Fire & Rescue Spring 2016 News EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

5 MINUTES WITH...OUR NEW SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM

FIRE OPS JOURNAL: STRUCTURE COLLAPSES & COMPLEX RESCUES

A The The Minister Commissioner WRITES WRITES

s we enter another summer season, NSW’s elcome to this issue of Fire & Rescue News which emergency services will again be responding to the has a special focus on the annual Emergency Afull gamut of emergency incidents, from bush and WManagement Conference that FRNSW held in May grass fires through to storms and floods. 2016, and the major themes and outcomes flowing out of it. Training is crucial to maintaining a high level of As an emergency service, we are a large geographically- preparedness to deal with these emergencies. That is dispersed organisation with an extensive network of why in June I was pleased to announce that the NSW frontline stations across the State supported by Commands Government would invest in building a new state-of-the-art and a range of support Directorates. Events like the EM Training Academy at Erskine Park in Sydney’s west. The Conference are crucially important to ensure that all our new Academy will provide Fire & Rescue NSW operations are working in sync and pulling together to with one of the best emergency services training facilities achieve common goals and priorities. in Australia, as well as a centre for leadership and The EM Conference had five main strands – achieving management training for all its uniformed and non- operational excellence through leadership, technology, uniformed staff. governance, innovation and diversity. FRNSW is strongly About 150 permanent roles will relocate to the new committed to embedding these facets in all of our Academy from the current training college at Alexandria. operations and to ensure that they underpin everything On any given day, there will be up to 350 people at the we do as we strive to maintain our position as one of the campus – including new recruits and other trainees. world’s biggest and best fire and rescue services. Just by being there, these people will stimulate other This issue documents many of the new initiatives and activity, business and services in the area. And that’s achievements happening throughout our organisation. great news for Sydney’s west. The Academy demonstrates The new Training Academy to be built at Erskine Park will the NSW Government’s commitment to relocating public ensure our skills and capability keep us at the leading service jobs and boosting the economy of Sydney’s edge while the new executive appointments following the western region. recent restructure will lead us forward into a new era. We This investment in training will be an exciting new chapter are making progress towards becoming a more diverse in the history of Fire & Rescue NSW, and I look forward workforce but need to keep working hard at achieving this. to seeing the building and equipping of this world-class I am also pleased to see innovation in many areas, much firefighting academy. of it coming from the frontline, which is where it should originate. Leadership is being nurtured and developed in I am also proud of our State’s world-class urban search all areas of FRNSW – regardless of rank and role, we can and rescue capability. The fire services in both NSW and all be leaders. Queensland have USAR Teams certified by the United Nations to respond across the globe as required to natural Over the coming months, a key focus will be bedding down disasters and other emergencies. In recent months our the new structure and seeking to further improve on the State’s USAR capability, led by FRNSW, has partnered with great work being done right throughout FRNSW. This will and assisted other countries in their development of USAR include exploring new capabilities and enhancing our capability, including Malaysia, the Philippines and the USA existing capabilities, at the same time working to better (Los Angeles). integrate community safety activities into our frontline services, targeting specific activities for specific risks. NSW stands very well-prepared and ready to deal not only with emergencies and natural disasters within its own As we gear up for the warmer months, with the potential borders, but also to deploy resources and share expertise for damaging storms and the threat of bushfire, where needed interstate or overseas. I know that all of you will once again join together with me in working together to protect and serve the people of this State. David Elliott MP Finally I recently announced my decision to retire as Minister for Corrections, Emergency Services and Commissioner after more than 13 years at the helm. It has Veterans Affairs been an incredibly rewarding time and I could not have done it without your support. My sincere thanks to each and every one of you. Please stay safe as you continue your dedication to protecting and saving life, property and the environment. I will continue to watch you with great pride, admiration and affection.

Greg Mullins AFSM Commissioner

Cover: 5th Alarm Rockdale church fire. Image courtesy Damian Hoffman.

Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 IN THIS ISSUE The EM Conference issue Navigating uncertainty to be operationally excellent. Diversity Innovation

• 2016 Permanent recruitment campaign 77 • ‘Celebrate success’ sessions at the EM Conference 6 • FRNSW participates in NAIDOC Week 76 • Project Sapphire (hydrant indicator pilot) 11 • Young women consider FRNSW career options 77 • Piercing and misting firefighting tool pilot 12 • New ways of working at 1 Amarina 80 Governance Leadership

• The new senior executive team 8 • The new Leadership Framework 73 • Operational Capability framework 19 • Captains Leadership Development Program 74 • Public comment and social media policy 69 • Launch of the book, Leading from the front 13 • Awards recognising leadership in various spheres 85 Information Technology

• MDTs next phase rollout and software updates 18 • CFU e-learning induction program and apps 21

1 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 CONTENTS 2016 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE______3 FRNSW staff recognised in Queens Birthday honours______85 We listened! Your feedback helped shape the 2016 Conference______3 Awards recognise bravery at Banksmeadow emergency______86 Commissioner ‘paints the big picture’ for emergency services______4 Bravery medals announced for Blacktown firefighters______86 Listening to and working with frontline staff______5 2016 Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards______86 The power of storytelling______5 PAYING TRIBUTE______87 Cindy Briscoe shares Border Force challenges______6 The public says thanks______87 ‘Celebrate success’ poster session highly rated______6 Farewell and thanks to those retiring______88 What you thought of the 2016 Conference______7 Vale: With gratitude for service to the people of NSW______89 What has happened since the Conference______7 FEATURE______8 5 minutes with our new senior executive team______8 WHAT’S NEW?______11 Keeping a cat’s eye out for water______11 A safer way to fight fires?______12 Our 21 Chiefs celebrated in new book______12 2016/17 budget delivers vital resources for emergency services____14 OPERATIONAL NEWS______14 FRNSW-led USAR working with other USAR teams worldwide______14 Maintaining best practice in fire investigation______16 Incident footage raises awareness of structure collapse risks______17 An MDT in every fire station______18 The right capability in the right place to get the job done______19 FRNSW plays key role in major Sydney CBD exercise______20 CFUs ensuring safer communities______21 GHS chemical labelling – are you ready?______22 Learning from the terrorist attacks______22 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL______23 Editor’s note______23 Cecil Hills high-speed side-impact collision & severe entrapment___24 8 Croydon Park construction site rescue______26 5 MINUTES Firefighters battle multiple factories alight at Greenacre 7th Alarm__28 7th Alarm response controls dangerous Liverpool store fire______34 WITH... Firefighters battle 5th Alarm Marrickville furniture factory fire_____43 Firefighters respond to high speed MVA at Greenacre______47 Firefighters respond to St Marys head-on collision______52 Firefighters control fierce 8th Alarm Revesby wrecking yard fire____57 Firefighters control 5th Alarm Rockdale church fire______62 FRNSW IN THE MEDIA______69 Social media an effective new tool when used properly______69 HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING______70 Legacy foam use and investigation into potential risks______70 FireFit on the road______71 Relief in times of need______71 ON THE TRAINING GROUND______72 11 The new Leadership Framework – leadership starts with you______72 WHAT’S Captains of the leader-ship______74 Retained skills on display at Regional Firefighter Championships___74 NEW? FRNSW teams demonstrate their skills at rescue challenge______75 INCREASING WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVENESS______76 FRNSW celebrates NAIDOC Week______76 A desire to fight fire: 1,700 women apply in 2016 recruitment campaign__77 Young women consider FRNSW career options at Londonderry_____77 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS______78 14 Rich history, bright future______78 Pyrmont renovation wins awards______80 OPERATIONAL New ways of working prepare staff for move to 1 Amarina______80 NEWS SELLING THE SAFETY MESSAGE______81 Three lives saved by home check______81 Young drivers get street smart______82 FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT______82 Dreams do come true______82 400in4 presents cheque for $107k to Burns Unit______84 Newcastle Firefighters Ball raises funds for burns victims______84 72 AWARDS______85 St Florian’s Day honours and awards ceremony______85 ON THE GROUND TRAINING

2 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

2016 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AIMS FOR OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE On 11 and 12 May 2016, FRNSW held its third annual Emergency Management Conference at Brighton Le Sands in Sydney with the theme of navigating uncertainty to achieve operational excellence.

his critically important event set key directions for the coming year. It celebrated the achievements of FRNSW VIEW VIDEO AT Tand its staff, and it enabled all parts of the organisation fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews to collaborate and work together to learn and plan for the future. OR The conference was attended by a wide range of staff from different areas and directorates with the various ranks also SCAN CODE TO represented. This ensured a valuable cross-section of opinions WATCH NOW and experiences, and also strong cross-pollination of ideas.

our feedback is very important to FRNSW. It helps us WE LISTENED! YOUR to identify the things that you like and areas where we Ycan improve. When designing the 2016 EM Conference, FEEDBACK HELPED we listened to feedback from both the 2015 ‘Have your say’ employee engagement survey and also the 2015 Post-EM SHAPE THE 2016 Conference survey. CONFERENCE

AFTER THE 2015 CONFERENCE, IN RESPONSE, AT THE 2016 EM YOU TOLD US: CONFERENCE FRNSW: The leadership attributes that build your Included presentations from frontline staff giving trust and engagement are humility, snapshots of their current working environment to understanding of frontline issues, help capture the issues they faced so these could be transparency, ability to personally relate addressed in strategic planning. and a willingness to listen. Our leaders need greater clarity on what Provided an opportunity for Emergency Management is expected of them at work. leaders across areas, directorates and ranks to align strategic direction, collaborate and work together to learn and plan for the future. You want greater recognition, praise Included a ‘celebrate success’ poster session in which and development opportunities for staff, at any rank and representing any directorate/ all employees. area, could showcase their work, shining a spotlight on the good work occurring across FRNSW. We need consistent communication Recorded videos of the various sessions and to increase trust and confidence in published these on the intranet for all staff to view, our leaders. providing alignment and clarifying the FRNSW strategic direction. You want opportunities to mix with Provided mixed tables which enabled collaborative colleagues from different areas, to future planning and opportunities for attendees to discuss and share insights and learnings. workshop solutions with managers and colleagues.

3 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

COMMISSIONER ‘PAINTS THE BIG PICTURE’ FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES

VIEW VIDEO AT fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO WATCH NOW

n his keynote speech to the A key mechanism introduced recently Conference, Commissioner Greg to encourage innovation has been the Leaders of today IMullins set out the operating Commissioner’s Participative Council environment for emergency services, (CPC). The Commissioner explained the and tomorrow need both now and in the future. Council’s purpose is to help unfreeze to be facilitators, “Any credible organisation constantly the organisation and ‘break the mold’. needs to be saying: where have we been, “Ideas can come from anywhere, not not directors where are we now, and where do we want just the top”. to go or need to be,” he said. “Where The Commissioner also discussed the are we now? Australia-wide, we are the nature of leadership needed in today’s • Accelerating climate change: leading fire service on just about every dynamic and uncertain environment. “This is changing the work we do, score – our people, our operations, the “Leaders of today and tomorrow need and the skills we need … we’re going technologies we have, and the services to be facilitators, not directors,” he said. to be doing more water rescues in the we provide.” “Decisions need to be made, but we need future [i.e. because of increased storm and flood].” The Commissioner highlighted how to be more democratic and let people FRNSW rated on the international stage. grow and come up with ideas.” • Ageing population: “An increased fire He pointed out that Detroit had asked “In the leadership space, [we need to be] risk because people over 65 are four FRNSW to help with revitalising its fire listening to people, talking to people and to five times more likely to die in a service. Los Angeles, which has one not copping out.” He warned against the house fire.” of the most experienced USAR teams reliance culture, where people say it’s • IT and public information: People are in the world, had also approached not their job, and cop out by sending hard interested in information about what FRNSW to mentor it in its upcoming decisions up the chain and then blame to do when emergencies occur. “When recertification. And London had similarly the hierarchy for any problems. you go to an incident, it is instant sought to tap into FRNSW expertise for The Commissioner then spent some critique. Someone’s filming you, it’s managing major incidents, particularly time ‘painting the big picture’ of the on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, you in view of our strength in command and uncertainties that FRNSW faces in name it, it’s out there. So we need to control. “So we’re on the cutting edge working within a rapidly-changing get ahead of the curve, actually harvest of fire services, in both Australia and environment. Issues and challenges he that intelligence, say what’s happening internationally,” he said. flagged included the following. out there … the Black Saturday bushfires, what did people expect of the However, the Commissioner warned • Structure: “Every state in Australia fire services: ‘You knew you couldn’t about complacency and resting on except South Australia and NSW has put the fires out, so why didn’t you tell our laurels. As examples, he cited an overarching structure of their us what was happening?’ the barriers and resistance faced in emergency services, particularly for seeking to introduce key innovations like catastrophic events.” • Terrorism: “FRNSW is part of the the introduction of compartment fire bigger picture of whole-of-government • Integrated communications: behaviour training and CAFS tankers. response to such incidents.” He cautioned against ‘paralysis by “If New York City can bring it analysis’, and urged FRNSW to be an all together [i.e. police, fire and organisation that actively encourages ambulance], we certainly can … a lot innovation. “We‘ve got to think outside the of economies of scale accrue from box,” he said. “What are we doing now combining IT.” that we could do better?”

4 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 he goal of the 2016 Emergency It is essential we continue to share ideas LISTENING Management Conference was to between management and frontline Talign our strategic direction so staff to continue our goal of operational TO & WORKING we can achieve operational excellence excellence. I urge everyone to have through leadership, technology, ‘operational excellence’, attained through WITH governance, innovation and diversity. leadership, technology, governance, FRONTLINE We did this at the Conference by working innovation and diversity as a goal in all together to learn about things that your work. Importantly, please continue STAFF worked well and also not so well, and to engage and communicate across all then used these learnings to plan for directorates and throughout all levels the future. of FRNSW as we are stronger when we Importantly, we know operational work together. excellence occurs when managers and My key priority for 2016/17 is to continue leaders listen to, and work with, frontline to engage with the FRNSW workforce to staff. Ultimately one of the greatest meet community expectations regarding signals to an organisation that ideas prevention, preparedness and responses matter more than hierarchy is welcoming to emergency incidents. everyone’s voice in the decision-making Other priorities include: process. Consequently, this year we • roll-out of incident management invited and heard from operational training across all Commands frontline and support staff. • management of core skills training It was extremely rewarding to see through the Station Training Program frontline staff from Education & Training, Operational Capability, Station • implementation of the CAFS capability Commanders and Captains from both across the Greater Metropolitan Area. Regional and Metropolitan Operations and the Commissioner’s Participative VIEW VIDEO AT Council present on their endeavours to fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews achieve operational excellence. It was clear throughout these presentations and OR the ‘celebrate success’ poster session on SCAN CODE TO Conference perspective by Assistant Commissioner Day 2 that our frontline personnel want to Rob McNeil, Regional Operations WATCH NOW play a key role in forging the future of a more diverse and operationally excellent FRNSW.

across the organisation at our 2017 THE POWER OF conference. If you are interested and/ or passionate about a subject, and are STORYTELLING interested in informing the leadership of the organisation about your idea/ his year’s Emergency Management work practices/experience, then please Conference highlighted the power consider responding through your line Tof storytelling. Stories delight, managers. teach, inspire, motivate, challenge and We also had the great pleasure of connect us. hearing from Deputy Commissioner This was certainly true regarding the Cindy Briscoe, Australian Border Force presentations (stories) delivered by our and former NSW Police Commissioner frontline personnel and our external Ken Moroney who delivered inspirational speakers. The presentations from Station messages on resilience, authenticity and Officers, Captains, Commissioner’s leadership. I was personally struck by Participative Council members and the richness of their experience and how operational staff from Education & it could influence the people around me. Training and Operational Capability were Sometimes it’s good to hear from people outstanding in both content and delivery. outside of the organisation who have a There was a real sense of our frontline particularly valuable story or message to Conference perspective by Assistant Commissioner personnel educating the leadership of the relate. That was certainly true of Cindy Gerry Byrne, Metro Operations organisation on a range of topics which and Ken. centred on operational excellence. My top three priorities for 2016/17 are: I, like most of the audience, was totally VIEW VIDEO AT • roll-out of MDTs and smartphones for inspired and humbled by the quality fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews at least one appliance in every station of our people. It takes a great deal of across regional NSW courage for our firefighters or Station OR Commanders to present to over 150 • delivery of incident management SCAN CODE TO leaders of the organisation, and I training across regional operations WATCH NOW commend and congratulate all of our retained stations presenters who told their stories in such • commence roll-out of performance a capable and honest manner. I hope partnering to regional stations. to see more presenters from all areas 5 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

CINDY BRISCOE ‘CELEBRATE SUCCESS’ POSTER SHARES SESSION HIGHLY RATED BORDER FORCE CHALLENGES

indy Briscoe joined the Australian Customs and Border Protection CService in May 2013 as the National Director, Support Division, where she was responsible for workforce management and a range of corporate services. Ms Briscoe was appointed Deputy Commissioner, Support Group when the Australian Border Force (ABF) started operations on 1 July 2015. The ABF was formed by merging two separate agencies, the Department of Immigration and Australian Customs. In her presentation to the Conference, Land and water-based flood rescue capability Cindy shared the difficult journey involved in seeking to integrate two very separate n the second day of the conference, Operational Capability’s SF Anthony agencies with very different roles, a poster session was held to Wallgate demonstrated the potential cultures and public perceptions. Some of showcase the work taking place of remotely piloted aircraft systems the learnings from the ABF’s experience O across the organisation which is aligned (RPAS) for situational analysis with an were very relevant to FRNSW and other to FRNSW’s strategic directions and intelligence-gathering aerial platform, organisations seeking to implement core values. while SF John Stokes gave an overview of major structural and cultural change. This mini-expo, which was set up rapid damage assessment application. Cindy’s presentation reflected her wealth outside the main conference room, gave SF Wallgate also showcased FRNSW’s of experience, with more than 25 years in attendees a chance to see, touch and land and water-based flood rescue the Australian Public Service, including hear about a wide range of projects, capability and training while SF James senior positions at the Department of procedures and initiatives from subject Boland and QF Gerrard Collins from Human Services, the Australian Taxation matter experts. Equipment Logistics Rescue displayed Office and ComSuper. Education & Training highlights included flood rescue equipment and PPE. Ian Whitehead and SO Tim Climo SF Boland and QF Collins also presenting the Bullex Fire Simulator, and demonstrated new vertical rescue and Jenny Kapp and Rhonda Paterson taking working safely at heights packs, including VIEW VIDEO AT participants on a journey into immersive the Petzl ID’L friction control device fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews technology with Samsung Gear virtual which is being rolled out to all primary OR reality glasses. rescue stations. SCAN CODE TO The Health & Safety Branch profiled WATCH NOW FRNSW’s mental health resilience programs and gave attendees the chance to complete a cardio check to receive confidential on-the-spot cholesterol and blood glucose results.

Cindy Briscoe Remote piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) aid situational awareness

6 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 Equipment Logistics Hazmat previewed the new MSA breathing apparatus set ROLLOUT OF NEW SCBA TO that will be introduced into operations ALL FIREFIGHTERS later this year. They also demonstrated Over the next six months, new a range of new equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus the MSA 6-head Altair detector, Gemini (SCBA) sets will be rolled out across FTIR chemical analyser, life jackets, chip the State. The new sets, which will measuring system with standardised be leased from MSA, are lighter, inventory, XXXL splash-suit and chemical more ergonomically designed resistant gumboots. and have many other benefits for Representing the retained ranks, firefighters including an improved low Carrington Captain Michael Woloschyn air warning, easy-to-read pressure and Maitland RetF Patrick Levesque gauge, improved demand valve displayed the SMART rostering system. connection and microphone boom RetF Levesque said it was beneficial to position, and two points of ancillary profile the system and answer questions air connection. from all different levels and ranks The change from the current within FRNSW. Draeger sets follows a thorough Following the conference, participants and competitive process to identify described the poster session as excellent, options for the supply of SCBA. A saying it was something they really leasing model was one of the options enjoyed and wished there could have considered and ultimately selected been more time spent on it. for its efficiencies and opportunity to maintain the latest technologies in BA equipment. The rollout of the new SCBA sets will be completed by the end of June 2017 with minimal impact on operations. All firefighters will be required to complete a two-part training process before the new sets are issued. A toolkit has been set up on the intranet with details of the training VIEW VIDEO AT requirements, updated SIMS sheets, fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews a new Recommended Practice and an overview of the rollout schedule. See OR Toolkits > Operational > Equipment SCAN CODE TO > Hazmat Equipment > SCBA. WATCH NOW

WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF WHAT HAS HAPPENED THE 2016 CONFERENCE SINCE THE CONFERENCE

2016 EM Conference attendees gave the following feedback • Conference attendees gave feedback via an online survey. which will help FRNSW plan the 2017 EM Conference and This information is important to the Field Operations Division continually improve. Any further feedback should be sent to Leadership Team as it will influence the format and content of [email protected]. future conferences. • 86% of attendees rated the Conference as good, very good or • Information captured at the Conference was provided to excellent. attendees including PowerPoint presentations, key messages • 81% (4 out of 5) said the Conference met or exceeded their and next steps. This information is being used to feed into presentations. business plans and other planning documents. • 75% (3 out of 4) said the information would help them in their • Attendees communicated the key priorities identified at the roles as leader/manager/firefighter. Conference back to their teams, stations and other FRNSW colleagues to enable implementation. • 92% wanted frontline staff to attend and participate in giving presentations, as was done this year for the first time. • Communications about the five strategic directions and outcomes from the Action Planning Session were sent out via • 88% found the ‘celebrate success’ sessions valuable. the intranet, Fire & Rescue News and face-to-face channels. • The sessions people found most beneficial were those on • Videos of Conference sessions were posted on the intranet for frontline perspectives (28%), effective governance (19%) and all staff to view these, see Toolkits > About You > All Staff > fostering innovation (13%). EM Conference. • 97% found the external speakers valuable, and 67% found the two videos (on diversity and leadership) valuable.

7 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FEATURE

Commissioner Greg Mullins with his two Deputy Commissioners, Jim Hamilton and Graeme Finney

OUR NEW SENIOR

MINUTES WITH... EXECUTIVE TEAM Following the appointment of FRNSW’s new senior executive team, the Commissioner and his two new Deputy Commissioners take the spotlight to share their vision for the coming year.

nder the Government Sector • Deputy Commissioner Field In this issue of Fire & Rescue News, Employment Act, all NSW Operations: Jim Hamilton AFSM Commissioner Mullins and his two newly UGovernment agencies were • Deputy Commissioner Strategic appointed deputies, Jim Hamilton and required to implement new senior Capability: Graeme Finney OAM Graeme Finney, share their aims and executive arrangements that objectives for the next 12 months and incorporated flatter structures and • Executive Director Finance: Adam reveal something about themselves the standards for spans of control. Summons rest of the organisation may not know. Earlier this year, the Public Service • Executive Director Logistics Support: Adam Summons, Emmanuel Varipatis, Commissioner and Secretary of the Emmanuel Varipatis AC Mal Connellan and Rob Hilditch will Justice Cluster approved a structure • Executive Director People and Culture: feature in the next issue. for FRNSW which met the new criteria. AC Malcolm Connellan AFSM Under the new structure, a new senior executive team was appointed as follows, • Executive Director Information reporting directly to the Commissioner. Technology: Robert Hilditch

8 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 What do you hope to achieve in the What don’t people know about you? coming months? I have studied martial arts since I was When I became Commissioner, I made 11 years old. I studied Wing Chun Kung my intent very clear: it was around Fu initially, then Karate from the age improving our community standing and of 13. I have a 4th Dan black belt in media presence, improving operational Shorinkan Shorin Ryu Karate, a 2nd Dan COMMISSIONER capabilities and transforming our ‘back in Budokan Karate, and 1st Dan in Goju end’ business systems and FireCAD. Kai. I also study Okinawan weapons and GREG MULLINS But most importantly, I wanted to Israeli military hand-to-hand combat change leadership styles to improve (Krav Maga). I met my wife, a black belt AFSM communication and inclusiveness. and former Australian champion, in a Specific issues included being the best karate class, and my son Phil is a 2nd ommissioner Mullins joined the rescue agency, the best USAR agency, Dan black belt. NSW Fire Brigades in 1978. He has and securing a new State Training Cserved in a variety of operational College. I also believed (and still believe) and specialised positions, including that we should work closely with the at No. 1 station for many years, in the Ambulance Service of NSW on a medical Bushfire Section, in Fire Safety, as Supt/ first responder program, which will save Manager Operations Research, as AC/ many lives. Regional Commander South West, as Director State Operations, and was Thirteen years after my appointment, appointed as Commissioner in July 2003. I’ve had the opportunity to work with He is the President of the Australasian a number of very talented executives Fire & Emergency Service Authorities’ who have helped make nearly all of Council, Australian Director of the these happen. My main focus with the International Fire Chiefs’ Association of new executive team is on embedding values-based leadership and respect for The black helmet of the Commissioner is a familiar sight at Asia, and Deputy Chair of the NSW State major incidents Emergency Management Committee all frontline staff, increasing workforce diversity and encouraging innovation.

eputy Commissioner Jim Hamilton safety activities into frontline services, joined the NSW Fire Brigades in targeting specific activities for D1980 at the age of 18. DC Hamilton specific risks. has served in numerous fire stations, To ensure Field Operations continues and has served as a College Instructor, to evolve, we will need to maintain and a ComCen Operator and OIC Hazmat. On enhance our close working relationship DEPUTY his very first day as OIC Hazmat he was with other areas of FRNSW, especially responded to the Thredbo landslide. As the Strategic Capability Division. Jointly, COMMISSIONER a Senior and Executive Officer, he has we’re exploring new capabilities and served in a variety of operational and enhancing our existing capabilities. JIM HAMILTON specialised positions, including Assistant Part of this focus is on specific AFSM Director Specialised Operations, Area capabilities such as compressed air Commander Metropolitan East, Director foam systems (CAFS), flood rescue, Specialised Operations, Director Regional introduction of smaller rescue trucks, Operations, Director Metropolitan larger technical rescue vehicles and Operations and Director Operational different types of aerial pumpers, as well Capability. He has significant experience as a mobile data terminal on every first in counter-terrorism activities, response appliance. including six years as the Australian Emergency Services representative For me it’s exciting times; it is a great on an international counter-terrorism opportunity for us to benefit from close- committee. In July 2016 he was appointed knit teams within Field Operations as well Deputy Commissioner Field Operations. as progressing strategies and alignment What do you hope to achieve in the next with other emergency services within 12 months? Australia and beyond. It’s also about continuing the great work that’s been done I will continue to focus on leadership, on the frontline and continuing to listen to workforce safety and capability, firefighters about their needs. technology, efficiencies and service What don’t people know about you? delivery. This will include the establishment of the Field Operations Socially, I have a group of friends that I Division and how we can improve on started kindergarten with 50 years ago. what is already a great component of Who would have thought that after all the organisation. those years, four of us still play soccer together? We started as baby-faced six- The new Field Operations Division year-olds, and now try and kid ourselves includes Metropolitan and Regional that we have the skills and speed of Operations, as well as the Community 20-year-olds. The mind might be willing, DC Jim Hamilton has been part of the Brigade since he Safety Directorate, so a key strategy will not sure about the body… was 18. be on greater integration of community

9 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FEATURE

What do you hope to achieve in the next At the same time, I’m keen to learn more 12 months? about Specialised Operations. Our USAR Since transitioning to FRNSW I have capability will undergo reaccreditation remarked on the close synergy between in 2017 and this work is fundamental to Operational Capability and Education & the core business of FRNSW. I am also Training (E&T). The restructure is a great keen to investigate the great work done DEPUTY opportunity to realise that. by Hazmat and see how that links with work done elsewhere. Finally, the ongoing COMMISSIONER Commissioner Mullins presented me with development of the Strategic Operations an extensive list of undertakings for E&T Centre will be an area of focus. GRAEME when I first joined, and it has been great to see the team jump in and support these I am very impressed by the work done FINNEY OAM initiatives. Transitional arrangements by the Program Management Office. The for the College site at Alexandria are in unit is essential to ensuring governance eputy Commissioner Graeme place, and planning for the new Training arrangements and I am keen to see how Finney joined FRNSW in November Academy is tracking well. The review they might better support the articulation 2015. A former serving Brigadier and reform of rescue has been achieved of strategy to provide a longer term vision D of where we might go. in the Australian Army, DC Finney has and the E&T Policy has been delivered enjoyed a 28-year leadership career. He which also included the recognition I am also conscious that the next couple of has predominantly served in operational procedures. There is still work to do years will be a period of change as we fully and training assignments including including finalising the review of retained implement the outcomes of the GSE and Director General Operations for the training, the analysis of leadership and relocate to Greenacre and Erskine Park, Australian Army and as Director Future management training and the ongoing all of which will need to be managed while Operations for the NATO-led International review of basic life support training. I am maintaining business as usual. It is a Security Assistance Force (Afghanistan). pleased by the efforts of all staff to achieve challenging however exciting time ahead, He has also served in a range of training new and innovative ways of delivering and I am honoured and delighted to be appointments with the Australian and training. It has been great work! serving with FRNSW on that journey. US Military, including Commandant of I firmly believe we can do more to ensure Recruit Training at Kapooka (Wagga FRNSW is strategy-led, and Operational Wagga) and as an Instructor with the Capability is the key to this. There US Army Command and General Staff You learn a lot about are areas we can focus on in terms of College (Fort Leavenworth). In July 2016 doctrine, roadmaps and continuous yourself by giving he was appointed Deputy Commissioner improvement that can inform capability things a go Strategic Capability. decisions, acquisition plans and the introduction of capability into service. What don’t people know about you? I was once a radio announcer for FM91. 5, ‘the fresh sound of the North Shore’. Many people say I have a radio announcer’s voice and former Blankety Blanks announcer Don Blake is actually my cousin. It is a bit ‘left of field’; however, 15 years ago I decided to get into community radio. I was serving in the Military and looking for something different to expand my skills. For two years I was the ‘Wolfman Jack’ guy, doing the 10pm to 1am shift. My time at the station culminated in a week as host on the morning show. It taught me a lot. When it is late at night and you are the only one there and you are not receiving any feedback, you are simply laying it all out. I think you learn a lot about yourself by giving things a go! It was a great experience. nEND

DC Graeme Finney during his recent ridealong with 32 Mt Druitt

10 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 WHAT’S NEW? KEEPING A CAT’S EYE OUT FOR WATER

12 stn Balmain installing cat’s eyes hydrant indicators

A new hydrant indicator trial known as ‘Project Sapphire’ aims to make it easier for firefighters to access water at incidents.

very firefighter understands the importance of locating equipment, with fire crews at selected stations installing the sufficient water supplies at a fireground. As such, hydrant reflectors as part of their normal hydrant inspection duties. Eidentification and location are critical aspects of safe and The FBEU endorsed a limited trial of four stations – 12 Balmain, successful firefighting. 445 Springwood, 269 Corrimal and 98 Cranebrook – to assess Despite this there are currently no consistent hydrant-marking the feasibility of standardising hydrant marking processes practices across NSW, largely due to the shared responsibilities across NSW. for hydrants. Water authorities, and in some cases local councils, ‘Project Sapphire’ commenced in March 2016 at 12 Balmain C are responsible for the provision and maintenance of hydrants Platoon, led by Brad Giersch. SO Giersch and his while FRNSW is mandated to test them annually. crew completed around 300 installations in the first two months In a 2014 FRNSW survey of Superintendents, Inspectors, with the public and other stations all giving positive feedback on Station Officers and Captains, 87% of respondents said they had the trial. At 269 Corrimal, Retained Firefighter Glen Boyd said experienced difficulties in locating a hydrant because of poor they have been installing one or two cat’s eyes every week with indication. Firefighters also overwhelmingly indicated that blue more than 50 completed so far. reflectors were the best way to identify hydrants. As part of the trial, Manager Geographical Information Graham As a result, now retired Superintendent Chris Jurgeit championed Chapman developed an app to record installation and hydrant a station-based trial to install blue cat’s eyes reflectors. inspections in real time and complement the mobile data “Blue cat’s eyes are easily visible both day and night, increasing terminal hydrant overlay. the likelihood of crews being able to access water supplies At the end of the 12-month trial, the participating stations efficiently,” said Supt Jurgeit. “Fire services also believe blue will provide feedback to assess the progress of the initiative. reflective road markers are more effective than other methods If successful, it is hoped that FRNSW can partner with Sydney in smoky conditions.” Water and the other water authorities in NSW (of which there are Following negotiations, Sydney Water agreed to support a trial almost 100) to ensure future hydrant indicators are consistent by purchasing blue reflectors, bituminous pads and LPG heating throughout the State.

CAT’S EYES THE NEW HYDRANT HEROES ‘Project Sapphire’ builds on the success of the Hydrant Hero public awareness campaign which ran in February 2016. The campaign urged residents to take responsibility for maintaining the hydrants in their street, allowing for quicker and easier access for FRNSW crews in an emergency. While the blue cat’s eyes help firefighters find hydrants, the public still have a crucial role to play in looking out for the hydrants themselves – keeping them free of weeds, grass, dirt and debris.

11 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 WHAT’S NEW? A SAFER WAY TO FIGHT FIRES?

Villa fire, Halmstad, Sweden, 2011: After 3 minutes with a Cobra attack, the positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fan is used and the BA crew enter into a cool, smokeless and safe environment. The fully involved house fire is extinguished in 8 minutes, using a total of 180 litres of water and no water damage.

An idea thrown up by the Commissioner’s Participative Council could see new tools trialled to offer alternative methods of ‘external’ firefighting.

he Commissioner’s Participative Council (CPC) aims to CPC Chair, Assistant Commissioner Gerry Byrne said the trial drive innovation and cut down roadblocks by giving life to of piercing and mist tools may offer FRNSW the option of an Tnew ideas. One such initiative to come out of the CPC in ‘interim step’ prior to committing BA crews internally or deciding 2016 is use of ‘piercing and misting’ firefighting tools. on a defensive attack. Piercing and misting tools give firefighters the ability to “Safety is our highest priority so anything which can improve penetrate a structure and deploy a fine mist to cool internal the way we fight fires is worth investigating,” said Chief fire gases. The effect cools the gases so they are no longer Superintendent Byrne. “This is an excellent example of what flammable, improving visibility and the environment, thus the CPC can achieve by giving grassroots ideas and initiatives making it safer and easier to work in. These tools may also a genuine chance to become reality.” halt or even reverse fire development. There are a number of tools in the market – most notably the ultra high pressure Cobra Cold Cut which can penetrate Piercing tools can be deployed any building material and the Fognail which requires pre- drilling before the misting tool can be inserted. Both tools are from the outside and significantly Scandinavian-designed and have had strong uptake in Sweden. improve internal conditions The Cobra technology is also widely used in the UK, where Northampton Fire & Rescue Service is leading the way in Cobra methodology and tactics. Both tools enable firefighters to get water to the fire from the outside of the fire compartment while avoiding additional ventilation. In situations where an Incident Commander is reluctant to commit a BA crew internally, piercing tools, like the Cobra or Fognail, can be deployed from the outside and significantly improve internal conditions. The tools can be particularly useful in hard to reach places, such as voids and cavities (e.g. roof spaces, wall cavities, air conditioning ducting and car engines). Thanks to the contacts and support provided by the CPC, a briefing paper recommending that FRNSW trial the Fognail for difficult to access void fires was developed. The briefing was supported by the Commissioner and details for the trial are being finalised.

12 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 OUR 21 CHIEFS CELEBRATED IN NEW BOOK

VIEW VIDEO AT fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO SO David Tai (centre) with retired Chief Officer Stan WATCH NOW Hearn and Commissioner Greg Mullins

On 17 August, a new FRNSW book was launched at a special celebration at the Museum of Fire. ‘Leading from the front’ is the result of more than four years of dedicated research and writing by Station Officer David Tai.

O Tai devoted thousands of personal hours to researching In his address, Commissioner Mullins said that while much the lives and work of the 21 Chief Officers and has changed in the Brigade’s 132-year history, the courage, SCommissioners who have led NSWFB/FRNSW since commitment and ingenuity of the men and women who serve on 1884. He located and interviewed relatives, delved into public the frontline as firefighters has not. and personal records and sourced a rich collection of family “This book is a part of our wider story, and I hope you enjoy and press photographs. His work captures the essence of reading it,” he said. “I congratulate SO David Tai for his passion, each leader, combining their personal stories with Brigade tenacity and unwavering commitment to bringing our history achievements, milestones and iconic incidents. to life.” The launch was attended by more than 100 current and former The book is a must-read not only for those fascinated by the FRNSW staff, families of the former chiefs and retired Chief , but also for anyone interested in effective Officer/Acting Commissioner Stan Hearn, who led the Brigade leadership during changing times, and the principles of ‘leading between 1991 and 1994. Commissioner Mullins attended with from the front’. The book is exclusively available for sale at the his family, including his 91-year-old father and two-year-old Museum of Fire shop or online, priced at $49.95, with all profits grandson. Many guests travelled from across the State to donated to the Burns Unit at Westmead Children’s Hospital. celebrate the achievements of their fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers and the former Chiefs under which they have served.

13 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 WHAT’S NEW? 2016/17 FRNSW-LED USAR BUDGET DELIVERS WORKING WITH VITAL OTHER USAR TEAMS RESOURCES WORLDWIDE FOR FRNSW is accredited by the United Nations EMERGENCY International Advisory Group (INSARAG) as a Heavy USAR Team for international SERVICES response to disasters involving major building In the NSW State budget collapses and other complex rescues. announced on 21 June 2016, FRNSW was allocated $693.2 million in recurrent funding and a capital budget of $47 million.

his capital allocation included $7.9 million for new fire stations Tand upgrade of existing fire stations across NSW. Along with projects already underway at Abermain, Gulgong, Henty, Maryland, Mount Druitt, Murrurundi, Nyngan and Wollongong, the capital budget funds four new fire stations at Visiting Malaysian SMART team with FRNSW USAR Batlow, Eden, Parkes and South West instructors at the Ingleburn facilities Rocks, as well as fitout of the Alexandria Fire Station. A further $2.5 million was allocated for development of training FRNSW hosts Malaysia’s USAR Team Rescue/USAR Project Officer SO Russell props for the new FRNSW State at Ingleburn Turner said that although equipment Training Academy which will be built differed, the common requirements at Erskine Park. In April, a 15-strong Malaysian SMART Disaster Assistance Response Team of INSARAG guidelines ensured that In addition, $14.8 million was allocated travelled to Australia to spend a week Australia and Malaysia’s concepts and for the continued replacement of undergoing joint USAR training at processes were consistent. firefighting, specialist and rescue FRNSW’s Ingleburn facility. The purpose “The common desire for serving appliances, including new prototype of the visit was skills sharing in the lead- communities ensures that the personal Class 3 rescue pumpers. This will enable up to the INSARAG external classification traits of emergency responders are FRNSW to maintain the optimum age of Malaysia’s SMART Team. similar even though they come from and operational profile of its fleet. The Malaysian and Australian teams different parts of the globe,” said formed a good working relationship SO Turner. VIEW VIDEO AT following earthquake exercises in Topics covered during the joint training fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews Malaysia in 2013 and Mongolia in included safety technical search, heavy 2015. This led to the Malaysian team lifting, shoring and cribbing, metal OR approaching Australia to participate in cutting, and concrete cutting and SCAN CODE TO joint training exercises. breaking. The week concluded with a tour WATCH NOW of City of Sydney Fire Station. Highlights for the visiting team including learning Differences in new shoring techniques and cutting torch training. The Malaysians described language and culture the FRNSW instructors as friendly, are overcome humble and helpful, with differences in language and culture overcome by by everyone everyone communicating in the same communicating in the ‘USAR language’. same ‘USAR language’

14 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 OPERATIONAL NEWS

SO Turner said this type of engagement The Philippines’ Armed Forces (AFP) FRNSW mentors LA County’s USAR is extremely positive for all concerned. has identified humanitarian assistance team during its reclassification “All Instructors stated that interaction and disaster response as one of its In May, three FRNSW officers – Chief with the group was a highlight of their four mission areas. The AFP is also Superintendent Greg Wild and Senior USAR careers,” he said. “It is hoped our the country’s National Disaster Risk Firefighters Peter Watson and Richard relationship with the Malaysia SMART Reduction and Management Council’s Wilson – travelled to the USA to review team can be maintained … a number lead organisation for its Search, Rescue the Los Angeles County USA-2 USAR of other Asia-Pacific teams have also and Retrieval Cluster. Team preparations for their 2017 expressed a desire to engage with During the INSARAG Asia and Pacific INSARAG external reclassification. FRNSW in the future. Regional Meeting in 2015, the Philippines The USA-2 Team has deployed to FRNSW participates in assessment of representative requested assistance many natural disasters including Haiti, Philippines USAR capacity in developing a roadmap for a national Christchurch, Tokyo and Nepal, and Also in April, one of FRNSW’s USAR USAR capacity-building program. This operates to a very high standard. Team Leaders, Chief Superintendent is to establish adequate USAR capacity The three FRNSW officers also visited Paul McGuiggan, travelled to the with the aim of being better prepared to LA County’s large Pomona complex Philippines to represent Australia as meet risks arising from emergencies or where mobilisation takes place. Their part of a UN INSARAG mission to assess disasters that cause structural collapse. visit coincided with the USA-2 Team USAR capacity. Chief Supt McGuiggan was part of undertaking an exercise simulating This request was made by the Philippines the multinational UN-led team which deployment to a large earthquake which Government to support its disaster risk included representatives from China, had impacted a densely-populated reduction efforts. The Philippines is Singapore and Japan. The team evaluated residential area. USA-2 demonstrated an archipelago of 7,100 islands with a the existing Philippines capacity to its capacity to pass through a Reception population of just over 100 million people, respond to and mitigate the impacts of Departure Centre, establish a Base of and is very vulnerable to various types of major incidents and national disasters, at Operations and operate over two different natural hazards due to its geographical both the environmental and operational worksites autonomously for 48 hours. location and physical environment. It levels. The team then presented their FRNSW’s mentoring of the USA-2 Team is is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an findings to the Philippines Government a great opportunity to further strengthen area characterised by a belt of active including recommendations to increase relationships between the two teams. It is volcanoes and earthquake which can both the capacity and capability of also a great opportunity to learn how the trigger devastating building collapses, existing emergency services such as the USA resources, manages and coordinates landslides and tsunamis. The country police, fire, ambulance and military. its USAR capability. also often experiences powerful tropical typhoons.

Demonstrating hot cutting to the Malaysian SMART team

15 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 OPERATIONAL NEWS

Photos courtesy of Angelo Roman, Orlando

MAINTAINING BEST PRACTICE IN FIRE INVESTIGATION In April 2016, Station Officer Michael Forbes, Team Leader Fire Investigation, attended the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Training Conference in Florida, USA on a scholarship-funded trip.

ommenting on the benefits of the Company storage and distribution trip, SO Forbes said, “In addition to facility in Texas killed 15 people, VIEW VIDEO AT Cexpert discussions and programs injured more than 160, and damaged fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews on fire investigation, research and legal or destroyed more than 150 buildings aspects, the trip gave me a unique (very relevant to FIRU in investigating OR opportunity to meet experts from across large complex incidents such as the SCAN CODE TO America and also overseas, and to build Rozelle shop fire). WATCH NOW valuable contacts and tap into networks.” • New equipment and technologies for Prior to the Conference, SO Forbes visited the fire investigator including the use the Orlando Fire Department (OFD). He of X-ray in fire debris analysis. joined them on shift, responding with the WINNING IMAGES AID FIRE • Fire tests and case studies on UK INVESTIGATION OFD arson investigator to a chimney fire switchboards: a manufacturing defect in an apartment building. Each year the IAAI run a photography in a circuit breaker within UK consumer competition for fire investigators SO Forbes also met with Lieutenant Ron switchboards has caused many fires around the world to submit incident Verbal who was the Canine Handler for forcing a product recall (relevant to photographs. SO Forbes won the OFD’s arson dog, Jessie. This canine Australia as similar switchboards are 2016 competition for both the Arson works quite differently to those managed used here). and Accidental categories. Michael is by FRNSW. Even though the dog detects • Discussion about whether keenly interested in photography, and the same liquid accelerants as FRNSW’s fire victim toxicology data (i.e. he submitted photos of a fuel pour canines, the OFD dog is rewarded with carboxyhaemoglobin concentration pattern at a deliberately lit fire in a food rather than play. levels) can be used to determine or shopping centre, and an accidental Learnings from the IAAI Conference support area of origin. fire in a laptop computer. The photos SO Forbes’ report on his trip highlighted • Fire and explosion risks posed demonstrated the importance of the Conference sessions most relevant to by batteries, particularly lithium emergency responders preserving FIRU’s work, including the following: ion batteries, and implications in the scene of a fire, as this can greatly investigations. assist fire investigators. SO Forbes • Showing your work: evaluating expert was presented with his awards at the testimony through the courts (providing Summing up his visit to America, IAAI Conference. useful advice for FIRU staff and SO Forbes said, “The learnings I gained firefighters required to testify in court). from the Conference will help to ensure • Managing complex scene investigations FRNSW’s fire investigation capability is case study into fatal fire and explosion in line with world’s best practice, and at Texas: In April 2013, an ammonium that we are using efficient and effective nitrate explosion at the West Fertilizer technologies.”

16 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 INCIDENT FOOTAGE RAISES AWARENESS OF STRUCTURE COLLAPSE RISKS Unprecedented CCTV and bystander footage from an actual incident has been used to create an awareness video to help keep firefighters safe.

STRUCTURE COLLAPSE SOUND BITES As at 14 September, the video has been viewed 2,760 times. Comments and feedback received from firefighters and senior officers Explosion and fire at Rozelle shop in 2014 triggers have been overwhelmingly positive. building collapse “There’s some really good things being said about [the video] by he video, which was released by what can be achieved when we use our firies at station level. The footage in Operational Safety earlier this experiences for learning and the benefit particular is incredible. I never knew Tyear, uses the real life scenario of our colleagues.” roof trusses could burn through so to highlight to firefighters the risk of The video is the first resource in the quickly. Overall it’s been really well structure collapse at incidents. rollout of new doctrine which includes a received by everyone I’ve spoken to Footage from the collapse has been comprehensive new Structure Collapse and has made people really question combined with interviews with the SOG and Guideline Support Document. jobs they’ve been to.” – Permanent Firefighter Incident Commander and Qualified As a result of its reception within FRNSW, Firefighter Gavin Smith, who was the video has been entered into the “[This] is one of the best training seriously injured. Significantly, the video TMF Awards for Excellence (Innovation videos I have seen. It effectively warns that signs of impending collapse Category) and National highlights the dangers and aren’t always present, and outlines some Safety Council of Australia (NSCA) appropriate control measures and will ways of identifying and controlling the Safety Awards (Best Communication of definitely be a useful training tool.” risks to crews. a Safety Message Category), to be held in – Station Officer Operational Safety Coordinator, Leading November and October 2016 respectively. “As a professional carpenter, Firefighter James Davies said while The video and supporting documentation builder and trainer/assessor for the technology continually presents new are available on the Structure Collapse construction industry. I commend all challenges for safety, it also gives new Risks Toolkit on the intranet, see Toolkits of you doing a great job in this video.” opportunities to convey information about > Operational > Rescue >Structure – Retained Firefighter incident hazards. Collapse Risks. “I particularly congratulate the crew “The success of this video was largely for giving an honest account of the due to excellent footage that will stick in events of that night ... I will work with firefighters’ minds for years to come,” VIEW VIDEO AT the safety team to encourage more LF Davies said. “Feedback we’ve fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews of these types of case studies from received shows it reinforces our critical FRNSW experiences to provide all safety messages far more than words OR firefighters with the opportunity to alone could.” SCAN CODE TO improve safety at incidents.” “Thank you to everyone involved in the WATCH NOW – Capability Manager video, particularly QF Smith. It shows 17 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 OPERATIONAL NEWS

MDT gives details of hazmat incident to responding crew. Image courtesy QF Erin Pogmore

AN MDT IN EVERY FIRE STATION Just 12 months after FRNSW began rolling out ADASHI First Responder mobile data terminals (MDTs); there is now at least one device in every fire station in NSW.

he most recent phase of the rollout, manual and toolkit resources. Once Communications, Chief Superintendent which was completed by the end you understand what the MDT can do, Greg Wild. “But the program of work Tof September, has delivered an it’s easy to use. remains ongoing and will continue additional 188 MDTs to appliances, “Naturally it doesn’t completely replace to grow as vehicles are replaced and taking the total count to 370 MDTs in the radio and there are some black spots redeployed to other locations.” 337 fire stations. in coverage due to mobile networks in “MDTs will evolve and firefighter feedback With at least one MDT in every station, it country areas, but on the whole it’s a will continue to drive advancements in means there is now a standard operating great advancement.” the ADASHI suite of products. It’s just one model across the State with every Since the pilot commenced in 2015, aspect of the development of Operational firefighter either regularly using or able feedback from firefighters has resulted Technology and mobility – which also to access a device. in a number of new features and includes auto vehicle location (AVL) and MDT kits have also been installed in more functions including the recent addition of the planned roll out of new Samsung than 30 SEVs since the project began, audible turn-by-turn navigation, ESCAD appliance phablets and Wi-Fi capability – allowing firefighters to continue using message indicator, enhanced weather at FRNSW.” their device when their appliance is being and CFU status. While it is important to keep MDTs secure serviced or repaired. The devices also allow IT to automatically due to their connection to ESCAD, new 399 Narrabri Deputy Captain Joab push out updates with new data as it phablets (which are a hybrid phone/ Rushton welcomed the technology after becomes available. The first of these tablet) will provide all the functions of a an MDT was installed in their pumper in updates, featuring Standard Operating smartphone with customisation of apps early August. Guidelines (SOGs) and Pre-Incident Plans and features. Together they will provide (PIPs), was sent to MDTs in May 2016. access to a range of useful information “We heard about the benefits of the MDTs and tools. with things like instant access to hydrant While ongoing updates focus on keeping maps and current SOGs and reduced the data current in existing MDTs, work radio traffic, but expected it would be is still being undertaken to increase the some time before we saw them in RN3,” number of devices and MDT-enabled VIEW VIDEO AT DCapt Rushton said. appliances (e.g. with kits installed) across fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews “The crew was keen to get familiar with the FRNSW fleet. OR the MDT so we scheduled time during the “The project has already delivered SCAN CODE TO next drill night to go over the reference MDTs to more than half of our fleet,” WATCH NOW said Assistant Director Operational

18 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 THE RIGHT CAPABILITY IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME TO GET THE JOB DONE Rolling out new capability, or improving an existing capability, is not a simple task. FRNSW has developed the Operational Capability Framework to help coordinate this process.

VIEW VIDEO AT fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO Left: Carrying out a flood rescue. Right: Practising WATCH NOW swiftwater rescue techniques

RNSW is a large, geographically rescue capability demonstrates (see dispersed and complex breakout), capability development is FLOOD RESCUE CAPABILITY Forganisation serving a wide variety much broader and incorporates liaison ROLLOUT of communities with varying needs. with other agencies; needs analysis; FRNSW is currently rolling out a Delivering fire, rescue, hazmat, doctrine development (policy, SOGs and new capability across NSW – flood incident management and other recommended practices); development rescue. During the past year, 20 services to the community requires and delivery of training programs; stations were trained and equipped the whole organisation to support equipment specification, purchase, to carry out land-based flood rescue frontline firefighters. deployment and maintenance; review and three stations were trained in of command and communication Frontline firefighters do their job water-based flood rescue. The value procedures; and support from effectively because FRNSW has effective of this capability was demonstrated Metropolitan and Regional Operations organisation and incident command during the East Coast Low in June and frontline firefighters. structures; communicates the right 2016, when FRNSW crews performed information; has fire stations in the right The Framework also takes into account around 100 flood rescues in support places with well-maintained vehicles and the readiness and sustainability of a of the NSWSES. equipment; and recruits the right people capability. Readiness is how long it takes who have the required training based on FRNSW to deploy a capability. Most Over the next year, FRNSW plans good policies and procedures. FRNSW capabilities are ready to respond to train another water-based flood rescue station and 30 land-based The Operational Capability Framework 24/7; for example, Triple Zero call-taking or pumper response to a . flood rescue stations, making this was developed as a tool to assist FRNSW capability available across NSW. A to describe its services, and the inputs Other services take longer to deploy e.g. putting together a Strike Team or 4-module flood awareness e-learning required to deliver those services. training package was published The inputs to capability are: People, sending an urban search and rescue team overseas. on the FRNSW Learning Hub in Organisation, Information, Support September, with a new flood rescue and Facilities, Training, Equipment and Sustainability is how long FRNSW can Standard Operating Guideline, toolkit Doctrine (referred to using the acronym continue to provide a capability to a and policy also soon to be published. POISTED). The Framework also describes particular incident, and also how many the capability management life cycle simultaneous incidents FRNSW can “The introduction of our new flood of reviewing, creating, implementing, respond to without loss of capability. For rescue capability has shown that the sustaining and where appropriate, example, the resources needed to deal Operational Capability Framework eventually withdrawing capability. with a small area of bush alight that is is an effective tool for developing capability,” said Chief Superintendent Capability tends to be viewed as only extinguished in two hours are obviously very different from the resources needed Gary McKinnon, Assistant Director equipment, and terms such as ‘capability Capability Management. “We are development’ are mistakenly seen as to keep eight Strike Teams and an Incident Management Team operating using it to work with all areas simply the process of acquiring new of FRNSW to develop a shared equipment. As the introduction of flood 24 hours a day for 10 days during a campaign bushfire. understanding of our capabilities.”

19 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 OPERATIONAL NEWS

Firefighters at CBD exercise practise search and rescue skills

VIEW VIDEO AT FRNSW PLAYS KEY fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR ROLE IN MAJOR SCAN CODE TO SYDNEY CBD WATCH NOW EXERCISE On Sunday 28 August, FRNSW took part in the 2016 Sydney CBD Emergency Management field exercise at Barangaroo.

his multi-agency exercise was the There were simulated casualties in early on, negating the use of mobile largest mass casualty exercise vehicles on the street as well as on phones. Numerous communications Tever held in Australia. It attracted Sydney Harbour. and coordination centres operated nationwide interest with observers In total, around 500 casualties were during the exercise, including FRNSW’s coming from every state, representing triaged, with many requiring full Strategic Operations Centre, the Regional functional areas as well as emergency decontamination. A temporary morgue Emergency Operations Centre, the services agencies. was also established as part of the Marine Area Command and the Traffic The exercise scenario involved a Boeing disaster victim recovery process. FRNSW Management Centre. 777 experiencing mechanical difficulties deployed more than 20 appliances, This exercise and the lessons learnt from (not terrorism-related) crashing at including the Mobile Command Centre, it were extremely valuable, ensuring Barangaroo where an open air concert and around 90 personnel to the exercise effective multi-agency response in the was taking place. including IMT Bravo led by A/AC Ken event of a major incident in the heart Murphy. A key feature of the exercise of Sydney. was loss of the 3G and 4G networks 20 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 CFUs ENSURING SAFER COMMUNITIES FRNSW’s Community Fire Units (CFUs) continue to play a vital role in community preparation and safety promotion throughout the State.

wo smart device apps – CFU A helping hand on Open Day Bushfire season – review and readiness Admin App and CFU Activate This year many CFUs assisted fire crews The 2015/16 bushfire season was TApp – introduced late last year during the FRNSW Open Day on 21 May. fortunately relatively quiet for the nearly have proved very successful. As one At Crows Nest, Katoomba, Revesby, 7,000 CFU volunteers with only a few CFU member commented: “Received an Umina and many other locations across units activated across NSW. Each year alert yesterday via the CFU Activity App. the State, CFU volunteers were involved after the bushfire season ends, the I wasn’t at home but watching a show at in the event in various ways – from CFU section holds a round of Team Penrith. I was able to alert my group and providing the community with information Coordinator conferences. This keeps they were ready when I got home. If you on the CFU program and bushfire Team Coordinators up-to-date about haven’t downloaded this app, I urge you to safety, to assisting with barbecues new initiatives and changes, sums up the do it soon. It was excellent!” and demonstrations. This was a great concluding bushfire season and gathers New Introduction Module opportunity for CFU members to support feedback from volunteers in a face-to- FRNSW’s CFU section is now their local firefighters, promote the CFU face environment. implementing another digital solution to program to the general public and be In all, 350 people attended the Autumn further modernise the program. The CFU recognised as part of FRNSW. 2016 Team Coordinators Conferences at Introduction Module was launched online Getting involved in campaigns 20 different venues across NSW where in August, with the much-awaited CFU In recent months, CFUs were encouraged CFU Officers delivered presentations e-learning package coming soon. to get involved in various FRNSW and answered questions. Key topics The Introduction Module is an interactive community engagement initiatives. discussed were introduction of the presentation on the program’s scope During the ‘Hydrant Hero’ campaign, they e-learning induction program, bushfire and requirements. Once completed, helped clear around hydrants, raised season wrap-up, helmet audit, policy applicants need to complete the four CFU awareness in their local communities on and map update, and community e-learning modules in order to proceed the importance of easy hydrant access, engagement activities. to full membership. These modules and many took part in the social media In preparation for the next bushfire are an interactive self-paced learning photo competition. Through the CFU season, the annual CFU Operational program that applicants complete in e-newsletter, social media and direct Readiness campaign is currently in their own time. The e-learning modules emailing, CFU volunteers were invited progress. This campaign encourages are assessment-based, and users can’t to be involved in promoting the ReAlarm CFU units to undertake practice drills, move to the next module until they have campaign and fire safety checks by equipment checks and preventative completed and passed the previous replacing their own alarms, distributing actions to enhance community resilience module. Current members can also fire safety information, and speaking to during the increased fire risks in the access the modules at any time to refresh their neighbours and local communities. hotter months of the year. their technical knowledge. This new This winter CFUs were also included in e-learning program will improve the the Emergency Services Blood Challenge. CFU membership application process, CFU members were encouraged to streamline induction and training of donate blood in their local areas and to new volunteers, and provide easier identify themselves as FRNSW so their administration of membership data. donations counted towards the overall FRNSW tally.

Left: A CFU unit discusses bushfire safety in their area. Right: CFU Training Coordinator Richard Jordan donates blood

21 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 OPERATIONAL NEWS GHS LEARNING CHEMICAL LABELLING – FROM THE PARIS ARE YOU TERRORIST READY? ATTACKS On 1 January 2017 the On Tuesday 31 May, representatives from NSW Police, new Globally Harmonised Ambulance, health and the various NSW emergency System of Classification services, including more than 40 FRNSW personnel, and Labelling of attended a talk by Brigadier General Philippe Boutinaud, Chemicals, known as Commander of the Paris Fire Brigade, about critical GHS, comes into effect. lessons learnt from the recent devastating Paris The GHS includes new terrorist attacks. standardised terminology n January and November 2015, Using the lessons learned from the and pictograms to classify Paris suffered two series of terrorist experience of colleagues following the chemicals (see back cover). Iattacks which involved a complex bombings in Madrid (2004), London combination of coordinated actions (2005) and Mumbai (2008), the Paris – shootings, explosions and hostage he Australian Code for the Fire Brigade had designed a specific taking – presenting a major challenge Transport of Dangerous Goods plan (Plan Rouge Alpha) adaptable to for emergency services. In the January by Road or Rail (ADG Code) mass casualties and able to react to T attacks, 17 people died and 22 were several simultaneous terrorist attacks. will remain in place for chemicals in injured; in the devastating November transit, but the GHS will be in place at Implementation of this plan was a key attacks, 130 people died and over 350 workplaces. Therefore you may see both factor in enabling effective response to were seriously injured. ADG and GHS signage on some products. the attacks, along with co-location of the Brigadier General Boutinaud outlined call centre, crisis response centre and Firefighters and commanders must how frontline operational personnel from medical coordination centre within the be able to interpret GHS pictograms multiple agencies provided an integrated Paris Fire Brigade operation centre since and terminology in order to manage response to these attacks which occurred 2011; the planning of weekly exercises chemical risks at incidents. Managers simultaneously across a large geographic based on mass casualties’ scenarios; and and supervisors must also ensure that area. Paris Fire Brigade played a crucial clear and specific rules of engagement. chemicals brought into workplaces are role as it provides emergency medical classified and labelled in accordance with The December 2014 Martin Place siege services as well as fire services, and the GHS. highlighted that Australia is not immune therefore managed patient retrieval to this type of threat, and the Brigadier More information (sometimes under gunfire), triage and General’s address provided many timely • Visit the intranet toolkit (Toolkits > on-scene stabilisation prior to transport. insights and lessons for Australian Organisation wide > Workplace Safety emergency services. > Hazardous Chemicals) • Contact a Health & Safety Branch Safety Advisor in on 9265 2800 • Contact the on-shift Hazmat Advisory Response Team (HART) or Team Leader Hazmat/CBR • Visit www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au or www.workcover.nsw.gov.au.

French soldiers guard major landmarks following Paris attacks

22 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

ISSUE 5 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL Editor’s note collapses and steel truss roof failure), Within this edition, there is a focus on at times without warning. On all several occupancy types that present elcome to edition five of Fire occasions, firefighters employed particular challenges to firefighters due and Rescue Operations Journal. appropriate safety measures prior to to their unique hazards, peculiar fire WThis edition contains a number the collapses taking place, ensuring behaviour characteristics and specific of major structure fires and several all firefighters remained safe when operational requirements, notably complex rescue incidents. A number these spectacular and dangerous older church buildings and discount/ of recurring themes were present collapses occurred. The new Incident variety stores. This edition also sees at all incidents, which I will briefly Management SOGs were used at most some of the new innovative technology comment on. Firstly, the dedication, incidents reported in this edition; recently introduced into service in determination, commitment and there is little doubt the new SOGs are use at a number of major incidents, professionalism of our crews present improving the safety and effectiveness including the mobile command centres, was, as always, exemplary. No matter of FRNSW operations. At all incidents, CAFS pumpers and tankers and mobile how chaotic or destructive the scene, size-up was a key component of all data terminals. Without doubt, this firefighters rapidly formed plans and operations, enabling critical factors technology is greatly improving the undertook operations to systematically to be identified that form the basis for operational effectiveness and safety control the emergency, on many systematic and deliberate operations of FRNSW operations. There are occasions in the face of great adversity that are then built out as operations important lessons to be reinforced and danger and often displaying expand. Size-up also identified the in this edition of the journal for all significant courage, judgement and many hazardous conditions present, firefighters. great skill. enabling appropriate safety strategies to be put in place, ensuring the highest This edition features a number of Inspector Kernin Lambert levels of safety for firefighters and all Editor incidents where major structural persons at the scene. collapses occurred (including wall

23 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

Firefighters position hydraulic rams in the vehicle

CECIL HILLS HIGH-SPEED SIDE‑IMPACT COLLISION INTO TREE AND SEVERE ENTRAPMENT FRNSW crews responded to a vehicle that impacted a tree at high speed, resulting in severe entrapment of the driver. Working closely with Ambulance paramedics and the medical retrieval team, firefighters carried out a complex extrication to release the driver.

Incident type: Motor vehicle accident with “A” pillar folding over the driver from the speed impact into a tree. The force of persons trapped. waist down onto the transmission tunnel. impact was so severe, firefighters found Call details: 1236 hours, Tuesday 17 May FRNSW response: Rescue Pumper 101 the steering wheel protruding outside 2016, direct line call from Police RCO, (Bonnyrigg Heights), Heavy Rescue 8 the near-side of the vehicle. Firefighters MVA persons trapped, Frederick Road, (Liverpool), CAFS Pumper 31 (Busby) and could not see the patient’s limbs below Cecil Hills. Zone Commander MW2 (Parramatta) the waist. After conducting a size-up and Superintendent Selwyn Mathias. identifying the severity of entrapment, SO Nature of entrapment/emergency: High Philip Midavaine requested the response speed, single vehicle (light passenger Additional services in attendance: of a heavy rescue unit to the scene. two door hatchback), side impact (off- Ambulance Service of NSW, Ambulance side) into a tree, resulting in severe Aeromedical Retrieval Unit and NSW Firefighters stabilised the vehicle and in entrapment by compression of the male Police. preparation for the arrival of Ambulance paramedics, removed the partially driver, approximately 18 years old. The FRNSW operations: Rescue Pumper 101 vehicle was “wrapped” around the tree crumpled roof and near-side door of the arrived on scene followed a short time vehicle. The extrication plan involved on the off-side. The driver was trapped by later by CAFS Pumper 31 and found the compression due to the off-side door and pushing the near-side door, “A” pillar and driver severely trapped due to a high dash off the patient with hydraulic rams.

24 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 CECIL HILLS HIGH-SPEED MVA

A second hydraulic ram is positioned Firefighters place a ram base against the off-side of the vehicle to spread the ram load

Due to the collision impact, the trunk of to operate the winches, slowly pulling Notes the tree was pressing into the near-side the near-side of the vehicle away from 1. The first arriving SO conducted an of the vehicle, preventing it being pushed the tree. In conjunction with the winch initial scene size-up, identifying the off the patient. Firefighters planned to operation, firefighters operated hydraulic complex nature of entrapment and a partially remove the vehicle from the spreaders and other manual equipment requirement for additional specialist tree, to create sufficient space for the to push the vehicle off the tree. After the resources, which were then requested. near-side of the vehicle to be pushed vehicle had been moved a short distance, The extrication team conducted a off the patient with the hydraulic rams. sufficient space had been created careful evaluation of the entrapment Firefighters set up a winch anchored to between the off-side of the vehicle and developed a systematic extrication Rescue Pumper 101, attached to the front and the tree for the rams to operate plan, in consultation with Ambulance off-side shock tower control arm of the effectively. Prior to positioning the rams, paramedics. The plan was reviewed and vehicle and used a pulley to create a 2:1 firefighters removed the windscreen, amended throughout the entire rescue. advantage, halving the load placed on front passenger seat, handbrake and part the anchor. A second winch was attached of the centre console, to create space 2. Initial removal of the roof was a between the rear of the vehicle and Heavy for the effective operation of the rams. vital operation, providing the medical Rescue 8. Both winches were placed Firefighters then placed a hydraulic ram team with critical access and space to under tension. At the request of the between the base of the near-side “B” perform the complex medical procedures Ambulance Supervisor, winch operations pillar and the off-side door and began necessary at this incident. did not commence until the medical team to extend the ram, pushing the door and 3. This was an extremely complex and doctor had arrived on scene, due to “A” pillar off the driver, into the space entrapment with equally complex possible complications associated with created by pulling the car away from the patient care issues for the medical releasing the patient from compression. tree. When the ram was at full extension, team. Very high levels of communication The medical retrieval team arrived on a second ram was placed in position and consultation occurred between scene and conducted further medical and used as packing while the first ram firefighters and Ambulance paramedics, stabilisation of the patient. Under the was re-set and a second ram extension ensuring this highly complex incident was direction of the doctor, firefighters began conducted. Due to the weakened state resolved with the best possible outcome of the off-side door, a ram base was achieved for the patient. This level of placed against the door to spread the consultation ensured the extrication and load being applied by the ram, providing medical teams were both working in more efficient extension operations. conjunction with each other to achieve Firefighters conducted six common goals. Ambulance Paramedic re-sets, enabling the door to be Clinical Training Officer Geoff Coleman completely pushed off the patient’s lower described this as an example of “the limbs. This included use of a small ram multi-disciplinary team personified”. placed between the sill located within the front near-side foot well and the off- 4. Ironically, almost 12 months prior, side door, to remove entrapment of the FRNSW crews attended to a similar patient’s legs from the foot well. After the entrapment at this location, involving a patient’s lower limbs had been removed high speed side impact into the same tree from compression, the patient was placed (reported in Fire and Rescue Operations on a rescue board and removed from the Journal # 3). vehicle to an ambulance for conveyance 5. As always, all crews at the scene to hospital. performed with the highest levels of professionalism, dealing with this very challenging emergency.nEND

A second ram (left) is put in place to enable the bottom ram to be re-set

25 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

CROYDON PARK CONSTRUCTION SITE RESCUE FRNSW crews responded to a worker severely impaled on a section of steel reinforcing bar, within the basement of a construction site. This was an extremely challenging rescue incident, however had an extremely positive outcome.

Incident type: Construction site rescue Additional services in attendance: on a high concentration of oxygen from (impalement). Ambulance Service of NSW, Ambulance the EMT kit, set at the maximum flow Call details: 0932 hours, Wednesday 6 medical retrieval team, NSW Police and rate of 15 litres per minute. SO Arkley April 2016, direct line call from Police SafeWork NSW. sent a detailed message, reporting the RCO, construction site rescue, person FRNSW operations: Pumper 14 under situation and confirming the attendance impaled, Greenhills Street, Croydon Park. the command of SO Ian Arkley was the of Ambulance and rescue. Firefighters first emergency services vehicle to arrive helped the construction site workers Nature of entrapment/emergency: A support the patient, taking as much male construction worker 25 years of on scene. Firefighters were informed by site management of the nature of weight off the patient’s torso and legs as age, weighing approximately 130-140 kg, possible; FF Mitch Bennetts was taking fell about 2.5m from the ground level to the incident and were escorted by site staff into the basement to the location the weight under the patient’s thigh the basement level, landing on a piece of and FF Sam Bromley was taking the steel reinforcing bar (fixed into a concrete of the entrapment, carrying the EMT kit with them. Firefighters found a group weight under the patient’s waist. Both base), resulting in impalement. The firefighters were lifting the patient’s legs, reinforcing bar penetrated the patient’s of workers attempting to support the patient, who was severely impaled on taking as much of the patient’s weight as right hip, travelled across the pelvis and possible off the area of the impalement. continued to travel to the outer skin of a piece of steel reinforcing bar that had entered the patient’s waist. Due to the Firefighters provided encouragement and the patient’s left thigh. The patient was reassurance to the patient. located approximately 0.5m above ground orientation of the patient, the exact and was unable to support his body nature of the impalement could not Rescue Pumper 15 under the command weight due to the injury. be observed. of SO Jim Stephen were responding to the incident when they heard the FRNSW response: Pumper 14 (Ashfield), The Pumper 14 crew placed pieces of timber under the patient to relieve informative message sent by SO Arkley, Rescue Pumper 15 (Burwood) and Duty providing the rescue crew with invaluable Commander ME3 (Ashfield) Inspector some of the weight being supported by workers. Firefighters placed the patient insight of the nature of the entrapment Drew Wilson. and enabling them to prepare for the

Firefighters operate an air powered angle grinder to cut through the steel reinforcing bar.

26 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 CROYDON PARK CONSTRUCTION SITE RESCUE extrication while still en route. On arrival, shield was positioned over the patient Notes firefighters placed step blocks and to provide protection during the cutting. 1. Rapid size-up by the first arriving additional timbers under the patient, to Firefighters used bottled water to cool Station Officer identified initial incident provide further support of the patient’s the steel during cutting. At the conclusion requirements and enabled firefighters weight. Firefighters placed 7kg bags of of cutting, the patient was placed to commence operations that stabilised Sphag Sorb absorbent under the patient onto a rescue board. A large amount the patient and the incident, ultimately to elevate the patient’s legs and to make of scaffolding was located along the resulting in the best possible outcome the patient as comfortable as possible. proposed egress path and paramedics for the patient. The work of first arriving Upon the arrival of Ambulance, were concerned the protruding steel Pumper 14 firefighters at this incident firefighters liaised with the Ambulance could impact the scaffolding. To assist in was invaluable. Following the incident, Supervisor to formulate a release plan. patient removal, paramedics requested Ambulance Paramedics praised 14 The Ambulance Supervisor advised the protruding steel be shortened further stn firefighters for their initial actions, 15cm of the steel was required to remain to a length of 10cm. A second cut was which greatly contributed to stabilising protruding from the patient, to assist made to the protruding steel using the the patient’s condition and ultimately complete removal at hospital. Pumper air grinder by SF Sam Monaghan. During assisted his recovery. this cut, a garden hose that had been 14 firefighters cleared the rescue area 2.The detailed radio situation report sent as much as possible of materials to located on the site was used to cool the steel. At the completion of this cut, the by first arriving SO Ian Arkley provided enable the rescue tools to be brought critical information to the incoming to the scene. An air-powered grinder patient was packaged within a Stokes litter in preparation for removal. rescue crew, enabling them to begin to and SCBA air cylinders were conveyed form an extrication plan and prepare for into the basement in preparation for Due to the congested and confusing the extrication while still en route. the extrication. Hydraulic shears and layout of the basement, which contained equipment were also brought into the a large quantity of scaffolding, an 3. At the incident conclusion, the basement in case the patient’s condition extrication path was located by Ambulance Supervisor remarked that deteriorated rapidly and an emergency firefighters and marked with builder’s very good levels of communication release was required. While paramedics tape. All personnel on site then existed between the FRNSW Rescue undertook patient stabilisation in participated in the patient removal, which Commander, the doctor and the conjunction with the medical retrieval consisted of an eight-person lift, carefully Ambulance Supervisor, resulting in an team, cutting tools were taken to a manoeuvring the Stokes litter through excellent outcome being achieved. remote part of the basement away from the restricted passages and narrow 4. Construction sites contain many the impalement scene where firefighters egress path between scaffolding. Final hazards and no two are alike. This made a number of trial cuts on steel carryout was via an elevated earth ramp incident was located below ground reinforcing bar that was identical to the to the ambulance. Following transport level, in a darkened basement in an bar impaled in the patient. to hospital, the impaled piece of steel environment providing restricted Upon completion of stabilisation by the reinforcing bar was removed at Royal movement due to large quantities of medical team and following further Prince Alfred Hospital during surgery. scaffolding. Firefighters controlled consultation with Ambulance Supervisor Amazingly, the steel bar missed all many of the hazardous conditions at this and doctor, SF Garth Faine began to organs, nicked an artery and chipped incident by seeking the guidance of site cut through the steel bar with the air- the patient’s pelvis; the patient was management. nEND powered air grinder. Throughout the released from hospital just one week entire rescue, Pumper 14 firefighters after the incident. provided close support to the rescue crew. A debris sheet and flexible patient

Firefighters cut through the steel reinforcing bar operating an Firefighters support the weight of the injured worker, air powered angle grinder. Note the hose trickling water onto prior to loading into the stokes litter the steel to cool heat created by cutting friction

27 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

VIEW VIDEO AT fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO WATCH NOW

From Charlie Sector, Ladder Platform 27 attacks the fire as CAFS Pumper 31 protects Bravo Exposure

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE MULTIPLE FACTORIES ALIGHT AT GREENACRE 7TH ALARM

Incident summary: Following a major Incident type: Factory fire. Geoff McAllister and MS2 (Kogarah) explosion, first arriving firefighters were Time, date and place of call: 0247 hours Inspector Steve Moran, Fleet Operations confronted with early advanced fire on Friday 24 June 2016, 58 Rosedale Officer SO Travis Broadhurst, Zone activity in a fully-involved furniture factory Avenue, Greenacre. Commander MW2 Acting Superintendent resulting in rapid and uncontrolled Bob McGowan, Manager CLM Acting fire spread and very early structural FRNSW response: Pumpers 30 Superintendent Andrew Faunce, failure. Rapid actions of first arriving (Lidcombe), 64 (Lakemba), 19 Capability Manager Firefighting crews prevented lateral fire spread (Silverwater), 52 (Campsie), 34 Superintendent Roger Mentha, Deputy into exposures. The ferocity of the fire (Riverwood), 42 (Ryde), 41 (Smithfield), Commissioner Jim Hamilton, Training resulted in collapse of a hidden rear 48 (Mortdale), 27 (Parramatta) and 5 Officer Resource 2, Operational Research wall, allowing fire to spread to a factory (Newtown), CAFS Pumper 31 (Busby), Officer SO Glen Mole and Tactical at the rear. Fire development within CAFS Tanker 93 (Narellan), Rescue Operations Research Analyst. this factory was rapid. Access to the fire Pumpers 62 (Bankstown) and 15 (Burwood), Aerial Pumper 47 (Revesby), In addition to above, a further 24 FRNSW was difficult, necessitating the use of appliances and numerous other senior aerial appliances. Firefighters overcame Ladder Platforms 27 (Parramatta) and 21 (Kogarah), Ladder 18 (Glebe), officers and specialist support staff severe water shortages and mounted a responded to the incident over the determined attack to protect exposures Hazmat Pumpers 13 (Alexandria) and 85 (Chester Hill), Heavy Hazmats 13 and 85, following 36 hours for relief and fire duty under threat either side of the second purposes. fully-involved factory. This fire was an Heavy Rescues 1 (City of Sydney) and 20 exercise in the tactical placement of (Hurstville), Logistics Support Vehicle 1, Additional agencies/services in aerial appliances, internal attack lines Mobile Command Centre Bravo, Rehab 1 attendance: NSW Police, Ambulance and establishment of water relays to and TAF 20. Service of NSW, Regional Emergency establish fire containment and control, Duty Commanders ME3 (Ashfield) Management Officer, gas authority, saving numerous factories. Inspector Bob Sayer, MW2 (Parramatta) electricity authority, Roads and Maritime Services, State Engineer and local council. 28 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE MULTIPLE FACTORIES ALIGHT

Fireground description: The fire involved a group of factories located on a block within an industrial area. The factory of origin was located at 58 Rosedale Avenue, Greenacre. This factory was engaged in furniture manufacturing, single level, 15m x 40m, cement rendered brick construction and iron sheet roof. The factory contained a spray booth and a quantity of thinners and paints. Exposure Charlie 1 located to the rear (west) of the fire building of origin (at 55 Beresford Avenue) was a factory engaged in the manufacture of shutters, blinds and awnings. This factory was 40m x 30m, brick construction with an iron sheet roof. Exposure Bravo 1 was a two level commercial building, 30m x 20m, of brick and iron construction. Exposure Delta 1 was a factory, 40m x 40m, brick and iron construction, containing sealing products. Initial call and response: Shortly before Ladder Platform 27 attacks the fire the time of first call, a large explosion (resulting in severe weakening of the Alpha side windows and a gap between There was no signage on the factory and structure) followed by fire occurred at the top of the wall and the roof. SO Fisher it was difficult for firefighters to identify the factory of fire origin at 58 Rosedale assumed the role of IC and sent a RED the nature of the building occupancy. Avenue, Greenacre. At 0247 hours message reporting the factory was well FRNSW Sydney FireComs received the Firefighters from 30, 52 and 64 stations alight and requesting the response be first of numerous 000 calls reporting a then used power saws, halligan tools increased to a 3rd Alarm. SO Fisher factory fire at this address. Due to the and sledge axes to gain entry into six designated the incident “Greenacre number of calls being taken, the initial of the heavily fortified exposures to the Command” and directed the staging area response was increased to a 2nd Alarm. north and south of the fire building to be established on Brunker Road. At about check for fire extension and to identify FRNSW operations: Rescue Pumper 62 the same time, Pumper 30 arrived on secondary access into the fire building. was the first appliance to arrive on scene. scene. Firefighters deployed two 70mm No fire extension and no alternative En route to the fire, Officer-in-Charge attack lines and began to conduct a access into the fire building could be Rescue Pumper 62, SO Adrian Fisher direct attack on the fire, operating in the found. Due to the size of the fireground, observed a column of smoke with a glow defensive strategy. Firefighters operated SO Fisher was unable to complete a at the base from the direction of the call outside of collapse exclusion zones and 360 degree size-up. Hazmat Pumper 85 address. On arrival, firefighters found directed the 70mm streams through the was directed to go to the Charlie side of the factory at 58 Rosedale Avenue heavily open roller door to the factory, which had the fireground in Beresford Avenue to involved in fire. Flames were venting from displaced during the initial explosion.

CAFS Pumper 31 directs a monitor stream of Class A foam onto the wall of Bravo Exposure, protecting the exposure from radiant heat impact

29 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

When firefighters arrived in Charlie Sector, the fire was spreading rapidly and numerous exposures were under threat. Picture courtesy Bill Hearne

investigate for possible fire spread. The a handover, became the IC. Due to the Ladder Platform 27 was setting up for Charlie side factories were tightly packed number of appliances now committed operations, firefighters were connecting together and did not line up exactly, to the establishment of the water relay, lines to Pumper 34 to supply the aerial causing some difficulty identifying the the IC increased the response to a 5th water. Ladder Platform 27 began to direct building immediately to the rear of the Alarm. The roof of the fire building began a defensive aerial master stream onto the fire building (smoke from the fire building to collapse. walls of the heavily threatened exposures was blowing away at an oblique angle, The aerial operator at the head of the from the now totally involved factory, as creating further difficulty identifying AP47 boom reported that fire could be large flames began to vent through the the rear of the fire occupancy). Hazmat seen moving into an exposure factory factory roof. LP27 provided numerous Pumper 85 firefighters initially identified on the Charlie side of the fireground roof reports to the Charlie Sector a commercial premises at 53 Beresford (unknown to firefighters, a separation Commander, which were invaluable, Avenue near the rear of the fire building. wall hidden by thick smoke, fire activity enabling a greater perspective of the fire Firefighters evacuated the occupants and the roof of the fire building had to be gained. Aerial operator SF Greame from this building and investigated for collapsed moments before, allowing fire Spencer observed flames starting to fire spread along the rear wall, however to travel beneath the roof unseen into spread under the roof of Exposure they found no signs of heat, smoke or Charlie Exposure). Duty Commander Bravo and directed the aerial stream fire. Firefighters then investigated 55 MW2 Inspector Geoff McAllister, who onto the area of involvement, knocking Beresford Avenue. This building was had just arrived at the fireground, the fire down. Poor water supply was secured, however investigations revealed was deployed by the IC with Pumper initially a critical issue, restricting the no sign of smoke or fire within this 34, Ladder Platform 27 and Heavy effectiveness of the aerial stream and building. At that time, firefighters were Rescue 20 to the Charlie side to make necessitating establishment of a second unable to see any signs of fire spread investigations. When firefighters initially water relay. As the initial relay on into exposures on the Charlie side of the arrived on the Charlie Side, fire wasn’t Rosedale Avenue was going to the north, fireground. Hazmat Pumper 85 returned visible from Beresford Avenue. As firefighters established the Beresford to Alpha Sector for re-deployment. firefighters prepared to make entry into Avenue relay to the Hume Highway to Aerial Pumper 47 arrived on scene and the Charlie Exposure, fire developed the south, to ensure the larger mains was immediately placed in operation as a very quickly and began to spread rapidly were not overrun. To establish the water water tower. Water supply was extremely through the factory, forcing crews to relay, the IC increased the response to poor and firefighters began to set up a conduct defensive operations. Ladder a 7th Alarm. The IC reported that a lack water relay from the larger 375mm mains Platform 27 was positioned at the front of rear or side access to the involved on Brunker Road to supply AP47. The fire of the heavily involved factory outside of factories necessitated the use of aerial was now increasing in size substantially. the collapse zone to enable defensive appliances, which in turn required water Duty Inner West Inspector Bob Sayer streams to be directed along the walls relays to provide adequate water supply arrived at the fireground and following of Bravo and Delta exposures. While for effective aerial operations. 13 Station

30 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE MULTIPLE FACTORIES ALIGHT

Firefighters attack the heavily involved Charlie Sector factory. Picture courtesy Bill Hearne

Hazmat crews conducted atmospheric high volume of recycled rubber tyres, ensuring no further fire spread occurred. monitoring, and monitored and tested however was concerned about placing In addition to the two lines being supplied water and foam run-off. crews into the Exposure Bravo 1 factory by Pumper 34, CAFS Tanker 93 (located From Alpha Sector, AP47 was because of possible structural stability at the end of the Hume Highway relay) experiencing difficulty projecting issues. The LP27 aerial crew reported the supplied LP27 with a line of CAFS 1% water over the roof of the now almost factory was in sound structural condition, wet concentrate, providing a light water extinguished fire within the factory of enabling SCBA crews from Pumpers suppression medium, which increased origin into the heavily involved exposure 34 and 5 to gain entry and commence the effectiveness of the aerial stream. factory. Ladder Platform 21 was internal firefighting operations. Fire Water from the relay greatly improved positioned in Alpha Sector and placed was beginning to take hold of the roof the effectiveness of the aerial stream. in operation and AP47 shutdown. The space of the factory, which was used CAFS Pumper 31 was positioned at articulating boom and ladder bank of for the manufacture of waterproofing the front of the totally involved Charlie LP21 provided much greater scope of and sealing products. Firefighters were Exposure and directed a 0.5% wet CAFS operations, increasing the effectiveness able to control and extinguish this fire stream through the roof monitor at 900 of the aerial master stream, which was spread with a 38mm attack line and kPa onto the wall of Exposure Delta 1, able to project onto fire burning within the removed from the building eight 9.0kg providing a barrier to radiant heat from factory of origin and the exposure factory LPG cylinders being impacted by heat. At the fully involved factory. The Incident through breached alsynite roof panels. about this time, collapse of the Exposure Management Team and the Mobile The aerial operators encountered some Charlie façade occurred, followed a Command Centre arrived on scene and difficulty directing aerial streams through short time later by major collapse of the transferred command to Manager CLM breached panels onto the seat of the fire Exposure Charlie front brick wall. Falling Superintendent Andrew Faunce. DC ME3 due to the large column of thick smoke collapse debris fell harmlessly into the was appointed Operations Officer. LP27 being produced by the fire which greatly established collapse zones. continued to direct an aerial master hindered visibility. Numerous explosions From Alpha Sector most of the fire within stream onto the involved factory at 55 occurred inside the factory. LP21 cage the factory of origin had been knocked Beresford Avenue, which was now well operator SF David Armytage observed a down and no fire spread into any Alpha under control. All exposures were now glow beneath skylights of the Exposure Exposures occurred. Within Charlie secured and after several more hours of Bravo 1 factory on Beresford Avenue, Sector, Rescue 20 firefighters gained intense firefighting, the main factory fires indicating this factory was becoming entry and deployed a 38mm protection were able to be controlled. Factories at involved in fire. This information was line into Exposure Delta 1 commercial 58 Rosedale Avenue and 55 Beresford relayed to Charlie Sector Commander via premises which was heavily smoke- Avenue were severely damaged by fire, the IC. The Charlie Sector Commander logged, although investigations found fire penetrated into the roof space of was aware that the fire was spreading no fire present. SCBA crews remained 57-59 Beresford Avenue and all other towards a large factory containing a within the Exposure Bravo 1 factory, occupancies were undamaged.

31 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

Stages of Beresford Avenue wall collapse All pictures courtesy Bill Hearne

1 5

Facade buckled and slight wall lean Collapse of top of wall centre and left

2 6

Cracks in wall, significant wall lean. Heavy fire impacting wall

3 7

Collapse of façade and part of wall Lean of wall and roller door.

4 8

Intense fire activity impacting wall Collapse of wall and roller door

32 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE MULTIPLE FACTORIES ALIGHT

What caused the wall to collapse on Notes Importantly, when significant changes Beresford Avenue? 1. Initial responding firefighters were in fire conditions occurred on the The factory at 55 Beresford Road familiar with this industrial area and fireground, operations were able to be was formed of portal steel frame the problems associated with poor expanded to meet the dynamic situation. construction, consisting of steel I-beams water supply. Recognising the fire was This fire was an exercise in continuous with purlins attached supporting the at an advanced stage and would require size-up and review, key tactical metal roof sheets. A two-level double increased volumes of water to supply placement of aerial appliances, internal brick wall was located at the front of the the master stream attack (particularly attack lines, establishment of water factory. Fire spread through the factory when size-up identified a need for aerial relays and use of CAFS resources. was rapid and fire activity was intense, operations), the IC increased the alarm 4. Firefighters were initially confronted resulting in expansion and sagging of level at an early stage, ensuring adequate with early advanced fire activity resulting the steel I-beams. As the roof began to resources were responding to set up in rapid and uncontrolled fire spread, in slowly collapse over the middle of the water relays. a situation where access for firefighting factory, sections of roof towards the front 2. Despite very determined efforts by crews was difficult, water supply was began to cantilever upwards near the firefighters to find alternative access poor and numerous exposures were at front, pushing against the top of the brick points to the involved factories, the great risk. Nevertheless, firefighters wall. The wall began to lean outwards building layout prevented secondary mounted determined, systematic and creating an eccentric (off-centre) load as access from being made. With no access skilful operations, resulting in effective the levering action continued until the available for hose line crews, aerial containment and being n critical point was reached where collapse appliances were then used to significant achieved. END occurred. The awning/facade on the top effect, conducting fire attack and of the wall increased the effect of the effectively protecting exposures at risk. eccentric load, further increasing the instability of the wall and contributing to 3. Size-up enabled the IC to identify key the collapse. A number of signs indicated incident objectives and priorities. The likely collapse including leaning of the early establishment of a robust command wall, cracking of the wall, movement of structure was critical to achieving safe the facade, significant displacement of and effective operations at this fire. the roof and intense fire activity within the factory impacting key elements of structure.

33 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

VIEW VIDEO AT fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO The view that met first arriving firefighters; a shop heavily involved in fire…and reports from numerous Flames break through the roof as the fire rapidly spreads WATCH NOW passers-by of persons reported trapped inside the through the discount store, fuelled by a very high fuel load burning building

7TH ALARM RESPONSE CONTROLS DANGEROUS LIVERPOOL DISCOUNT VARIETY STORE FIRE

ncident summary: Fire broke out under extreme conditions until forced to out firefighting operations at discounter/ within a Liverpool discount variety withdraw moments before the building variety stores. Istore on a busy Saturday trading became untenable. The fire continued to Note: due to the significance of the major day in the lead up to Christmas. At the grow in size and intensity, threatening parapet wall collapse that occurred at time the fire was discovered, there were multiple exposures. From the rear of this fire, a special section within Fire and hundreds of shoppers in proximity to the the building, a parapet wall showed Rescue Operations Journal # 4, entitled fire. The store was stocked to capacity to early signs of collapse, necessitating “Liverpool Building Fire Highlights facilitate the forthcoming busy seasonal establishment of collapse zones. Dangers of Parapet Wall Collapse” trading period. Following ignition, fire Firefighters placed aerial master streams details issues associated with parapet spread rapidly. When firefighters arrived into operation safely outside of collapse wall collapse at structure fires. on scene, a large column of thick black zones, protecting exposures being smoke was issuing from the fire building, heavily impacted by fire and conducting Incident type: Shop fire (discount and the rear of the store was heavily involved direct attack on the fire. Firefighters variety store). in fire and (driven by wind entering forced entry into impacted exposures, Time, date and place of call: 1417 through an open rear roller door) fire was controlling fire extension and containing hours on Saturday 21 November 2015, progressing forwards rapidly. Numerous the fire to the building of origin. As Macquarie Street, Liverpool. passers-by informed firefighters they fire conditions intensified, a major believed there were still people trapped collapse of the parapet wall at the rear FRNSW response: Pumpers 49 inside the shop. Thick black smoke of the building occurred. The structural (Cabramatta), 41 (Smithfield), 73 was pouring from the front of the collapse precautions adopted ensured (Yennora), 84 (Macquarie Fields), shop. Without hesitation firefighters that when this dangerous collapse 55 (Guildford), 34 (Riverwood), 72 immediately donned SCBA and began occurred, all firefighters remained safe. (Merrylands), 92 (St Andrews), and 64 to advance attack lines into the heavily The building was fitted with a steel truss (Lakemba), CAFS Pumper 31 (Busby), involved store in a desperate and roof, which suffered early failure and Rescue Pumpers 8 (Liverpool), 101 determined effort to carry out search and collapse, highlighting the dangers of (Bonnyrigg Heights) and 62 (Bankstown), rescue operations and locate any persons lightweight steel truss roofs. This fire Aerial Pumpers 47 (Revesby) and 7 who remained trapped. Firefighters also highlights the hazardous conditions (Horningsea Park), Ladder Platforms conducted offensive interior operations confronting firefighters when carrying 92, 27 (Parramatta) and 21 (Kogarah),

34 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 LIVERPOOL 7TH ALARM SHOP FIRE

Fire attack crews begin to push into the fabric shop, in attempt to stop the fire spreading into that exposure

Hazmat Pumpers 77 (St Marys) and 85 timber frame, rolled steel joist (RSJ) from floor to ceiling) in rows divided by (Chester Hill), Heavy Hazmat 85, Heavy I-beam roof supports and steel truss roof narrow aisles less than 1.0m wide. The Rescues 8 and 20 (Hurstville), Tanker 84, with a cement sheet roof. A 2.0m high storage area at the rear was almost Logistics Support Vehicle 21 (Kogarah), roof space was located above the shop. full. The fire occurred at the start of the Incident Control Vehicle Bravo and A 2.1m high double brick parapet wall Christmas trading period and the building Rehabilitation Pod 1. with a metal covering façade was located was stocked almost to capacity. The fire Duty Commanders MS3 (St Andrews), above the street front awning on the building was built in about 1970 and did MW1 (Huntingwood), MW2 (Parramatta) Macquarie Street frontage. A 2.1m high not contain any forms of installed fire and ME3 (Ashfield), Zone Commander double brick parapet wall was located protection or detection systems. ME3 (Superintendent Adam Dewberry), above the rear of the building on the The fire building was in a line of retail Area Commander Metropolitan South eastern side, connected to the steel joist shops, located along Macquarie Street, (Chief Superintendent Gary McKinnon), building frame. the main street of Liverpool. Exposure Director Operational Capability Chief The fabric shop consisted of an area Bravo 1 consisted of a medical centre Superintendent Paul McGuiggan, 10m x 70m located on the northern side 20m x 70m. A laneway known as George Team Leader Bushfire Inspector Steve of the building and was heavily stocked Serviceway was located at the rear of Moran, Manager Counter Terrorism and with rolls of fabric. The discount shop the fire building. There were no hydrants Aviation Superintendent Brian Smart and was located on the southern side of the on this laneway. Exposure Delta 1 was Commissioner Greg Mullins. building. A storage area was located a music shop with a residence above, In addition to the above, a further 24 within an area 5m x 30m at the rear two levels, 20m x 70m. Exposure Delta FRNSW appliances and numerous other (eastern end) of the building. A set 2 was a retail premises, three levels, senior officers and specialist support of bi-fold doors, located in the open 30m x 70m. staff responded to the incident for relief position, separated the storage area from At the time the fire occurred, shops and fire duty purposes. the retail section of the discount shop. within the fire building were open and The front (western side) of the building trading as were most shops along this Additional agencies/services in consisted of floor-to-ceiling glass attendance: NSW Police, Ambulance section of Macquarie Street. Statistically, frontage with fold out glass doors. As the Saturday afternoon (between 1400 Service of NSW, gas authority, electricity shop was trading at the time of the fire, authority, Regional Emergency and 1500 hours) is the busiest period these doors were fully open. A roller door of trade for retail establishments. The Management Officer and Liverpool City and windows with steel bars fitted were Council. fire occurred just over four weeks prior located at the eastern end of the building, to Christmas and the busy Christmas Fireground description: The fire building facing George Serviceway. shopping period was beginning. A large was divided into two occupancies: a The discount shop contained a large number of people were in and around the variety/discount goods retail shop and a quantity of retail goods, located on fire building at the time of the fire and the fabric shop. The building was single level, metal racking and shelving (extending life risk was high. 30m x 70m, formed of double brick walls,

35 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

Situation prior to FRNSW arriving on a 2nd Alarm, resulting in the additional found large volumes of thick dark grey/ scene: Fire was discovered by the owner, response of Pumper 49, Rescue black smoke issuing from the discount burning within stock located on shelving Pumper 101, Aerial Pumper 47 and Duty shop. SO Baker assumed the role of towards the rear of the discount shop. Commander South West. Callers were Incident Commander. No flames were The owner made attempts to extinguish also reporting people were believed to be visible. SO Baker stated the fire was the fire with buckets of water, which were trapped inside the shop. This information moving very rapidly forwards through the unsuccessful. At the time of the fire, it is was conveyed to responding appliances. shop from the rear to the front. Smoke believed at least 10 persons were within Fire conditions escalate: The shop was pouring out of the shop frontage the store (staff and customers). The began to rapidly fill with black smoke. As under high pressure. There were at least fire rapidly extended vertically towards retailers and staff exited from the store, 300 people gathered at the front of the the ceiling and a short time later, an there was confusion concerning the exact shop. Numerous people (including the electricity failure occurred (due to an number of persons still remaining inside. shop owner) informed firefighters there electrical resulting from fire impact to Air from the prevailing south-easterly were still people trapped inside the shop. roof-mounted ceiling mains), causing wind continued to enter the building First arriving firefighters were aware the interior lights to go out, sending through the rear roller door, causing the there were water supply issues the shop interior into darkness. In an fire to grow in intensity and spread. The in Macquarie Street. Firefighters attempt to allow light into the shop, the stock was located on vertical racking/ immediately connected a supply line owner then fully opened the rear steel shelving, providing aeration of fire load from CAFS Pumper 31 to Rescue Pumper roller door. Upon opening the rear roller and facilitating rapid fire growth and 8, increasing water supply while Heavy door, air began to enter the fire building, vertical spread. Fire began to quickly Rescue 8 firefighters located a hydrant at impacting the area of fire approximately spread laterally and take hold within the southern end of Macquarie Street and 3.5m away and causing a significant the shop and a large plume of dark began to lay a supply line and secure a growth in fire activity. NB: at the time, grey smoke began to develop. Fire had hydrant supply to Rescue Pumper 8. a 28km/h wind was blowing from the also entered the large roof void above south-east, facilitating wind entry directly Firefighters undertake interior offensive the shop. Rescue Pumper 8, under the operations: Officer-in-Charge of the into the building through the open rear command of SO Barry Baker, was en roller door. The fully open doors at the second arriving appliance, CAFS Pumper route to the fire and observed the smoke 31, SO Simon Busby stated that under western end of the building caused column. SO Baker sent a RED message the fire to be well ventilated, receiving ordinary circumstances, the firefighting at 1424 hours, reporting large volumes strategy would have been defensive, a plentiful air supply, resulting in a of smoke visible and requesting the significant increase in fire intensity. due to the severe fire and escalating response be increased to a 2nd Alarm. conditions. However due to the numerous Initial call and response: Shortly after Heat from the fire caused the glass reports of people trapped, firefighters the fire was discovered, a passer-by windows located along the rear wall of adopted an interior offensive strategy. telephoned 000 to report the shop was the building to fail, facilitating the entry Rescue Pumper 8 Firefighters Hugh on fire. Rescue Pumper 8, Heavy Rescue of further volumes of air onto the fire and Strain and Kirron Duncan donned SCBA 8 and CAFS Pumper 31 were initially increasing fire intensity even further. and began to advance a 38mm attack assigned to the call. As further calls were First FRNSW appliance arrives on scene: line into the shop to conduct search and received, the response was increased to Rescue Pumper 8 arrived on scene and rescue operations. A second search

The first fire attack crews are inside the burning From Charlie Sector major wall collapse occurred. Note, building carrying out search and rescue; smoke was hidden expansion of the I beam (located in the centre of the so thick, the front of the building (right hand side of photograph) pushed against the base of the parapet wall, photograph) is not visible resulting in complete collapse of the parapet wall

36 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 LIVERPOOL 7TH ALARM SHOP FIRE and rescue crew, consisting of CAFS could hear the fire burning at the rear withdrawn from the building and the Pumper 31 Firefighters Marty Creighton of the shop and were directing the two strategy changed to defensive. At this and Matt Lewis entered the building a attack streams in the direction of the fire, time, the heavy smoke layer had now short distance behind the crew of Rescue however were having minimal impact on lowered to less than 30cm from floor Pumper 8, operating a second 38mm reducing the fire intensity. level at the entrance to the shop. attack line and were also conducting Pumper 49, under the command of SO Response increased to a 5th Alarm: A search and rescue operations. Damien Neilly arrived on scene and large column of black smoke was now Firefighters stated that from the front Firefighters Trent Morgan and Dane being produced by the fire. The fire was footpath, extremely thick dark grey and McGinn placed a third 38mm attack line continuing to expand. The storage area of black smoke was billowing from the into operation within the discount shop. the shop was totally involved in fire, fire front of the shop very quickly, under The search crews within the discount was breaching through a partition wall very high pressure. At the entrance to shop could hear loud noises (cracking, into a fabric shop to the north, fire was the shop, the smoke layer was down to banging and crashing) coming from burning intensely through the roof space about 1.5m from ground level. Almost the roof space above. Firefighters were above the shop and smoke was pouring immediately upon making entry to now crawling at floor level as they from the front eaves of numerous other the shop, firefighters encountered advanced further into the shop, due to shops along Macquarie Street on either conditions of high heat, which continued the intensity of the heat. Visibility was so side of the discount shop, indicating to increase the further they advanced poor, Firefighters Strain and Duncan had possible fire extension. Due to the into the building. The further firefighters lost physical sight of each other, even possibility the fire was now extending into advanced, the lower the smoke layer though they were less than half a metre exposures, people remained unaccounted descended. Upon entering the shop, apart. As firefighters advanced further for and the expanding fire situation, at Firefighter Lewis began directing pulses into the building, they could hear the 1435 hours the Incident Commander of water towards the ceiling. After sound of numerous explosions coming increased the response to a 5th Alarm. A travelling a distance of approximately from the rear of the shop. The search Staging Area was nominated on Memorial six metres, firefighters could hear the crews reached a dividing wall within the Avenue, to the west of the fireground. fire burning above them. Firefighters shop, approximately 25metres from the Pumper 41 was the first appliance to were travelling along a very narrow aisle. entrance to the shop and could go no arrive at the Staging Area and SO 41 Along either side of the aisle, shelving further. At this time, the heat had reached appointed Staging Officer. SO Busby was heavily laden with stock, which was an extreme level. recognised the fire was travelling rapidly beginning to collapse. The narrowness and asked police officers to commence of the aisle made the search extremely The Incident Commander observed the evacuations of all persons from the difficult and slow. After approximately venting smoke change colour from dark immediate area. 15 metres visibility was completely zero, grey to black and increase in volume, density and pressure. These observations Operations to protect Bravo Exposures: heat was intensifying and there was Rescue Pumper 101, under the command still no flame visible. Firefighter Strain were indicative of a severe escalation in fire conditions and the likelihood of an of SO Brad Turner, was directed by the reported smoke was so thick he was Incident Commander to enter Macquarie unable to see the image on the thermal extreme fire event such as a flashover occurring. Firefighters were immediately Street from the northern side, to set up imaging camera screen. Firefighters protection for Bravo Exposures. Upon

Aerial Pumper 47 was placed in operation in Charlie Sector, outside of the collapse zone. Note the cracks appearing in the top right hand side of the parapet wall. Collapse occurred suddenly, minutes later

37 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

Firefighters conducting fire attack inside the fabric shop

arrival, SO Turner was designated Bravo Primary searches of both exposures arrived on scene and following a Commander by the IC and tasked with were conducted and no persons were handover briefing, command was protecting Bravo exposures now coming found. These searches did not identify fire transferred to Duty Commander South under threat. SO Turner stated that extension at this time. West at 1440 hours. SO Baker was upon his arrival, he observed a rapidly Firefighters resume interior offensive designated Alpha Sector Commander. expanding fire with Bravo exposures in operations: Rescue Pumper 8 and CAFS Response increased to 7th Alarm: The imminent danger. SO Turner requested Pumper 31 firefighters again re-entered fire was still not under control, had not two additional pumpers to provide a the discount shop, in an attempt to been contained and most resources were water relay from the closest hydrants, continue search and rescue operations committed. At 1441 hours the Incident located in Moore Street, to Rescue and conduct fire attack. Firefighters Commander increased the response to a Pumper 101. Firefighters forced entry reported visibility was slightly better, 7th Alarm to ensure adequate resources into Exposures Bravo 1 and 2 and although the internal temperature of were in place to manage any extension of opened the false ceilings to check for the shop was much hotter. The search fire into exposures and to conduct proper fire extension. Although a heavy smoke crews reported the internal condition three deep deployment. Most importantly, condition was present within the roof was like a maze, particularly due a requirement existed to ensure space, no visible signs of fire extension to the racking and the falling stock. availability of adequate SCBA crews to were found. Firefighters conducted Occasionally visibility would improve, conduct search and rescue operations for a search of these exposures and no however it was completely black for most persons still reported missing. persons were located. of the time firefighters were inside the Charlie Sector operations: From the rear Pumper 49 firefighters placed a 70mm shop. Firefighters reported the overhead of the building, the fire was beginning to attack into operation from Rescue noises were extremely loud, consisting break through the roof and flames were Pumper 101 and conducted fire attack of loud popping, cracking and crashing impacting Bravo and Delta exposures. within the fabric shop. The 70mm stream of materials. Burning overhead material The taller Delta Exposure was now was alternated between protecting the began to drop and fall onto firefighters. beginning to come under threat, as separation wall between the fire building Firefighters could now see fingers of flames broke through the roof of the fire and Exposure Bravo and conducting fire flame flickering through the smoke below building and began to directly impact the attack within the fabric shop. Rescue ceiling level, accompanied by extremely northern side of the exposure building. Pumper 8 firefighters entered the fabric violent noises. The temperature was now Smoke began to issue from beneath the shop and conducted fire attack with a extremely hot. Firefighters had advanced roof of exposure Delta 1. second 70mm attack line, attempting a significant way into the shop. The to stop the fire spreading into Exposure intense fire burning within the roof space Wall collapse within Charlie Sector was Bravo 1. was starting to break through the internal a major concern. The parapet wall on ceiling above firefighters’ heads. The the Charlie Side of the building began Operations to protect Delta Exposures: to display cracking, was starting to lean Heavy smoke was issuing from under fire attack was having no impact on the fire and the decision was again made to outwards and was in imminent danger the awnings of exposures to the south of of collapse. NB: there were no external the fire building, indicating possible fire withdraw from the discount shop, due to the deteriorating conditions. indicators this wall was a parapet wall. extension. Rescue 8 firefighters forced A collapse zone was established (and entry into Exposures Delta 1 and 2, where Command transferred: Duty Commander strictly enforced) on either side of the a moderate smoke condition was found. South West Inspector Tom Clarkstone

38 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 LIVERPOOL 7TH ALARM SHOP FIRE

Firefighters direct multiple attack lines into the building from Alpha Sector along the Macquarie Street frontage

suspect wall and secured with barrier Streets, to Aerial Pumper 7. With water collapse zones, the wall fell harmlessly tape. Information was broadcast to all supplies secure, the two aerials began to into the street. A personal accountability firefighters across the fireground radio of conduct a direct attack on the fire. This report was obtained and the collapse the establishment of the collapse zone. attack was very effective as the cement was reported by the Sector Commander Aerial attack from Charlie Sector: Access sheet roof at the rear of the building to the IC. Firefighting continued without to the Charlie side of the building was had completely collapsed, providing interruption. via a narrow lane (known as George good access onto the fire for the aerial Steel truss roof collapse: The building Serviceway) and numerous vehicles on streams. was fitted with a steel truss roof. This this lane were preventing entry of fire Major wall collapse: Towards the rear roof was concealed by the false ceiling appliances. SO Simon Busby began of the shop, fire broke through the false and not visible to firefighters. The false clearing these vehicles, enabling FRNSW ceiling, enabling flames to directly impact ceiling provided very limited protection appliances to access the Charlie side of the steel I-beams that formed the roof of the truss roof, however once the the building. Aerial Pumper 47 positioned support frame. The unprotected steel ceiling failed (approximately 10 minutes to the north of the fire building, outside I-beams were now being exposed to after fire ignition), the unprotected steel of the collapse zone and began to set intense heat and began to expand. The within the roof trusses was immediately up for an aerial attack. There were no centre I-beam extended from the front exposed to direct flame attack and heat hydrants located in George Serviceway, to the rear of the structure. The end of impact, causing expansion of the top necessitating a lengthy hose lay from this I-beam sat at the base of the rear and bottom chords and separation of the closest hydrant at George and Moore parapet wall. The web of this beam was the webs and lateral braces at the truss Streets, to establish a water supply to approximately 600mm high and the plates, resulting in complete failure of Aerial Pumper 47. At this time, large flange 400m wide. As the centre I-beam the truss and total collapse of the roof flames had now completely broken began to expand, it also began to push over the rear of the building. As the fire through the roof at the rear of the fire out against the base of the parapet wall, moved forward, progressive failure of building and Exposures Bravo and Delta causing the wall to begin to lean. The trusses and collapse of sections of the were being directly impacted by fire. continuous heating of the I-beam due to roof occurred. The aerial monitor of Aerial Pumper the impact of fire caused the I-beam to Operations continue to protect 47 was placed into operation and the continue to expand, pushing outwards Exposures Bravo and Delta: Firefighters master stream directed onto the walls of against the base of the parapet wall, gained access to exposures Bravo and Exposures Bravo and Delta. The aerial causing the wall to continue to lean. Delta from Charlie Sector, to ensure stream was alternated between exposure Cracking of the wall occurred, further there had been no fire extension. Pumper protection and direct fire attack, enabling weakening the wall. Leaning of the wall 92 secured a hydrant on George Street the fire intensity to be reduced. continued until the wall reached a point and protection lines were deployed Aerial Pumper 7 was positioned to the of instability and suddenly collapsed. through an arcade to Charlie Sector south of the fire building, outside of the Wall collapse was quite sudden and and into Exposure buildings. Within collapse zone and similarly began to set occurred with little warning (movement Exposure Delta 1, firefighters removed up for an aerial attack. Due to the lengthy of the wall was not noticeable to the sections of false ceiling and discovered distance to the closest street hydrant, human eye). The entire parapet wall fell, burning timber roof beams, ignited by the Pumper 84 relay pumped water from landing on motor vehicles parked in the earlier severe flame impact, which were the intersection of George and Memorial street. Due to the prior establishment of extinguished with a 38mm attack line.

39 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

From Charlie Sector, Aerial Pumpers 7 and 47 are located outside of collapse zones, conducting an aerial master stream attack from flanking positions

CAFS attack: From Alpha Sector, news bulletins later that afternoon and large quantities of LPG-powered aerosol firefighters switched firefighting throughout the following day. products and hydrocarbon liquids, operations to a Compressed Air Foam Fire brought under control: After several accelerating fire behaviour and producing Systems (CAFS) attack, from CAFS hours of determined firefighting, the explosions. These types of goods result Pumper 31. Attack lines with plain water fire had significantly subsided and in rapid early fire development, high were shut down. One 70mm CAFS line operations were able to move to salvage heat release rates and rapid fire spread, and two 38mm CAFS lines were placed and overhaul phase. The fire building was promoting extreme fire events including into operation from Alpha Sector, which extensively damaged by fire, however flashover and fire gas ignitions. Following had an immediate effect on the fire, only minimal fire extension had occurred ignition, conditions within discount/ significantly reducing fire intensity. to Exposure Delta. Exposure Bravo variety stores can deteriorate extremely Commissioner attends the fireground: had only received smoke extension. A rapidly. Fire behaviour is often intense At the height of firefighting operations, comprehensive post-fire search of the and ferocious. Commissioner Greg Mullins attended scene did not locate any people within 2. Goods within discount/variety stores the incident and was given a full briefing the structure. FRNSW crews remained are usually located on vertical racking of firefighting operations by the Incident at the scene for a further 30 hours. Fire and shelving in long rows. It is not Commander. Commissioner Mullins Investigation and Research Unit officers uncommon for goods to be stacked conducted a tour of the fireground, where attended the fireground to conduct fire to ceiling level. This type of fuel load he witnessed firsthand the ferocity of cause and origin investigations. A fire arrangement results in very rapid the fire and the determined efforts of duty remained in place for a further 36 vertical fire spread, which quickly leads firefighters to bring the fire under control. hours, ensuring all pockets of hidden fire to flashover, particularly in stores with The Commissioner met with members of were completely extinguished. low ceilings. Incident Command and provided advice 3. In the early stages of fire growth, the Notes in a command/expert senior advisory types of fuel loads involved in fire within capacity. He also conducted a detailed 1. Discount/variety stores contain very discount/variety stores often result in briefing to the assembled media present, high fuel loads, consisting of lightweight the production of large volumes of thick, providing a comprehensive report on the goods formed of volatile, combustible dark and acrid smoke, until ventilation ferocity of the fire and the determined and flammable materials. Many of these of the structure occurs. This smoke is efforts of firefighters to bring the fire materials include assorted plastics, superheated, turbulent and forcibly vents under control. FRNSW firefighting paper, cardboard and rubber and from the structure under high pressure. operations at the fire received high other hydrocarbon-based products. profile national media coverage during Discount/variety stores also contain

40 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 LIVERPOOL 7TH ALARM SHOP FIRE

4. Almost all discount/variety stores 11. Within Sector Charlie, the brick without placing firefighters in danger. are formed of open plan, non- wall displayed early signs of imminent This aerial attack was highly effective. compartmented construction, resulting in collapse, including cracking and 15. As was the case in most situations rapid and uncontrolled fire spread. development of a lean. Vigilance where aerial appliances are placed in 5. Often, stock within discount/variety by firefighters ensured appropriate operation, firefighters at the Liverpool stores is stacked high on vertical structural collapse precautions were fireground quickly located remote water racking and shelving. During firefighting immediately taken, including the mains to establish water relays from, operations, it is common for shelving establishment of a collapse zone. to supply the large volumes of water and stock to begin to collapse into aisles, When collapse occurred, the parapet required for aerial master stream falling onto hose-lines, obstructing wall fell harmlessly into the collapse operations (and not impact firefighting search and rescue efforts, blocking zone and firefighting continued without already underway). The water relays egress paths and creating significant interruption. at Liverpool were established very obstacles for firefighters, usually in 12. In situations where extreme fire efficiently, due to the skill and hard conditions of zero visibility. In addition behaviour is impacting the building work of firefighters. Crews reported to the hazards created by this situation, structure, firefighters should expect the recently installed appliance mobile firefighting conditions are very exhausting and prepare for major structural failure data terminals were a significant asset, and fatiguing. and collapse, even though signs may be enabling them to rapidly locate mains 6. To achieve maximum stocking of minimal. and hydrants for the relays. discount/variety stores, full use of 13. This building was fitted with a 16. At the Macquarie Street fire, space is made for storage racking and lightweight steel truss roof which has a firefighters ensured exposures were shelving. As a result, aisles are often history of notorious failure once exposed secured on all sides, due to the fast- narrow creating difficulty for SCBA crews to fire. Failure of the steel truss roof moving nature of the fire. Once the flanks to manoeuvre, advance hose-lines and occurred very early at the Liverpool fire. were controlled, efforts then moved conduct search and rescue operations, Within minutes following ignition, fire to fire control and extinguishment. In often in situations of zero visibility. It had broken through the false ceiling at situations where fire is spreading rapidly is not uncommon for firefighters to be the rear of the building and flames began and exposures are at risk, it is critical prevented from turning around, due to attacking the lightweight unprotected to identify and establish cut-off points the narrowness of aisles. steel that formed the truss structure. in front of the fire. Such operations are 7. During trading hours, many discount/ Direct flame impact to the truss resulted very resource intensive. A high alarm variety store traders will place excessive in the truss webs and lateral braces response will ensure adequate resources stock out onto footpaths. At the cessation softening and losing strength, causing are in place to conduct operations within of trading, this stock is then placed the loadbearing capacity of the roof to exposures as well as the main fire inside the store, stacked on aisle floors, weaken. Flame impact to the steel top building. increasing the fuel loads and greatly and bottom chords resulted in the chords 17. Firefighters were withdrawn from obstructing the progress of firefighters. expanding, resulting in separation of the the building at the direction of the chords from the webs and lateral braces 8. Discount/variety stores typically Incident Commander when venting at the truss plates, leading to failure smoke conditions were observed to create very hostile environments for of the truss roof and collapse. As fire SCBA crews. Even with the assistance change colour from dark grey to black travelled forward through the building, and increase in density, volume and of thermal imaging cameras, conditions further sections of lateral trussing were described above can create disorientation pressure. These signs were indicative progressively exposed to fire, resulting of a severe escalation in fire conditions and entrapment and can be treacherous in truss failure and collapse. Truss roof for firefighters. (and an extreme fire event such as a failure occurred to the rear 75% of the flashover was imminent) and fire attack 9. This fire occurred at a time of day and building. At the Liverpool fire, the steel was having minimal impact on the fire. time of year when numerous shoppers truss roof was hidden by the false ceiling. The ability of the Incident Commander were located within and in proximity The violent noises interior firefighters to read the signs a fire is showing and to the fire building, presenting a high could hear above their heads within the make decisions accordingly are critical life risk. The early response of a higher roof space were most likely separation to firefighter safety, particularly when alarm (initial 5th Alarm response of the steel chords from the steel webs firefighters are conducting interior increased to a 7th Alarm) ensured there and lateral braces at the truss plates. offensive operations. were adequate resources available to Firefighters must always be alert to the mount a major firefighting and search presence of steel truss roofs fitted to 18. All firefighters displayed skill, and rescue operation, commensurate structures, particularly when hidden resourcefulness and worked tirelessly with the level of fire activity and potential by false ceilings and are best identified at this dangerous, destructive and life risk that existed. during pre-incident planning exercises. fast-moving fire, ensuring the fire The engineering strength of a steel truss was contained and did not spread to 10. The fire building was fitted with front (lightweight steel and geometric design) exposures. Special mention must be and rear parapet walls. Parapet walls at becomes the truss’s weakness when made of the determination and resolve the front were covered by the fitting of exposed to fire. Steel truss roofs will fail shown by first arriving firefighters who a large façade and awnings, completely and collapse early once exposed to fire, advanced attack lines into the heavily concealing the presence of the front without warning. involved store to conduct search and parapet walls. From the rear of the rescue operations under extreme and building, it did not appear obvious the 14. Following establishment of the horrendous conditions when it was building was fitted with a parapet wall. Charlie Sector collapse zone, the apparent a life risk existed; their efforts When conducting roof reports, aerial placement of aerial appliances outside under the conditions encountered were of collapse zones and operation of aerial operators should be alert to the exemplary. nEND presence of parapet walls. It is master streams enabled a defensive fire advantageous to note the presence of attack to be undertaken, consisting of parapet walls when conducting pre- exposure protection and direct fire attack, incident planning exercises.

41 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

42 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 5TH ALARM MARRICKVILLE FIRE

VIEW VIDEO AT fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO WATCH NOW

Firefighters direct a 70mm attack stream onto the fully involved factory

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE 5TH ALARM MARRICKVILLE FURNITURE FACTORY FIRE

ncident summary: Firefighters 38 (Pyrmont), Flyer 1, (City of Sydney), Commissioner Jim Hamilton, Training responded to a furniture factory that Rescue Pumper 1, Ladder Platforms Officer Resource 2, Operational Research Iwas totally involved in fire with flames 1 and 21 (Kogarah), Ladder 18 (Glebe), Officer SO Glen Mole and Tactical venting through the roof on arrival. Hazmat Pumpers 13 (Alexandria) and 85 Operations Research Analyst. Due to the advanced state of the fire, (Chester Hill), Heavy Hazmat 13, Heavy In addition to above, a further 16 FRNSW firefighters quickly identified the highly Rescue 1, Logistics Support Vehicle 1, appliances and numerous other senior dangerous hazard of potential structure Mobile Command Centre Bravo, CO2 38, officers and specialist support staff collapse that existed and collapse zones Rehab 1 and TAF 20 responded to the incident over the were immediately established. Within two Duty Commanders ME3 (Ashfield) following 24 hours for relief and fire duty minutes of arriving on scene, the first of Inspector Bob Sayer, ME1 (City of purposes. several major wall collapses occurred. Sydney) Inspector Philip Vaiciurgis and Firefighters established a fully defensive Additional agencies/services in MS2 (Kogarah) Inspector Glen Moran, attendance: NSW Police, Ambulance strategy, enabling all exposures to be Fleet Operations Officer SO Travis successfully protected and this large Service of NSW, gas authority, electricity Broadhurst, Zone Commander Inner authority and local council. building fire safely brought under control. West Superintendent Adam Dewberry, Incident type: Factory fire. Assistant Director Training and Fireground description: The fire building was a factory, single level, 90m x 35m, Time, date and place of call: 2142 hours Development Chief Superintendent Phil Lindsay, Operational Safety Coordinator double brick construction, timber/iron on Monday 30 May 2016, 2 Rich Street, frame and iron sheet saw tooth roof. The Marrickville. LF James Davies, Capability Manager Hazmat Acting Superintendent Michael building was fitted with a 40m long, 2.2m FRNSW response: Pumpers 28 Jay, Manager Operational Improvement high parapet wall along the southern wall (Marrickville), 5 (Newtown), 22 Acting Superintendent Michael Morris, at the front of the building at the eastern (Leichhardt), 18 (Glebe), 14 (Ashfield), 26 Commissioner Greg Mullins, Deputy end. The eastern 50m x 35m section (Mascot), 29 (Arncliffe), 10 (Redfern) and of the building consisted of a furniture

43 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL factory, engaged in the manufacture of to firefighters the likelihood of wall relay from Victoria Road, via base timber furniture. The western 40m x 35m collapse and emphasised the importance Pumper 22 to Pumper 28. section of the building consisted of two of staying out of the collapse zones to Pumper 14, under the command of SO separate occupancies, an arts studio and their crews. At that time, the size of the Ian Arkley was directed to go to the an arts supply warehouse. The eastern fire building, extent of fire and exposures Charlie side of the building to investigate and western occupancies were divided by under threat was not fully known and fire spread. SO Arkley was appointed the a non-fire rated cement besser block wall it was imperative a 360 degree size-up Charlie Sector Commander. Firefighters that did not extend completely to the roof. be conducted as quickly as possible. SO began to operate a 70mm attack line, The fire building was constructed in about Stuart assumed the role of IC and SO Lay directing the stream into the involved 1920 and was not fitted with any form of commenced to conduct a 360 size-up. A factory. Within minutes of the arrival installed fire detection or suppression Command Point known as “Rich Street of Pumper 14, a major collapse of the systems. Command” was established. A staging Charlie Sector wall occurred. Hazmat Initial call and response: FRNSW area was designated on Victoria Road. Pumper 13 went to Charlie Sector and Alexandria Fire Communications received About two minutes after firefighters a second 70mm line was placed in the first of numerous 000 calls reporting arrived on scene, the roof of the factory operation, which was later converted to a a factory fire at Rich Street Marrickville at collapsed, followed almost immediately ground monitor attack. It was necessary 2142 hours on Monday 30 May 2016. Due by a major collapse of the front wall on to establish a water relay from Victoria to the number of calls being taken, the the Alpha side of the factory, onto the Road via Pumper 29 and Hazmat Pumper initial response was increased to a 2nd street and numerous parked cars. Due 13 to supply water to Pumper 14. Pumper Alarm. to the early establishment of collapse 22 firefighters gained access to a yard FRNSW operations: As first assigned zones, the brick wall fell harmlessly located on the Delta side of the fire and Pumpers 5 and 28 responded towards the within the collapse zone and all directed a 70mm attack stream onto the location of the fire, firefighters observed firefighters remained safe. Firefighters fire from this location. a large plume of smoke with a bright reported the wall collapse occurred Duty Commander ME3 Inspector Bob glow at the base while still at a distance quite suddenly, with no warning signs Sayer arrived on scene and transfer of several kilometres from the call address, of a pending collapse. Highly unstable command occurred. Duty Commanders indicating the fire was already at an sections of the parapet wall that did not MS2 and ME1 arrived on scene and advanced state. collapse remained standing unsupported were appointed Sector Commanders of and the threat of further secondary Sectors Alpha and Charlie respectively. Pumper 28 under the command of collapses now existed. Uncontained fire SO Jeff Lay, and Pumper 5 under the Ladder 18 was positioned at the western was now burning fiercely from the factory end of the fire building and placed in command of SO Mike Stuart, arrived on and exposures on the Bravo, Charlie scene at the same time to find the factory operation as a water tower, directing and Delta sides were potentially under an aerial master stream onto the fire. totally involved in fire. Large flames were threat. At 2152 hours SO Stuart sent venting through the roof of the factory. SO Pumper 5 supplied water to Ladder 18. a further RED message, reporting the In addition to conducting a direct attack Stuart immediately sent a RED message wall collapse, stating firefighters were at 2149 hours requesting the response on the fire, the aerial stream was able to operating in the defensive strategy and protect the non-fire rated dividing wall of a 4th Alarm. Due to the advanced requesting the response be increased to state of the fire and likelihood of building being heavily impacted by fire located a 5th Alarm. SO Lay was appointed the between the totally involved factory and collapse, both appliances positioned as Alpha Sector Commander. wide as possible from the fire building heavily threatened Bravo exposures. on Rich Street, outside of potential From the Alpha Sector, working outside Rescue Pumper 1 firefighters under collapse zones. Rapid size-up identified of collapse zones firefighters began to the command of SO Brad Lewis used a that operations would be defensive and attack the fire with two 70mm attack power saw to cut into the roller door of firefighters ensured adequate room was lines. Firefighters experienced early Exposure Bravo 1, enabling Pumper 18 left for positioning of later arriving aerial problems locating water supplies, internal attack crew to deploy a 38mm appliances. SOs Lay and Stuart reinforced necessitating establishment of a water

Firefighters operated well outside of collapse zones Ladder 18 operates an aerial stream onto the fire

44 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 5TH ALARM MARRICKVILLE FIRE

Firefighters direct 70mm attack streams onto the fully involved factory from Alpha Sector. The walls have now collapsed protection line. Fire was spreading Ladder Platform 21 was positioned at collapse of the roof. The supporting wall into exposure Bravo 1 through the gap the eastern end of the fire building and tied-in to the roof was now free-standing between the roof and top of the dividing similarly attacked the fire with an aerial and highly unstable due to the 2.2m high wall, which firefighters were able to master stream. The fire was now being parapet wall sitting above. A cantilever control and extinguish. Heat had also contained on all sides. All exposures effect created by the roof beams dropping transferred via conduction along a steel were now secure and the large calibre caused the top of the support wall to beam that went through the dividing wall aerial attack slowly brought the fire push out slightly. Minimal movement from the furniture factory, igniting fabric under control after several hours of of the support wall resulted in major within the art studio, which was quickly intense firefighting. No fire spread to collapse of the parapet wall above. extinguished by firefighters. exposures occurred. In addition to the collapse of the parapet Upon the arrival of Mobile Command What brought the parapet wall down this wall, most of the supporting wall was Centre Bravo, the Command Point time? also brought down in the collapse. Firefighters on scene when the collapse was transferred to the MCC, which The building was fitted with a 40m occurred reported the wall showed no provided a high technology base for long, 2.2m high parapet wall along the signs of collapse before the collapse the Incident Management Team to southern wall at the front of the building occurred; nevertheless the advanced support the major firefighting operations at the eastern end, formed of double state of fire caused them to believe underway. Assistant Director Training brick construction. This wall was free- wall collapse was likely and collapse and Development Chief Superintendent standing, not tied in to any other part exclusion zones were immediately Phil Lindsay arrived at the fireground and of the structure and inherently highly established. NB: For further information following a handover briefing, command unstable. It was extremely difficult to concerning parapet wall collapse, refer was transferred to Chief Superintendent identify the existence of the parapet to Fire and Rescue Operations Journal Lindsay and Inspector Sayer was wall. The frame supporting the roof # 4, “Liverpool Building Fire Highlights appointed Operations Officer. was formed of unprotected timber Dangers of Parapet Wall Collapse”. The defensive attack continued to be columns and beams. Intense fire activity strengthened. Ladder Platform 1 was from the fully involved factory caused deployed to Charlie Sector and directed frame timbers to be consumed and an aerial master stream onto the fire. fail, resulting in sudden and complete

All appliances were positioned well outside of collapse zones in Alpha Sector. Firefighters gained entry to an adjoining factory and The parapet wall collapsed within two minutes of firefighters arriving on scene stopped fire spreading to the Bravo One exposure

45 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

Notes arrival of the first fire appliance. The size- 1. Situational Awareness is critical to up process did not stop at this fire until safe firefighting. En route to this fire, the last FRNSW appliance left the scene. firefighters observed conditions that 3. Aerial appliances were positioned at indicated the fire was at an advanced key locations, enabling aerial master state. Upon arrival, observation of streams to be placed in operation that structure type and the advanced state of effectively contained the fire, protected the fire immediately alerted firefighters threatened exposures and brought the to collapse dangers, causing appliances fire under control. to be positioned well clear of collapse 4. Firefighters gained entry into a zones. Officers reinforced to their heavily threatened adjoining exposure firefighters the dangers of structural and were able to contain fire spread; collapse, ensuring all crews remained at this time fire was spreading past well outside of the collapse zones. Within the dividing wall and the exposure was two minutes of arriving on scene, the first under imminent threat. The actions of of several major wall collapses occurred. firefighters unquestionably saved 50% Walls fell harmlessly into collapse of the fire building consisting of two zones and all firefighters remained safe. highly vulnerable exposures (containing Information concerning the collapses irreplaceable art works) that would have was immediately broadcast to Fire otherwise been destroyed. Communications, alerting all other incoming crews of the collapse dangers 5. The dangers of parapet walls exposed at this fire. Situational awareness was to fire conditions were again seen at this excellent at this fire. fire. Collapse was sudden and without warning. The early establishment of 2. A rapid early size-up enabled collapse exclusion zones ensured all firefighters to identify that the main firefighters remained safe at this very firefighting strategy was going to be dangerous fire. defensive at this fire. Similarly, size-up identified the extent of fire involvement, 6. Once again, FRNSW firefighters A section of the major wall collapse in Alpha Sector. The top one third of the wall is an exposures under threat and the likely displayed determination, skill and unsupported parapet wall, that fell within two resource requirement for firefighting professionalism at this difficult and minutes of firefighters arriving on scene operations, enabling a plan to be dangerous fire.nEND established and implemented from the

46 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 GREENACRE HIGH SPEED MVA

Firefighters begin to conduct a foot-well exposure on the off-side of the vehicle, for the purpose of being able to sight the patient’s lower limbs and feet

FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO HIGH SPEED MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION INTO WALL AT GREENACRE

RNSW crews responded to initial Incident type: Motor vehicle accident with the vehicle was located approximately reports of a motor vehicle accident persons trapped. 0.5m from the impacted electricity pole. Fand person trapped. The first Call details: 1127 hours, Thursday 28 Several overhead electricity lines had FRNSW appliance to arrive on scene January 2016, direct line call from Police become dislodged from mountings and found a chaotic scene, involving multiple RCO, MVA persons trapped, Boronia an overhead street light had broken casualties, a severe entrapment and Road, Greenacre. from its support and was in danger numerous hazardous conditions. A high of dropping. speed collision had occurred involving Nature of entrapment/emergency: A high speed motor vehicle off-set frontal Within the motor vehicle the female a vehicle that had struck a power pole, driver was severely trapped by a brick wall and a bus stop. The vehicle collision. The front of vehicle impacted into an electricity power pole, bus stop compression to the lower limbs. was suspended on a partially collapsed As a result of the force of impact, the and unstable brick wall. The driver was and 1.2m high double brick wall. The offset nature of impact had caused off-side front wheel had pushed the severely trapped by compression due foot-well onto the driver’s seat, resulting to the severity of impact. An elderly a severe distortion of the front of the vehicle, pushing the off-side front wheel in the driver’s legs being trapped between pedestrian at the bus stop had been the foot-well and the seat. The struck and thrown over the brick wall. into contact with the driver’s seat. As a result of the collision, the brick wall was and dash were displaced rearwards onto A second elderly pedestrian had been the driving seat, the floor-pan had folded struck several hundred metres from partially demolished and sustained a lean of approximately 15°, was unstable and around the driver’s feet, and the dash the rescue scene, prior to the vehicle was compressed down onto the driver’s impacting the wall. in danger of further collapse. The rear of the vehicle came to rest on the brick lower limbs. wall in an elevated position. The front of

47 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

Firefighters would only discover much Firefighters began to conduct an Initial scene stabilisation: Firefighters later the driver’s legs were intertwined assessment of the crash scene and commenced stabilisation of the vehicle at the feet, the driver having sustained observed the driver was severely trapped, and wall, utilising wooden step blocks a severe compound fracture of the lower seriously injured and partially protruding and the long bar. Fire protection was left leg due to the impact compression, from the vehicle. SF Stephen Wislang established. The windscreen glass had causing complications for extrication. went to the aid of the driver and while shattered, requiring firefighters to use The upper body of the driver was conducting an assessment of the driver, plastic sheeting for glass management to protruding from the partially opened began to reassure and comfort the driver. protect the patient. Firefighters carefully front off-side door. The driver, who was conscious and able placed a debris sheet onto the dash, to During the collision, an elderly man who to communicate with firefighters, was provide protection from a large quantity had been standing at the bus stop was understandably in a highly distressed of glass shards located on the dash. struck by the vehicle and thrown through state; SF Wislang held the driver’s hand Second injured pedestrian discovered: the air, over the brick wall and was laying and significantly, either a firefighter or a Pumper 64 was responding to the rescue on the ground in close proximity to the paramedic held the driver’s hand for the scene and as they travelled along Boronia unstable brick wall. Approximately 250m entirety of the rescue operation, ensuring Road, observed an elderly female lying on to the southeast of the collision scene the driver was never left alone. There is the footpath approximately 200m to the (also on Boronia Road), an elderly woman little doubt this had an enormous impact east of the crash site. This person was was located on the footpath with critical on the welfare of the driver’s mental state being attended to by police officers. At injuries as a result of being struck by the and was a significant factor in the driver’s this time, there was nothing to indicate vehicle a short time before the subject survival. this person was linked to the rescue collision. During the scene assessment, SO Jones incident. SO Ross Jones sent a message FRNSW response: Pumper 64 (Lakemba), observed an elderly man lying on the to FireComs, advising of the person Rescue Pumpers 62 (Bankstown) and 15 ground in a dazed condition, within the lying on the footpath. As emergency (Burwood), Heavy Rescue 20 (Hurstville) front yard of a house near the unstable services were already in attendance at and Duty Commander ME3 (Ashfield). brick wall. Ambulance Paramedic Kerry this incident attending to the patient (and Joseph, who had been conducting due to the urgent nature of the message Additional services in attendance: advanced resuscitation training at sent by Rescue Pumper 62), Pumper 64 Ambulance Service of NSW, Ambulance nearby 62 Station when Rescue Pumper continued on to the call address. Aeromedical Retrieval Unit, NSW Police, 62 were called to the incident, also Rescue operations get underway: When electricity authority and Roads and attended the rescue scene. Paramedic Maritime Services. Pumper 64 arrived on scene, SO Ross Joseph had brought her EMT kit with her, Jones informed Paramedic Joseph of First FRNSW appliance arrives on scene: conducted a patient assessment of the the elderly woman they passed a short Rescue Pumper 62 under the command trapped driver and requested SO Jones distance away. At this time, the first of SO Paul Jones arrived on scene and send a further message, requesting the ambulances were beginning to arrive. found the situation as described above urgent attendance of Ambulance due Paramedic Joseph conducted a brief (see section “Nature of entrapment/ to the serious condition of the driver. patient handover with first arriving emergency”). At this time, only one other Immediately, SO Jones sent a further paramedics then travelled on foot to the emergency vehicle was in attendance message to FireComs, requesting the elderly woman, where she commenced (a police highway patrol car). SO Jones urgent attendance of Ambulance. patient care duties, continuing treatment immediately sent an arrival message, of the patient including transport of the describing incident conditions.

Firefighters continue the foot-well exposure

48 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 GREENACRE HIGH SPEED MVA

Firefighters cut away sections of the front near side of the vehicle, attempting to expose the patient’s lower limbs patient to hospital (tragically, despite the Extrication plan formed: After conducting Request for additional assistance: Duty best efforts of Ambulance paramedics an assessment of the entrapment Commander Inner West arrived at the and hospital staff, the injured pedestrian and in consultation with Ambulance incident. Following a handover briefing, passed away after arriving at the hospital, paramedics, firefighters formed an command of FRNSW operations was due to the severity of her injuries). SO extrication plan consisting of removing transferred to DC Inner West and SO Paul Jones was heavily committed to the roof, managing glass, exposing the 64 appointed Safety Officer. Due to the the rescue and transferred command of vehicle foot-well and lifting the dash. complexity of the rescue, the involvement FRNSW operations to SO Ross Jones. Paramedics informed the rescue crew of an unstable brick structure, severity Pumper 64 Firefighter Sally McEwan they wanted the driver out as quickly as of collision and involvement of multiple attended to the injured elderly male possible. Paramedics also stipulated patients, FRNSW Commander sent a pedestrian, providing reassurance and that due to the patient’s injuries, the RED message at 1143 hours describing assessing his injuries which included patient could not be straightened in the incident conditions and requesting the lacerations, fractures and a head injury. seat. SO Jones liaised closely with the attendance of a heavy rescue unit. This person was dazed, confused and Ambulance Commander for the duration A further survey of the scene indicated a in distress. Firefighter McEwan kept of the incident. SO Jones later reported pedestrian being treated by firefighters this person in the shade and away from that although the first part of the plan and the involvement of a bus stop in the the unstable brick wall, remaining with was successful, as the rescue proceeded collision (with the possibility there may the patient until arrival of Ambulance significant obstacles caused the release be yet more casualties, not excluding paramedics and subsequent transport plan to be re-evaluated, revised and the possibility of persons trapped under of the patient to hospital by ambulance. new plans formulated to meet changing the vehicle). The vehicle was severely Pumper 64 firefighters provided conditions on a number of occasions. impacted and it appeared extrication significant assistance to the rescue Scene hazards identified and safety would most likely be of a protracted crews, ferrying rescue equipment, strategies put in place: FRNSW and complex nature. At the time, the supporting the vehicle structure during Commander SO Ross Jones conducted a temperature was quite warm and cutting, holding patient protection shields further scene assessment and observed humidity was high, creating exhausting in place and providing any help the rescue numerous hazards present, which conditions for the rescue crews. Due team needed throughout the extrication. were identified and safety strategies to these considerations, at 1146 hours This assistance was invaluable. implemented. The most serious of FRNSW Commander sent a further Patient access gained: Following these was the damage to the electricity message requesting the response of stabilisation of the vehicle, firefighters power pole, where overhead mains and an additional rescue pumper (for the gained access for paramedics to the a street light were in danger of dropping provision of additional rescue operators). vehicle via removal of the off-side rear due to dislodgement of attachments. An Rescue operations continue: Firefighters door. At that time removal of the front exclusion zone was set up beneath the conducted a roof removal, greatly off-side door was not practical because potential fall zone, secured with traffic increasing access to the patient and it was supporting the driver. Access via cones and all persons were briefed of the improving the ability to operate rescue the near side rear door was not possible hazards (NB: all persons that entered tools in the area of entrapment. In because this door was elevated and the scene were given full briefings of the accordance with the initial extrication wedged into the brick wall. safety hazards present). The attendance plan, firefighters began to conduct a of the electricity authority was requested foot-well exposure on the off-side of the as a matter of urgency. vehicle, for the purpose of being able to

49 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

Two teams of rescuers are now in operation, from the off-side and near side of the vehicle, working down through vehicle debris towards the patient’s lower limbs

sight the driver’s lower limbs and feet. the off-side extrication team, consisting 15 firefighters began to remove plastic The rescue crew had not been able to of Rescue Pumper 62 and Heavy Rescue pieces of the dash and began to unbolt access the patient’s lower limbs and 20 firefighters. and disassemble the metal gear did not know where they were located, Dash lift: The extrication plan then moved selector lever, while Rescue Pumper because of the large amount of debris to lifting the dash. Firefighters positioned 62 firefighters continued to remove dash covering the foot-well. The severity of a timber crib-block on the near-side of material from around the patient’s lower impact had resulted in the front off- the transmission tunnel and placed the limbs and feet. The steering wheel was side wheel being compressed against tips of the hydraulic spreaders between tied back and secured with a ratchet the driver’s seat, causing the sill to fold the block and the base of the dash and strap. under the car, preventing the shears slowly began to expand the spreaders, Once the patient’s lower limbs had been from cutting the foot-well, resulting in in an attempt to lift the dash away from exposed, the patient was close to final firefighters being unable to effect the the patient. This operation created a release. The patient was protruding foot-well exposure. Similarly, attempts cantilever effect, resulting in the off-side from the vehicle, being supported by the by firefighters to create a foot-well of the dash beginning to push downwards front off-side door. This door was also exposure through the operation towards the patient. The spreaders were obstructing release. Firefighters had of hydraulic spreaders were then lowered and removed. been delaying removal of this door until also unsuccessful. Lower limbs exposed: Firefighters then as late as possible because of the support Part of the early release plan involved began to pull sections of the dash away it had been providing to the patient. cutting the front lower support brackets by hand. As firefighters removed debris With final release now close, firefighters of the driver’s seat with hydraulic from the dash assembly, they were able utilised hydraulic spreaders to separate shears. However due to the position of to view the driver’s lower limbs for the the door from the B pillar. After the the patient, firefighters were unable first time, observing the driver’s legs door was removed, the patient was held to gain access to this location, causing and feet were intertwined and noting the by firefighters and paramedics until a the extrication plan to be revised and driver had sustained a compound fracture rescue board could be put in place. amended. of the lower left leg. This information Final release: From the off-side of the Wall stabilised: Heavy Rescue 20 and was immediately passed to Ambulance vehicle, firefighters used hydraulic shears Rescue Pumper 15 arrived on scene. paramedics and was significant in to cut the back of the seat and then began From the rear of the vehicle, firefighters enabling paramedics to determine an to disassemble the seat by cutting the set up timber block cribbing to take the appropriate treatment strategy. support pads away from the seat base, weight of the vehicle off the partially Firefighters were able to see that the enabling large sections of foam infill to demolished and unstable brick wall. driver’s lower limbs and feet were be removed. Once the seat support pads Extrication teams formed: Rescue crews trapped between the fire-wall, the gear were removed, about 10cm of space was then split into two teams; the near-side select lever and the driver’s seat. Working created, which was sufficient to enable extrication team, consisting from the near-side of the vehicle, Rescue the driver to be prepared for release. of Rescue Pumper 15 firefighters and Firefighters working with paramedics

50 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 GREENACRE HIGH SPEED MVA

Firefighters continue to attempt to spread metal away from the patient carefully manipulated the patient’s 2. The response of additional rescue trapped driver at the crash scene. Upon feet and lower limbs from around the resources, in particular the heavy rescue being informed of the injured pedestrian obstructions within the lower foot-well, unit, ensured the extrication team had 200 metres from the crash scene, enabling the patient to be released the maximum options available for any Paramedic Joseph travelled on foot to from the vehicle. The patient was then unplanned or unforseen contingencies the pedestrian, where she commenced able to be placed onto a rescue board, that could arise. Given the initial size- assessment, stabilisation and patient removed from the vehicle and placed up identified an unstable partially care with what minimal equipment onto an ambulance stretcher before demolished brick wall, a high speed she had with her, until arrival of an being conveyed to hospital by ambulance, collision, a severe entrapment and Ambulance paramedic unit. The condition escorted by police highway patrol. multiple casualties, it was important to of the patient was so serious, the plan and be prepared for any unexpected ambulance was given a police highway Notes situations that could arise. patrol escort under lights and sirens to 1. Firefighters were initially confronted 3. Pumper 64 firefighters worked Liverpool Hospital. Paramedic Joseph with a chaotic scene of multiple tirelessly at this incident and provided went with the Ambulance crew competing urgent priorities. Rapid early a vital and critical role supporting the to Liverpool Hospital, however their size-up by first arriving SO Paul Jones rescue teams. best efforts could not save the enabled scene priorities to be identified, pedestrian, who had sustained critical 4. As always, there was a very high level ensuring the most effective use of injuries and died a short time after of seamless cooperation and consultation resources was deployed at this critical being admitted to hospital. The level between firefighters and Ambulance time. Scene size-up identified numerous of commitment and determination by paramedics. hazardous conditions. An incident Paramedic Joseph to patient care and strategy was developed to ensure all 5. Special mention must be made of saving life was exemplary. hazardous conditions were effectively Ambulance Paramedic Kerry Joseph, 6. At the rescue scene, firefighters managed and the scene remained as safe who only minutes before had been and emergency responders worked as possible for emergency responders delivering advanced resuscitation tirelessly in oppressive conditions. All and injured persons. Rescue crews training to firefighters at 62 Station. With crews worked with a high level of skill, worked systematically and deliberately, minimal equipment, Paramedic Joseph determination and professionalism. enabling extrication to be conducted in a conducted an initial patient assessment nEND controlled and planned manner. and commenced care of the severely

51 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO HEAD‑ON COLLISION BETWEEN CAR AND SEMITRAILER AT ST MARYS

RNSW crews responded to a mover had impacted the firewall of the under the front of a semitrailer prime complex entrapment involving a utility, causing the firewall to travel in mover and the driver of the utility Fdriver severely trapped within a a rearwards direction. The rearward severely trapped. A large fuel spill from utility, located partially beneath the front travel of the firewall resulted in the the utility had also occurred. SO Dowd of a semitrailer, following a head-on dash being pushed back onto the upper sent an arrival message, confirming collision. The complex nature of the chest of the driver, trapping the driver the entrapment (via compression) and entrapment resulted in extrication by compression. Only the upper chest, the requirement for rescue. SO Dowd being conducted in a series of carefully shoulders, head and right arm of the assumed the role of FRNSW Commander. planned stages. The extrication involved driver were visible, the remainder of the A 38mm hose line was deployed for a highly coordinated operation between driver located beneath the dash. fire protection. The high pressure hose the rescue team and the medical team. FRNSW response: Hazmat Pumper 77 (St reel, foam-making equipment and a dry All crews performed with a high level of Marys), Rescue Pumper 78 (Dunheved), chemical powder portable extinguisher diligence and professionalism, resulting Heavy Rescue 102 (Regentville), Heavy were also deployed, increasing fire in a successful extrication and the best Hazmat 77 and Duty Commander MW1 protection, due to the increased fire risk possible outcome for the patient. (Huntingwood) Inspector Les Gorie. associated with the large amount of fuel on the roadway. Firefighters placed Incident type: Motor vehicle accident with Services in attendance: Ambulance persons trapped. absorbent material onto the spilled Service of NSW, Ambulance Aeromedical fuel. SO Dowd advised the risk of fire Call details: 2328 hours, Wednesday 30 Retrieval Unit, NSW Rural Fire Service, due to the large fuel spill remained a December 2015, direct line call from NSW Roads and Maritime Services and major concern for firefighters for the Police RCO, MVA persons trapped, NSW Police. entire incident. At this time, Ambulance Mamre Road, St Marys. Weather at time of incident: Although had not yet arrived on scene. Senior Nature of entrapment/emergency: Head the incident occurred close to midnight, Firefighter Antony Crowe commenced on/vehicle under-ride collision between crews worked in warm and oppressive a patient assessment of the trapped a utility and a semitrailer. Following conditions, with no wind and high driver. The driver was barely visible. Due collision, the front of the utility (from the humidity. to the severity of the entrapment, only the upper chest, shoulders, head and firewall forward) came to rest under the Initial FRNSW operations: Hazmat front of the semitrailer prime-mover. The right arm of the driver were visible to SF Pumper 77 under the command of SO Pat Crowe. 21 year old male driver (sole occupant Dowd was the first FRNSW appliance to of the utility) remained severely trapped. arrive on scene. Upon arrival, firefighters Request for additional assistance: The bullbar of the semitrailer prime found the front of a utility vehicle located A short time later Rescue Pumper

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Rescue crews attempt to access the patients lower limbs

52 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 ST MARYS HEAD-ON BETWEEN CAR & SEMITRAILER

78 under the command of SO David 2. truck lift to enable the utility to be providing improved patient access McPherson arrived on scene. Ambulance pulled out from under the truck to paramedics. paramedics also arrived on scene at 3. dash push to lift the dash off the driver, Upon arrival of Heavy Rescue 102, the this time. SO Dowd conferred with SO enabling the driver to be released from command lights of the heavy rescue McPherson and the decision was quickly entrapment. were set up, as well as a handheld light made to request the attendance of a Initial access gained to trapped patient: and two portable lights located on a light heavy rescue unit, resulting in Heavy stand, greatly improving scene lighting. Rescue 102 being responded. As well Although firefighters had initially as the additional rescue operators and planned to conduct a roof removal, Vehicle roof removed: Following patient equipment aboard the Heavy Rescue this was delayed for a short time while stabilisation by paramedics, firefighters unit, SO McPherson recognised the early Ambulance paramedics placed an then began to remove the roof. The need for additional timber cribbing blocks intravenous line into the patient. While dash of the utility had been pushed a would be required, to enable the truck to paramedics were placing the line into the significant distance towards the off-side be lifted. SO McPherson was appointed patient, firefighters prepared to remove of the vehicle, causing the A pillar to Rescue Team Leader. the near-side door to provide better come to within 100mm of the patient’s access for the paramedics. At this time, face. Because of this, the rescue crew NSW Rural Fire Service crews arrived at firefighters were unable to gain access had to decide whether to cut the A pillar the scene and were tasked with providing to the off-side door, which had folded high or low. The decision was made fire protection, releasing all FRNSW over and was severely distorted. The that it was safest to cut the A pillar at firefighters to assist the extrication. SO steel bullbar of the prime mover was the midpoint, about 150mm from the Dowd advised this greatly assisted rescue pushing against the front near-side of the base, to ensure the rescue tools were operations. utility, obstructing opening of the near- not getting too close to the patient. After Initial extrication plan formed: SO side door. Firefighters used hydraulic making the necessary cuts with hydraulic McPherson conducted an initial shears to cut part of the bullbar away. shears, firefighters were then able to assessment of the entrapment and Removing part of the bullbar at this time remove the roof from the vehicle, greatly formed an extrication plan involving was advantageous, as it was protruding improving patient access to paramedics the release being conducted in several into the utility and would have become and the medical team. Following the roof stages, consisting of: a major obstruction in later efforts to removal, firefighters then completely 1. roof removal to provide improved pull the utility out from under the truck. removed the front near-side door from access for Ambulance paramedics Firefighters were then able to open the vehicle. the front near-side door of the utility,

The vehicle is wedged under the front of the semi-trailer. Firefighters prepare to winch the vehicle out

53 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

Firefighters and paramedics work closely to access the patients lower limbs

Duty Commander MW1 Inspector pressing into the patient’s chest. Only the the vehicle. After the vehicle had been Les Gorey attended the incident and top and sides of the steering wheel were stabilised, SO McPherson attempted to established a FRNSW Incident Command visible. The remainder of the steering use a crimping tool to close the broken Point. The Duty Commander remained wheel was out of sight, located beneath fuel line, however insufficient space in constant liaison with commanders of the compressed dash. Firefighters placed prevented this. SO McPherson was then all services present at the scene and the a patient protection shield over the driver able to fold the fuel line over, successfully FRNSW Rescue Team Leader, for the and then used the pedal cutter to make closing it and stopping the release entire incident. two cuts into the steering wheel, enabling of further fuel. All material was also Truck lifted: The rescue team then the whole steering wheel to be then removed from the rear tray of the utility, prepared to lift the prime mover, to pulled out. to create as much space as possible for enable the utility to be pulled out from Vehicle winched out from under truck: the rescue operation. Heavy Hazmat under the front of the prime mover. A Tirfor winch was set up to pull the 77 responded to the scene, to assist Firefighters planned to lift the truck on utility out from under the truck. Two management of the large fuel spill onto both sides. Two 30-tonne rams, powered wire rope slings were attached to the the road surface. by air over hydraulic systems, were axle tubes at the utility’s differential. Crush syndrome considerations: As is placed on timber blocks beneath the The Tirfor was anchored to the base of the case with all rescues, firefighters truck on either side, directly beneath a traffic control signal light pole and a worked very closely with Ambulance the flat of the leaf springs, as close as salvage sheet placed over the cable. The paramedics throughout the entire possible to the cylinder. Timber crib winch was then operated very slowly, extrication. However, particularly blocks used as packing were placed enabling the utility to be pulled back close and careful consultation was under the truck axles. As the rams approximately two metres, sufficient for required during the dash push, due to were extended and the truck was lifted, it to be removed from under the front of concerns by paramedics the patient additional crib blocks were put in place, the truck and clearing any obstructions may have been suffering from crush increasing the packing. Operation of caused by the truck. As the vehicle was injury syndrome, due to entrapment the rams lifted the truck 200mm, which winched backwards, Firefighter Sean compression. Paramedics did not wish was a sufficient distance to enable the Powell followed the rear near-side wheel for any compression to be released from utility to be then pulled out. Throughout back with a wheel chock, in case of any the patient until medical stabilisation the entire lift, Firefighters Sean Powell, unexpected equipment failure that may had been completed. This was a major Andrew Wheeler, Shane Morrison and have caused the vehicle to return back consideration for the Rescue Team Rex Meredith remained under the truck, under the truck. Leader, who liaised with the Ambulance setting the rams and adjusting/placing Further stabilisation of incident: After the Paramedic Commander prior to, during packing timbers into place as the truck utility had been pulled out from under and after the dash push operation. was lifted. the truck, firefighters then re-stabilised Dash push operations: After the vehicle Steering wheel removed: After the the vehicle with timber blocks. During had been pulled out from under the truck, truck was lifted, paramedics requested the collision, the steel fuel line of the firefighters were able to look through firefighters remove the steering wheel utility had been torn from the fuel pump, the engine compartment and could now from the vehicle, which had completely causing fuel to continuously pour from see the patient’s legs and feet, which dislodged during the collision and was the fuel line onto the road beneath appeared to have not suffered major

54 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 ST MARYS HEAD-ON BETWEEN CAR & SEMITRAILER injury due to the collision. Firefighters ram slipped. A timber block was placed place, Ambulance paramedics conducted then worked on the third part of the on the rear cabin bulkhead providing further medical stabilisation of the extrication plan, which involved pushing greater traction for the ram, which was patient. With the off-side door now open, the dash off the patient. As a result of the then able to extend correctly. firefighters were able to place a ram collision, the dash was situated at a 45° On the off-side of the vehicle, relief cuts on the off-side of the vehicle to assist angle, causing difficulty for the operation were made at the base of the A pillar pushing the dash forward. The telescopic of rescue equipment. Due to the severity and spreaders were positioned between ram located in the centre of the vehicle and complexity of the dash compression, the off-side B pillar and the door lock was removed and relocated to the off- the dash push had to be undertaken in of the off-side door. All equipment was side of the vehicle between the gusset several stages. now set for the dash push to commence. at the base of the B pillar and the dash. The first stage involved setting up a chain When medical stabilisation was A larger ram replaced the telescopic puller set, due to concerns that as the complete, the Ambulance Paramedic ram in the centre of the vehicle. While rams operated and pushed the dash Commander advised the Rescue Team the rams were being swapped out in the forward, the dash and A pillar could in Leader that firefighters could go ahead centre of the vehicle, the dash was being fact begin to travel in the wrong direction, and commence releasing the patient held securely in place by the chain puller, back towards the patient (the A pillar was from compression. A highly coordinated preventing any movement of the dash. still close to the patient’s face). To prevent operation then commenced, involving the The spreaders located on the off-side of this from happening, a chain pull was simultaneous operation of four rescue the vehicle were removed. set up, from the off-side A pillar, through tools at once; Extension of the long ram, Following resetting of the rams, the crushed section of the bonnet, to the extension of the small ram, widening the second stage of the dash push centre of the truck bullbar (anchor point). of the off-side hydraulic spreaders commenced. The three rams were The chain puller also acted as additional and tensioning of the chain puller. This extended and tension taken on the packing during the dash push. combined operation resulted in the dash chain puller. During this extension, a Once the chain puller was in place, a moving forward approximately 100- further 200mm of movement of the small ram was placed in the centre of 150mm. Paramedics were able to free dash was achieved. When the second the vehicle (between the two front seats) the patient’s left arm, which had been ram extension stopped, paramedics extending from the rear cabin bulkhead located under the dash. A gap was also conducted further assessments and to the dash and a large ram was placed made between the off-side door and B stabilisation of the patient, while on the near-side of the vehicle, between Pillar, creating improved patient access firefighters undertook a second reset of the base of the B pillar and the A pillar for paramedics. As the dash was being the rescue equipment. During this reset, at dash level. Timber packing was placed lifted, timber wedges were placed in the the centre ram was changed out with a under the near side B pillar. Light tension relief cut openings that had earlier been small single acting non-telescopic ram. was taken on the rams and relief cuts made on the near and off-side A pillars A reset was also undertaken on the chain were then made in the gusset of the A (preventing the pillars from collapsing puller. During the process of pushing pillar. The spreaders were placed on the onto themselves, in the event the rams the dash forward, the “rolling” motion near-side of the vehicle and extended slipped/failed). of the dash had caused the A pillar to between the sill and the dash, to take Following the first stage operation of the move from a relative vertical position to some of the weight off the dash. On the dash push, firefighters stopped to reset more of a horizontal position and there initial operation of the centre ram, the the rams. While the reset was taking was a danger the chain could slip off the

Extrication was a carefully coordinated operation carried out over several steps, operating multiple tools simultaneously

55 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

The rams are slowly extended, pushing the dash off the driver

A pillar. The chain was then resecured a rescue board and released from the Ambulance paramedics/medical team) around the steering column. The chain vehicle, approximately 90 minutes after resulting in seamless operations, pull reset was able to be undertaken firefighters arrived on scene. again resulting in the best possible because the load was being held by outcomes for the patients. In particular, the rams. Notes the possibility of crush injury was an During the process of pushing the dash 1. Initial scene size-up resulted in important consideration during release. forward, the angle of the dash relative identification of additional specialist Once again, the relationship between to the rams was changing, causing the resources, which were promptly firefighters, paramedics and the medical rams to have less traction and reducing requested, providing significant capability team was excellent. pushing capacity. The dash was also to the rescue. 5. Extrication crews were met with a beginning to split. Timber crib blocks 2. A careful and thorough assessment complex entrapment scenario, however a were placed behind the ram against the of the entrapment identified a number combination of ingenuity, significant skill rear cabin bulkhead and small timber of complexities and issues associated levels of the rescue operators, excellent blocks were placed against the dash. In with the manner in which the patient was command leadership and the right rescue addition to providing greater traction for trapped. The complexities associated equipment resulted in rescue operations the ram, placement of the timber blocks with the entrapment demonstrated the that were safe and highly effective. also spread the load during the operation importance of forming a release plan, 6. The work performed by 77 Station of the ram, increasing the operating consisting of a number of a number firefighters assisting the rescue crews efficiency of the ram. of stages, enabling each issue to be was critical to the successful outcome of Final dash push and release of patient: systematically overcome as it was this incident. encountered. Following the second reset, the third 7. From the outset, firefighters stage of the dash push was undertaken. 3. Entrapment was complex, requiring recognised the dangers presented by the Tension was taken up on the chain- a detailed assessment by the rescue large fuel spill that had occurred, placing pull set and rams. The centre ram was crews in consultation with Ambulance significant fire protection in place. operated to full extension, resulting in paramedics, taking into consideration 8. Firefighters provided initial patient care a total forward movement of the dash each patient’s individual medical to the trapped driver until the arrival of of 500mm. Following this extension, the condition, resulting in the formation of Ambulance paramedics. In the chain of driver’s feet were now fully visible and a considered extrication plan. Release survival, early patient care is a vital link to the driver was completely removed from was a slow and careful step-by-step patient survival. compression. Patient protection was put operation, with each step reviewed as in place around the driver and firefighters the extrication proceeded, ultimately 9. Congratulations to all crews present, then operated hydraulic shears to remove resulting in the best possible outcomes who performed with distinction and with the remnants of the off-side front quarter for the patient. complete professionalism. nEND panel. Firefighters then completely removed the off-side door, creating 4. A high level of inter-agency an opening adequate for the removal communication and cooperation was of the patient. Under the guidance of evident at this incident, (in particular paramedics, the patient was placed onto consultation between firefighters and

56 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 8TH ALARM REVESBY WRECKING YARD FIRE

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Aerial view from Polair 4 of the fully involved wrecking yard, threatening exposures on all sides. Note the aerial master stream of Aerial Pumper 47, protecting the vulnerable northern side of the Exposure Delta factory. Photo courtesy NSW Police Aviation Support Branch

FIREFIGHTERS CONTROL FIERCE 8TH ALARM REVESBY WRECKING YARD FIRE

Incident summary: Following an (Macquarie Fields), 20 (Hurstville), 90 Superintendent Marcus Baker, FRNSW explosion, an intense fire broke out (Menai), 52 (Campsie), 22 (Leichhardt), Commissioner Greg Mullins, Fleet within a car wrecking yard, resulting in 21 (Kogarah) and 73 (Yennora), CAFS Operations Officer SO Serge Meunier, rapid fire spread and intense fire activity. Pumper 31 (Busby), CAFS Tanker Operational Research Officer 2 SO Glen Numerous explosions continued to 93 (Narellan), Rescue Pumpers 62 Mole, Deputy Commissioner James occur due to the involvement of stored (Bankstown) and 15 (Burwood), Tanker Hamilton, Operational Media Coordinator LPG cylinders. Numerous exposures 90, Aerial Pumpers 47 (Revesby) and 7 Superintendent Ian Krimmer, Chaplain were directly in the fire’s path and under (Horningsea Park), Ladder Platforms 21 Lyndsay Smith and Tactical Operations threat. Firefighters placed a systematic and 27 (Parramatta), Ladder 18 (Glebe), Research Analyst. containment strategy in place, using a Hazmat Pumpers 85 (Chester Hill), 77 In addition to the above, a further combination of handlines, aerial master (St Marys) and 13 (Alexandria), Heavy 18 FRNSW appliances and numerous streams and ground monitor streams to Hazmat 77, Heavy Rescues 8 (Liverpool) other senior officers and specialist halt fire spread. CAFS was used to very and 20, Logistics Support Vehicles 92 (St support staff responded to the incident good effect, producing significant fire Andrews) and 1 (City of Sydney), Mobile over the following 32 hours for relief and control. Command Centre Bravo, Rehab 1 and fire duty purposes. TAF 20 Incident type: Wrecking yard and factory Additional agencies/services in fire. Duty Commanders MS2 (Kogarah) attendance: NSW Police, Ambulance Time, date and place of call: 1555 hours Inspector Kevin Baxter, ME3 (Ashfield) Service of NSW, gas authority and on Wednesday 25 May 2016, Fitzpatrick Inspector Mick Wren, MS3 (St Andrews) electricity authority. Street, Revesby. Inspector Michael Carroll and MW2 (Parramatta) Inspector Jeffrey Fireground description: The fire FRNSW response: Pumpers 48 Roche, Zone Commander Inner West occupancy consisted of a motor vehicle (Mortdale), 29 (Arncliffe), 30 (Lidcombe), Superintendent Adam Dewberry, wrecking yard, 80m x 80m, comprising 34 (Riverwood), 70 (Maroubra), 84 Area Commander Metro East Chief a large pile of crushed cars. A number

57 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

This view from Polair 4 shows the fully involved wrecking yard; note heavy black smoke pouring from the roof of Alpha Exposure, to the right of the main fire. At this time, firefighters were establishing a cut off to prevent this factory being lost. Firefighters conduct a determined attack to stop fire Photo courtesy NSW Police Aviation Support Branch spreading into the adjoining Alpha Exposure

of LPG cylinders removed from wrecked FRNSW operations: Firefighters aboard on scene and were evacuating occupants motor vehicles were stored on site. first responding appliances Rescue of neighbouring properties. Firefighters Factories were located on all sides of Pumper 62 under the command of received reports that at least two workers the wrecking yard. Exposure Alpha was SO Dave Cross, and Aerial Pumper 47 from the factory had been seriously a factory 60m x 20m located to the west under the command of SO Bob Wilson, burned in the fire. SO Cross sent a RED of the car stack, with the eastern end observed a large column of thick black arrival message requesting the response open and exposed to the fire area. This smoke while still several kilometres from of a 3rd Alarm, while investigations were factory was stacked from floor to ceiling the reported fire, indicating a major fire made. SO Cross assumed the role of IC, with wrecked cars and a large pile of was in progress. SO Cross sent a RED commenced a 360 degree size-up of the rubber tyres was located at the open end message while still en route, reporting fire, designated the incident “Milperra of the factory close to the wrecking yard. the size of the smoke plume visible and Command” and established a staging Exposure Charlie was a factory containing requesting the response of a 2nd Alarm. area on Fitzpatrick Street. large quantities of stored flammable As additional 000 calls continued to Duty Commander ME3 (Ashfield) liquids and gas cylinders. be received by Fire Communications, Inspector Mick Wren was responding Initial call and response: Staff were including reports of major explosions to the fire, observed the size of the operating in the wrecking yard when and people seriously injured, the Fire smoke column and was aware the fire an explosion occurred, resulting in Communications supervisor made the was at a very advanced state. Inspector two workers receiving serious injuries. decision to increase the response to a Wren had attended a major fire in close Ignition of the wrecked car stack 3rd Alarm. proximity to the subject fire about 12 occurred. Occupants from neighbouring As first arriving appliances Rescue months previously and was aware of businesses heard the explosion, observed Pumper 62 and Aerial Pumper 47 arrived the issues associated with a major fire flames and a large plume of black rising in Fitzpatrick Street, firefighters were at this location and the operational from the site and began to ring 000 to confronted with a rapidly deteriorating requirements. Aware water shortage was report a major fire in progress. Due to and highly chaotic scene. A very large a critical issue, Inspector Wren increased the number of calls being received, a smoke plume was rising rapidly the response to a 4th Alarm to ensure 2nd Alarm response was assigned to the high into the sky from the fire and adequate pumpers were responding fire. A number of major explosions began numerous explosions from stored LPG to establish water relays. Aware of the to occur, involving the LPG cylinders cylinders were occurring. Fuelled by need for aerial appliances, Inspector stored on site; one burning cylinder the highly volatile materials within the Wren requested the response of a further was propelled into the air and crashed wrecked motor vehicles (rubber tyres, Ladder Platform and a CAFS appliance. through the roof of a factory located polyurethane foams, plastics, synthetic At the conclusion of the size-up, approximately 30 metres away (and rubbers, adhesives, hydrocarbon based recognising the need for additional subsequently self-extinguished without materials and other synthetic products) pumpers to establish water relays, fire spread occurring). the fire was burning fiercely and SO 62 sent a further RED message spreading rapidly. Police were already

58 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 8TH ALARM REVESBY WRECKING YARD FIRE

Aerial Pumper 47 directs an aerial master stream onto the wall of Delta Exposure, being heavily impacted by flames and radiant heat

and increased the response to a 5th alternated between direct fire attack protection of Charlie and Delta Exposures Alarm. The first objective of the IC was and protection of threatened exposures. under threat. To assist overcoming water to protect the Alpha Exposure factory Firefighters operating a 38mm line shortages being experienced in Alpha which was the most seriously threatened provided fire protection inside Exposure Sector, a water relay was established exposure under threat. Rescue Pumper Delta, extinguishing a number of spot from Milperra Road consisting of Base 62 firefighters wearing SCBA deployed fires within the exposure that ignited. Pumper 84, Hazmat Pumper 85 and a 70mm attack line to the western edge Pumper 34 firefighters established a Pumper 34. Operations continued to of the fire to commence protection ground monitor stream at the front of protect Alpha exposure. Firefighters of the threatened factory, now under Alpha Exposure to assist efforts to stop used a power saw to cut through the immediate threat. The large pile of the fire spreading into the exposure. metal walls of the factory, in an attempt tyres inside the factory was already well A concern of the IC was fire spread into to gain better access to the fire. alight. Firefighters fought conditions Charlie exposures. The Charlie side The two 70mm handlines at the eastern of intense radiant heat, fierce flames could not be accessed during the 360 end of the factory were shut down and and thick black smoke, attempting degree size-up and was not visible to the lines connected to a ground monitor, to control the fire spreading into the IC because of the size of the fire. Pumper increasing protection of the eastern side threatened factory. Firefighters placed 48 was deployed to the Charlie side of the factory being heavily impacted a second 70mm line in operation at this to investigate the extent of the fire by fire. NSW Police Air Wing helicopter location as additional crews arrived on and commence protection of any Polair-1 was over the fire ground and scene, strengthening the attack. Large exposures under threat. Pumper able to provide important intelligence explosions of LPG cylinders continued 48 firefighters deployed 70mm attack to the IC, via the FRNSW Communications to occur as firefighters battled to stop lines and commenced protection of the Centre, identifying exposures at risk the fire from spreading into the Alpha Charlie Exposure factory, containing and hazardous materials located in the Exposure factory. Firefighters located large quantities of flammable liquids fire’s path. the two workers from the factory who and gas cylinders. Duty Commander ME3 Inspector Mick had received serious burns. At this Wren went to Charlie Sector to direct time, ambulances were beginning to Duty Commander MS2 (Kogarah) Inspector Kevin Baxter was returning protection of Charlie exposures under arrive on scene and care of the injured threat. Ladder Platform 21 was directed workers was transferred to Ambulance from drill and in close proximity to the fire when assigned to the incident. to Charlie Sector and was placed in paramedics. Aerial Pumper 47 was operation directing an aerial master positioned in an open yard in front of the Inspector Baxter arrived on scene a short time later and following a handover stream onto the fire. Upon the arrival Delta Exposure factory and immediately of CAFS Tanker 93, the extinguishing commenced operations as a water tower, briefing, command was transferred to him. The IC’s main objectives were medium was switched from water directing an aerial master stream onto to CAFS at medium density supplied the car stack in an attempt to reduce to contain the fire by stopping it from spreading to Exposure Alpha and the at 900kPa. Aerial operator SF Scott the fire intensity. The aerial stream Simmons reported that CAFS provided

59 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL very rapid knockdown of fire burning attack and providing significant fire knock 2. As part of the initial size-up process, within the car stack. Zone Commander down among the wrecked cars. the IC determined a fire attack consisting ME3 Superintendent Adam Dewberry Following several hours of intense of large calibre streams from aerial attended the fireground and command firefighting, fire within the wrecking appliances and ground monitors would was transferred to him. The Incident yard began to significantly diminish. be necessary to control and extinguish Command Point was transferred to Although the eastern end of the open this fire, which in turn would require the mobile command centre. Water Alpha Exposure was heavily impacted by a significant water supply in an area shortage continued to be a problem fire, this building was saved. Spot fires where water supplies were known to be and the response was increased to a within Delta Exposure were extinguished. poor. Rather than wait until water supply 7th Alarm to enable a water relay to be No fire spread to any other exposures became an issue, the IC proactively established along Violet Street, supplying occurred. Firefighters remained on increased the alarm level to ensure water to Charlie Sector (consisting scene throughout the night and final the response of sufficient resources of Base Pumper 52 and Pumper 29). extinguishment occurred the following to establish water relays, to enable Commissioner Greg Mullins attended day when heavy machinery was used to continuity of fire attack to be maintained the fireground and was provided a full break up and open the car stack, allowing once large calibre streams were placed briefing on incident operations. The hose streams to extinguish deeply seated in operation. This decision undoubtedly Commissioner subsequently conducted burning fire. contributed to this fire being prevented a tour of the fireground and oversaw from spreading to adjoining exposures. firefighting operations, providing advice Notes 3. The use of CAFS proved to be effective to Incident Command in a command/ at this fire. Firefighters reported that expert senior advisory capacity. 1. Size-up was invaluable at this fire. En route size-up ensured adequate upon switching the firefighting medium Hazmat crews from 77 and 85 stations resources were available to commence from water to CAFS, there was a conducted atmospheric monitoring with initial firefighting operations. Although significant and noticeable knockdown of AreaRAE monitors around the fireground, there were numerous exposures under fire. investigated hazardous materials stored threat, the 360 degree size-up enabled 4. Once again, the responding at a number of sites, serviced SCBA the first line to be placed where it FRNSW crews showed great skill and cylinders and tested run-off water in was most needed and would be most determination, particularly in the face conjunction with the EPA and local effective. Subsequent placement of of extreme and severe fire conditions. council. A 70mm attack line was deployed hose lines, ground monitors and aerial Congratulations to all crews and to the car stack fire from CAFS Pumper streams was identified via the size-up command staff on a job very well done. 31, supplying foam at 0.5% medium process, ensuring the most effective nEND concentrate. Firefighters reported the use of resources was made. Despite CAFS application was quite effective, the ferocity of this fire and difficulties making a noticeable difference to the fire encountered, the sound tactics employed ensured no exposures were lost.

Firefighters protecting Alpha Exposure press home a From Charlie Sector, Ladder Platform 21 directs an aerial determined attack master steam to protect Charlie Exposures

60 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 8TH ALARM REVESBY WRECKING YARD FIRE

Ladder Platform 21 operators reported the CAFS stream significantly improved fire knockdown capability amongst the wrecked cars

61 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

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Immediately following the collapse, firefighters conduct a defensive attack on the fully Ladder Platform 21 attacks the fire with an aerial involved church from outside the collapse zones. Photo courtesy SO Janine Bailey master stream. Photo courtesy Damian Hofman

FIREFIGHTERS CONTROL FIERCE 5TH ALARM ROCKDALE CHURCH FIRE

ncident summary: Firefighters exposures and removal of all threatened Duty Commanders MS2 (Kogarah) responding to a church fire in persons to safety. This fire highlights Inspector Kevin Baxter, ME3 (Ashfield) IRockdale commenced firefighting some of the unique hazards and Inspector Mick Wren and ME1 (City operations at a heavily smoke-logged conditions that can exist at church fires. of Sydney) Inspector Rob Harley, building showing minimal signs of Incident type: Building fire (church). Fleet Operations Officer SO Serge advanced fire activity. Suddenly and with Meunier, Zone Commander Inner little warning, a major collapse of the Time, date and place of call: 2143 hours West Superintendent Adam Dewberry, roof and side walls occurred, followed on Sunday 1 May 2016, Frederick Street, Assistant Director Workplace Standards by a rapid and extreme increase in fire Rockdale. Chief Superintendent Paul McGuiggan, activity, resulting in total involvement FRNSW response: Pumpers 21 Capability Manager Hazmat Acting of the church, producing flames that (Kogarah), 29 (Arncliffe), 52 (Campsie), 28 Superintendent Michael Jay, Manager extended 40 metres high. Numerous (Marrickville), 35 (Botany), 64 (Lakemba), Counter Terrorism and Aviation exposures were placed under immediate 26 (Mascot), 48 (Mortdale), 5 (Newtown) Superintendent Kel McNamara, threat, including a three level aged care and 34 (Riverwood), Rescue Pumper 15 Commissioner Greg Mullins, Community facility containing 62 persons located (Burwood), Aerial Pumpers 45 (Miranda) Engagement Unit 3, Training Officer just five metres from the fully involved and 47 (Revesby), Ladder Platform 21 Resource 2, Operational Research Officer church. Firefighting transitioned into a (Kogarah), Ladder 18 (Glebe), Hazmat 2 SO Glen Mole and Tactical Operations major defensive operation to protect the Pumper 13 (Alexandria), Heavy Hazmat Research Analyst. numerous exposures now in imminent 13, Logistics Support Vehicles 21 and 1 Additional agencies/services in danger. A large operation was underway (City of Sydney), CAFS Tanker 45, Mobile attendance: NSW Police, Ambulance by firefighters within the aged care Command Centre Alpha, Rehab 1 and Service of NSW, gas authority and facility to evacuate all occupants to safety. TAF 20 electricity authority. The large and determined firefighting operation resulted in protection of all

62 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 5TH ALARM ROCKDALE CHURCH FIRE

Collapse of the structure was sudden and with little warning, bringing down tons of debris. Firefighters were operating safely outside of collapse zones. Photo courtesy Damian Hofman

Fireground description: The fire containing 60 residents and two staff. level and visibility was less than three building was a church, single level, 30m This building was protected by sprinklers metres, necessitating that all firefighters x 20m, brick construction, rendered and an internal hydrant system. (including pump operators) wear SCBA. walls, exposed timber joist frame and Numerous windows were located on all SO Ingle attempted to conduct a 360 steeply pitched timber truss and tile three levels on the southern side of the degree size-up, however he was roof. Transversal iron beams extended building, facing the fire building. This prevented from completing the size- across the roof. The building was 12m building was located 5m to the north of up due to the layout of the site. At that high at the roof peak. The building was the fire building. time, flames were visible within two fitted with two timber-lined ceilings Initial call and response: FRNSW Fire front windows on the Alpha side of the beneath the roof to facilitate the extensive Communications received the first of building, although the fire did not appear air-handling system, creating a large numerous 000 calls reporting a church to be of significant size. Firefighters concealed void within the ceiling and roof on fire at 2143 hours. Due to the number wearing SCBA began to direct an space. The roof was lined with timber. of calls being taken, the response was external 38mm hose stream through the The building was fitted with a timber increased to a 2nd Alarm. front windows onto the fire. SO Bailey floor and pews. The “front” of the church FRNSW operations: Firefighters aboard observed the close proximity of the aged facing Frederick Street was the location care facility on the Delta Side of the fire of the sanctuary and altar. Usual access initial responding Pumper 21 under the command of SO Kurt Ingle and Pumper building and informed police who had just to the church was via side doors, located arrived on scene to instruct facility staff midway along the sides of the church. 29 under the command of SO Janine Bailey observed the entire street in front to prepare for (but not commence) an A large timber partition separated the evacuation. Staff were directed to close nave (the main area of the church) of the fire building was full of smoke when they were about one block from all doors and windows to restrict smoke from the sanctuary. The church was entry. Pumper 29 Firefighters Matthew constructed in 1892 and was not fitted the fire. Upon arrival, the street was so heavily smoke-logged, firefighters Chaffer and Luke Ryan wearing SCBA with any form of installed fire detection deployed a second 38mm attack line to or suppression systems. were unable to see the fire building. First arriving SO Ingle established the Delta side of the church, where large The fire building was surrounded by command and confirmed the response volumes of black smoke were issuing exposures on Bravo, Charlie and Delta of a 2nd Alarm while investigations from under the roof eaves. No flames sides. Significantly, Exposure Delta 1 were being made. From the street, were visible and firefighters could find was an aged care facility, of three levels, smoke was banking down to ground no means of accessing the fire from this 40m x 50m, brick and tile construction, 63 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL location. The second 38mm attack line prove to be critical when three aerials church on the Bravo side and firefighters was re-deployed to the church door on were placed in operation at a fireground repositioned the 38mm attack line to this the Alpha side. Firefighters forced entry with very restricted space). Ladder location. Pumper 28 firefighters wearing through two sets of doors, which led Platform 21 was positioned in Alpha SCBA were repositioning a 70mm hand them to the timber sanctuary located on Sector to the north of the fire building line from the Alpha side to the Bravo a mezzanine level of the church. Thick to protect the most vulnerable exposure side to gain better access to the fire. SO smoke poured from the church door to threat (Delta aged care facility) in the Dean Adam observed heavy smoke being ground level. The church interior was very event conditions escalated and to survey drawn back into the church through heavily smoke-logged and visibility was the church roof space for signs of fire the open door on the Bravo side. Inside poor. Firefighters observed numerous involvement. Thick smoke continued to the church SO Adam observed flames dry palm fronds located all through the issue from the building, staying low to beginning to appear within the smoke church. Fire was burning under the altar, the ground and obscuring the church. towards ceiling level, which began to in a gap beneath the floor. Firefighters Firefighters observed smoke was so rapidly increase in size. Recognising a began to direct the attack stream towards thick, they could not see the height of very sudden increase in fire intensity this fire, which seemed stubborn and the church and arriving stations reported and possible flashover was about to difficult to extinguish. Fire was also large volumes of smoke covering the occur, SO Adam ordered all firefighters burning at the south east corner of the Princes Highway. Firefighters could only immediately withdraw to a position of church. Flames and a dark red glow see a glow visible from the middle of the safety. Externally, smoke began to clear. were visible midway through the church, church within the smoke located low At the same time, Pumper 29 firefighters along the southern side of the nave of down. There were no indications the fire attacking the fire inside the church on the the church near floor level. Firefighters was escalating and all signs indicated Alpha side heard a slight rumbling sound were also able to observe an orange glow the fire was containable and the church coming from the rear (Charlie side) of towards the ceiling. Fire activity did not saveable via an offensive interior attack. the church that lasted for a short time seem to be particularly intense. Pumper 52 firefighters wearing SCBA then stopped. FF Chaffer advised this Duty Commander MS2 Inspector Kevin deployed a 38mm line to the Bravo side of noise did not sound right, causing them Baxter arrived on scene and a transfer of the church and directed the attack stream to immediately begin withdrawing from command occurred. The IC increased the through a side window, however could the building. The rumbling commenced response to a 3rd Alarm to ensure SCBA not see whether the stream was being again, described by FF Chaffer as relief crews were in place. A staging area effective due to thick smoke pouring from “sounding like thunder” towards the was established on Frederick Street, the window. Entry was gained through rear of the church and moving forwards. ensuring appliance congestion at the a door near the western end of the FFs Chaffer and Ryan had now managed fireground was minimal (this would later to withdraw from the building and a

The Ladder Platform 21 aerial master stream protected Delta Exposure, being heavily impacted by radiant heat. Photo courtesy Damian Hofman

64 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 5TH ALARM ROCKDALE CHURCH FIRE short time later complete collapse of flame momentarily extended to a height evacuation of the aged care facility take the roof occurred, followed closely by of 40 metres into the air. As the collapse place. Pumpers 28 and 35 firefighters major collapse of walls on all sides of occurred, an enormous volume of deployed a 70mm line breached into two the church. Pumper 35 firefighters had embers were directed vertically into the 38mm protection lines deployed to levels been deployed to the Delta Exposure and sky. The church was now fully involved one and two of the aged care facility. reported that fire conditions escalated in fire and large flames were fiercely Fierce radiant heat was now impacting very rapidly. Almost as soon as flames venting at least ten metres above what the windows of the aged care facility, began to vent out of all windows on had been the roof line of the church. causing the outer glazing to break. From the Delta side of the church, the roof The situation was worsened due to the the aged care facility, firefighters could timbers and complete collapse of the roof collapse of church walls, allowing the now see explosions occurring within occurred, followed almost immediately by release of large amounts of radiant the church. Flames the entire length of collapse of the walls. SO Bailey reported heat, placing all exposures at immediate the Delta side of the fire building were that without warning “huge amounts of risk. The aged care facility (located now impacting the aged care facility, bricks and wall came down on all sides”. less than five metres away) was now striking under the roof eaves. Firefighters Pumper 21, 28 and 52 firefighters were under immediate and imminent threat. operating inside the aged care facility in the process of withdrawing when the Recognising the dangers the rapidly reported conditions were getting very collapse occurred. One firefighter on the escalating fire situation now presented, hot and fire spread was imminent. At the edge of the collapse zone was struck the IC sent a RED message at 2209 hours same time firefighters inside the aged by falling debris, becoming injured and increasing the response to a 5th Alarm, care facility were laying out hoselines, immobile. Without hesitation, retreating advising a major collapse had occurred, they were also evacuating residents. firefighters immediately turned back collapse zones were being established Most of the residents were elderly, towards the collapse zone and located the and the aged care facility was being frail and with very limited mobility, and injured firefighter among the debris, who evacuated. Firefighting was switched to many of them used walking frames. they then carried to safety and nearby a totally defensive strategy and collapse Police and ambulance paramedics Ambulance paramedics. Following the exclusion zones were established in all entered the aged care facility to assist major collapse, an accountability check sectors. All 38mm attack lines were the evacuation. Firefighters reported was rapidly conducted and all personnel switched to 70mm lines to enable a that due to the frailty and immobility of on the fireground were found to be safely large calibre defensive attack to get the residents, the evacuation was quite accounted for. underway and enable attack streams to lengthy. In preparation for fire extension, Immediately following the collapse, the be operated at the maximum distance firefighters deployed hose reels on level situation rapidly deteriorated as fire from the building, well out of collapse three in addition to the 38mm protection conditions significantly escalated. Intense zones. The IC ordered the complete lines on levels one and two. Ladder

Following collapse, fire activity was uncontained, threatening exposures Occupants from the aged care facility were located at the evacuation on Bravo, Charlie and Delta sides. Photo courtesy SO Janine Bailey point as firefighters battle to control the fire in the background.

65 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

Platform 21 was placed in operation DC ME1 Inspector Rob Harley was to ensure no fire spread had occurred. and began to direct an aerial master appointed Alpha Sector Commander, Pumper 48 and Rescue Pumper 20 stream onto the side of Delta exposure, DC ME3 Inspector Mick Wren was firefighters operated 70mm defensive providing a substantial cooling deluge. appointed Charlie Sector Commander lines from Alpha Sector, protecting Aerial operator SF Brad Meyn alternated and Superintendent Kel McNamara Bravo exposures and directing large the aerial stream between exposure was placed in charge of operations volume streams onto the church fire. protection and direct attack on the fire inside Delta Exposure. At the height of From Alpha Sector, Aerial Pumper 45 building, reducing the fire intensity. firefighting operations, Commissioner was placed in operation and directed an From the Charlie side, Pumpers 13 and Greg Mullins attended the incident and aerial master stream onto the church. 26 firefighters wearing SCBA placed a witnessed firsthand the determined From Bravo Sector, Aerial Pumper 47 70mm line in operation from the Charlie/ efforts of firefighters to control the fire, was able to direct an aerial master Delta corner, directing a cooling stream save the lives of the residents directly in stream onto the rear of the church that onto the heavily impacted southern the fire’s path inside the aged care facility was out of the reach of aerials operating side of Delta Exposure. SO Peter Cleary and protect the numerous exposures in Alpha Sector, protecting Charlie reported that he believed ignition of the that were under threat and the difficult Exposure. The combined aerial master aged care facility was imminent due to conditions under which the fire was stream and large calibre handline attack the ferocity of fire impact. From inside the being fought. The Commissioner met from all sectors was highly effective, aged care facility, firefighters reported with members of Incident Command and slowly bringing the fire under control. that once the cooling streams began provided advice in a command/expert Aerial operators provided critical aerial operating, there was an appreciable senior advisory capacity. From Delta reports to Sector Commanders from drop in temperature. 62 persons were Sector, Pumper 29 firefighters alternated positions of height vantage, ensuring the safely evacuated and placed in the care of a 70mm line between protecting Delta greatest tactical advantage was being Ambulance paramedics at an evacuation Exposure and fire attack on the fully gained by the firefighting operations. area to the north of the fire scene. involved church. From Bravo Sector, Once the fire had been brought under Following the evacuation, firefighters Pumper 52 firefighters experienced control and no further threat of fire continued to conduct further searches of inferno-like conditions from the fully spread to surrounding exposures existed, the building to ensure no-one remained involved church and a venting gas firefighters worked hard to enable the in the building, closing all doors as they cylinder, as they used a 70mm line from a reoccupation of the aged care facility to went to slow down any lateral spread of position of substantive cover to protect a take place as soon as possible. Crews fire. Firefighters continued to search all kindergarten under threat. The canopies carried out ventilation, salvage operations parts of the aged care facility for signs of several large trees were alight and and undertook atmospheric monitoring of fire spread and constantly checked all embers were dropping onto exposures. from inside the aged care facility. When windows for signs the fire had breached. Firefighters forced entry into exposures conditions inside the aged care facility

Firefighters conducted a major attack from Alpha Sector. Aerial Pumper 45 directs an aerial master stream onto the fire

66 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 5TH ALARM ROCKDALE CHURCH FIRE

Commissioner Mullins talks to crews operating in Delta Sector

were safe for reoccupation, firefighters 2. This building contained steel enabled operations to immediately assisted residents out of the cold night transversal beams. If structural steel or commence when a sudden and and back into their place of residence. cast iron members are involved in church unexpected escalation in fire conditions Despite ferocious fire activity (almost all construction, collapse can be total and occurred due to the building collapse, outer window glazing on the southern involve sidewalls. Collapse in this type stopping fire from spreading into a highly side of the aged care facility being either of building can occur with little or no vulnerable exposure where a high risk to cracked or broken from the radiant heat warning. There is no way of predicting life existed. 2 impact), no fire spread to the aged care which way the building will fall. 6. Fire in an extensive area of the facility occurred. All other exposures 3. Possible collapse of the roof could roof space indicates that collapse of were protected. As firefighting operations send a thermal column skyward, severely the ceiling and possibly the building began to reduce, Commissioner Mullins jeopardising all surrounding exposures. is imminent. Firefighters should be provided a detailed briefing to the very The build-up of heat in the high reaches withdrawn and an exterior attack large media contingent that were in of the church, coupled with a lack of commenced. When firefighters are attendance, which led news bulletins ventilation, make such a collapse a conducting interior operations, it on most networks the following day. likelihood.4 is advantageous to position aerial FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research 4. Collapse of the church roof could appliances to survey the building, Unit investigators and Police forensics in particular to look for signs of fire officers spent several days at the result in an eruption of fire and flying embers through the roof opening. Failure extension into the roof space, which scene conducting cause and origin will seldom be visible from the church investigations. of exterior walls could result in the 6 uncontained release of large quantities interior. Notes of radiant heat. These situations will 7. This fire occurred during the Easter place exposures under serious threat. period. Firefighters observed large 1. This church contained a number of Numerous supply lines will be required quantities of dry palm fronds throughout large hidden spaces, within the roof and to supply heavy streams and to protect the church interior. At times of significant beneath the floor, where inaccessible exposures. When available, aerial master religious celebrations, churches often fire could spread. The building also streams are the most effective means of contain additional decorations and contained large amounts of exposed protecting exposures and reducing fire adornments, adding to fuel loads and timber, increasing fuel loads. Large intensity in these situations.1 resulting in increased fire activity.3 churches built prior to about 1930 contain large open areas, numerous 5. At a time when the Rockdale church 8. Church front doors are often locked concealed spaces, combustible interior fire appeared “containable”, firefighters and heavily fortified, requiring extensive finishes, vast amounts of timber framing pro-actively positioned an aerial forcible entry work; entry may be and inaccessibility of portions of the appliance to protect the most vulnerable more easily forced through rear and structure, making them susceptible to exposure and requested the response side doors.4 heavy fire activity and destruction.1 of additional alarms. These decisions

67 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL

9. Following the major collapse and 1. CONNOR, Joseph. F., Deputy Assistant Chief, City of New York Fire Department (1964), ‘5th Alarm Manhattan Epiphany Church Fire’, WNYF 1/64. significant escalation in fire conditions, 2. KILVANA, Aldrich., , 39th Battalion, FDNY, (1976), ‘Box 5-5-2662. Fire and Collapse Levels Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox the IC seamlessly transitioned the attack Church in Brooklyn’, WNYF 2/76. 3. FLYNN, Cornelius. J., FF, City of New York Fire Department (1946), ‘Church Fires’, WNYF 1/46. from offensive to defensive. At the same 4. TRAVERS, Richard. A, Deputy Chief 10th Division, FDNY (1986), ‘Manhattan Five Alarm Fire Destroys Grace United Methodist time as large defensive operations were Church’, WNYF 3/86. 5. JOYCE, J.D, Deputy Chief of Dept, FDNY (1966), ‘Boro Call St Matthew and St Timothy Episcopal Church in Manhattan’, WNYF 1/66 underway to contain the fire, firefighters 6. SOWINSKI, Arthur. A, Deputy Chief, FDNY (1978), ‘Queens 3rd Alarm Trinity Church’, WNYF 1/78. operated inside the aged care facility to ensure all of the highly vulnerable occupants were removed to a location of safety. 10. No two churches are the same. Many are the subject of renovations and alterations over the years and many contain concealed spaces, avenues of hidden fire travel, exposed structural elements and high combustible fuel loads. It is highly advantageous for firefighters to conduct familiarisation visits of churches to identify the peculiarities that exist at each individual church that may result in unusual fire behaviour and may impact firefighting operations.5 11. Reflecting on the sentiments of Inspector Kevin Baxter in his debrief report, all crews should be congratulated for their diligence, professionalism and determination in bringing this difficult and complex incident to a successful conclusion. nEND The Mobile Command Centre provided incident commanders significant benefits of a high technology platform to command and support operations from

68 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FRNSW IN THE MEDIA FRNSW IN THE MEDIA FRNSW’s operations and activities attract significant attention in the media and the wider community. Through multiple social media accounts, FRNSW is building meaningful and responsive relationships not only with its own employees, but also with the general public and the communities it serves.

aking public comment online is increasingly common 82 FIRE STATIONS HAVE for FRNSW employees – in official, professional ESTABLISHED THEIR OWN Mand private capacities. FRNSW recognises the FACEBOOK PAGE – WITH opportunities and benefits for employees to embrace these GREAT RESULTS communication channels. Here are some tips for running To provide staff with clear guidelines on appropriate use of social a successful fire station media, in May FRNSW released its Public Comment & Social Facebook page. Media Policy which is published on the intranet. The overall aim • Only post information about operational responses to of the policy is to protect FRNSW’s standing in the community, fires and other incidents, community safety advice, and in turn the good reputation of staff as firefighters and public community engagement activities and posts about firefighter sector employees. or station achievements. The policy establishes the professional behaviours, standards and • Steer clear of posts about FRNSW or government policy or ethics expected of all employees in regard to public comment, anything else outside the scope of your station’s responsibility. including use of social media. It supports employees in using social media positively for themselves, and when making official • Do not post personal or private information or information that comment, in a way that enhances the reputation of FRNSW. is for FRNSW internal purposes only – for example, policy or operational documents. Whether you are on or off-duty, uniformed or non-uniformed – if you can be identified as a FRNSW employee, comments you make • Seek permission before posting images or video of members of publicly are subject to this policy. Even something as simple as 07 Novthe 2016 public, and check the images or video does not contain any using FRNSW terminology – “permo” or “AFA”, for example – Northernprivate Daily Leader, or sensitive Tamworth NSW information. might identify you as a FRNSW employee. Section: General News • Article type : News Item • Classification : Regional Audience• Social : 4,324 media • Page: 6is • Printeda great Size: platform 240.00cm² • forMarket: FRNSW NSW • Country: to engage Australia with the The policy applies to all platforms through which you might make ASR: AUDpublic, 1,021 so • Words: be creative 277 • Item ID:and 682660801 have fun! public comment, including (but not limited to) news media, public If you are in doubt about posting content or comments that have speaking engagements, mobile communications, websites, blogs, Licensedbeen by Copyright posted Agency. on You your may only page, copy or communicateseek advice this work withfrom a licence. your line managerPage 1 of 1 online forums and social media. and/or MCU phone 9265 2907 or email [email protected]. back Importantly, it also includes comments you might make as a private citizen on your personal social media accounts, such as Article published: Northern Daily Leader, Facebook and Twitter. Content you create, post, “like” or “share” Tamworth NSW 07 Nov 2016 is all defined by the policy as public comment. Breaches of the policy may include public comments by FRNSW employees that: • are obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, discriminatory or hateful • harshly criticise FRNSW, the government, a Member of Parliament, or their policies and initiatives • disclose an individual’s private information, including photos and details of fire victims • speculate on the cause of an incident, especially when it is under the responsibility of another agency • reveal information that is commercially sensitive SAVVY: Superintendent Tom Cooper with area admin officers Gretel Vincent, Jaqui • cause embarrassment or harm to the reputation of FRNSW Yabsley and relieving duty commander Erin Rampling. Photo:Gareth Gardner 041116GGD01 or the NSW Government. The policy is not intended to discourage or unduly limit personal Social savvy firefighters expression. In fact, FRNSW recognises the huge potential of social WITH a big red truck in tow, The move was spearhead- “The idea also is to create a media as a tool for engaging with the community, whether it’s the region’s firefighters turn ed by zone Superintendent more confident community, heads wherever they go. Tom Cooper, who said it was that will see what the fire- about current incidents or fire-safety advice. But now locals are able to important that firefighters fighters are doing andw kno keep up-to-date with what continued to interact with that they are always there.” This potential is well demonstrated on FRNSW’s Facebook and they’ve been up to around the community. Superintendent Cooper Twitter accounts. Managed by the Media and Communications their area, with fire brigades “As far as the fire brigades said the social media chan- turning to social media. themselves are concerned, nels have also been benefi- Unit (MCU), these social media sites have currently received Crews in the Tamworth it’s good for the other bri- cial in terms of recruitment, more than 107,000 Facebook likes and attracted 43,200 Twitter zone have been busy on gades to keep across what with three applicants for followers. A recent video posted on Facebook about retained Facebook, with pages cre- each other is doing – it’s retained firefighter positions ated for most fire stations in more like a bush telegraph,” in Boggabri in recent weeks. recruitment was viewed more than 80,600 times. the wider New England area. he said. “Using social media cre- In Tamworth, crews have “It also tends to be a little ates awareness of what fire- FRNSW is also very supportive of individual fire stations been posting photos from competitive for them and fighters do and gives epeopl establishing their own Facebook page. 82 have already done their fire call outs, which have at the same time they share information on recruitment included everything from some of the drills they are to help bolster our ranks so, and with great results. Fire stations with active Facebook burnt out cars to capturing doing and the good things – and it appears to be work- pages found this was an effective way of promoting their snakes in the city’s CBD. they are doing. ing,”he said. Open Day activities.

69 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING

LEGACY FOAM USE & INVESTIGATION INTO POTENTIAL RISKS FRNSW, the NSWRFS and other agencies are assisting the EPA as it investigates the historical legacy of perfluorinated compounds across NSW.

What are perfluorinated compounds? FRNSW has been working with the EPA to identify sites such Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are a group of manufactured as training facilities that may have seen high usage of AFFF chemical compounds used in a wide range of products including firefighting foams containing PFCs. In early 2016 the EPA visited common household products such as non-stick cookware, food FRNSW training sites to undertake preliminary soil and water packaging and stain resistant textiles. sampling. Results at Albion Park, Armidale, Londonderry and Deniliquin indicated the presence of PFOS and PFOA pointing to They are also used in firefighting foams – specifically aqueous the need for more extensive testing. Very low concentrates were film-forming foam (AFFF), which have the ability to spread over found at Wellington, which EPA considers is not a priority for the surface of hydrocarbon-based liquids. AFFF has been used further investigation. for fire suppression in many industries including petrochemical, aviation and public fire services. Engagement of environmental consultants Two common PFCs are perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and In June this year, FRNSW engaged environmental consultants perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOS and PFOA have unique GHD to undertake further investigation of these sites. GHD surfactant properties and many useful characteristics, including is reviewing historical site usage data, FRNSW records, and heat, chemical and abrasion resistance. They are very effective statements from current and former staff regarding site usage, as wetting and dispersion agents. which may then be followed by more extensive soil and water testing. This investigation is expected to take approximately Historic use of 12 weeks. FRNSW has used various types of foams. In the 1960s, the 3M Presently no guidelines exist in Australia for assessing the Company and the United States Navy developed an aqueous implications of PFC contamination in the environment. In the film-forming foam (AFFF) called 3M Lightwater, specifically for absence of formally agreed levels, EPA in NSW has adopted fighting fuel fires. It was designed to spread rapidly across the the ‘precautionary principle’, which sets a very low threshold surface of burning fuels and create a water film beneath the (down to 1 microgram per litre in water and 10 micrograms per foam to cool the liquid fuel and stop the formation of flammable kilogram in soil) as the threshold above which further priority vapours. This AFFF had superior fire knockdown capability which investigation is warranted. was particularly effective for firefighting operations, and was used by many fire services around the world, including FRNSW. Health effects of PFCs By 2003, it was recognised that the PFCs contained in AFFF Studies have shown that almost everyone has PFCs in their showed long persistence in the environment, and although there blood. People may be exposed to PFCs in the air, dust, food, were no known harmful effects, producers started to look for water and various consumer products. Scientists have found alternatives. FRNSW tried various non-AFFF foams from 2003 that PFCs do not readily break down and are highly persistent and ceased use of AFFF in a progressive recall and replacement in the environment. program in 2007. Advice from Australian health authorities states that whether FRNSW currently uses a PFC-free product called Solberg RF6 PFOS or PFOA cause health problems in humans is presently which is a Class B firefighting foam. unknown, but on current evidence from studies in animals, the potential for adverse health effects cannot be excluded. EPA site investigations FRNSW is keeping a very open mind on this subject, and In November 2015 the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) will continue to seek advice from experts to ensure that it wrote to FRNSW to advise that PFC presence in the environment understands the latest research globally on potential health and was now being treated as a contamination issue, and indicated safety impacts of PFC exposure. FRNSW will also continue to that FRNSW should review its past foam use and assess whether inform staff as understanding of this issue develops.nEND any of its sites need further examination.

70 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FIREFIT ON THE ROAD RELIEF IN

One element of staying healthy is to stay active. With that in TIMES mind, the Health & Safety Branch has been on the move around OF NEED regional NSW providing information on the FireFit pillars of Mind, Fuel and Train. Now in its 27th year, FRNSW’s Relief & Welfare rom a ‘BeSafe’ stand at the Regional Firefighter Fund provides peace of mind Championships at Forbes, Grafton and Tamworth, to the for you and your loved ones Fdistribution of new mobility packs, the branch has been while helping you support interacting with as many FRNSW employees as possible. friends and colleagues in At the championships, firefighters and their families had the their time of need. opportunity to learn first-hand about existing Health & Safety Branch programs and resources including: he fund is open to all permanent firefighters, retained • Cardio check – confidential on-the-spot cholesterol and blood firefighters and administrative and trades staff, as well as glucose results TNSW Fire Brigades Employees’ Union staff, via a nominal payroll deduction. • Functional movement screening (FMS) – including registering a station’s interest in a Health & Fitness Advisor follow-up Member contributions help support colleagues during financial session, focusing on education and training on how to get the hardship or on the death of a member, member’s partner or most out of a FireFit Mobility Pack dependent child. In addition to financial assistance and support, all members have access to emergency accommodation in • Peer support and the Employee Assistance Program Sydney, holiday units in Forster and free Taronga Zoo passes. • Operational safety information relating to Hazard Alerts and The fund is administered via a 12-person committee elected Safety Bulletins. by members. Competitors also had the opportunity to reduce the risk of injury Fund Secretary, Station Officer Mark Black says the premise is with a movement specific warm-up session delivered by Health simple, but the impact can be immeasurable. & Fitness Advisors. “For some people, the fund is a lifesaver. We often have people In April the branch obtained 230 FireFit Mobility Packs which staying at the emergency accommodation in Marrickville include foam rollers and spiky massage balls. As the team because they have to come to Sydney for medical treatment. continues to deliver the FMS program (more than 1,000 screens Having somewhere to stay is one less thing to worry about. have been carried out since 2014), they can allocate a mobility “As soon as you join, you’re helping others, and if you ever need pack to stations to give firefighters the tools to do the corrective help yourself, it’s there. Being on the committee takes time and exercise programs that may have been provided. effort but we don’t do it for recognition. At the end of the day, it’s Also in April the team delivered a session entitled ‘FireFit when about looking after each other.” on the road’ at the annual Education & Training Conference A recurring theme in the visitor book at the Marrickville at the State Training College Alexandria. The session targeted accommodation is immense gratitude. Often these comments instructors and those who spend many hours travelling and come from people who never thought they’d need to ask for staying in locations with limited or no access to fitness facilities. assistance themselves. The session included the provision of easily transportable The fund has provided members and their families with fitness equipment, including mobility packs and stability and assistance worth more than $2 million since 1990. All strengthening equipment (mini bands, power bands and exercise applications are treated promptly and in the strictest of mats). Many participants were surprised at how much work they confidence, with the identity of those receiving assistance known needed to do to combat the issues of extended sitting postures, only to the committee and the fund’s auditors. as well as how easy it was to greatly improve their strength. Feedback following the session was extremely positive. For more information, the fund can be found on the intranet under the heading ‘Assistance’ or by visiting To find out more about the Health & Safety Branch and the https://rwfund.nswfire.nsw.gov.au.n END programs it offers contact the team on 9265 2800, visit the intranet toolkit (Toolkits > Organisation Wide > Health, Fitness & Wellbeing > Fitness), or see the Health, Fitness & Wellbeing MEMBER SUPPORT MAY INCLUDE: video channel on Office365.nEND • Financial assistance in times of hardship • Mortality benefit in the event of a death of a member, member’s partner or dependent child, by providing financial assistance towards funeral costs • Assistance to purchase medical equipment or mobility aids • Emergency accommodation unit located above Marrickville Fire Station and available for members who require accommodation in Sydney due to medical or other urgent needs, on a short-term basis • Referrals for financial advice • Holiday accommodation in Forster (allocated by ballot) • Free Taronga Zoo and Western Plains Zoo family passes • Peer support and friendship.

71 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 ON THE TRAINING GROUND

THE NEW LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK – LEADERSHIP STARTS WITH YOU Individually and together, regardless of rank or role, we are all leaders.

series of staff forums at the end staff, international consultants Price • the Leadership Model of 2015 turned the old view of Waterhouse Coopers were commissioned • the Leadership Capability Cog Aleadership in FRNSW upside down. to lead a series of workshops and Participants, from across all ranks, interviews to answer the following • the Leadership Development Roadmap. decided that leadership and leadership questions: The Leadership Model development should no longer be limited • What is leadership at FRNSW and why to a select group – they believe that This model captures a description of is it important? leadership can be exercised by all staff. leadership expectations consistent for • What are our leadership strengths? every role across FRNSW. Based on the “Leadership belongs to everyone, and employee input, there was agreement everyone has a legitimate role in how we • What are our opportunities for that the Leadership Model must: take FRNSW forward. At FRNSW, all of improvement? • reflect a focus on community safety us can be in a leadership situation, in our The results of the workshops were clear communities, in our families or in our and profound and led to the creation of • have personal leadership at its core roles at work,” said Chief Superintendent a new Leadership Framework. This was • use simple language and format Bob Murray, Assistant Director Training. endorsed by Commissioner Greg Mullins • resonate with FRNSW employees. Leadership is not about rank. It is not in October 2015, and is summarised in about aiming to be the Commissioner three elements: or an Inspector, it is about where you are in the organisation and how you can be influential and successful, and how you demonstrate our values in that role. Leadership development is not a ladder leading to promotion. It is a mindset of continual learning, living our FRNSW values, empowering others and being the best that we can be. Regardless of role or rank, all FRNSW employees have the ability, and responsibility, to act as leaders and to develop leadership skills. This impacts how we view our careers and our development opportunities. The executive leadership team agreed that improved leadership skills would enable FRNSW to meet challenges, solve problems and achieve our important priorities. Leadership development had been set as a priority in business plans. To understand what this meant to FRNSW

72 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 with communication and collaboration – • Leadership development is based I DON’T MANAGE PEOPLE, interacting within our teams and between on a foundation of technical and OR CONTROL INCIDENTS, teams. Then we must be personally professional capability and requires HOW CAN I BE A LEADER? accountable and results-driven, knowing commitment and personal effort. By joining FRNSW there is an that our success and the success of Anything worthwhile and important expectation that you will show FRNSW are up to us. Finally, it is our requires commitment and effort, and this leadership. Leadership is not linked responsibility to empower ourselves is true for those wishing to build their to a role. It starts with personal and the people around us. We help the leadership skills. leadership, and then leadership community by finding solutions, sharing The Leadership Framework encourages within our teams, organisation and our skills and building the confidence and people to assess their own skills in within the community. skills of those around us. regard to their current role and future Leadership begins with FRNSW’s “If someone wants to work towards roles, to set personal goals and aim to shared values of Respect, Integrity, becoming a chief officer or a specialist build their skills in relevant areas. They Service and Courage and leadership in a particular area, there will be a then act by finding new information, skills grow as we strive to be the best specialised skillset and qualifications reading or taking on personal study, we can be in our current roles. required, and FRNSW will work with looking for on-the-job training and them to find opportunities. But first, there mentoring opportunities, watching We show leadership when we pro- is a common set of leadership skills that relevant videos, doing online courses actively solve problems and drive we all need to develop and practise – this and looking out for FRNSW development innovations. Leadership is taking is the foundation for everything else,” opportunities action to build our own skills and said CSupt Bob Murray. empowering those around us. Enrolling in a leadership program doesn’t The Leadership Development Roadmap make you a leader. Individual effort, We are leaders when we mentor new The Leadership Development Roadmap is observation, reflection and interaction employees, when we help others based on the following ideas. will help you become a better leader. serve the community better, and This encourages people to create their when we help our management • Leadership is a learning journey with own leadership development plan that achieve our goals. everyone travelling a unique path. incorporates personal development, work • The journey is not a linear path to the based activities and formalised training. The Leadership Capability Cog “ICARE” top, it is about personal growth. Tapping into leadership resources The Leadership Capability Cog is a The new Leadership Framework Toolkit simple diagram that summarises the provides access to a wealth of resources key leadership capabilities and values and courses that help you along your that are important to all roles. This came individual leadership development from the themes drawn from the desktop journey. There are links to online research, workshops and interviews, courses, through local and international and it aligns with the NSW Public Sector universities, some of which are free. Capability Framework, FRNSW values There are also videos on topics such and Performance Partnering. as resilience, communication skills and innovation, and links to the best leadership presentations available from TED talks. nEND

The capabilities are: • interact – work collaboratively • communicate – communicate effectively • accountable – demonstrate accountability • results – deliver results VIEW VIDEO AT • empower – empower and develop fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews people. These capabilities are relevant to OR everyone, but may look different SCAN CODE TO depending on the different roles and WATCH NOW ranks. The leadership capabilities start

73 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 ON THE TRAINING GROUND

RETAINED SKILLS ON DISPLAY AT REGIONAL FIREFIGHTER CHAMPIONSHIPS The Firefighter Championships are important to continue From left: Captain Terry Dryburgh, Supt Martin Goode (Federal Police), Supt Suzette Poo (Hong Kong Police), Chief Supt Ken honing firefighters’ Murphy, Steve Hall (SES Chaplain) vital skills. CAPTAINS OF THE LEADER-SHIP In May 2016, 40 Retained Captains and Deputy Captains became the first graduates of FRNSW’s Captains Leadership Development Program.

he ongoing program, which has “Our regional and rural communities been delivered in partnership should feel confident that their FRNSW Twith the Australian Institute of fire stations are being led by people with Police Management (AIPM), is FRNSW’s a passion for their communities and a most comprehensive investment in commitment to being the best leaders the development of retained officers. that they can be.” The program builds on the institute’s A business impact analysis conducted to 50-year experience in management and assess the efficiency of this leadership leadership development for police and training found significantly increased emergency service managers engagement by Captains and Deputy and executives. Captains who had participated in this Commencing in 2014, more than 200 training program. Captains and Deputy Captains have The next phase took place at the AIPM in he Regional North 2 Firefighter completed at least one of the three Manly in August. nEND Championships, ably hosted phases of learning, with the 40 graduates by Grafton and South Grafton the first to finish the entire course. T brigades, were held on the weekend Each phase has a different focus – phase 28-29 May. Competition in the eleven one concentrates on leading yourself, KIAMA CAPTAIN TERRY events was fiercely contested with 14 phase two on leading your team, DRYBURGH FRNSW brigades (eight in zone and six and phase three on leadership in I cannot sing the praise enough out of zone) and two NSWRFS brigades in an organisational context. for this course. Fantastic. Thank action. The eventual overall winner was As one of the key drivers, Regional South you Ken Murphy and co. who have Kootingal RFS with FRNSW Bega, Wyong Area Commander, Chief Superintendent contributed to this course and others and Kelso brigades taking out second, Ken Murphy said participants have alike becoming reality. I don’t make third and fourth places respectively. demonstrated their ongoing commitment these comments lightly; it really is a Community involvement was very strong, to improving their ability to serve their massive step forward. with a colouring competition and safety communities. talks delivered to Grafton Primary WAUCHOPE CAPTAIN schoolchildren, and the local newspaper “They’ve given up a total of nine days ROBERT PURSEHOUSE and radio reporting on the competition of their own time, which is above and With time now having passed since and broadcasting fire safety information. beyond their commitments to their phase 3 of this amazing program, primary employment, families and I wish to applaud Ken Murphy and Several months later, the third round duties as FRNSW officers. the team involved. The insight and of the Firefighter Championship series direction has certainly been very useful to my team and our wider networks.

74 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FRNSW TEAMS DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILLS AT RESCUE CHALLENGE In late July, FRNSW teams from Primary Rescue stations 36 Crows Nest and 295 Forster participated in the 2016 Australasian Road Rescue Challenge (ARRO) which was held in Victoria.

Top: 295 Forster demonstrates vehicle stabilisation and patient rescue following simulated tractor rollover Bottom: 36 Crows Nest demonstrates basic life support skills in the Trauma Challenge

VIEW VIDEO AT fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO WATCH NOW was keenly contested in Tamworth on the weekend 13-14 August. A total of 23 teams from 19 fire stations competed in 10 events over the two days, including his year’s Challenge was again Forster’s retained team also performed teams from three NSWRFS brigades. strongly contested with teams from admirably and look forward to meeting Overall winners were Kelso on 1092 Tacross Australia and the Pacific other rescue crews and learning from points, with Bega a close second on 1066 competing vigorously in the various their experiences to improve on last points and Kootingal RFS third on 775 events. Overall winner this year was year’s competition results. points. Local team Tamworth did a great New Zealand Fire Service’s Geraldine 36 stn Captain Paul Langley said, “It job of hosting the event and placed 5th in Volunteer Fire Brigade, with Queensland was as an invaluable experience for the overall tally. nEND Fire and Emergency Services Cairns us all. Great for learning new rescue Brigade the runner-up. techniques, particularly for motor vehicle FRNSW’s Crows Nest C Platoon placed accidents which make up the majority of 9th overall in the Rescue Challenges our work.” with a 4th place in the Controlled event. FRNSW’s Wollongong team triumphed Their medics placed third in the Trauma as overall winners of last year’s ARRO Challenge against some stiff opposition, Challenge. In October, they are heading to including ambulance paramedics. Brazil to pit their skills against more than 295 stn SO Jim Ballantyne said, “We 1,000 rescue professionals from across learned more in four days at ARRO than the globe at the World Rescue Challenge. in the many years as rescue operators nEND in station. We look forward to next year and hope to improve and are proud to represent FRNSW.”

75 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 INCREASING WORKFORCE DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVENESS

Nura Gunyu performers with FRNSW staff at NAIDOC Week event

FRNSW CELEBRATES NAIDOC WEEK NAIDOC Week is held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

rom 3-10 July, FRNSW staff across the State participated in • On 7 July the Nura Gunyu (Swan Country) performers from NAIDOC activities in their local areas to support Indigenous NSW’s South Coast sang, danced and conducted a smoking Fcommunities and colleagues. ceremony. They also explained various aspects of Aboriginal City of Sydney culture, including the use of fire not only for warmth and cooking, but also for cleansing and renewal of the Australian FRNSW’s Diversity Unit arranged several key events at City of landscape through carefully controlled burning (many native Sydney Fire Station to mark NAIDOC Week. Australian plants require fire for their seeds to germinate). • On 5 July Commissioner Greg Mullins spoke at FRNSW’s Tamworth NAIDOC Week launch which featured the ‘In Living Memory Exhibition’ made available by State Records. This exhibition is On 8 July crews from 452 and 508 stations joined in NAIDOC a collection of surviving photographs from the records of the Week celebrations at a family fun day held at the Sports Dome NSW Aborigines Welfare Board from 1919 to 1966, along with in Tamworth. Tamworth’s Aboriginal community, the Kamilaroi contemporary images of elders, families and communities by people, make up 9% of the town, making them a significant photographer Mervyn Bishop. cultural group within the local population. • On 6 July Aboriginal artist Jasmine Sarin conducted an The day’s activities included performances by local Aboriginal interactive boomerang painting art workshop. Jasmine artists, an Aboriginal cook-off, jumping castle, face painting and is a proud Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman from NSW. displays from various agencies. FRNSW staff promoted home She is currently participating in the lndigenous Fire and fire safety and the IFARES program. The children had fun with Rescue Employment Strategy (IFARES) program, and the mini fire truck and getting to meet Inspector Bernie Cinders. applied to join FRNSW in the 2016 permanent firefighter A parade through city streets gave way to the biggest NAIDOC recruitment campaign. Week march ever seen in Tamworth. Campbelltown On 4 July, FRNSW participated in Campbelltown Council’s NAIDOC week celebrations. After a flag-raising ceremony and performance by Aboriginal dancers, a large crowd marched through Campbelltown to Bradbury Oval. 88 stn firefighters held displays and promoted fire safety information and home fire safety checks to the 700+ crowd. They also gave kitchen fire simulator demonstrations. On 7 July, more than 2,000 people attended an event at the Tharawal Local Aboriginal Corporation in Airds. Again FRNSW were well represented with 88 Tanker and retained crew using the kitchen fire simulator display plus 87 Pumper and crew. MS3 Zone Commander Supt Ed Salinas attended the event and spoke to local elder Uncle Ivan Wellington about connecting with the Indigenous community. MS3 have played a significant role in NAIDOC events over the past three years forming valuable partnerships. nEND

76 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 A DESIRE TO FIGHT FIRE: YOUNG WOMEN 1,700 WOMEN APPLY IN 2016 CONSIDER RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN FRNSW CAREER OPTIONS AT On International Women’s Day 2016, Commissioner Greg Mullins announced FRNSW’s ‘Pledge for Parity’ LONDONDERRY to deliver an equal number of males and females into permanent firefighter recruit classes.

RNSW’s permanent firefighter “These updates are particularly recruitment is the biggest NSW important because so many candidates FPublic Sector recruitment campaign talk directly with firefighters about with more than 7,000 applications each the recruitment process with the hope year. Despite this, many women are not of gaining an insight,” said Assistant aware that firefighting is a genuine career Director Recruitment & Staffing Michael option open to them. Taylor. “It’s a reminder to us all to be In the lead-up to the 2016 campaign, informed or to refer people on to the FRNSW partnered with Women & Recruitment team.” Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) to run Applications were open for two weeks four female-only Physical Aptitude in May, with the largest ever number of Test (PAT) information sessions at female candidates applying out of a total Alexandria, Campbelltown, Newcastle of more than 7,500 candidates. and Wollongong. “This year more than 22% of candidates More than 300 women attended to get were female,” said Mr Taylor. “The a better understanding of the physical number of female candidates increased demands involved in firefighting and the by 18% from last year which is an fitness level required to pass the PAT. The outstanding response. The interest and PAT, like all stages of the recruitment demand is most definitely there with process, is exactly the same for men and more than 1,700 females applying for In July, FRNSW’s TestSafe women, and requires candidates to train a role with FRNSW this year.” facility at Londonderry specifically for a range of key tests. The top male and female candidates Two general information sessions were were progressed through the various hosted a number of also conducted with more than 600 recruitment stages with 300 of each students from Western people attending. For the first time, one gender invited to attend the PAT in July. Sydney University’s Women information session was recorded and The first recruit class commenced in made available to candidates from across September comprising 12 men and in Science and Engineering the state, interstate and overseas via the 12 women. (WiSE) program to gain FRNSW website. “FRNSW is proud and lucky to have so an insight into FRNSW’s Following feedback from previous many candidates wanting to become campaigns, the Recruitment team permanent firefighters. Unfortunately testing work. worked closely with the Media and with this benefit comes the reality that so Communications Unit to provide a more many high calibre candidates will miss he WiSE program supports and thorough explanation of the key stages out on their dream,” said Mr Taylor. encourages female students in the of the process on the FRNSW website. “However we know that the 2016 Tscience and engineering faculties Recruitment documents were overhauled campaign has delivered more than by facilitating mentoring, workshops and a new ‘Preparing for interview’ enough quality candidates for FRNSW to and visits to employers. The visits help guide was published. In addition, a meet its pledge to fill classes with equal students gain an understanding of what flowchart graphic was created to help numbers of men and women throughout is expected by prospective employees guide candidates and inform current 2017.” nEND and the wide variety of roles and career firefighters about the process. paths available During the visit, Assistant Commissioner Mark Whybro and Fire Investigation and Research staff showcased FRNSW’s science and engineering roles. The WiSE students were given a demonstration of FRNSW’s gas analysing equipment and were shown a small lounge room fire progressing to flashover. Superintendent Jeremy Fewtrell said the students were very interested and surprised by the range of applications for scientific and engineering skills being used by FRNSW. nEND

77 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS RICH HISTORY, BRIGHT FUTURE

FRNSW celebrated the past and future at a Commissioner Mullins and Deputy Commissioner Jim Hamilton with retired retained firefighters Peter Watson and Kevin Sinclair who joined the Brigade number of special events in recent months. in the 1950s

CAMDEN CELEBRATES A CENTURY OF SERVICE

On 4 June, Commissioner Greg Mullins, Chris Patterson MP, community leaders and representatives, firefighters and local schoolchildren gathered to celebrate Camden brigade’s century of service to the community. Firefighters have been protecting Camden and the surrounding communities since a volunteer brigade was first formed in 1900. However, it wasn’t until the Board of Fire Commissioners bought the old Temperance Hall on John Street at the end of 1915 that a more permanent fire station was built.

(from left): Senior Instructor Country Tim McGrath, Duty Commander Greg Symonds, “Camden firefighters have responded to all manner of Commissioner Greg Mullins, Area Admin Officer Deb Gorman, Zone Commander Greg emergencies – first from the John Street fire station, and then Windeatt, Area Admin Officer Felicity Harnden, Duty Commander Michael Woodward from the current station on Macarthur Road – for the past 100 years,” Commissioner Mullins said. A new $310,000 Mercedes Benz appliance was formally handed NEW RUTHERFORD FIRE over during the event and a Commissioner’s Commendation presented to Eschol Park resident Craig Sawyers for his actions STATION AND LOWER helping to rescue an elderly man whose house caught fire. Mr Patterson afterward praised Camden’s milestone in State HUNTER ZONE OFFICE Parliament: “I had the privilege of attending the centenary of OPENED the Camden Fire Station … the one hundred years of history of this station is remarkable. Under the outstanding leadership On 6 April MLC Scott Farlow and Maitland Deputy Mayor Bob of Captain Daniel Coles, the Camden Fire Brigade – now with Geoghegan joined Commissioner Greg Mullins, firefighters, its state-of-the-art equipment – and the Camden community community leaders and members, schoolchildren and other are in very good hands. I thank Captain Daniel Coles, Deputy guests for the official opening of the $4.2 million Rutherford Joel Kursawe and all the members who do such an Station and Lower Hunter zone headquarters. outstanding job. I thank them for putting their lives on the line for the Camden community on a daily basis. We appreciate all The new station has a double bay, improved and their efforts.” larger staff accommodation areas and training facilities, separate male/female amenities, and improved storage. The new Lower Hunter Zone Headquarters has administration areas and office space. The new Rutherford Fire Station is staffed with a mixture of fulltime firefighters covering business hours Monday to Friday, and retained firefighters covering the after hours period. Commissioner Mullins said the new fire station could be modified to accommodate a full-time crew on a 24-hour basis in future if growth in the Rutherford area demanded a heightened level of protection. “The current full-time/retained staffing structure is sufficient to meet the community’s present needs,” he said. “But we will continue to review the operational requirements of the station to ensure the community’s needs are met as the area grows.”

78 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 NEW BALLINA FIRE STATION AND NORTHERN RIVERS HQ OPENED

On 9 September, Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott and Deputy Commissioner Graeme Finney officially opened the new $4.3 million Ballina Fire Station and Northern Rivers zone headquarters. They were joined by local MPs and council members, FRNSW firefighters, fellow emergency services representatives and other special guests. The Ballina Primary ALBURY CIVIC School choir also joined the celebrations. FIREFIGHTERS Deputy Commissioner Finney said the former fire station in Crane Street, built in the 1920s, was too small and no longer met CELEBRATE 100 YEARS the requirements of a modern firefighting and rescue service. OF SERVICE “With only a single engine bay and the station’s ageing facilities impacting on maintenance costs, it became necessary to provide On 6 September, A/Commissioner Jim Hamilton and Albury our firefighters with a better base,” he said. “The old fire station MP Greg Aplin joined firefighters past and present and was also located on the fringe of the Ballina central business community representatives as they celebrated Albury Civic district which was no longer the best position from which to Fire Station’s centenary of service. The arrival of a $450,000 service the area’s rapidly growing population and infrastructure.” hazardous materials firefighting tanker was also announced, The new fire station in Tamarind Drive features a watchroom, which increases FRNSW’s capability to deal with large hazmat double fire engine bay, operations room and station incidents in the region. commander’s office, as well as a meals room, training room, Talk of forming a fire brigade first began in 1863 when a bushfire separate male/female amenities, gym and storage facilities. almost burned Albury to the ground. That first brigade was A new training prop has also been installed in the backyard. shortlived and it wasn’t until 1885, after several major fires The station has been built so it can be modified to accommodate struck the town, that the second Albury brigade was formed with a permanent crew if the growth and demand in the Ballina area Walter Billson as Captain. makes that change necessary nEND Captain Billson secured a hose reel from the Beechworth Fire Brigade in Victoria and the brigade got to work. By 1886, Captain Ryan was in command and the brigade was operating out of an old shed on Kiewa Street. In the same year, Albury got a reticulated water supply. Albury firefighters lobbied for horses and then a motorised fire truck, but the remote nature of the town and the First World War meant they did not receive a new truck until the new station was built. It was finally opened in 1916 at a cost of 3,160 pounds (equivalent to $276,000 today). As Albury developed and grew, subsequent stations were later built at Albury North in 1969 and Albury Central in 1981. The opening of Albury Central saw the closure of the station on Kiewa Street but two years later, in 1983, it was reopened as a retained fire station and forever known as Albury Civic.

79 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS

NEW WAYS OF WORKING PREPARE STAFF FOR MOVE TO 1 AMARINA Construction of FRNSW’s new headquarters at 1 Amarina Road Greenacre is progressing at a rapid rate. With a full frame now up, it’s easy to see the impressive scale of the building which will house personnel from many FRNSW directorates

PYRMONT FIRE STATION RENOVATION WINS AWARDS

RNSW’s Pyrmont Fire Station was recently recognised in two major urban development and architecture awards. FAt the 2016 UDIA (Urban Development Institute of Australia) Meriton Awards for Excellence awards ceremony held in August, Pyrmont’s renovation was recognised as the best development in the category of ‘Urban Renewal/Adaptive Reuse’. The annual awards acknowledge the best in urban development across NSW and the ACT. The Pyrmont refurbishment also picked up a silver award in the prestigious 2016 Sydney Design Awards. The station won the award in the category for public or institutional architecture. Pyrmont Station was constructed in 1906 by renowned Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon. The renovation was managed by Property Services, with Group GSA as the project n February 2017, staff will move from the Head Office in the architect and Artel Constructions as the builder. The upgrade Sydney CBD, along with Operational Capability staff and also required significant work to both the fire station and the derelict IDirectors from Metropolitan and Regional Operations and upstairs levels of the building, including structural upgrades, their support staff to the new building in Greenacre. rejuvenation of the tired old fire station and a contemporary The new working environment will be open flexible spaces extension with a state-of-the-art internal fit-out.n END allowing staff the mobility to work across a range of different work spaces – matching the space to the task at hand. New ways of working will allow staff to be more responsive to work demands, more collaborative and mobile across different teams. To make the most of this dynamic new workplace, Head Office staff are participating in a variety of professional development and upskilling sessions including workshops, lunchtime ‘power hour’ sessions with guest speakers, master classes and training sessions. In addition to these ongoing professional development opportunities, the roll-out of laptops is underway, and includes training on new features and tools. This is a good time for affected staff to brush up on skills and make the most of the new equipment and software. Follow-on master classes are available to those who want to learn even more advanced skills – improved tools for new thinking and ways of working! The live program of works can be viewed on the 1 Amarina toolkit on the intranet, including progress updates on preparation activities as FRNSW prepares to transition to the new site. The toolkit also displays time lapse images of the progress of the new building from start to the current day, with images captured every five minutes.n END 80 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 SELLING THE SAFETY MESSAGE THREE LIVES SAVED BY HOME FIRE SAFETY CHECK

When 345 Stn Kempsey conducted a series of targeted home fire safety checks in South Kempsey in April, they were surprised at how many houses didn’t have smoke alarms.

ust five weeks later, their diligence Commissioner Greg Mullins said that if in installing alarms in at-risk the crew of 345 had not conducted the ABOUT HOME FIRE SAFETY Jhouseholds paid off when the home fire safety check, the outcome CHECKS (HFSC) crew responded to a house fire in the could have been tragic. The HFSC program was piloted in same area. “I congratulate Kempsey Captain Tony 2014 with the aim of engaging and “The house was well alight when we Hackenberg AFSM and his crew for their educating targeted at-risk groups to arrived,” said Retained Firefighter Phil prevention efforts which ultimately saved prevent home fires and save lives. Dowling. “But it was relieving to see the the family’s lives.” After consultation with the FBEU, the program was approved in March residents on the front lawn safe.” Although some crews have been wary 2016 (SITREP 9/2016). For more Crews quickly brought the blaze under about the HFSC program, many stations information about conducting a control and extinguished the fire, but have found residents are happy to let HFSC deployment (including using unfortunately the house and contents them in. In Cessnock, SO Neil Lawler said the Station Risk Profile to find the were destroyed. The family dog also the crews were received more positively homes most at risk), visit the intranet became lost and confused in the fire, than expected but, like RetF Dowling, he toolkit (Toolkits > Operational > and was found deceased in one of was surprised at how few houses actually Community Safety > Home Fire the bedrooms. had a working smoke alarm. Safety Checks). “In speaking with the occupant of the “Many stations think households in the house after the fire was extinguished, most at-risk areas will simply slam the she reminded me that we had only been door in their face,” said Community VIEW VIDEO AT there a few weeks earlier to install a Engagement’s Command Liaison fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews smoke alarm for her,” RetF Dowling said. Officer Inspector Gary Williams. “The The occupant informed firefighters that perception is that certain members of OR a young child had started a fire in one of the community will not be receptive to FRNSW. The reality is often very different. SCAN CODE TO the bedrooms but she was alerted when WATCH NOW one of the smoke alarms was activated. Even in lower socio-economic areas we This allowed her to get the two children are viewed positively and most people, out of the house quickly and safely. when approached, are open to the advice we provide to make their family safer.” nEND 81 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 SELLING THE SAFETY MESSAGE YOUNG DRIVERS GET STREET SMART

VIEW VIDEO AT fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO WATCH NOW DREAMS DO In August FRNSW again participated in COME TRUE the annual bstreetsmart Youth and Road By Bronwyn Hilton, FRNSW Media and Communications Unit Trauma Forum which was held at Qudos In May, FRNSW teamed up with the Make Bank Arena, Homebush. a Wish Foundation to bring a very ill his initiative aims to reduce the fatality and injury rates little boy’s dream to life. Seven-year-old of young people by promoting road safety. It increases Lyam was battling acute lymphoblastic Tawareness of the consequences of distracted/dangerous driving, speeding, driver fatigue, and driving while affected leukaemia. His dream? To be a by drink and/or drugs. It also helps students and teachers to firefighter, of course! understand their responsibilities as drivers and passengers, and provides information and strategies about how to avoid serious road-related injuries and death. hrough the hard work of Superintendent Josh Turner in the Office of the Commissioner, and on an extremely tight In its 11th year, the 3-day event again attracted large numbers Ttimeframe, a spectacular extravaganza of firefighting with around 23,000 school students from years thrills was organised for Lyam. Then, just a day before, medical 10, 11 and 12 attending. Technical Rescue Training and staff were forced to call everything off. Lyam was taking a turn Community Engagement sections, together with crews from for the worse and Make a Wish called to cancel, everyone was 15 Burwood and 30 Lidcombe, helped prepare and deliver the concerned. However, a few hours later, Lyam’s strength returned FRNSW presentation and display. nEND spurring an organisational scramble at FRNSW, and it was all back on! Many students commented on Facebook about the Forum’s This little fighter put his bravery to the test in the training yard impact on them at Alexandria when he became a firefighter for the day. It was a day full of great moments: Lyam’s first fire truck ride dressed • I will remember the outcomes of stupid choices. in a firefighting uniform (that he later refused to take off); Lyam • Wonderful day and very confrontational but an awesome beating down a blaze in the tower with a first aid reel; Lyam lesson! soaring seven stories high in the Bronto with an unwavering smile on his face; and Lyam rescuing a live victim, re-entering • Extremely powerful and emotion-provoking. I think every the yard at the head of the Stokes litter to a rousing ovation teenager needs to witness something like that. and guard of honour that brought a tear even to the eye of our • I will never forget what I saw and heard today … it has Commissioner, who then proudly presented him with a plaque, a inspired all of us to be much more responsible and aware black helmet and some other goodies. of the dangers of getting into a car.

82 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FUNDRAISING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

VIEW VIDEO AT fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO WATCH NOW

Inspector Serge Meunier with Lyam and his mum

The activities at Alexandria were capped off with a feast at No.1 “I felt very privileged and honoured to be asked to participate in City of Sydney, where the people-mover with its animal call Make a Wish for Lyam,” said Serge. “Then, when I met him and was another clear favourite for Lyam. his mother Erika, I realised that they were from New Caledonia Inspector Serge Meunier, a firefighter working with Fleet, was and Lyam was going to the same school that I attended! in a privileged position to see Lyam live his dream. Little Lyam “I was overwhelmed by this little guy and his fight against this only speaks French and was here temporarily in Australia for horrible beast (i.e. cancer). I was blown away by his courage and specialised medical treatment so Serge, one of our bilingual willingness to take part in the fire scenario, and his coolness firefighters, stepped up to help out, becoming Lyam’s conduit going up in the bronto. I was also impressed by Erica’s strength. for the day. He had the very important job of making Lyam “The little warrior (soldat dû feux) earned a special place in comfortable, explaining what was happening and what might be my heart.” coming next, and gauging his energy level and his capability to do things that many able children never get a chance to do. As the day came to a close, Lyam headed home with a huge smile on his face. His mum said, “To see my son happy after It’s true that a bond often develops between translator and such a long time in treatment, just makes me so happy. Today subject, but as this day unfolded, Serge gradually realised I saw a gleam in his eyes that I have not seen for a long time”. exactly how much he and this little boy had in common. nEND Experiences began to stack up as they talked and many coincidences emerged. Serge realised that not only did they speak the same mother tongue, but remarkably they also came from the very same place in the world. 83 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 FUNDRAISING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

400IN4 PRESENTS CHEQUE FOR $107K TO BURNS UNIT n July firefighters who participated in the 2016 annual 400in4 fundraising Iride presented a cheque for $107,685 to the Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. This brings the total raised to date to around $560,000. Head of the Burns Unit Dr John Harvey described how these funds will assist patients who have suffered acute burns. In particular, they will contribute towards a trial of ReCell, a medical device which uses cells collected from a patient’s own skin to create a suspension that can regenerate wounds caused by burns. The process can cost as much as $1,300 per sample but, when successful, it has the potential to save on numerous dressings or even surgery, representing a considerable return on investment. Dr Harvey said the riders have become part of the hospital’s family. “It really is hard to think about the Burns Unit, hard to look at it, without finding something that you (i.e. the riders) have been involved right across the board, in building, or supporting, or buying for us.” Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Director Community Relations & Marketing Gilly Paxton said the team’s effort this year was extraordinary. “I think when you ride from Wagga you are superheroes, but to set off in that way and to ride from here to Brisbane was just a feat beyond anything that I would ever expect people to do,” said Mrs Paxton. “So thank you all very much for that, because it was truly an enormous achievement.” nEND

Chief Supt Marcus Baker with Dr John Harvey

n Saturday 3 September, 226 Some of the funds raised on the night NEWCASTLE firefighters and other staff along went to the KIDS Foundation to sponsor Owith their partners, families a local family, enabling them to attend a FIREFIGHTERS and friends attended the Newcastle camp for burns survivors. The remainder Firefighters Ball. It was a great night went to the John Hunter Hospital BALL RAISES which raised more than $33,000. This Children’s Hospital, with the funds used FUNDS FOR brings the total raised to date to more to buy dermatomes, devices which make than $466,000. it easier to take skin grafts for children BURNS with burns. nEND VICTIMS

84 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 AWARDS

ST FLORIAN’S DAY HONOURS AND AWARDS CEREMONY

t Florian, the patron saint of • Humanitarian Overseas Service Medals • Resuscitation Award to SF Guy Fleming firefighters, was the first known for members of the USAR deployment for his life-saving actions at an incident Scommander of a firefighting squad following the March 2011 Japan at Angourie Beach on 15 April 2015. in the Roman Empire. He lost his life earthquake and tsunami. nEND while demonstrating the selfless ideals • Commendation for Meritorious that firefighters share to this day. St Service to CSupt Greg Buckley for Florian’s Day is observed every year leading preparation and presentation on 4 May and is a day to recognise the of FRNSW’s evidence for the coronial ongoing dedication and commitment of inquiry into a fatal apartment fire at firefighters in Australia and worldwide. Bankstown on 7 September 2012. On 1 May, Commissioner Greg Mullins • Commendation for Courageous Action hosted the annual FRNSW St Florian’s to SO Darren Bofinger for his life- Day honours and awards ceremony at saving actions at an incident at Merry Bankstown Sports Club. The following Beach on 29 January 2015. awards were presented.

Japan USAR deployment members with Commissioner Mullins Chief Supt Buckley receives his award

FRNSW STAFF RECOGNISED IN QUEENS BIRTHDAY HONOURS

n the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours, five FRNSW officers were awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), one Iof the highest honours an Australian firefighter can receive. Those recognised were Superintendent Alex Scott, Inspector Tim Fox, Hamilton Station Officer Barry Cleary, Muswellbrook Captain Chris Kane and Hillston Captain Michael Brettschneider. Each of the recipients of this prestigious award has demonstrated exceptional levels of service and commitment to FRNSW and their local communities for many years. The FRNSW officers were presented with their awards by the Honourable David Hurley, NSW Governor, at an investiture ceremony at Government House on 9 September. nEND

Governor Hurley and DC Hamilton with AFSM recipients

85 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 AWARDS AWARDS RECOGNISE BRAVERY AT BANKSMEADOW EMERGENCY t the September investiture ceremony, Governor Hurley also presented retired Station Officer Ron Morasso with the AAustralian Bravery Medal. In addition, a number of fire officers including members of crews from 13 Alexandria, 70 Maroubra and 56 Matraville were also presented with the Group Bravery Citation. These awards recognised the brave actions of FRNSW firefighters when they responded on 12 July 2013 to the Caltex Fuel Terminal in Banksmeadow. One of the Terminal’s storage tanks, which contained two million litres of unleaded petrol, had begun leaking fuel, creating the risk of a major vapour explosion and fire that would catastrophically impact both the employees and residents in the surrounding area. The IMT determined that a major vapour explosion and fire was almost inevitable unless a shut-off valve could be closed to prevent further fuel leakage. Despite the extreme danger, SO Morasso entered the bunded area and waded through knee-deep petrol to reach the leaking valve and shut it off. The combined efforts of all FRNSW personnel involved successfully managed the incident thus ensuring the safety and lives of the Port Botany community. nEND

BRAVERY MEDALS 2016 ROTARY ANNOUNCED FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES BLACKTOWN COMMUNITY AWARDS FIREFIGHTERS

n June, four FRNSW firefighters were named as finalists in the second annual Rotary Emergency Services Community IAwards in a special announcement at Parliament House. The awards recognise emergency services personnel for community service above and beyond the call of normal duty. More than 100 nominations were received from peers, superiors and the public with a panel of independent judges assessing n August the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, nominees on community service, personal attributes and announced the award of a range of Australian Bravery contribution to their organisation. FRNSW finalists were Leeton IDecorations. Station Officer David McIlrath, Qualified Captain Graham Parks AFSM, Bangalow Deputy Captain Melissa Firefighter Michael Watts-Seale and Senior Firefighter Barry Madden, Bathurst Senior Firefighter Brad McWilliams and Jones, all from 63 Blacktown, were awarded the Australian Chaplain Ron Jenkins, Assistant Captain Salvation Army, Hunter Bravery Medal for their courageous actions at the Quakers Hill Region. Nursing Home fire in November 2011. At the awards ceremony in July, Captain Parks was named The incident was a very challenging one that everyone who FRNSW Officer of the Year before also taking out the overall attended will never forget. SO McIlrath described conditions award for officers in a paid capacity. Captain Parks has served at the scene: “It was horrible inside, completely dark and full FRNSW in his local community for more than 30 years and is of smoke … I‘ve never been more proud of my firefighters – we an invaluable member of the peer support team which provides were under extremely difficult conditions.” assistance and counselling to firefighters affected by traumatic A range of internal FRNSW awards were also awarded as a incidents. He has also provided counselling and support to other result of the courageous and meritorious actions of firefighters. members of the community, include counselling the Jerilderie However the tragedy did lead to significant positive change Rugby Club after one of its members died in a road accident, and with all NSW nursing homes now required to have sprinklers. supporting Leeton High School and other community groups nEND after the tragic murder of teacher Stephanie Scott. nEND 86 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 PAYING TRIBUTE THE PUBLIC SAYS THANKS

Sue Key Miranda Smith 6 April 2016 12 August, 2016

My partner and I drove down from The Blue Mountains on our way to A huge thank you to the team at Castle Hill who came to my rescue today. see family in Pagewood at approx. 11.30am when we were caught I discovered a huge diamond python on my back fence whilst I was home in a torrential downpour, causing flash flooding in parts of Gardeners alone. I called 000 after speaking with my mum, asked for Fire and the Rd Mascot. There was at least a foot of water and our car was hit by person I spoke to was fabulous. He said that they only come if the snake several waves of water caused by foolish drivers slamming on brakes is in the house but because I was home alone he said he would see what and sending the backwash over our car which died and we were literally he could do. I soon got a call from the team at Castle Hill who advised marooned in the middle of a rather busy Gardeners Rd. me they would be 30 minutes. They were so friendly and made so many jokes to lighten the mood. Thanks again guys, I don’t know what else We had the hazard lights on and were trying to get help from the NRMA I would have done!!! who said there was nothing they could do. We called for a tow truck but it was going to be half an hour so we had no option but to sit in the car. I was a nervous wreck and quite certain we would be hit. We called 000 in desperation as it really was a dangerous situation not just for us but for other drivers, many of whom, despite our plight, were abusive. Lauren Coghlan 29 July 2016 We heard sirens and seemingly out of nowhere a fire engine appeared. At first we thought it was going somewhere else as we were still speaking Thank you so much to the firemen who attended our house earlier today, with the 000 operator. The relief we felt was tremendous let me tell you. it was on fire and they rescued my pets who were inside. They were just so lovely and pushed the car to a safe spot at the side of Special thanks goes to the wonderful fireman who stayed with my cat the road and out of harm’s way. over an hour on our front lawn giving him oxygen as he’d found him I don’t even know which station they were from and so wanted to say inside the house, they really made the whole experience much more thank you. I cannot tell you how grateful we are. I do hope a message can manageable for us, and as for the kitty, he’s okay, he’s in intensive be passed on to those wonderful men & a lady. care at the vets but he’s looking much better than he was earlier, thank you so much, I can’t explain how much I appreciate what you do for Thank you to you all for the tremendous work you do every single day. the community.

Alexander Wood 12 April 2016 Letter to the Mosman Daily

Big thanks to the two fellas from fire and rescue that turned up right after Fireys to the rescue I blew a front tire on my truck yesterday. Directed traffic till we could get it A VERY big thank you to those fire officers from Mosman Fire into a safe place and made a bad situation a lot easier and safer. Station who recovered my keys from down a stormwater drain at Cheers lads! a playground. I have often noted the friendliness of our local fire brigade but without their swift help this week my little kids and I would have been absolutely stuck. Thank you.

Macushla McGown Alex Wills, Mosman 5 July 2016 21 Jul 2016

Thank you to Pyrmont Fire and Rescue for rescuing me off my balcony at 2am! Fantastic group of people and really helpful. Letters to FRNSW

To all in the Berrigan Fire Brigade Katy Sass We want to tell you how much we admire your skill and 13 July 2016 commitment to your job. It was a very scary Friday night and we never want to see that again. We appreciate it is something you all Well done to the NSW Fire Brigade Team that efficiently took control may face any day and we are so lucky to have you. over the house fire this evening in Roselands. The fire was strong and Your efficiency and professionalism undoubtedly saved our home quick but you guys made it look so easy. You made us all feel safe and because of proximity to the fire, we may have lost it too. eliminated any dangers or further fire spread. You guys are amazing Thank you. Everything was in our favour with us being home instead of usually we are out on a Friday night, Nick came in to warn us of the fire and then the brigades came so quickly. We think of our neighbour – it is a terrible thing for someone to lose their home.

We can’t thank you enough for your dedication to the protection of Berrigan people and property.

Joe and Carol Cottam 18 April 2016

87 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 PAYING TRIBUTE

FAREWELL AND THANKS TO THOSE RETIRING s a result of the executive restructure in accordance with Name Fire station Date retired the Government Sector Employment Act, Deputy Chief SF K Read Forestville 8-Jan-16 AExecutive Rosemary Milkins PSM finished work at FRNSW in August. This brought to a close a prestigious career of public RetF H Pyle Berrigan 20-Jan-16 service spanning about 40 years, including senior roles in the RetF M Hughes Bundanoon 28-Jan-16 Department of Education, the Department of Health, and as an RetF K Thomas Queanbeyan 19-Feb-16 Assistant Director-General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Supt D Turner Metro North 2 4-Mar-16 SO K McBain Berkeley Vale 4-Mar-16 Ms Milkins was responsible for guiding and overseeing a huge range of reforms within FRNSW in the human resources, SF B Chappell Kincumber 4-Mar-16 information technology, logistics support, finance, workplace SF G Baron Maroubra 11-Mar-16 standards and project management areas. As a result, FRNSW Supt S Baker Command, Leadership and now benchmarks close to or better than world’s best practice Management Section 15-Mar-16 (as independently assessed) across a range of corporate services functions. Not all reforms were easy or popular, but RetF N Fraser Salamander Bay 16-Mar-16 Ms Milkins was both diligent and determined in ensuring that RetF D Sharp Nambucca Heads 16-Mar-16 FRNSW overcame problems that arose in the past, placing the RetF A Harte Bowraville 23-Mar-16 organisation in a much better position for the future. RetF C Royal Kariong 25-Mar-16 Perhaps the most visible and tangible legacies that Ms Milkins RetF W McAllister Broken Hill 1-Apr-16 left were the new Head Office at Greenacre, the refurbished award-winning Pyrmont Fire Station and upstairs offices, and Supt C Jurgeit AFSM Office of the Commissioner 1-Apr-16 the new State Training Academy in western Sydney. Once the Deputy Commissioner direction and strategy were agreed upon, Ms Milkins made J Smith AFSM Executive 8-Apr-16 these projects happen despite many setbacks along the way. DCapt C Hussey Deniliquin 12-Apr-16 The Training Academy in particular required a great deal of stakeholder engagement and coordination, and is an innovative SO G Arndell Mayfield West 15-Apr-16 approach that involves a partnership with the private sector. QF G Kain Balmain 15-Apr-16 None of these major leaps forward would have happened without Capt L Choice Scarborough 15-Apr-16 Ms Milkins’s deft stewardship and direction. n END RetF B Klenke Henty 22-Apr-16 Capt R Orr Albion Park 29-Apr-16 RetF N Driscoll Bourke 30-Apr-16 RetF F Slieker Laurieton 1-May-16 RetF K Brown Branxton 2-May-16 SF M Vince Mona Vale 12-May-16 RetF S Schmidt Temora 13-May-16 RetF A Godfrey Barham 13-May-16 RetF J Aldous Laurieton 18-May-16 SO A Gilbert Warrawong 27-May-16 SO M Houlder Avalon 27-May-16 SF P McIvor City of Sydney 10-Jun-16 SF D Ball Newcastle 10-Jun-16 QF B Williams Springwood 17-Jun-16

Deputy Chief Executive Rosemary Milkins

88 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 PAYING TRIBUTE

VALE: WITH GRATITUDE FOR SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF NSW Name Fire station Date deceased Retired FF William Wray Wagga Wagga 1-Mar-16 SF M Smith Mayfield West 1-Mar-16 Retired SO J Alexander 17-Mar-16 Retired Engine Keeper A Fuller Young 26-Mar-16 Retired SF G Ward Wollongong 1-Apr-16 Retired DCapt W Wright East Maitland 7-Apr-16 Retired SF D Good Guildford, Busby, Campbelltown, St Andrews and Horningsea Park 7-Apr-16 Retired DCapt K Fitzgerald Wallerawang 25-Apr-16 Retired SO R Smith Revesby, Liverpool and Riverwood 28-Apr-16 Retired Supt G Kempshall Headquarters and Zone 4 8-May-16 Retired SF R Lynch Fairfield and Lidcombe 9-May-16 Retired SO B Russo Manly 15-May-16 Retired SO J MacKay Smithfield and Fairfield 22-May-16 Retired SO F Wiley Botany and Maroubra 26-May-16 Retired Deputy Commissioner J Benson AFSM Executive 6-Jun-16 Retired DCapt G Smith Rhodes 9-Jun-16 Retired Insp J Clough Burwood and City of Sydney 10-Jun-16 Retired SF C Simpson Mascot, Headquarters, Woollahra and Rockdale 10-Jun-16 Retired SF J McVicar Tighes Hill and Newcastle 16-Jun-16 Retired SF A Hayter Kogarah and City of Sydney 23-Jun-16 Retired Capt D Redman Dungog 23-Jun-16 Retired Capt D Masterson Wellington 30-Jun-16

CONTRIBUTORS CONNECT WITH FRNSW SEND IN YOUR STORIES AND PHOTOS Editors @FRNSW Fire & Rescue News is the internal news Peter Walker magazine of Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW). Michelle Bowers FRNSW FRNSW Media & Communications Unit (MCU) wants to publicise the incidents your Fire & Rescue Operations Journal Editor FRNSWMEDIA crew attended, and the achievements of Insp Kernin Lambert your unit. Art Director T: (02) 9265 2907 DesignDavey E: [email protected]

Production, photography and editorial FIRE & RESCUE NEWS Heather Abrahams Send any high-resolution photos Malissa Milligean (larger than 1,000KB) to: Bronwyn Hilton [email protected] Jan Crombie-Brown Supt Ian Krimmer Kerry Labuts

Online and digital James Hanney

© Fire & Rescue NSW 2016

89 Fire & Rescue News — Spring 2016 GHS chemical labelling— are you ready?

TOXIC GAS

On 1 January 2017 the new GHS Pictograms ADG Code Globally Harmonised System of

Classification and Labelling of FLAMMABLE FLAMMABLE SPONTANEOUSLY DANGEROUS FLAMMABLE ORGANIC LIQUID SOLID COMBUSTIBLE WHEN WET GAS PEROXIDE Chemicals (GHS) takes effect, 3 4 4 4 2 5.2 and includes new standardised Flame terms and symbols.

NON-FLAMMABLE NON-TOXIC FLAMMABLE OXIDIZING TOXIC GAS GAS GAS GAS The Australian Code for the 2 2 2 2 Transport of Dangerous Goods by Gas cylinder Road or Rail (ADG Code) will still be used for chemicals in transit, 1.4 1.5 1.6 D N but the GHS will be used in 1 1 1 1 workplaces. As a result, ADG and Exploding bomb GHS signage may both appear on GHS Pictograms ADG Code GHS Pictograms ADG Code some products.

Firefighters and commanders OXIDIZING OXIDIZING TOXIC TOXIC AGENT GAS GAS GAS must be familiar with GHS 5.1 2 6 2 Flame over Skull and terms and symbols so they can circle crossbones correctly manage chemical risks at incidents. For more information see Corrosion Environment www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au or www.workcover.nsw.gov.au. GHS pictograms for Health Hazards

Exclamation mark Health hazard (eg harmful if inhaled (eg carcinogen, mutagen, or swallowed) reproductive hazard)