the State 13 August and returned four more mountainous in the east before the fire season would days later. The crew had of the State and there is lot allow them to get familiar with 13 stops over the four days for our western volunteers to the landscape, learn more spending time with local learn about fighting fires in that about grassfire behavior in the volunteers and staff and getting environment as well.” ABOVE: The route taken by the area, meet the locals, hear hands-on knowledge of the 13 members from Region East on about the history of the areas potential fire threat posed by the Region West Familiarisation and to see how brigades in the the massive grass and bush Tour in August region go about their work. fuel loads across Region West.
BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 41 A diary of the Western Tour Group Captain Grahame Fothergill, AFSM from the Illawarra Zone was on the first Region West Familiarisation Tour. He kept road notes and excerpts of these are included here.
Monday 13 August 2012 YOUNG: We set off from NSW RFS about Umbrella Grass. It tends to blow Headquarters and arrive in Young in time around easily and can be difficult to deal for lunch and discussion with locals. with in fire conditions. Discussed the importance of getting our Fire events are typically six to eight hours heads around local issues and practices. in duration with high intensity and a Departed for West Wyalong and I am total duration of two to three days. Fire already noticing roadside growth is weather days mean high temperatures probably an issue. There hasn’t been a and high winds. This year with high fuel significant fire season here since 1970s. loads, expect 10 metre flame height and a rate of travel around 35-40kph. WEST WYALONG: We had an excellent discussion with Group Captain Lindsay “We need to work as one team when Hendley. He said the local timber country working with farmer based brigades,” he has grassed up this year. Timbered areas said, “Accept that the culture may not be usually help to slow fires when bare the same as what you are used to, but ground is underneath, but this year there you will need them on your side just as is thick grass below the trees. He warned much as they need you.”
Tuesday 14 August HAY: Over breakfast at Hay Fire Control Centre we learn about what it’s like for Mid West Zone brigades. Brigades might not visit Fire Control Centre for extended periods of time we are told, but when fires start, brigades pull together really well. Contact with brigades is predominately by newsletter or email. Staff make road trips to visit brigades personally. Classroom type training has always been difficult but online training is being taken up more and more. There is more interest in training now than in the past. Coordination at fires is an issue as is familiarisation with the newCat 1’s for members in outlying areas. Communications: Some captains have PMR in their personal vehicles. District is said he had one truck and one Cat 9. He One Groupie, Terry Smith tells us he looks looking to get more Command Vehicles. covers 50 leases and leases are probably after five million hectares. He has one Headquarters Brigade has pagers but 50 kilometres square! There used to be slip on and a few other machines plus 15 other brigades are activated by phone, families on each lease, now they would active people to call on. be lucky to have 25 occupied. mobile phone, and or SMS messaging. Fire season starts October: Dry Lightning “Works well for us.” Brigades have hardware trucks etc, but storms are the biggest concern. The north generally gear such as graders, tractors west wind behind fires will often turn to and slip-ons is supplied by members off southerly. This is the pattern. the farm. The main fire control is by heavy plant. Training: Little or no formal training happens this far out in the main. Set off from Ivanhoe with many handshakes and gestures of goodwill. I think this tour is really showing its worth. We head out for Menindee with around 200 kilometres of dirt road ahead of us. We check out the grass growth on the side of the road. IVANHOE: Great communication with locals over a pie and cake! I could have MENINDEE: Arrived at Menindee and talked all day. have a good constructive discussion with all locals. Another spectacular layout of The region is mostly Crown Land sandwiches and cakes. leased by farmers on 99-year lease arrangements. Ivanhoe Group Captain
42 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS Wednesday 15 August Australian border. Has 11 zone captains – everything is relative here. BROKEN HILL AND SILVERTON: Sobering fact: The Far West In 1976 there was a fire on Narraport has one firefighter per 206 square Property which was mainly prime spear kilometres. grass at the time. 80,000 acres (32,300ha) This is Mad Max Country. turned black in 40 minutes! The town of Silverton has a population of Rick talked about many grasses and trees 45 and the brigade has 42 members. in the area. White grass on roadside is Fairy Grass (common name). Currently 90 The town invited the NSW RFS out to percent cured. Buffle Grass was just one Silverton to reinvigorate the brigade – it that I managed to write down. This was high oil content. When fire in grass gets has been strong ever since. Remote as introduced from South Africa. Thought it they are, they look after the township as this type of scrub heated, the fire will run might be good feed. Turns out it has little well as some big country. They have two across the tops creating rapid spread. nutritional value for stock, but it burns Cat 1s and a Cat 9. Workload is whatever WILCANNIA: Quick tour around Wilcannia, comes along – they just deal with it. really well!! particularly around the aboriginal housing One Cat 1 is located over the border in areas. Looked at fire trails put in to the South Australia at a little town called west of town as APZ. The local captain is Cockburn – borders don’t mean anything John Pineo who is also an Aboriginal Elder. out here. Brigade have two Cat 1s and around 10 Am impressed with level of training at this members. 800 residents in total. station. Members give Great coffee, a big rap for Learning and Development EMMDALE ROADHOUSE: Officer, Bill Britt. soup and sandwiches. Spoke with locals extensively. Far West Team covers As we head for Wilcannia I notice the 200,000 square kms. vegetation changes as we have travel. Interesting variations in different areas, Group Captain Rick Howard looks after grasses are now sharing with low to around 35,000 square kms – north to the medium scrub trees. The scrub has a Queensland border and west to the South
Thursday 16 August NARROMINE: When we arrived in hazard reduction was in progress. Laurie Douglas COBAR: Country here has more vegetation (Operations Officer at Orana Team), spoke above ground level. An older local, Ken to the group in some depth. Evans has a lot of local knowledge to share with us. Ken’s first fire was in 1947. “Back He showed that one side of the rail line then you just grabbed a Box Sucker and that was burnt two months ago and looked got into it.” at the regrowth that has already shot up. This burn today was on the other side of He said that problem is new people the line. Burn moved at brisk walking pace coming onto properties that don’t have the and self-extinguished within about two historical local knowledge. “Lessons will minutes. Minimal mop up required. be learned the hard way,” he said, “Their first major fire will do that.” NYNGAN: The Nyngan FCC covers 60,000 square kms of area. This year Mines are in NSW RFS footprint so they many successful hazard reductions have work closely with Service and other been completed. Strategically located services. appliances, strategically placed bulk water The pattern remains the same: protection and radio checks are happening. from the west-north west is the key for town and village protection. Cobar is They have also brought in Cluster Training ringed with a series of fire trail networks Days. This is where three or four brigades extending outwards from town. Vehicles meet up to attend training together such as are placed all around area. familiarisation with tankers.
Friday 17 August Noticed quite a few differences in this area to the Far West. One is the ‘quick kill’ On reflection DUBBO: Good chat and presentation of all policy in this zone. Holdings are smaller I would like to think that we have things Canobolas. Dubbo and surrounds and population is greater. Water is used pushed over a few barriers with this have a variety of flat grasslands, undulating more directly whereas in the Far West visit. The members are very passionate topography, pine forests, scrub areas and most firefighting is done with graders, drip about the west and far west. The range country somewhat more heavily torch and other heavy plant. volunteers and farmers we met seemed timbered. The Zone covers 13.500 square really happy for us to come into the kms – give or take. There are 80 brigades. west to give them a hand. I was impressed with the explanation It was a big area to cover and I would of the Canobolas Bush Fire Risk have loved to have more time in each Management Plan presentation. area to talk to locals in more depth. It was definitely a worthwhile trip, I learned heaps and only scratched the surface.
BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 43 PLANNING TO MAKE A PLAN IS NOT A PLAN. Complete your bush fire survival plan now.
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44 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS PLANNING TO MAKE A PLAN New ground for the Cadet Program IS NOT A PLAN. By Rebecca Phillips, Chifley/Lithgow Team Complete your bush fire survival plan now. Volunteers in the Bathurst area made history this year by holding the first Secondary School Cadet Program at a Special School.
Carenne School offered the Cadet Program to 10 students from Years 11 and 12. The students have been enthusiastically learning hose rolling and bowling, pumping, how to use hand tools, hydrant and extinguisher use and tanker familiarisation. The group also visited the local Fire & Rescue NSW station and NSW SES unit to explore the relationship between the services and learn a little bit about some of the different equipment they use. This program has previously only been offered to the student’s mainstream school counterparts and while the program has been adapted to suit the school and its students, (extending the program to 16 weeks instead of 10) it has been a great success. The response of the students has been very positive. “The course has been great fun and good to be able to work together as a team with my classmates, “ said Connor from Year 11, “ I really like the program and I am learning new skills each time I go to it.” Luke from Year 11 said he really liked the practical parts of the course. “I like learning how to use the extinguishers, the hoses and the pump and learning about all the different types of fires,” he said. Three teachers from the and Pat Linnane (Raglan Graduation Day which were ABOVE: Pat Linnane (Retired school, who are also volunteer Brigade) are also instrumental held on 17 October 2012. Eight Group Captain, Raglan Brigade) and Conner at training. members of the NSW RFS in providing instruction to the schools and 72 students from Photo by Terry Neal are involved in the delivery students. across the Chifley/Lithgow of the program – Terry Neal The Carenne School Cadet team participated in the event. (O’Connell Brigade), Michael team also participated against The winning school of the Auld (Peel Brigade) and Ellen other local schools in the Apps/Kearney 2012 Trophy for Sutton (Raglan Brigade). Greg annual Chifley/Lithgow Team a second year in a row was St Ingersole (Eglinton Brigade) Cadet Championship and Josephs School, Oberon.
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BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 45 NSW RFS State Training Month Date Program Training Location February 23 Rural Fire Driver Instructor Workshop, Hawkesbury L&D 23-24 Community Safety Facilitator (CSF), Illawarra Community Engagement 24 Rural Fire Driver Instructor Workshop, Region East L&D 26-28 Prescribed Burn Planning (PBP), Armidale Community Planning
March 12-14 Prescribed Burn Planning (PBP), Moruya Community Planning 13-14 Media Liaison Officer (MLO), TBA Media 16-17 DIY Community Engagement, Mittagong Community Engagement 18-22 CCC for ICMI participants, Sutherland L&D 20-22 Public Liaison Officer (PLO), TBA Media 21-24 Monitor Brigade Safety (SAF), Katoomba L&D 23 Rural Fire Driver Instructor Workshop, Queanbeyan L&D 24 Rural Fire Driver Instructor Workshop, Wagga L&D 26-28 Prescribed Burn Planning (PBP), Eastwood Community Planning
April 2-3 Media Liaison Officer (MLO), TBA Media 5 Intro to Intelligence (INT), Region North Operational Doctrine 6 Reconnaissance(RCN), Region North Operational Doctrine 12-14 Aviation Radio Operator (ARO), Mudgee Aviation 12-14 Air Base Operator(ABO), Mudgee Aviation 13 Rural Fire Driver Instructor Workshop, Dubbo L&D 14 Rural Fire Driver Instructor Workshop, Orange L&D 15-19 IMW for ICMI participants, Sutherland L&D 16-18 Public Liaison Officer (PLO), TBA Media 27-28 Community Safety Facilitator (CSF), Orange Community Engagement 30-1 ICMI Workshop 1, Homebush L&D
May 3 Intro to Intelligence (INT), Region West Operational Doctrine 3-5 Leadership and Team Skills (LDR), Katoomba L&D 4 Reconnaissance(RCN), Region West Operational Doctrine 4-5 Live Fire Instructor Workshop, Dubbo L&D 7-9 Prescribed Burn Planning (PBP), Dubbo Community Planning 13-17 Command, Control & Communications (CCC), Coffs Harbour L&D 18 Advanced Firefighter Update Workshop, Coffs Harbour L&D 20-21 Community Safety Facilitator (CSF), Port Stephens Community Engagement 21-23 ICMI Workshop 2, Homebush L&D 25 Rural Fire Driver Instructor Workshop, Armidale L&D 26 Rural Fire Driver Instructor Workshop, Coffs Harbour L&D 27-31 Command, Control & Communications (CCC), Orange L&D 31 Intro to Intelligence (INT), Region East Operational Doctrine
June 1 Advanced Firefighter Update Workshop, Orange L&D 1 Reconnaissance(RCN), Region East Operational Doctrine 14-16 Aviation Radio Operator (ARO), Kempsey Aviation 14-16 Air Base Operator(ABO), Kempsey Aviation 15-16 Safety Advisor (SA), Wagga L&D 15-16 DIY Community Engagement, Taree Community Engagement 17-21 ICMI Workshop 3, Homebush L&D 24-28 Incident Management Workshop(IMW), Coffs Harbour L&D 24-28 Fire Behaviour Analyst (FBA), Eastwood Community Planning 30 Air Base Operator Recert, Gunnedah Aviation
46 BUSH FIREbulletinFIREbulletin // xxxTraining Calendar NSW RFS State Training Calendar Month Date Program Training Location July 5 Intro to Intelligence (INT), Region South Operational Doctrine 5-7 Aviation Radio Operator (ARO), Moree Aviation 5-7 Air Base Operator(ABO), Moree Aviation 6 Reconnaissance(RCN), Region South Operational Doctrine 6-7 Community Safety Facilitator (CSF), Ulmarra Community Engagement 8-12 Incident Management Workshop(IMW), Orange L&D 16-17 ICMI workshop 4, Homebush L&D 22-26 Command, Control & Communications (CCC), Griffith L&D 26-28 Aviation Radio Operator (ARO), Albion Park Aviation 26-28 Air Base Operator(ABO), Albion Park Aviation 27 Advanced Firefighter Update Workshop, Griffith L&D 27-28 Safety Advisor (SA), Hawkesbury L&D
August 1-4 Air Base Manager (ABM), Albion Park Aviation 2-4 Air Systems Operator (ASO), Albion Park Aviation 4 Aviation Radio Operator Recert, Albion Park Aviation 4 Air Base Operator Recert, Albion Park Aviation 4-5 Air Attack Supervisor Recert, Albion Park Aviation 12-16 Incident Management Workshop(IMW), Griffith L&D 13 ICMI Workshop 5, Homebush L&D 16-18 Aviation Radio Operator (ARO), Narromine Aviation 16-18 Air Base Operator(ABO), Narromine Aviation 17-18 Unit from Cert IV in Youth Work, HQ Volunteer Relations 17-18 Community Liaison Officer (CLO), Illawarra Community Engagement 24-25 DIY Community Engagement, Tamworth Community Engagement 26-30 Command, Control & Communications (CCC), Sutherland L&D 31 Advanced Firefighter Update Workshop, Sutherland L&D
September 1 Aviation Radio Operator Recert, Cootamundra Aviation 1 Air Base Operator Recert, Cootamundra Aviation 2-6 Logistic Supervisor(LGS), Hawkesbury L&D 7-8 Community Liaison Officer (CLO), Forbes Community Engagement 10-12 ICMI Theory Assessment, Homebush L&D 13-15 Aviation Radio Operator (ARO), Mourya Aviation 13-15 Air Base Operator(ABO), Mourya Aviation 14-15 Unit from Cert IV in Youth Work, HQ Volunteer Relations 16-20 Incident Management Workshop(IMW), Sutherland L&D 22 Air Base Operator Recert, Cooma Aviation
October 12-13 DIY Community Engagement, Katoomba Community Engagement 19-20 Unit from Cert IV in Youth Work, HQ Volunteer Relations
Note: 1. Dates and details for local level training programs are available from your training officer and/or L&D Officer. 2. Nominations for training programs close four weeks prior to the nominated start date of the program. 3. State course nominations to be approved by your local L&D Officer and then sent to Regional L&D Officers for forwarding to L&D
BUSH FIREbulletin //BUSH Training FIREbulletin Calendar // xxx 47
1952 1961 1970 From the ashes of the 1952 fires...
Since the time when It was the summer of 1951-52 very first Bulletin published in he explained. “Our prosperity and NSW was experiencing September 1952. can create the very elements firefighters used an intense heat wave, but “The experience of early which would result in its own beaters and hessian before temperatures cooled 1939 and the past summer destruction. We are forced bush fires had claimed the lives therefore to pool all our sacks, The Bush Fire provide tragic evidence of the of 11 people and four million ever present fire forces which resources to secure a fire-free Bulletin has been hectares in the north-west are ready to be unleashed countryside.” of NSW. reporting on the when high temperatures, low It was decided that an The devastating fires, centered humidities and drying winds informative and educational activities of the bush about Pilliga and Wagga combine to establish blow Bulletin was a necessity if firefighting community Wagga, not only scarred the up conditions.” He went on the Bush Fire Management people of NSW, they shocked to say that frequent devastating Committee were serious in NSW. the nation — prompting calls floods laid the foundation about cultivating a ‘fire free for increased communication for fires. countryside’. As we celebrate 60 and knowledge sharing. The If we fast-forward to today, H.E Messer and his colleagues Bush Fire Committee were it is evident that conditions in sought a place for the collective years of publication, spurred into action and focused NSW 60 years ago mirror the wisdom of those most Brydie O’Connor looks their efforts on finding new situation the State is faced with experienced and educated in ways to educate people on in 2012; with many parts of the fire prevention to be recorded at the circumstances how they could better prepare State still bouncing back from and broadly distributed. for bush fires. It was decided devastating flooding. Following the bush fire tragedy that led to the launch that a quarterly publication Those drought-breaking rains of 1952 a suite of changes of the very first entitled the Bush Fire Bulletin to firefighting tactics as well would provide a forum for have prompted grass and Bush Fire Bulletin in vegetation growth to reach as public awareness were people experienced in bush sought and the publication fire prevention and control to levels not seen for more than September 1952. 30-40 years. of the Bulletin was a crucial share their learnings. The Bush part of the response. “This Fire Committee regarded the H.E. Messer went on to explain publication is designed to Bulletin as “one of the most the situation facing firefighters assist in securing our common important weapons in its in 1952. objective. Articles will be educational armoury.” “The ever welcome good contributed by those versed Bush Fire Committee Chairman season leaves vast areas in fire administration and H.E Messer outlined the of crops and grass lands firefighting so that all interested environment at the time in the vulnerable to the ‘Red Terror’,” may be kept informed of
48 BUSH FIREbulletin // 60TH ANNIVERSARY
60th ANNIVERSARY • 1952 - 2012
1985 1993 2003 2010
developments in the field of production. With vast tracts of especially foodstuffs. I wish our losses from fire to an fire prevention and control,” food-producing land decimated the Bulletin every success.” insignificant, minimum,” he explained. H.E Messer promised. in the fires of 1952, protecting Bush Fire Committee Chairman The Chief Secretary of the the State’s crops from fire H.E Messer used his column The Bush Fire Committee Bush Fire Committee Hon. became a priority and further inches in the very first edition finally had a mouthpiece and C.A Kelly, M.I.A backed up the fuelled the drive to make it as of the Bulletin to send a direct they used it to speak plainly Chairman’s vision. “I am sure hard as possible for ‘The Red message to the concerned to their audience. that the issue of regular Bush Terror’ to strike again. residents of rural NSW. “We They understood the plight of Fire Bulletins by the Bush Fire “Local governing bodies and assure rural NSW that we are the ‘man on the land’ and they Committee will provide a very their firefighting organisations alive to its problems and in would do everything in their useful service to Shire Councils perform a very important consonance with the policy of power to help the people of and the Bush Fire Brigade community service,” C.A Kelly the Chief Secretary we request NSW deal with the ‘national movement, and will be greatly asserts. “Bush firefighting the fullest co-operation of the scourge of fire’, aided by their appreciated by all concerned.” also has National significance, man on the land in our fire new quarterly publication of In 1952 Australia was growing particularly at a time when prevention programmes; in the Bush Fire Bulletin. at a rapid rate, leading to Australia stands in need doing so, we offer all within a drive for increased food of increased production, our power towards reducing
Bush Fire Bulletin 1952 The first Bush Fire Bulletin was edited Editorial by the Bush Fire Committee The fire of 1951-1952 deeply shocked the nation and as was expected set up a demand for improved firefighting measures and a deeper public realisation of the tragedy of fire. he three Eastern contest on their hands this prove a practical contribution States of Australia year Councils and Bush Fire in dealing with the national came through the Brigades must get busy now scourge of fire. season bearing and call into service local “We invite you to treat it as Theavy scars from the battle. In knowledge, planning and co- your journal- criticise it, kick the opinion of many the fight operation in the shortest time it, or praise it according to was an unequal one because possible. whatever estimate you form the ‘Red Terror’ enjoyed the It is to assist (the brigades) of its value. But above all act advantage of extraordinary that Bush Fire Bulletin on any of its suggestions if weather conditions not met No.1 appears today, and the you think them practical or for many years…. With the Committee hopes that it will useful.” possibility of another tough
2012 lletin • ire Bu ush F 2 • B 195 BUSH FIREbulletin //60TH ANNIVERSARY 49 Brigade In Profile
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Name of Brigade: Cherrybrook emergencies in other parts our equipment, our training, The Brigade’s first fire station Year brigade formed: 1952 of the State and throughout how we react to emergencies was opened in October 1971. It Current Captain: Gavin Pringle Australia. and means of communication. was an old corrugated iron fruit While we continue to evolve Current President : Stacey Fishwick packing shed off Gumnut Road Can you provide a brief and embrace the ‘new world’ District: Hawkesbury (now Yanderra Grove). The history of the brigade? our core values of support and following month the brigade Cherrybrook Rural Fire Brigade help remain and we foster the received its first fire truck has a long and proud history of spirit of volunteering. (tanker) – a Second World War aiding the community in times Some of the milestones dates vintage Chevrolet ‘Blitz’. The of need. The brigade has been in our brigade’s history are as Blitz carried around 600 gallons actively combating all kinds of follows: of water (2,700 litres). emergencies including bush The brigade was officially During 1976, a mobile catering fires, structure fires, storm trailer (named ‘Sally’, after the damage, floods and search started on 29 July 1952 and was known as the Hornsby Salvation Army who first saw and rescue since being founded the need for a trailer of this Cherrybrook Rural Fire Brigade Shire Bush Volunteer Fire in 1952. type) was designed and built by celebrated its 60th anniversary Brigade West Pennant Hills and the brigade. This became the of service to the community The brigade consists of a District – a rather long name for basic design for many catering on 29 July 2012, a significant group of dynamic individuals a small brigade! from across our community. trailers used by welfare landmark for the brigade that It would take 16 years, until Each person brings unique organisations around the world. was formerly known as the late 1968, before the brigade qualities and skills to form a ‘West Pennant Hills Bush Fire acquired its first firefighting In 1980 the brigade changed team of highly motivated and Brigade’. appliance – a trailer tanker, to its name to ‘Cherrybrook Bush professional individuals capable be pulled by a privately owned Fire Brigade’ due to Council Over 80 people attended a of addressing any emergency tractor, with a capacity of changes and the growth of special anniversary dinner at our community may face. Pennant Hills Bowling Club 80 gallons (364 litres). The population in the area. In on 28 July to mark the event, Since being founded in 1952 brigade fitted it with a petrol- December 1981 the brigade including the State Member a lot has changed, particularly driven pump. moved to its current station for Hornsby, Mr Matt Kean MP, NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, Hornsby Shire Council’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Mick Smart, Brigade Captains and Presidents – past and present, Life Members, honorary members, and current members and their families. “Over half a century ago the residents of West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook banded together to respond to bush and grass fires and it’s heartening to see that dedication still going strong 60 years later,” said Commissioner Fitzsimmons. The Commissioner said Cherrybrook Brigade members are relied upon, both in their local Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai district and further afield, for their experience and firefighting skills and are the first to put their hand up to assist with
50 BUSH FIREbulletin // 60TH ANNIVERSARY 60th ANNIVERSARY • 1952 - 2012
recent examples where we provided water support for structural incidents.” Captain Pringle also talked about the importance of community engagement for the Cherrybrook brigade. “The broader community expect us to continue to turn up and put the wet stuff on the red stuff but they also want information on how to help themselves. We now located on Shepherds Drive, celebrated 50 years since its flood emergencies, member dedicate time to specifically Cherrybrook. formation in July 2002, with training, fundraising and planning and delivering the Firewise message to our local In December 2011 renovations a number of events including community engagement. a major dinner at the Dural community.” to the station commenced, At the 60th anniversary dinner, Country Club and public display including meeting room and Captain Gavin Pringle explained at the Cherrybrook Village What community events vehicle bay improvements. how, with the introduction of shopping centre. As part of the do you attend? the Cherrybrook 17, the brigade 50th Anniversary celebrations, What are some unique parts took a significant shift forward We attend Primary Schools, the brigade published a book of of your brigade’s history? in their role in district support. Pre-Schools, Church and its history: “50 Flamin’ Years”. Community Groups sharing the The busiest period in the “The Cat 17 has presented Of course in 2012 the brigade FireWise Messages. Recent brigade’s history was in our brigade with the rare once again got together at examples include Epping North January 1994. Our members opportunity to morph the dinner in July to celebrate Lutheran Church, Hornsby were heavily involved in the from what had become 60 years of service to the Shire Tree Giveaway and John campaign against the major predominantly a bush fire community. Purchase Outdoor Movie Night. fires threatening many Sydney brigade in an urban interface suburbs. The brigade members to a brigade that supports the Fundraising is via the annual also attended major fires for What type of area do wheelbarrow raffle undertaken you cover? entire district, involved in the 11 straight days during ‘Black width and breadth of incidents at the Cherrybrook Village Christmas’ in NSW in 2001-2. Cherrybrook Rural Fire that occur.” Shopping Centre and our The brigade then marched in a Brigade provides primary fundraising requires the ticker tape ‘thank you’ parade fire protection along a 25 They used their Cat 17 to support of local business, many in Sydney in March 2002. The kilometre urban interface assist with storm damage in of which have supported the brigade was dispatched to bordering in the suburbs of Gosford in 2007, a boat shed brigade for many, many years. Victoria to assist with the 2009 Cherrybrook, Dural, Pennant fire on Danger Island in May Black Saturday bush fires. Hills and North Epping. 2007, the helicopter crash A team of four personnel was in Arcadia in March 2008, a In excess of 800 residential OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: The old sent to stand by in the tanker significant structure fire at the properties and a number fire shed served the brigade at Gundagai. Dural Business Centre Fire in of retirement facilities have April 2012, the Arcadia shed well, from 1971 to 1979 when we The brigade was quick to direct frontage to bushland. fire in June 2012 and a major moved to a new purpose built venture into the world of the Additional properties are structure fire at Bobbin Head fire station. The steel roof trusses of the old shed moved, too, internet. As early as July 2000 exposed to risk of ember attack Marina in July 2012. the brigade established its first due to the proximity of the and are a vital part of the ‘new’ website to handle records, urban interface. What vehicles do you have? station. photographs and the calendar, ABOVE LEFT: The brigade’s The brigade has 64 members, The brigade currently including automatic reminders Bedford tanker and (at that time) all volunteers, with 48 being operates three vehicles: a Cat of upcoming brigade events. quite new Toyota personnel active in the brigade’s duties. 1 – Category 1 tanker as the carrier in 1986, with crew Another innovation was in the The membership base is primary firefighting appliance members including three current area of support vehicles. In diverse and while most (the big red fire truck or BRT), Life Members: Alan Barnwell 2007 a new concept vehicle members live in the vicinity of a Cat 17 – Category 17 support (third from left), Rick Ward (fifth for operational support was the Cherrybrook Fire Station vehicle (Cherrybrook 17), and from left) and Peter Thorby (third commissioned for the Brigade: there are also members a PC that supports both Cat 1 from right). Cherrybrook 17. This small coming from Pennant Hills, and Cat 17 and transports up to ABOVE RIGHT: Customised for truck contains two breathing Hornsby, Thornleigh, Epping, nine members. the Cherrybrook Brigade in 2008 apparatus sets, 23 air cylinders, North Ryde, Glenwood, Putney this operational support vehicle specialty scene lighting, and even Cabarita. What are some unique has changed the focus of the brigade. Note the telescopic light asbestos management and features of your community? What types of incidents tower, breathing apparatus sets spill kits and other equipment Captain Pringle said, “The does your brigade attend? and spare air cylinders. for structure fires and motor district is also evolving with OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM: vehicle accidents. As a brigade, their roles are incident demands and is calling November 1971 – The brigade diverse, undertaking hazard upon the brigade to not only received its first fire truck (tanker) What are some recent reductions, bush firefighting, support with the Cat 17 but – a Second World War vintage milestones the brigade support to structural fires, seeking our Cat 1 for water Chevrolet “Blitz”. The Blitz has achieved? search and rescue, vehicle and and water supply. The Dural carried around 600 gallons of Cherrybrook Brigade aircraft crashes, storm and and Arcadia structure fires are water (2700 litres).
BUSH FIREbulletin //60TH ANNIVERSARY 51 Brigade In Profile
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Name of Brigade: Freemans Reach enjoyed the myriad of the brigade was formed and keeps the brigade on solid Year brigade formed: 1951 stories and photographs of he unofficially undertook the ground. We have been, and Current Captain: Bruce Earle the brigade’s history,” he control of fires and floods in the are, very fortunate to have a Current President : Dave Tandy said, “and reflecting on the Freemans Reach area. band of long term and very District: Hawkesbury extraordinary changes in fleet, Initially the brigade used a loyal and dedicated members PPE and equipment that have TEA20 tractor and a trailer who keep the strong traditions occurred over the years.” with knapsacks and beaters to of the brigade current to this Adding to the 60th anniversary attend fires. In the mid 1950s day. The brigade was built on celebrations, Freemans the brigade was able to use hard work, discipline and unity Reach recently won the water on the fires when a local with the attitude of getting the Hawkesbury District NSW RFS stone fruit orchard loaned them job done thoroughly. This was Championships held in August a spray cart. highlighted during the 1970s 2012. This followed on from The brigade’s first vehicle, a when the brigade earned the being Joint Winners in 2010 of second hand ex-army Land light-hearted nickname ‘the the Championships. Rover, arrived in 1965 and The Freemans Reach Rural Fire mop up brigade’. This is the Two of Freemans Reach was soon followed by its first standard that our members Brigade celebrated its 60th truck, a new Leyland in 1971. anniversary with a dinner and members also recently marked strive for and in turn pass on significant milestones with In 1968 the brigade built a to new members. reunion at the Freemans Reach single bay station, which after Hall in April 2012 – the very the brigade. In 2011, Jan six extensions and additions, What are some recent place the brigade was formed Earle, who has held numerous remains the brigades station milestones the brigade has in 1951. Over 70 former and positions including Deputy until this day. achieved? current members attended Captain and for the past 31 spanning every decade of the years Secretary, celebrated Snowy Smith’s son-in-law The brigade celebrated its brigade’s history. 50 years of membership with Owen Earle became Captain 60th anniversary with a dinner the brigade. Former President in 1972 and would hold this and re-union in April 2012. The dinner also marked the and current Treasurer, Bob position for 20 years. Graeme The dinner was held at the launch of the brigade memoirs, Hair, also achieved 40 years of Withers was Captain for one Freemans Reach Hall – the very Rain, Hail or Shine…fire, flood membership in 2011. year, while Bluey Flaherty place the brigade was formed or storm…Freemans Reach would be Captain for eleven Can you provide a brief in 1951. Over 70 former and Rural Fire Brigade – 60 years years. Malcolm Boyle followed history of the brigade? current members attended. serving the community. This in 2004 to be Captain for two 72-page full-colour book The brigade was formed in late years before the family history features the timeline of events, What type of area do you 1951 when a group of locals continued with Bruce Earle cover? stories and tales from days (essentially the local flood becoming Captain in 2006. gone by, the major fires and boat crew) were concerned Bruce is the son and grandson The Freemans Reach area is incidents attended by the at the lack of organisation and of former Captains Owen Earle a mix of rural farms, hobby equipment available during brigade, a tribute to the Life and Snowy Smith. farms and a village area of Members and Captains of the fires in the area. Athol ‘Snowy’ around 500 houses. While brigade, the complete honour Smith was elected the brigade What are some unique parts there are pockets of bushland roll of every position held in the captain, with former NSW of your brigade’s history? it is predominantly a grass brigade since 1951 plus over 50 cricketer Charlie Nicholls being The Freemans Reach Brigade land area. Turf farms and colour photos. the senior deputy. Snowy’s brother, Lloyd Smith was has tended to generally be horse studs dominate the rural NSW RFS Commissioner elected president and would small in numbers throughout its properties in the area and along Shane Fitzsimmons hold this position for 30 years. history. While there has been with a few small businesses congratulated the brigade Snowy and Lloyd’s father, a steady turnover of members there is also the Hawkesbury on their anniversary and Alexander Smith Jnr, was the throughout the years, there is High School and the Freemans the publication. “I sincerely locally appointed ranger before one very strong factor which Reach Primary School.
52 BUSH FIREbulletin // 60TH ANNIVERSARY 60th ANNIVERSARY • 1952 - 2012
OPPOSITE: First brigade female deputy captains (Joy O’Connor and Jan Earle) alongside the brigade built Bedford tanker in 1979. Jan Earle is still the Honorary Secretary of the brigade and mother of current captain, Bruce Earle. LEFT: Freemans Reach Brigade float at the Macquarie Towns Street Parade in Richmond 1983 ABOVE: Athol ‘Snowy’ Smith – the inaugural Captain of the brigade
What types of incidents training which gives our basics and keeping it simple Any final thoughts or does your brigade attend? members a chance to practice makes life a bit easier. comments you would like their skills, including crew to add? Grass and bush fires still leading. Autumn and winter What are some unique account for the majority of It is important to recognise training sessions are focussed features of your community? a couple of things. Firstly, as calls, however pile burns and on Village Firefighter which motor vehicle accidents are We have a real blend of a rural members of the NSW RFS includes structural training, community and an urban-type we all come from different becoming a more common vehicle accidents and car fires. community. There are genuine walks of life, yet we come along with the occasional A lot of our time is spent on structure fire. Floods are also a bushies, farmers and people together to achieve something getting the basics right such as for our community. Within our factor in the Freemans Reach who love the land as well as hose lays and hose rolls. brigade we make a point of area with approximately one the folk who live in the village keeping focussed on our core third of the brigade’s area Training is held monthly. On top who have a more urbanised of other brigade activities, we style of life. There are still the objectives, not taking ourselves under the flood plain. too seriously and trying to recognise that we must keep remnants of the local farming make our time at the station What vehicles do you have? our small band of members families in the area with lifelong enjoyable, while being very fresh and keen. The brigade friendships among many of our The brigade currently has a Cat should not take over their lives disciplined on the fireground. residents. 1 Isuzu tanker plus a Toyota and become a wedge within Hilux Personnel Carrier. Secondly, all our members are their own private family lives. What community events volunteers and while it can be Retention of members is as What type training do you does your brigade frustrating and difficult at times important as recruitment. conduct and how do you go participate in? to get a crew for an activity or hazard reduction, we must about doing this? What are some unique School events including never forget that our members skills and features of your In the spring and summer escorting Santa at Christmas, give up their own time to make brigade? months training is focused on church fetes, cooking the our community a safer place. grass and bush firefighting. We place a high importance on BBQ for the regular Freemans Reach Hall car boot sales, Written by Bruce Earle, This includes grass and the basics – hose lays, hose Captain, Freemans Reach bush firefighting techniques rolls, mopping up and knowing Hawkesbury High Cadets and Rural Fire Brigade and strategies, drafting and when to use offensive, the occasional pre-school visits mapping. There is a strong defensive and conservative are some of the community focus on scenario-based firefighting. Sticking to the events we participate in.
RIGHT: Rail, Hail or Shine – Freemans Reach Rural Fire Brigade – 60 Years Serving the Community. The book, a tribute to the Freemans Reach Brigade, was written by current Captain Bruce Earle and dedicated to his own father: “This book is in honour of Owen Earle’s desire to record the brigade’s memoirs.” FAR RIGHT: Freemans Reach 1 at Kenthurst, moments before a burn over in 2003
BUSH FIREbulletin // 60TH ANNIVERSARY 53 2012 lletin • ire Bu ush F 2 • B 195 Now, where is that equipment?
From the very first edition This wordsearch features off the list. A letter in the grid of the Bush Fire Bulletin equipment found around the may be used more than once, crosswords and puzzles have brigade station, so any devious as some words may overlap been a feature. In honour of NSW RFS member should find each other. Some letters won’t that tradition this issue we it easy. be used at all. Words separated by a / may not be together in have included a wordsearch The words can read forward, the grid. puzzle with a firefighting edge. backward, up, down and Cimi Ross, a volunteer from diagonally, but never skipping To make it more interesting, Bay Brigade in the Lakes Team, letters and always in a one of the words below is not created the puzzle especially straight line. in the grid. Can you find it? Enjoy! for this 60th Anniversary issue Make a ring around each word of the Bush Fire Bulletin. you find in the grid, and mark it Solution on page 32
AED FLASH HOOD ROPE AXE FOAM SIREN BAR / OIL FOG / NOZZLE SMOKE BOOTS FOOD SOP BREATHING APPARATUS GLOVES SPANNER BRUSH / HOOK / CUTTER GOGGLES SPRAY / BARS BUSH HELMET STAND / PIPE CANTEEN HOSE STEP UP CAT / NINE HOT STORZ CHAIN / SAW HYDRANT STUMP / VICE COMMS LADDER THREE WAY DIRECTOR CREW / LEADER MASK TRUCK CYLINDER MCLEOD / TOOL VALVE DEAD / MAN / ZONE ONE LICK WATER DIAL A JET OVER RUN YELLOWS DRIP / TORCH PIG / PEN DRI / SORB PROTECTIVE / CLOTHING FIRE / CALL PUMP FIRST / AID RADIO
54 BUSH FIREbulletin // 60TH ANNIVERSARY 60th ANNIVERSARY • 1952 - 2012
D O O H H S A L F A S T E P U P
B M N J H Y D R A N T Z H S P A
L A C R E W R E R I A T C O S P
C S R L H R I N E B N A R T T P
T K V S E Z P N D W D C O Z E A
S N U H F O E A N Z R O T S M R
R B L A S R D P I L B M R O L A
I N E R I S W S L R V M L R E T
F O G F B M F T Y V S S A B H U
E Z D P R O T E C T I V E R Z S
M Z D E U K W J D U F C E E N O
F L O G S E F A G I P E E A I V
G E W N H V A L V E W U I T N E
N S C D E Y N A L A A D R H E R
I E H N K E G I Y G T E P I P R
H J A C E Y O D E T E I D N Z U
T M I T S A I J L H R O G G P N
O L N T K R L C L D W R L M C K
L A U O E P R F O A M O U O U C
C M O C J S E O W D V P H I T U
P H T A J D D O S E K E O D T R
T O O L A A A D S A B A R A E T
R S F L E Y E N E P W O Y R R B
V E O D S E L G G O G R T E X A
BUSH FIREbulletin // 60TH ANNIVERSARY 55 Congratulations from the RFSA on 60 years of informative stories
We should never underestimate the value of the Bush Fire Bulletin in our lives as RFS people. The Bulletin has always been proof of our independence, despite administrative structural changes that have taken place over 60 years. Although the organisation has evolved from a small administrative unit within the then Chief Secretary’s department, the Department of Services, State Emergency Service and the Office of the Police and Emergency Services, its publication has continued.
Its future was threatened in the late 1970s when the Bush Fire Branch as it was then called, became part of the State Emergency Service. The Bush Fire Bulletin was incorporated into ‘SITREP’, the official publication of State Emergency Service, resulting in public outrage by our volunteers. Needless to say the decision was reversed shortly thereafter, by the then State Premier Neville Wran.
Apart from circular letters issued over many years by the Bush Fire Council of New South Wales to local Government Councils, the Bulletin was the only source of continual information to the membership, particularly in rural New South Wales. While we can say without doubt that information technology has significantly improved communications at all levels, the value of the Bush Fire Bulletin as a standalone publication has stood the test of time.
Congratulations to those who had the foresight to commence the publication and those who despite pressure from external sources had the courage to continue its publication.
All volumes of the Bush Fire Bulletin are held in the RFS library and I encourage everyone to take the time to glance through them and gain a greater understanding of the heritage of our Service and how it has evolved into the organisation it is today.
As the current Deputy General Manager of the RFSA and a former employee of the RFS for nearly 30 years, I am proud to be part of this celebration.
Trevor Anderson, PSM AFSM
RFSA Deputy General Manager ABOV E : RFSA President Brian McKinlay playfully reads from the current issue of Bush Fire Bulletin to his attentive ‘classroom’ – The NSW RFSA State Council.
56 BUSH FIREbulletin // 60TH ANNIVERSARY ABOVE: RFSA President Brian McKinlay playfully reads from the current issue of the Bush Fire Bulletin to his attentive ‘classroom’ – The NSW RFSA State Council. Where is the Bulletin? photographic gear. of worth agrand’s to win chance for the judges our impress and creative get So Fire Bulletin! Bush the of acopy feature should there’s a catch... a there’s but FCC, or brigade your at taken We’re for photos looking competition Anniversary our in snaps best your Enter SIGN UPTORECEIVEBUSHFIREBULLETINDIRECTYOURHOMEORUPDATE YOURDETAILS Bush firebulletin Equipment • $1,000 Photographic Voucher Gift Equipment Photographic • $300 3rd Overall Winner Prize Voucher Gift Equipment Photographic • $500 2nd Overall Winner Prize Overall Winner Prize Gift VoucherGift 60th 60th Bulletin Fire Bush This competition has been extended to 31 2013 January extended been has competition This E ach photo photo ach [email protected] or emailyourdetails to: (No stamprequired) Granville NSW2142 Reply Paid67059LockedBag17 NSW RuralFireService Bush FireBulletin Cut outandmailto:
contact information. and name your with photos your sure to label be Please nsw.gov.au Email: bush.fire.bulletin@rfs. to: image digital your Send enter to How
Name: Postcode: Address: (Please includeanypost-nominals) q q Email address: Prizes by Ausgrid. donated kindly eBulletin (email required) Update ...... q 60th ANNIVERSARY • 1952 -2012 •1952 ANNIVERSARY 60th to open is competition The • ofConditions entry • To photos eligible, be • There restriction. age no is • • Proof be may of consent
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NSW RFSMember NewSubscription at selected be • Winners will the • Photos under of children in announced be • Winners will parent or guardian from consent a written require of 16 of age age years early February 2013.early February are final decisions all the discretion of and the RFS ...... # BUSH FIREbulletin //xxx
57
NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE
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