The The Minister Commissioner WRITES WRITES
Recently the NSW Government As we move into 2016, the coming adopted new branding displaying the year will bring many challenges. key message of ‘Making it Happen’. Climate change resulting in greater frequency and severity This change highlights a sharper focus by the State of weather events, demographic changes including an Government on key priorities. These include delivering long- ageing population and major population shifts, rapidly awaited infrastructure in places that need it most; delivering evolving technology, a heightened security environment services in smarter, more flexible and user-friendly ways; and changes in community and Government expectations and protecting the public to ensure safer communities. are all important issues that will continue to impact on how we operate and expectations of us. As an emergency service, FRNSW is helping to deliver on the Government’s commitment in these vital areas. We are strongly positioned to meet these challenges. This issue of Fire & Rescue News again highlights what’s The NSW Government continues to invest strongly in new in our organisation. These initiatives include a infrastructure and capital projects for the emergency range of new vehicles and equipment being rolled out, services sector. Within FRNSW, this has enabled the recent from new mobile command centres to remotely piloted development and rollout of new firefighting helmets and a aircraft systems, a remote controlled firefighting device, range of new equipment and vehicles, as well as an extensive water delivery systems and large air tankers for bushfire station building and renovation program. fighting, to name just a few. In August Commissioner Mullins and I officially opened the Technology is also playing a crucial part, with mobile data brand new $3.4 million Port Macquarie fire station as part of terminals and the two new CFUs apps the latest in a long a co-located emergency services hub. The coming months line of technological achievements that are transforming will see a number of other new or renovated fire stations how we operate and making us more effective. also opened including Windsor, Pyrmont and Yennora. However, in a rapidly changing environment, today’s On 4 September, I announced that the construction contract pioneer can often be tomorrow’s dinosaur. Innovation is for the Headquarters relocation build at Greenacre had been crucial if we are to continue to be a leading world class awarded to ADCO Constructions and work is now underway emergency service. This Summer issue also describes on this project. how we are using innovation councils to empower staff to Bureau of Meteorology forecasts confirm that a strong lead change and constantly improve the way that we work. El Nino weather pattern is in place this year. However Earlier this year, we commissioned a research company I remain very confident in the training, expertise and to assess community satisfaction with our services. The operational readiness of our State’s emergency services survey results showed that we significantly outperformed to meet what is likely to a difficult bushfire season. the NSW Public Service overall on goals and values, and This issue of Fire & Rescue News outlines heightened satisfaction was generally high across our services, with preparations for this year’s bushfire operations, including some small exceptions. I congratulate all staff on your the NSW Government-funded trial of two large aircraft for contribution in achieving these pleasing results, while aerial firefighting and further support to the 7,000 strong cautioning that we must never become complacent or rest army of Community Fire Unit volunteers helping to keep on our laurels. communities in high-risk areas well prepared. As we enter the new year, I am proud that we are an I thank FRNSW for its professional performance and effective can-do organisation with dedicated and highly operational excellence in 2015, and I look forward to working professional staff who have a big heart and a genuine with its management and staff during the year ahead. desire to make a difference. Most of all however, I am David Elliott MP proud of the continuing culture change that has seen Minister for Corrections, Emergency Services us become a more inclusive, welcoming organisation and Veterans Affairs to people from diverse backgrounds and one where the credo, from top to bottom, is “be nice”. I wish all staff season’s greetings as we embark on another year of proudly serving and protecting the community of NSW. Greg Mullins AFSM Commissioner
Cover (Andrew Parsons/Design Davey) | In a not so far away galaxy, new technology is going 'live' on the frontline – designed to protect firefighters and the community. In this edition of Fire & Rescue News, we recognise our ground-breaking new technology... and pay homage to that most epic of epic franchises, Star Wars. May the Force be with you in 2016.
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 In this issue 16 VERTICAL RESCUE
10TAF20 72 TURBINE AIDED THE MEDIA FIREFIGHTING ADVANTAGE
23 20 FIRE OPERATIONS JOURNAL
67 75 80 81 82 Winter Fire Aboriginal rugby Coolamon Fire MND Stairclimb Community Safety Campaign league Museum champions results
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 CONTENTS THE MINISTER WRITES______IFC THE COMMISSIONER WRITES______IFC WHAT’S NEW?______3 New MCCs transforming Incident Command______3 FRNSW takes to the skies______4 Science in the appliance______5 Empowering staff to drive innovation and lead change______6 New CFU apps improve safety and service delivery______8 Rumble in the (concrete) jungle______9 Magirus TAF20 – turbine aided firefighting______10 Hytrans mobile water supply______12 OPERATIONAL READINESS______14 The CFU ‘blue army’ well prepared______14 Thor and Southern Belle thunder into NSW______15 2015 Australasian Firefighter Championships______15 ON THE TRAINING GROUND______16 Vertical rescue reaches new heights______16 A flood of knowledge______17 HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING______18 2015 Commissioner’s Safety Award Winners announced______18 “Normal people having normal reactions to abnormal situations"____ 20 Standing on my brother’s shoulders______21 Structural firefighting PPC passes testing with flying colours______22 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL______23 Guildford 2nd Alarm unit fire______24 8th Alarm Yennora warehouse fire______30 10th Alarm Eastern Creek warehouse fire______40 Kellyville high speed MVA______50 Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf marina fire______54 Lidcombe truck head-on collision______62 Mount Vernon MVA______66
SELLING THE SAFETY MESSAGE______68 External widescreens, sunshades and stairs facilitate outdoor bstreetsmart drives road safety home for teenagers______68 media conferences and operational briefings Campaign helps to reduce winter house fires by 8 per cent______69 Reaching out to the vulnerable with the Red Cross______71 Understanding the needs and expectations of our community______71 Testing times for smoke alarms______72 FRNSW IN THE MEDIA______73 Chester Hill hosts Disney filming______73 Getting great return on interest from the bank______74 Making the changing media landscape work for you______76 INCREASING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVENESS IN THE WORKFORCE78_ Be Heard Strategy promotes safe, respectful workplaces______78 Muddied firefighters get tough on breast cancer______79 Firefighters a knockout at Aboriginal Rugby League Championships_ 79 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS______80 Keeping it regional in the ranks______80 New Port Macquarie Fire Station opened______81 Howies’ fire truck on the road in Cobar______81 Building a new HQ______82 DOWN MEMORY LANE______83 Life as the wife of a firefighter______83 Firey passion for history lives on in Coolamon______84 FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT______85 Climbing 1,500 stairs raises more than $180,000______85 Newcastle Ball raises $20,000 for burns survivors______86 No. 2 Fire Station a big hit with sick kids______86 Taking the championships to the community______86 Fire in their belly to build Fijian library______87 THIS SPORTING LIFE______88 On your marks, get set, GO!______88 Blue skies for a beautiful game of rugby______89 AWARDS______90 FRNSW’s Mosaic profiling wins AFAC Knowledge Innovation Award__ 90 Home Fire Safety Checks wins Best Learning Video______90 RetF Avan Christie awarded for selfless act in the surf______90 Triple Zero Kids’ Challenge resources highly commended at Resilient Australia Awards______91 Insp Martin Hofstadler receives Parramatta City Council award_____ 91 FF Peter Jensen recognised at TAFE NSW Gili Awards______91 PAYING TRIBUTE______92 Firefighters praised in NSW Parliament______92 The public says thanks______92 Farewell and thanks to those retiring______93 The MCCs are fitted with advanced IT capability Vale: With gratitude for service to the people of NSW______93
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 WHAT’S NEW? NEW MCCS TRANSFORMING INCIDENT COMMAND FRNSW’s latest big red truck, the new Mobile Command Centre (MCC), is about to hit the streets.
wo identical MCCs are almost open air operational briefings and ready for operational life after media conferences. T an 18-month custom build by The vehicle will require a heavy rigid Varley on a Scania chassis. The build licence to drive and will be operated by and IT fitout follows more than two staff from Sydney FireComs. years on the drawing board with input Director Operational Capability, from Operations, Logistics Support, Assistant Commissioner Jim Hamilton Operational Capability and IT and a said the MCCs will complement and review of command vehicles interstate enhance the wave of technology and overseas. FRNSW is already rolling out to “On the ground research in the Middle Operations, allowing for seamless East and the UK enabled us to take the Incident Command. features and benefits best suited to the needs of FRNSW,” said Assistant Director Capability Management, Chief On the ground Superintendent Paul Mcguiggan. “When you combine this with feedback from research in the Incident Commanders and Senior Officers Middle East and the – effectively decades of operational knowledge – the result is a highly refined UK enabled us to specification worthy of the significant take the features and time and financial investment.” Once operational, the MCCs will benefits best suited to replace the existing Incident Control the needs of FRNSW Vehicles (ICVs) used at major incidents (usually exceeding 3rd Alarm) and for disaster and community recovery. The “FRNSW is currently undertaking MCCs can comfortably accommodate some of the most technologically up to seven officers (compared to 3–4 advanced changes in the service’s history. in the ICVs) with a computer-controlled The MCCs are an impressive addition to expanding floor plan. The vehicles will our fleet and will assist us in meeting the provide access to critical information high demands placed on the organisation anywhere in the State and support other and planning for the future of firefighting agencies when required. and emergency management in NSW.” With the help of experienced nEND European IT specialist Excelerate Technologies Solutions, each vehicle will have an advanced technical fitout to provide services including high speed internet and a 100-metre wi-fi bubble. The latter will not just benefit FRNSW operations, but could also be invaluable to communities cut off from technology following a catastrophic fire or storm event. Technology includes access to the ADASHI command platform, all FRNSW radio talkgroups, live video feeds, CB radio, high speed satellite, 4G communications and a weather station. Outdoor widescreens, retractable sun shades and pop-out stairs facilitate
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 WHAT’S NEW?
The DJI Inspire in flight
SF Michael Harvey demonstrates the RPAS, phablet and controller
FRNSW TAKES TO THE SKIES FRNSW is currently trialling remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS, commonly known as drones) for a range of applications.
PAS are small lightweight easily- mode, a spotter is required to keep the unit manoeuvred machines that can fly in VLOS to provide situational awareness SPECIFICATIONS Rconsiderable distances remotely to the pilot. Model: controlled by a pilot. The onboard cameras are capable of DJI Inspire 1 Superintendent Brian Smart, Manager 12.8 megapixels stills in single or burst Counter Terrorism and Aviation, who modes. Quality of video captured ranges Dimensions: manages FRNSW’s RPAS capability, from low definition through to ultra high 438mm x 451mm x 301mm described their potential uses. definition (4K). Weight: “We anticipate using RPAS as a tool to The units average 18 minutes flight 2.935kg including battery give FRNSW incident controllers real- per battery, dependent upon wind, travel, time data resulting in greater situational speed and flying attitude. Each kit comes Maximum speed: awareness during incidents,” said Supt with five batteries and a FRNSW-built 22m/s (79km/h) Smart. “This in turn will improve firefighter field kit that charges batteries in rotation Operates safely in winds up to 10m/s safety on the incident ground as imagery allowing almost unlimited flying. (36km/h) can be sourced without personnel having The kits also have two FRNSW to enter dangerous locations.” phablets and two controllers. This provides However, using RPAS at incidents system redundancy, but also allows a from Aviation, Operational Capability, represents only a small part of their pilot to fly the unit while a second person Operational Communications, FIRU and potential capability. RPAS can also record, operates the camera, concentrating on Rescue/USAR areas. compile and disseminate information getting the best imagery. Currently pilots are required to during the prevention, preparation and Safety features built into the unit individually hold a Remote Pilot Certificate, recovery phase of operations for data include ‘return to home’ (RTH) if contact while FRNSW will be required to hold collection and information gathering is lost with the controller, auto RTH on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Controllers purposes. This includes pre-incident low battery, auto land on critical battery, Certificate. Pilots will also hold an planning and rapid damage assessment underside ultrasonics and optical camera Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate. following major incidents such as floods for visual positioning without GPS and This will allow them to monitor and and bushfires. landing protection. communicate with airport towers and FRNSW’s RPAS in profile Rollout of RPAS within FRNSW aircraft in the area of operations if The RPAS that FRNSW has purchased As a commercial operator, FRNSW required. nEND can operate up to 500 metres from the must comply with strict CASA guidelines to pilot, providing the unit is always within establish and operate RPAS. FRNSW owns visual line of sight (VLOS), a Civil Aviation two RPAS units at present and is currently VIEW VIDEO AT _ Safety Authority (CASA) requirement. applying to CASA to legally operate RPAS. fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews The units can also be flown by first Six pilots have been selected and OR person view, using streamed footage from began training in October to gain a the onboard high definition camera. In this licence which will allow them to operate SCAN CODE TO _ RPAS for FRNSW. The pilots are drawn WATCH NOW
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 the zone. Mr Hinton said many changes were made as a result of this feedback. “We improved the education materials for firefighters and made standby statuses more visible. There are also further enhancements in the pipeline, for example we will be making audible navigation available. Quality control and improvements continue and we encourage firefighters to contact us with ongoing feedback as they use the devices in real time.” Following pilot feedback, the devices were first installed offline to allow familiarisation at the user’s own pace. Integration to the CAD, or ‘go-live’, commenced in mid-October with training then provided to all Platoons. Rydalmere SO Vince Pellagra checking hydrant locations in the MDT 93 Narellan D Platoon Station Officer Greg Wright said the data on the device assists his crew to find hydrants which have been covered. “The addition of safety bulletins and SOGs also allows for revision while en route to calls,” said SO Wright. “As the address for the call is entered into the navigation page on the tablet, there is no more fumbling with the street directory or trying to manually enter the address into the GPS on the truck. Other benefits are the CAD log, and ability to check automatic fire alarm status without having to radio the Communication Centre.” When receiving their devices in late September, City of Sydney B Platoon Station Officers said anything that made Fitting the MDT in an appliance their jobs easier was a positive. In particular, they were looking forward to easing the frustration of radio congestion, quickly locating drainage/run-off sites and receiving calls en route. Director Operational Capability, SCIENCE IN THE Assistant Commissioner Jim Hamilton said the project was made possible thanks to collaboration between IT, APPLIANCE Operational Capability, Fleet and operational commands. More than 180 FRNSW appliances across NSW are “The MDTs are part of a holistic approach to modernising technology and now fitted with state-of-the-art mobile data terminals equipment said Assistant Commissioner (MDTs) to provide instant access to critical live and Hamilton. “The new MDTs integrate with ADASHI command system tools across stored information. the organisation and are part of the jigsaw of improved situational awareness ew mobile data terminals are Project Manager Mike Hinton said for first responders.” giving firefighters fingertip that hitting 160 appliances across “With 182 MDTs now online across the access to SOGs, live weather the State was a huge – but ultimately State – and other recent advances, such N as the mobile command centres, Hytrans, information, pre-incident plans, successful – logistical challenge. navigation and maps, including hydrant “Getting the installers out there TAF20 and RPAS – we enter 2016 as a maps. They also eliminate the need and coordinating training from Tweed contemporary, well-equipped and highly for many radio messages when crews Heads to Albury, and Bondi to Broken capable fire, rescue and hazmat service.” respond to, arrive at and are released Hill, was no mean feat. However, after nEND from incidents with push‑button commencing in September, the Metro messaging linked directly to the installs were completed by October, with computer-aided dispatch system (CAD). Regional soon after.” Five teams of technicians worked The full rollout followed a five- tirelessly during the last quarter of month pilot in MS3 championed by Zone VIEW VIDEO AT _ 2015 to complete more than 160 Metro Commander Supt Phil Lindsay. During fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews and Regional installs. The devices were the pilot continuous improvement was installed in pumpers in permanent and channelled through a ‘super user group’ OR mixed stations, plus some high workload consisting of Inspectors, Station Officers SCAN CODE TO _ retained stations capturing a significant and Firefighters from all four Platoons in WATCH NOW percentage of FRNSW’s incident traffic. 5
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 WHAT’S NEW? EMPOWERING STAFF TO DRIVE INNOVATION AND LEAD CHANGE The Commissioner’s Participative Council and new Innovation Councils are improving how staff work.
VIEW VIDEO AT _ fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO _ WATCH NOW
Members of the Metro South Employee Innovation Council
n today’s world of constant change formal leadership positions become more centre punches were dangerous and and disruption, FRNSW must rely adaptive and facilitative in their approach. expensive, not designed for the task of I on the collective expertise and The Commissioner’s Participative controlled glass breakage and often failed shared knowledge of all its employees. Council (CPC) is the leader-leader model to work correctly. The new Holmatro As Commissioner Greg Mullins said, in action. CPC members have been window punch is a fit-for-purpose, safer “We can all accomplish things together empowered by the Commissioner to show and more reliable tool.” The new tool will that we can’t accomplish separately – all initiative and harness innovation within be made available to all stations. This is with the ultimate aim of better serving their workplaces. Experience shows that one example of how staff innovation can the community by protecting and saving most of the great improvements to how ensure FRNSW employees have the tools life, property and the environment”. FRNSW works have come from frontline and equipment needed to do their job In older traditional leadership models staff. Since its inception in October 2014, more safely and effectively. (i.e. leader‑follower), an organisation is CPC members have been working with Another good example of innovation successful if it has a strong leader who each other and employees across FRNSW from CPC members is the development of manages through command and control. to act on good ideas and bring them a new incident management check sheet Over recent years, a more effective to fruition. by Bangalow Deputy Captain Mellissa approach to leadership and management Madden. The check sheet is designed has emerged: the leader-leader model. to prompt firefighters with information In its simplest form, the leader-leader they need at an incident and help simplify model gives control back to employees, communication with Duty Commanders. recognising the intelligence, experiences When DCapt Madden and Superintendent and shared knowledge of all staff, not Greg Wild discussed this idea at the 2015 just those at the top. This new style of AFAC Conference, it quickly progressed leadership allows people to become more The Holmatro window punch to the Capability Manager for Incident passionate, engaged and committed Management, Superintendent Greg to their jobs as well as giving them For instance SO Kevin O’Reilly Rankin, who has since brought the idea opportunities to grow as leaders. People in suggested replacing the rescue window to reality. punches (‘centre punches’) with the CPC members have also helped Holmatro window punch. “The previous drive change by progressing the ideas 6
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 of their colleagues. For instance The community expects any firefighter SO Glen Whitehead noticed when an who arrives on an emergency scene has Fire & ambulance departs the scene of an the base level training and skills required incident with a casualty, friends and for the job. Retained Firefighter Peter Rescue NSW family at the scene often look to FRNSW McGill discussed with Assistant Director for information and support. Given the Education and Training Chief Supt Bob Community Support distress faced by these community Murray ways to improve the retained members, something written seemed the qualifications system so that permanent Department Phone Number best way to serve their needs. However, and retained firefighter training and skills Police I Ambulance I Fire 000 there was no existing written information are better aligned. The Commissioner has State Emergency Service that served this purpose. SO Whitehead approved the development of a group who Floods & Storms 132 500 therefore suggested that FRNSW produce will work through both the finer details Telephone Interpreting Service (TIS) 131 450 a community support card for firefighters and the long term strategy of retained Police Assistance Line 131 444 to distribute at Community First Response firefighter training and qualifications. Family & Community Services or Ambulance Assist incidents, with a And the ideas are still coming! Ageing Disability & Homecare 9377 6000 space on the back to provide relevant local Ideas currently in the pipeline include Hearing Impaired 9377 6167 community information. This support card introduction of Moditech – a crash Aged Care Information Line can be found in the recovery kit which is recovery application to be placed on Personal Care | Domestic Help | Transport distributed to stations through ESCAT. ADASHI First Responder MDT devices. Health Support | Meals 1800 200 422 Hearing Impaired 1800 555 677 This great idea from SO Whitehead has DCapt Madden and Capt Terry Dryburgh led to more effective communication submitted this app which contains up- Seniors Information Service 13 77 88 between responding crews and to-date specifications of all vehicles on Health Direct Australia distressed family members, which means Australian roads, thus helping Rescue Speak to a Registered Nurse 24hr 1800 022 222 FRNSW is providing a better service to Operators with current information on Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 the community. new airbag systems, reinforced steel Drug & Alcohol Information Service 9361 8000 CPC members have driven many other areas and extraction plans for all vehicles NSW Victims of Crime Support Line 1800 633 063 improvements over the past year. in a colour-coded, top and side view SF Brett Carle SO David Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Helpline 24hr and form. This information will assist FRNSW 1800 73 7732 Absalom worked together to introduce crews to take expedient and informed Rape Crisis Centre 9819 6565 standardised first aid signage across actions at incidents to quickly and safely FRNSW’s appliance fleet which extricate victims. Salvation Army Crisis Line (Suicide Prevention) 9331 2000 strengthens workplace health and safety. CPC members are also working Life Line – Crisis Counsel 131 114 Olivia Blackburn sought inclusion of with FRNSW management to increase ling 24hr information about Administrative staff innovation and drive change throughout Poisons Information Centre 131 126 in Commissioner’s Orders reminding the organisation. In August and Mensline Australia 1300 789 978 all staff that they belong to one agency, September, CPC members presented ‘one FRNSW’. to FRNSW’s Executive and Senior In November 2008, SO Paul Smith Leadership Teams to discuss how they to one that celebrates innovation and highlighted communication deficiencies have been identifying and working through embraces change. For example, three experienced at multi-agency exercises. solutions, to communicate their recent CPC members – Capt Terry Dryburgh, To address this need, Kiama Captain achievements and to see how they might DCapt Mellissa Madden and Senior Terry Dryburgh advocated a PA system better work together. Firefighter Daniel Pridham – attended the extension cable (with a push to talk Following these discussions, Director 2015 AFAC conference. The conference handpiece) which can be used outside of Operational Capability, Assistant theme was “new directions in emergency the appliance to allow for more effective Commissioner Jim Hamilton, and Director management” and there were a range and localised PA use at incidents and of presentations and displays from events. Capt Dryburgh collaborated researchers, agencies and suppliers. with Senior Engineer George Gabriel FRNSW stood out as a lead agency in a who enthusiastically took on the project, CPC members are number of areas. Many agencies were developing and testing the prototype. also working with also interested in the CPC concept and its DCapt Madden has also introduced implementation including how FRNSW a hydrant awareness media campaign FRNSW management is empowering the workforce to increase to regional and peripheral areas of the to increase innovation and drive change. Quite simply, Greater Sydney Area to help firefighters innovation and drive no other urban fire service has made so locate water supplies, an often much progress in terms of culture change challenging task for firefighters sent to change throughout and empowerment. incidents outside their local station areas. the organisation. At the conference, FRNSW displayed This initiative also empowers community the first remote controlled firefighting members to check the condition of appliances acquired by an Australian fire hydrants in their area and report back to service, the TAF20, and was awarded a local councils if maintenance is needed. of Logistics, Emmanuel Varipatis, invited Motorola Knowledge Innovation Award for Since October 2014, NSW Police CPC members to visit their teams the MOSAIC profiling tool that guides our no longer attend minor motor vehicle for further discussions. On 2 October community safety interventions. accidents where vehicles need to be towed Emmanuel Varipatis met with his team The CPC’s success has increased unless someone is injured, intoxicated or and CPC members to do just this, moves to empower FRNSW employees fails to exchange details. Consequently, highlighting a new, more collaborative and and give them the skills, knowledge and FRNSW is often the only authority at these leader-leader style of working. capability to improve their workplace. minor motor vehicle accidents. Realising Over the past year CPC members have As a result, Innovation Councils that FRNSW does not have official also been given opportunities to develop have started up in the Community printed information to provide to affected their skills, capabilities and networks Safety Directorate and the Metro members of the public, DCapt Madden within the organisation. This development South Command. and SF Philip Agius requested approval is central to embedding the leader-leader of a ‘What to do after a crash’ checklist model and shifting FRNSW’s culture which will be distributed through ESCAT. 7
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 WHAT’S NEW?
The Commissioner is pleased to see Chief Supt Gary McKinnon and members of to sign documents electronically (e.g. leaders, managers and staff across the the CPC to identify barriers to progress, and briefings that were stored electronically, organisation embracing this new way of to foster innovation and communication. but needed to be printed off in hard copy for working and hopes to see it grow further successive approvals). CSIC chairperson Update: Community Safety over the coming months. According to and CPC member Lachlan Haar discussed Innovation Council Commissioner Mullins; “changing the way this with the Director of Community Safety, The Community Safety Innovation we manage, nurture and listen to people Assistant Commissioner Mark Whybro, Council (CSIC) first met in May and is actually more important than technical who then raised it with the IT Directorate. continues to meet regularly to foster innovation, because it is sustainable in the From these discussions, IT has launched a increased innovation and collaboration long term and will change how we do things project to replace paper forms with e-forms across the Community Safety Directorate. from top to bottom. The CPC members are and are consulting with all directorates Since its inception, the CSIC has shared on a roll – they know they can make change who are custodians of forms to prioritise their experiences regarding the introduction and they’re excited by it. So am I.” this conversion. of eAIRS. This has provided a valuable These innovation councils represent Update: Metro South Employee mechanism to gather feedback and address a new way of working that embodies the Innovation Council various concerns of staff. As a direct result, leader-leader concept. This new style The Metro South Employee Innovation an eAIRS Working Group was established, of leadership allows people to be more Council (MSEIC) fosters increased chaired by Susan Broomhall. This working passionate, engaged and committed to innovation and collaboration across the group is: their jobs, and gives them the opportunity command by sharing ideas and progressing – increasing understanding of the to grow as leaders. This approach is critical good ideas to action. Following expressions eAIRS solution to ensure FRNSW can work through of interest, 10 Metro South employees in – identifying issues constant change and disruption, a hallmark admin and operations were selected. – proposing solutions of the world today. The council has met several times since – allocating owners responsible for If you have any innovation or September to develop skills in innovation the resolution improvement for your workplace, contact management and problem solving, and to – tracking and reporting on progress. your local councillor (see Toolkits > About identify potential areas for improvement Feedback from staff indicated that You > Committees and Networks > in the command as well as in FRNSW this is a much needed vehicle to address Commissioner’s Participative Council). Also more broadly. The group is chaired by SF the issues being encountered across look out for an innovation council coming Greg Nottage from 39 Randwick who will, the organisation. to a command or directorate near you! alongside the MSEIC members, continue CSIC also discussed the duplication n working closely with A/Area Commander and wastage caused by not being able END
NEW CFU APPS IMPROVE SAFETY AND SERVICE DELIVERY Following the devastating October 2013 Blue Mountain bushfires, FRNSW reviewed the activation and operation of its Community Fire Units (CFUs).
he review identified steps that channel (via a mobile application) for FRNSW could take to enhance activation in lieu of notification from Tcommunication between its CFU FRNSW’s ComCens. Management Team and the large number In November, FRNSW released the of volunteers. CFU Admin app and portal, an enhanced In response to the review, FRNSW version of the SAP portal which allows CFU is developing a new information and volunteers to view and update their contact communication system which includes two and unit details, view their training records, apps, a portal and a management console. and access maps and pdf documents. This system will: The CFU Activity app was released – improve real time information provided soon after. This app makes it easier for to CFU volunteers on bushfire activity CFU volunteers to activate and deactivate which will increase their situational during a bushfire, automatically notifies awareness and safety teams when bushfires are within 5km of a – improve communication flow between CFU location, provides interactive maps, CFU management and CFU volunteers and allows volunteers to talk with other as well as between CFU volunteers Mapping data on CFU Activity App provides members of their unit. themselves situational awareness The Admin app and portal were – improve records management (training developed in-house; the Activity app was and activations) developed externally by Whispir. Half of the – create easier, more reliable, funding came from a government grant. accurate and streamlined activation Both apps are available for CFU members and deactivation to download through the App Store and – implement an alternate business Google Play. n process and communication END 8
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 VIEW VIDEO AT _ fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO _ WATCH NOW
Media filming at the Rumbler launch RUMBLE IN THE (CONCRETE) JUNGLE Following a successful trial, selected FRNSW fire appliances have been fitted with low frequency (LF) siren technology known as the ‘Rumbler’ – a first in Australia.
he LF sirens take an audio feed City of Sydney Runner in the CBD with heavy traffic environments. Population from the existing siren and firefighters getting positive reactions densities and call rates were used to Tamplify the sound at a much lower from both drivers and pedestrians. prepare a priority list of stations to frequency through large subwoofers Sixty firefighters from CoS gave receive the LF siren technology. That installed under the front bumper bars feedback during the 12-month trial and initial rollout has now been completed of appliances. The low frequency sound the responses were overwhelmingly at a total cost of $50,000 with ongoing creates vibrations which can be ‘felt’ positive as to the siren’s effectiveness. positive feedback being received in high density pedestrian and traffic Feedback included: from firefighters. areas to tackle the problem of inattentive – “It’s a totally different sound” “Unlike other emergency services, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. The – The LF siren has an enormous impact our vehicles weigh upwards of 15 tonnes. Rumbler is activated by a push button on cyclists who “definitely turn They are large trucks that cannot stop which operates the low frequency for around and pull out their earplugs” suddenly when an inattentive pedestrian 15 second bursts. – Firefighters riding in the Flyer steps in their path,” said Commissioner With improved motor vehicle commented they could actually hear Mullins. “Despite our best efforts, there soundproofing and the growing use of and “feel” the Runner LF siren over are still road users who do not hear our personal musical devices, technologies the sound of their own siren approaching vehicles.” such as the Rumbler help to alert the – In some cases the air horn causes Other states are also interested in public to approaching fire trucks. “It’s people to panic and stop suddenly, the LF sirens with some currently used important that our firefighters arrive whereas the LF siren results in in areas of Victoria and the Northern quickly, but most importantly, also arrive people “looking in the mirror and Territory. Airport fire and rescue services safely without putting themselves or the pulling to the side” across Australia are also installing the community at risk,” said Commissioner – Pedestrians were often seen LF sirens to counter the issue of fire Greg Mullins. removing earpieces as soon as the appliances responding across airports The LF sirens, which are now being LF siren was activated. with enormous background noise from used in some locations in Europe and the Staff input indicated that the LF siren is aircraft engines. nEND USA, were successfully trialled on the mainly beneficial in high pedestrian and
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 WHAT’S NEW? THE TAF20 – TURBINE AIDED FIREFIGHTING “It’s Robo-firey!” “Like a snow-making machine.” “A sort of bobcat‑thingy …” “Imagine a giant hairdryer on a tank track fitted with a tractor scoop.” “It’s firefighting on steroids!” These were some of the off-the‑cuff comments from staff attempting to describe the TAF20 after seeing it for the first time. So what exactly is the TAF20? The TAF20 is a versatile remote control firefighting appliance consisting of a turbine fan and water delivery system mounted on a compact crawler vehicle. The turbine is fitted with a nozzle ring which atomizes water and foam to form a fine mist which is distributed by propeller. The spray action is variable, ranging from a mist which can be projected up to 60 metres to a water jet able to be projected up to 90 metres. The mist is a very efficient fire fighting medium and has a much higher cooling capacity than conventional systems. The TAF20 is operated by remote control, allowing direct attack on fires without exposing firefighters to the same level of risk. For example, in a tunnel fire, the TAF20 can be sent on ahead while crews follow behind at a safe distance. The operator can be as far as 500 metres away from the unit. In June Commissioner Greg Mullins and Director Logistics Support Emmanuel Varipatis travelled to Hannover in Germany where they attended Interschutz, the largest fire equipment expo in the world. The TAF20 was one innovation that caught their attention, and after further investigation, arrangements were made for FRNSW to procure a unit at a heavily discounted ‘show price’. FRNSW is the first Australian emergency service, and one of only a few in the world, to acquire TAF20 capability. It is a unique and powerful tool that will keep FRNSW at the forefront of innovation in firefighting. In September, FRNSW took delivery of the TAF20 firefighting unit. Operational Capability staff and Appliance Training and Firefighting Operational Training staff received initial training and familiarisation. This training VIEW VIDEO AT _ fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews was designed to help the firefighters understand TAF20’s capability and likely OR applications, and give them the skills and knowledge needed to use the TAF20 unit SCAN CODE TO _ and integrate it into fireground operations WATCH NOW and strategies. Testing the TAF20’s water projection ability
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 It was used at a 5th Alarm factory fire in Botany on 30 November and proved very effective in suppressing a stubborn, deep-seated fire. The TAF20 was able to enter a ‘no-go’ zone for firefighters, due to the danger of wall collapse, and apply foam directly onto the fire. The supplier lists a range of likely applications for TAF20 including: – tunnel fires – fires in enclosed spaces and large infrastructure fires – terrorist attacks – aircraft incidents – refinery and chemical fires – large rubbish/open cut mine fires – forest/bushfires. Other potential uses could include: – exposure protection at large fires – ventilation of buildings – application of foam to bushland and structures in the bushland-urban interface – mass decontamination of crowds at large gatherings Side-on view showing the unit’s main components – a vehicle for attaching detectors/ cameras to, and obtaining samples and images remotely. Applications, location and details of operational deployment are still being determined, but the TAF20 is a unique and innovative firefighting tool that will provide more options for incident controllers at hazardous incidents and increase firefighter safety.n END
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS VEHICLE Speed: 1st gear 0-3.6 km/h, 2nd gear 0-9 km/h Gross vehicle weight: 3.3 tonnes Engine: 65 horsepower water-cooled Fuel tank: 75 litres Autonomy at full load operation: 5-7 hours Remote control: Up to 500m with graphical display TURBINE Power: 25 kW (shaft power) Operational pressure water: Maximum 16 bar Monitor spray pattern adjustable with remote control Flow rate gradually adjustable Water supply: 4 x Storz B Throwing distance with fine water mist (nozzle head): Up to 60 m Throwing distance with monitor: Up to 80 m The TAF20 in action at the Botany factory fire
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 WHAT’S NEW?
Deploying the Combi container to the ground
Unloading the submersible pump
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 HYTRANS HIGH VOLUME MOBILE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM n 2013 after investigating high-volume The Hytrans appliance can be used to become compromised,” he said. “The mobile water supply systems and supply large volumes of water (potentially Hytrans unit can move large volumes Iassessing their likely effectiveness, around 8000 litres/minute) for firefighting of water from static sources such as FRNSW decided to add this capability to its at large-scale fires, across distances of dams and rivers to a strategic location firefighting resources. up to 1.5 kilometres. It can operate from where pumpers and tankers can fill up A competitive tender was conducted both a static and reticulated supply, and and return to their role of firefighting or based on operational requirements and pumps water vertically up to a height of structure protection. the Hytrans system was chosen as the 60m. It lays its inventory of 150mm hose at “Like many large cities, Sydney’s preferred product. a maximum speed of 40 km/h. reticulated water supply infrastructure is Since 1988, hundreds of Hytrans units The appliance can also be used to ageing and in some areas flow rates are have been deployed all over the globe, pump water from flood-affected areas decreasing … the Hytrans unit will assist particularly in Europe and Asia. Fourteen and move it up to 1.5 kilometres. This FRNSW in providing large volumes of of these units were used to assist in could include car parks and basements or water when we are confronted with major bringing the 2005 Buncefield tank farm low‑lying streetscapes. structure fires. fire in the UK under control, arguably the Furthermore, the appliance can be In July 2015, FRNSW took delivery of biggest post World War 2 fire in Europe. used to assist in moving town water if the a Hytrans appliance. This is initially based FRNSW’s Hytrans appliance consists existing reticulated supply is compromised. at the Training College at Alexandria, of a hook lift truck to convey the unit to Assistant Director Capability Paul but in the longer term, will be situated the required location. The unit comprises McGuiggan said he believes that use of at a strategically located fire station. two containers, the first with the Hydrosub Hytrans units should be extended beyond Staff selected to operate the appliance 150 (a 150 kW hydraulically-driven large storage tank/refinery fires or flood (a minimum of four are required) were submersible pump), and the second the events to other emergencies such as recently trained in deployment of the HRU 200 (large‑iameter hose layer and bushfires and major structure fires. system, plus also in recovery, clean-up recovery unit). “During major bushfires, water and maintenance. nEND supplies to some communities can
VIEW VIDEO AT _ fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO _ WATCH NOW
Side view of the Hydrosub150
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 OPERATIONAL READINESS
Using a standpipe to flush and test hydrants CFU members undergoing skills maintenance training THE CFU ‘BLUE ARMY’ WELL PREPARED TO MEET THE THREAT OF BUSHFIRE Story by Karolina Marks, CFU Communications Officer CFUs are very well prepared to face the challenges of the high fire risk months thanks to various initiatives implemented in preparation for the bushfire season. These include training, skills review, and the rollout of new technology and equipment.
uring September the CFU Team Associate Member until they are able to intensive five-day Volunteer Leadership ran its annual ‘Operational complete their drills. Training (VLT) program held in July at the D Readiness Month’ program. During recent months, two apps were Australian Institute of Police Management All CFU Team Coordinators and developed for smart devices – CFU Admin in Manly. The program aims to develop Secondary Contacts received a four-page app and CFU Activate app. These apps leadership potential within emergency ‘Operational Readiness Month’ document will benefit CFU volunteers, reduce the services so that leaders and organisations which included suggested preparedness workload of FRNSW’s Communications are better prepared for future challenges activities and handy checklists. Further Centres and assist the CFU Management and changes. Participation of the CFU tips were posted on the CFU Facebook team with improved reporting and members in the VLT was funded from a and Twitter pages about how to ensure support for the volunteers (see full Police and Emergency Services grant. CFU teams were operationally ready to story on the CFU apps in the What’s Another ongoing project funded face the increased fire risks this summer. New section). from this grant is development of CFU This readiness program encouraged The rollout of new hand-held e-learning induction training. This CFU units to undertake practice drills, radios was another major initiative web-based, blended learning platform equipment checks and preventative aimed at improving communications introduces CFU volunteers to the theory actions to increase their fire resilience. and facilitating better contact during component of the induction program As safety of the CFU members is activations. Each operational CFU unit prior to attending practical training and always the highest priority, a thorough received a set of six TX675 radios, a assessment. The project is is expected to pre-bushfire season skills maintenance laminated double-sided information card be launched in early 2016. nEND training update program was conducted. and an instruction manual. All CFU members with expired skills A CFU Consultative Group (CFUCG) were asked to complete their drills has also been established to recommend and record them in the CFU portal. The improvements to the CFU program and VIEW VIDEO AT _ status of those who failed to complete provide consultation between volunteers fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews the mandatory training by 1 October was and FRNSW’s CFU Management. The changed from Operational Member to CFUCG was formed from seven CFU OR members who graduated from an SCAN CODE TO _ WATCH NOW
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 2015 THOR AND SOUTHERN AUSTRALASIAN BELLE THUNDER FIREFIGHTER CHAMPIONSHIPS INTO NSW FOR THE AT ECHUCA, BUSHFIRE SEASON VICTORIA
Thor large air tanker takes off on a water bombing flight
The latest additions to our national bushfire fighting RNSW’s best firefighters took on top firefighting teams from capability are Thor, a C-130 Hercules large air tanker, across Australia and the Pacific and Southern Belle, a DC10 very large air tanker, Fon 23‑25 August at the 2015 Australasian Firefighter Championships at providing a huge much-needed boost to Australia’s Echuca, Victoria. firefighting arsenal. In all 27 teams competed, with FRNSW teams pitting their efforts and skills against teams from the NSW oth aircraft were in action early in Rural Fire Service, Victoria, Tasmania, the season, deployed to Victoria in AERIAL BUSHFIRE the Northern Territory, the ACT, South BOctober to help combat bushfires FIGHTING FLEET FOR Australia, New Zealand and Fiji over the that had flared during unseasonally hot, THE NSW 2015/16 three-day championship. dry, windy conditions. BUSHFIRE SEASON The C.130 can carry up to 17,000 litres DC-10 tanker ‘Southern Belle’ of water, retardant or firefighting gel, and – 55 metres long with 50-metre the DC10 jet can carry a whopping 45,000 FRNSW teams wing span litres. This dwarfs the 9,000 litre Erickson performed very Air Cranes, and the 3,000 litre fixed wing – Weighs 190.5 tonnes “crop duster” type water bombers that – Carries 44,000 litres of water, creditably, with until last year were the largest aerial retardant or suppressant Tamworth taking attack appliances available in Australia. – Travels at 650km/h once loaded Commissioner Greg Mullins praised – Based at Richmond out third place on the acquisition of this capability. Hercules C-130 tanker ‘Thor’ 94.5 points “I swelcome this development. My – 30 metres long with 40-metre Churchill Fellowship study in 1995 wing span focussed on the use of large air tankers in – Weighs 68 tonnes Hosting brigade Echuca took out France, Spain, Canada and the USA, and I – Carries 15,450 litres of water, line honours with a total of 161.5 points. have been a strong advocate for bringing retardant or suppressant FRNSW teams performed very creditably, this capability to Australia for the last with Tamworth taking out third place 20 years.” – Travels at 545km/h once loaded – Based at Richmond on 94.5 points and Kelso at fourth on “Both Southern Belle and Thor are in 84.0 points. Other FRNSW results were Erickson Air Crane ‘Gypsy Lady’ NSW as part of the State Government’s Wyong in 9th place, Nowra in equal – 27 metres long with 22-metre long $9.8 million trial,” said Minister for 10th, Tenterfield 12th, Bega equal 13th, Emergency Services David Elliott. “They main rotor Dorrigo 16th, Mudgee 21st and Port will be used to assist firefighters on – Carries 9,000 litre of water Macquarie 22nd. Congratulations to all the ground by directly attacking bush – Travels at 200km/h the FRNSW teams who competed and the and grass fires … the potential impact – Based at Bankstown results they achieved. of these impressive firefighting planes Other aircraft The full placings are listed on the is incredible.” Up to 100 contracted aircraft used Firefighter Championships website Southern Belle, Gypsy Lady and Thor www.firefighterchampionships.com are supplementary to the 100-plus aircraft, including small and medium nEND mainly helicopters, already contracted helicopters and single engine fixed to support firefighting operations across wing air tankers. NSW this bushfire season. nEND 15
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 ON THE TRAINING GROUND VERTICAL RESCUE REACHES NEW HEIGHTS FRNSW is updating all its vertical rescue stations to comply with new requirements.
nder recent changes to the State 10 retained brigades and all four shifts at Rescue Board’s Rescue Policy, units the five permanent stations. As a result Uwith vertical rescue responsibility of the commitment by the training team must have the General Land Primary all stations had completed this training Rescue Operator competency as well as a by October 2015. To date more than revised Undertake Vertical Rescue course. 200 operators now have the full vertical FRNSW currently has 15 stations rescue competency. with vertical rescue responsibility. The four-day course is intensive, Of these, five are permanent stations and combining theory and practical training. 10 are retained. Rescue operators are assessed as team If you’ve been at one of these rescue members as well as individuals against stations over the last 18-24 months, a lot the knowledge and skills required to pass has been happening: the course. – training records were updated The training includes the two rope – all rescue operators were trained and system and two tensioned rope system. assessed to ensure FRNSW is up-to- Operators are also trained in new pieces date and all operators are current in of equipment such as the Petzel ASAP the disciplines for general land rescue lock fall arrest device, the Grillion work – an online training manual was positioning device and the AZTEK (a developed and made available on the modern mechanical advantage system). intranet (under Training > Operational Instructor Senior Firefighter Dean Training > Rescue) Scifleet commended the training update. – logistics, training development and “FRNSW’s vertical capability has been planning, equipment purchase and the greatly increased ... this will allow more trial and evaluation of new equipment streamlined inter-agency operations, and were all completed before training a much safer system for firefighters.“ could start. A by-product of this upgrade and compliance training has been the From March 2015 onwards the Rescue opportunity to invest in another versatile Training Team worked tirelessly with other piece of equipment for combined space Education & Training sections to develop and cliff rescues. The Arizona Vortex is a resources, schedule and finally deliver this new artificial high directional device, with important training. the Educational & Training Rescue Training The training rollout equated to Team delivering training for firefighters 30 four-day training courses to cover the Practising vertical rescue training skills who will use it. nEND
NARRABEEN PUT TRAINING relatively minor (scratches and bruises), INTO PRACTICE however they were unable to climb back up the cliff by themselves. Soon after completing their Vertical Rescue training, Narrabeen 68 D Platoon FRNSW crews got to work setting up a responded to a rescue incident at 0130 belay and haul system. Two firefighters hours on 25 July at Edgecliff Boulevarde, were sent down to assist and calm Collaroy Plateau. the fallen men. A 5:1 progressive rope capture was set up on each line to On arrival the crew found out that three retrieve the man. friends had gone too close to the cliff edge, resulting in one slipping over and From start to finish, the rescue took falling part way down. The other two 2 hours and 15 minutes concluding at had linked arms to retrieve their friend 0348 hrs, a testament to how well the by supporting themselves with some operation went. Crews commented, small bushes growing over the edge. “Easy set-up ... we felt very confident with Unfortunately these failed to hold and all the safety and redundancy in the system.” three tumbled down to a ledge around Crews later revisited the site and 10–12 metres below. conducted a drill session to continue One of the three then called 000 for help. improving their skills in case these are Using a spanline to move patient in a Stokes litter They advised that their injuries were needed again in the future.
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 Shallow water crossing in wedge formation (a wade The crews from 59 and 102 stations train in a 4-person raft tether technique to get people and equipment safely across)
Examples of flood rescues carried out A FLOOD OF KNOWLEDGE by FRNSW in support of the NSWSES during recent severe weather events. Following an increase in the frequency and severity Week commencing 20 April: Severe of flood incidents around the State, FRNSW has east coast low over the Central Coast implemented new flood rescue training, developed in and Hunter region with very strong winds and driving rain (described as a partnership with the NSWSES. ‘once in a decade storm)’. A Swiftwater Strike Team was deployed and carried he training, which conforms “FRNSW is lucky to have such a out four flood rescues on the Central to the latest AFAC guidelines, wealth of experience in this field,” said Coast. 282 Dungog rescued people educates firefighters on the risks Chief Superintendent Gary McKinnon. in Stroud marooned by floodwaters T “SF Crofton is a renowned expert in this associated with working in flood and on the roofs of their homes and in a swiftwater environments. It also ensures field and SF Wallgate has trained many football grandstand. 377 Minmi and a flood rescue capability for FRNSW, services in aviation and flood rescue.” 254 Cessnock backfilled at Dungog, enabling it when required to support the Fit-for-task training and specialised PPE NSWSES which is the combat agency and carried out rescues there together In conjunction with the NSWSES and with retained firefighters from 282 for floods. University of Wollongong, a comprehensive who had stayed in town. In Maitland, All firefighters will be trained in flood program of fit-for-task training methods rescue awareness, which is delivered is being rolled out to rescue stations in firefighters rescued four people online. In addition, 50 stations have identified at-risk locations – predominately from floodwaters. been identified to receive land-based in northern areas of the State. 25 April: Heavy rain and hail over flood rescue training and three stations During the developmental stages, Sydney and surrounding suburbs. Five (20 Hurstville, 59 Eastwood and 102 the University of Wollongong conducted flood rescues were carried out. Regentville) have completed water-based extensive research and analysis of in- swiftwater rescue training. Once training water training courses. An occupational 1-2 May: Another severe East is completed, firefighters will be registered therapist designed specific evolutions Coast low over northern NSW. Two with the State Rescue Board. (i.e. functional movements) to ensure Swiftwater Rescue Strike Teams were FRNSW rescuers are not permitted to that trainees are capable of undertaking deployed at Tweed Heads and Nimbin, enter moving water unless they have been flood rescue training and participating in each carrying out five flood rescues, flood rescue trained. This type of rescue actual operational incidents. This requires 10 in total. Some incidents involved can be both difficult and dangerous, and having a full range of motion and physical cars swept into creeks. Swiftwater the comprehensive and specific testing has movements, and an ability to accommodate been designed to ensure the physical ability rescue personnel also assisted loads encountered in flood and swiftwater Ambulance paramedics at calls, and safety of the trainees. situations. The evolutions also help to including an invalid trapped in a house Aviation Officer Senior Firefighter identify any pre-existing conditions which Anthony Wallgate said firefighters have could impact on a trainee’s physicality. with rising floodwater (the house was embraced the new training. Flood rescue qualified firefighters will sandbagged, allowing the resident to “We are providing firefighters with a be trained to use specialised equipment, remain at home). ‘toolbox’ of techniques, all designed to keep including flood rescue helmets and Late August: Strong winds, heavy rain them out of the water but still enable an personal flotation devices (PFDs). effective rescue,” SF Wallgate said. and hailstorms over the southern Swiftwater rescue stations will also be half of the NSW coastal seaboard. Senior Firefighter Shannon Crofton issued with PPE including wetsuits, A Swiftwater Rescue Strike Team said FRNSW’s flood rescue capability has in-water boots and helmets, PFDs, and already been tested with deployments to gloves and will receive a rescue raft. Both was established at Albion Park and the NSW north and south coasts and also land and water-based stations receive deployed to the St Georges Basin Sydney with “many rescues undertaken throwbags and fire hose inflation kits to area where they carried out 13 and many lives saved”. throw and reach out to victims. nEND flood rescues.
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING
Commissioner Mullins presents QF Peter Kirwan with the Perpetual Commissioner’s Safety Award 2015 COMMISSIONER’S SAFETY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED Qualified Firefighter Peter Kirwan was the winner of the Perpetual Commissioner’s Safety Award at the second annual Commissioner’s Safety Awards on Friday 30 October.
F Kirwan took out the overall and understanding. Peter’s story has had crew following the fatal fire at the new prize because of his personal many positive outcomes on all levels, and Occidental Hotel that claimed the life of Qcommitment to promoting mental I was personally touched by his journey.” RetF Daniel Howard. health within FRNSW. The winner was selected by a Commissioner Mullins said the He provided his personal story judging panel, which consisted of the variety of nominations in the four for the ‘The Firefighter Who Fought Commissioner, Acting Assistant Director categories this year demonstrated the Depression’ video which was produced of Health & Safety Wayne Phillips and drive to improve safety across all levels of by the University of NSW and the Black a representative from WorkCover NSW, the organisation. Dog Institute. from a shortlist of 18 finalists after a total “Regardless of your position or rank, Commissioner Greg Mullins said QF of 37 nominations were received. we all have not just a legal obligation Kirwan had shown incredible strength The finalists came under four but a huge moral obligation to keep and courage by sharing his own story categories: best solution to an identified ourselves and our mates safe at work,” of depression. workplace health and safety issue, best Commissioner Mullins said. “QF Kirwan’s initiative has had an individual contribution to workplace “All of us know the importance of enormous benefit across our organisation health and safety, best group contribution safety underpinning everything we do but also externally,” said Commissioner to workplace health and safety, and best within FRNSW, and these awards honour, Mullins. “The video and story was the management of a workplace injury. encourage and promote the actions of inspiration for similar videos made for The winners of each category and those who make an effort every day to the Ambulance Service of NSW, NSW the winner of the overall award were make our jobs safer. Police and the National Rugby League announced at a special ceremony at “Maintaining a safe and healthy to normalise mental health issues in Crows Nest Fire Station on 30 October. workforce begins with each and every their organisations.” Category winners included 412 Stn one of us, so I encourage you to make “A key challenge for FRNSW is to de- A Platoon, who successfully worked decisions, lead by example and work stigmatise mental health and encourage together to improve the physical work together to keep yourself and your firefighters to seek help. It’s also environment at Orange Fire Station, workmates safe.” important to provide managers with the and Cobar Captain Brad Lennon who Congratulations to all the 2015 skills to have conversations with empathy showed dedication in looking after his finalists and award winners.n END
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 Place Name Reason
CATEGORY 1: BEST SOLUTION TO AN IDENTIFIED WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUE Finalist Qualified Firefighter Peter Kirwan, Contributed his personal story to help raise awareness of mental health Rescue Training issues within FRNSW via a video. Finalist Deputy Captain Craig Koschel, Mortdale Identified safety improvements at the station and across the broader community, especially around the provision of community BBQs. Finalist Superintendent Greg Lewis, Zone Outstanding contribution to the prevention and management of on-duty Commander Region North 2 injuries and the overall improvement of firefighter fitness. Finalist Superintendent Kel McNamara, Inspector Review and design of rescue procedures for the safe removal of people Tim Fox, Inspector Ron James, Station from the Sky Safari gondola at Taronga Zoo. Officer James Ballantyne and Qualified Firefighter John Petterson Winner Qualified Firefighter Peter Kirwan
CATEGORY 2: BEST INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION TO WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY Finalist Deputy Captain Robert Hutchison, Designed and implemented a 12-week fitness challenge for the station. Narrandera Finalist Station Officer Matthew Goldman, Glen Innes Demonstrated exceptional leadership and initiative as a member of the Critical Incident Support Program Peer team and as an elected Health & Safety Representative. Finalist Qualified Firefighter Alex Kranenburg, Identified and rectified unsafe work practices at the station and at incidents Lidcombe around the cleaning of hoses. Finalist Senior Firefighter Michael Nguyen, Identified and developed a system to reduce the likelihood of pressure line Cabramatta damage on SCBA cylinders on Class 3 appliances. Finalist Station Officer Craig Osborne, City of Sydney Fostered a positive and healthy work environment for his crew. Winner Senior Firefighter Michael Nguyen
CATEGORY 3: BEST GROUP CONTRIBUTION TO WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY Finalist Station Officer Tim Brown, Senior Firefighter Designed and built a model asset protection zone (fire retardant) garden Luke Russell, Senior Firefighter Joel Latta at Toronto Fire Station to help educate the local community about how and Qualified Firefighter Paul Innis gardens can help protect property from bushfires. Finalist Station Officer Matthew Jeffery, Senior Identified and developed risk minimisation strategies to improve the work Firefighter Timothy Collins, Senior environment and practices at Orange Fire Station. Firefighter Phillip Pedley, Qualified Firefighter David Beattie and Qualified Firefighter Rob Buesnel Finalist Senior Firefighter Marc Saunders, Senior Proactively identified and addressed health and safety issues within Metro Firefighter Heath Aland, Senior Firefighter North 1, including putting safety fencing around vehicles to be used for Damien Armstrong, Captain Peter Laver, rescue training. Deputy Captain James Reddish and Retained Firefighter Darren Maxwell Finalist Senior Firefighter Peter Watson and Developed and implemented an initiative to raise awareness of hydraulic Qualified Firefighter Peter Kirwan injection injuries within FRNSW. Winner Station Officer Matthew Jeffery, Senior Firefighter Timothy Collins, Senior Firefighter Phillip Pedley, Qualified Firefighter David Beattie and Qualified Firefighter Rob Buesnel
CATEGORY 4: BEST MANAGEMENT OF A WORKPLACE INJURY Finalist Superintendent Paul Bailey Developed suitable duties to assist an injured worker return to pre-injury duties following surgery. Finalist Debra Boswell, Metro North Proactive and regular communication with injured firefighters, their supervisors and Health & Safety Branch to allow them to return to duty. Finalist Captain Brad Lennon, Cobar Dedicated efforts to ensure the Cobar crew was supported following the fatal fire at the Occidental Hotel at Cobar. Finalist Superintendent Peter Levett, Operational Proactive and continued professional support to injured firefighters as they Communications gradually return to work and health. Finalist Inspector Phil Sheedy, Region North 2 Provided continued support to injured workers in a complex regional environment, specifically as an advocate for mental health issues. Winner Captain Brad Lennon
PERPETUAL COMMISSIONER’S SAFETY AWARD Winner Qualified Firefighter Peter Kirwan, Contributed his personal story to help raise awareness of mental health Rescue Training issues within FRNSW via a video.
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING “NORMAL PEOPLE HAVING NORMAL REACTIONS TO ABNORMAL SITUATIONS” he road to understanding and recovering from post-traumatic Tstress disorder was candidly explored at a FRNSW seminar in Sydney on Friday 6 November. The ‘Pro-active Approach to PTSD’ seminar was held to launch the new FRNSW book: Recovery after Trauma – a Guide for Firefighters with Post- traumatic Stress Disorder, while raising awareness of PTSD as a workplace injury and promoting the ideal that recovery is achievable. The book was developed by Return to Work Advisor Nathan Jones, in consultation with Phoenix Australia, to improve understanding of the condition and assist firefighters and their families. The seminar, the first of its kind run by FRNSW with sponsors Employers Mutual, was attended by Commissioner Retired Major-General Cantwell shares his battle with PTSD Greg Mullins, the Minister for Emergency Services Hon. David Elliot, around 250 permanent and retained firefighters, senior officers, and trades and admin staff Geoff Evans, SO Mark Black, QF Jess If you’re concerned about yourself or and representation from the RFS, SES and Grimwood and former NSW Police someone on your crew, visit the mental Ambulance Service of NSW. Inspector Belinda Neil spoke honestly health toolkit (Toolkits > Organisation In his address, Commissioner Mullins about their personal experience of the Wide > Health, Fitness and Wellbeing said the event highlighted how far FRNSW causes and effects of the disorder. > Mental Health) on the intranet for has come since he joined the brigade in In the afternoon, the theory behind information and resources or see your GP. 1978, when firefighters dared not admit the diagnosis of PTSD, evidence based The toolkit also includes audio recordings, they were traumatised by an incident prevention programs and treatment presentations and information about the or suffering from any form of mental methods were explored by two guest seminar. nEND health condition. speakers: psychiatrists Professor Zachary “Over time the ‘stiff upper lip’ culture Steel and Dr Sam Harvey from the began to change as it became more University of NSW. SEMINAR SOUND BITES “We received some excellent feedback acceptable to talk about the sometimes “We can circumvent so much suffering at the end of the event,” said SF Mark serious effects of our work on our own if we can just de-stigmatise PTSD.” wellbeing,” said Commissioner Mullins. Dobson, Wellbeing Coordinator. “Many “We still have a way to go but I’m proud praised Major-General Cantwell and “PTSD is an injury, you don’t have to say FRNSW has taken huge steps to the panel for sharing their stories. a choice.” The overwhelming response was for de-stigmatise mental health injuries “Put your hand up early. You can get and provide pathways and programs for more stories and more firies to attend help and then go back to work.” understanding and treatment.” and be exposed to these types of The day included a profound personal personal experiences.” “We must make sure we check on each account of PTSD by retired Major-General Looking forward to 2016, Assistant other. It can be hard to recognise in John Cantwell. Major-General Cantwell Director Health & Safety Alison Donohoe yourself but easy to see in others.” received a standing ovation after taking said the Health and Safety Branch will the audience on a moving journey through continue to promote mental health issues “The biggest challenge was his military career spanning two Gulf and align mental health programs with recognising I needed help. I had Wars and the conflict in Afghanistan. risks to ensure FRNSW is providing no idea.” the best possible preventation and Despite suffering flashbacks and severe “I was tough. I thought I could rehabilitation programs to support anxiety after the first Gulf War, Major- handle it.” General Cantwell hid his injury and for our firefighters. continued to function at an extremely high Reassuring everyone it’s ok to talk “PTSD doesn’t have to be a level to coordinate defence operations for about mental health, Commissioner life sentence.” two decades. Mullins said PTSD needs to be reframed as normal people having normal reactions “If we are silent, are we being honest A highlight for many attendees was with ourselves?” a courageous and open panel discussion to abnormal situations. including three current and former “The important thing is to reach out “No shame, no stigma. We should treat FRNSW firefighters and a retired NSW to your mates and loved ones and make this the same as slips, trips and falls.” Police Force Inspector. At varying stages it ok for them to open up and seek help of PTSD injury and recovery, former SF when needed.”
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 STANDING ON MY BROTHER’S SHOULDERS
VIEW VIDEO AT _ fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO _ WATCH NOW
SF Tara Lal is using her experiences to help others
Senior Firefighter Tara Lal is making peace with her personal experiences of grief and suicide through a new book, Standing on my Brother’s Shoulders, published by Watkins.
rowing up in England, SF Lal’s Mental Health Month in October, SF Lal childhood was coloured by her told The Sun-Herald it was her brother’s WHERE TO father’s mental illness and writing – which shows he was obviously Gshattered by her mother’s death from severely depressed – that inspired her to GET HELP cancer when she was 13. Just four years help others. (All calls and appointments with later she was rocked to the core when “I thought that could really help the following services are completely her brother Adam took his own life. somebody because it says so powerfully confidential). After emigrating to Australia, SF how it feels to be deeply depressed. The Lal became a firefighter with FRNSW FRNSW Peer Support Team / Critical and a surf lifesaver at North Bondi. Incident Support Program (CISP) In addition, she holds two university This team offers help to employees degrees, is a practising physiotherapist, I can use what I who are affected by individual traumatic and is trained in suicide prevention and learnt to help others incidents or a cumulative effect over crisis intervention. their career. It also provides support Within FRNSW she has helped for general mental health issues. The manage the Critical Incident Support apathy, hopelessness and worthlessness. Wellbeing Coordinator can be contacted Program, and is working with the Black “Where I use my training most is as on (02) 9265 3910 or 0448 295 725. A list Dog Institute to promote mental health a peer support member. It’s talking to of peers can be found on the intranet in firefighters, including trialling a new people like my fellow firefighters who are under Toolkits > Organisation Wide > online resource to tackle potential issues. struggling and having thoughts of suicide. Health, Fitness & Wellbeing > Mental When her book was launched I can use what I learnt to help others.” Health > Peer Team Contacts. at the start of the annual national
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING
Employee Assistance Program health, the Chaplains offer confidential This service, funded by FRNSW, and non-judgemental care and support. STRUCTURAL will connect you to a counsellor. Contact Lyndsay Smith on 0418 869 280 Available to all FRNSW employees and or Dawn Smith on 0418 268 754, or email FIREFIGHTING their immediate family members, it is [email protected]. PPC PASSES confidential and solution-focused. Call Your GP 1300 360 364. Ask your GP for a referral to a TESTING WITH Manager Assist Program psychologist. Following a mental health FLYING COLOURS This service is available through our assessment, Medicare will pay for up to EAP provider. It advises managers on how 10 sessions a year and FRNSW will cover to deal with someone who has a mental the gap between the counsellor’s rate The current personal health problem. It assists when having a and the Medicare rebate. protective ensemble of difficult conversation with an employee. Lifeline Don’t put off having a conversation structural firefighting coat Ring 131 114 for 24/7 crisis support with someone who may need help. Call and suicide prevention services. and trousers was rolled 1300 360 364. Black Dog Institute out in early 2013. FRNSW Chaplains The Black Dog Institute website Chaplaincy provides emotional (www.blackdoginstitute.org.au) contains support and care to employees and a wealth of information and resources, their families during times of stress and including a comprehensive range of major life events. Whether the issues factsheets. n relate to work, home, relationships or END
EXTRACT FROM STANDING ON MY BROTHER’S SHOULDERS “So here I am, peeling potatoes at the We pull up behind the police vehicle. I see sink, when the Spy with his silver hair and the blood. rugged war-torn face comes up to me. ‘Grab the hose, T. Wash it down,’ the ‘It’d better not be another salmon patty boss calls. night, Bear.’ I walk to the back of the truck, pulling I’ll never live that one down. On my first out the hose reel. As I turn, I see a pair ever cook-up at the station I created of broken glasses on the ground. Then Seam strength tested sample – lining some masterful salmon fishcakes, I look up at the window. In my head I designed to impress, only I made the see the figure climbing out of it; the rookie error of not cooking nearly body plummeting to the ground; I feel it hen worn together, the enough of them so that one of the guys all, even the instant of regret. Then the structural firefighting coat had to go to the takeaway for a chicken impact as it hits the pavement washes Wand trousers provide the level burger afterwards. through my body. of protection required to comply with AS/ NZS 4967:2009, Protective clothing for ‘I’m still having therapy for that, three I stand there frozen, holding the hose. structural firefighting. years later’, I laugh. I am taken back to another time, another To ensure the ongoing safety of Then the bells at the fire station start to country, another body... firefighters, FRNSW and the supplier ring, ascending in volume as they always Adam.” arranged mid-life testing to evaluate the do. Expecting it to be another false alarm, PPC’s performance. Sets of PPC from a I turn everything off on the stove and put cross-section of stations were laundered down my peeler. The automated voice and then forwarded to the CSIRO for that follows the bells breaks in: ‘Pump 4, comprehensive testing on a range of assist police.’ conditions including ignition, heat transfer, strength and resistance to heat, water I walk into the watch-room of the station and abrasion. to get the printout. Considering the extent of in-service ‘We’ve got a jumper’, the boss says to me. wear and tear and prior laundering, the results were outstanding, with the PPC It doesn’t register at first. Then I realise passing the standard on most tests. it’s a suicide. The police often call the fire The only areas where a full pass wasn’t brigade to help clean up the blood. achieved were residual seam strength I take a breath. ‘Where is it?’ (97% was achieved which is excellent ‘The back of the Cross, for a garment 2+ years old) and surface Springfield Avenue.’ resistance to water penetration (as expected, the outer layer’s water repellent I walk to the turn-out bay, put on my finish showed some deterioration, however yellow pants, jacket and helmet; and then the moisture membrane subassembly still on the truck, pull out of the station, lights prevented water ingress). and sirens on. I’ve done it a million times These results were better than before, but this time feels different. There expected given garment age, abrasion is a tension across my chest. Swallowing exposure, and through-life laundering. is difficult. The testing concluded that overall, the PPC continues to protect firefighters to required levels when they are in the field. nEND 22
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL
ISSUE 3: FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL 23
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to Edition 3 of Fire and Rescue Operations Journal. In this edition, we report on a number of very technically challenging fires and rescue incidents. In reporting on the operations at these incidents, some very distinctive themes have emerged. Firstly, the determination, commitment and skill level of the firefighters doing the hard work is nothing less than outstanding. Secondly, the incident commanders are dealing with some very challenging, complex and at times dangerous scenarios, and in so doing, are undertaking what can only be described as textbook decision-making … accept that many of the scenarios found on these firegrounds will not be found in any fire command textbook. Experience, knowledge, excellent training, good size-up, strong command presence and excellent decision-making processes are resulting in very sound fireground tactical command decisions, resulting in operations that are safe and effective (meeting all incident objectives). It is hard to ask for more. In this edition, none of the incidents could be described as “routine”: a fully involved 48,000m2 motor vehicle spare parts warehouse fire with all installed fire suppressions destroyed due to a previous event, a wind-impacted fire in a furniture warehouse on an enormous scale that threatened to create an urban conflagration, a “pot on a stove” fire that resulted in a highly destructive wind-impacted fire event, and a marina fire involving boats containing thousands of litres of volatile substances and flammable liquids impacting a three-level residential wharf formed of 100-year-old lanolin oil soaked timbers. In many respects, the crews that responded to these Photograph taken by a neighbour shows fierce flames through the vent outlet opening, on the incidents have “re-written the textbook”, with respect to downwind side of the fire. This is indicative of the extreme fire conditions created due to the operations at these very complex types of fires. Similarly, the presence of a wind impacted fire. Picture supplied courtesy Mrs Amy Johnson firefighters who responded to the rescue incidents described in this edition displayed significant commitment, initiative and professionalism, resulting in many lives being saved. FRNSW firefighters were the first emergency responders to arrive at several of these incidents and were confronted with chaotic, FIREFIGHTERS traumatic and confusing scenes. The highly professional actions of the initial responding crews enabled these incidents ENCOUNTER WIND- to be rapidly stabilised, and in so doing, laid a solid foundation for the major emergency operations involving all emergency IMPACTED FIRE AT services that would then follow; Consequently, the best possible chance of survival was provided to the persons involved in GUILDFORD UNIT these emergencies. Once again, modern fuel loads (in particular hydrocarbon and BLOCK 2ND ALARM thermoplastic-based materials) have contributed to extreme fire behaviour at “routine” fire events. We have also seen the Incident summary: What started as a routine “pot left result of the combined influences of fuel-enriched environments unattended on the stove” kitchen fire at a unit block at Guildford created by hydrocarbon-based materials and the impact of wind in Sydney’s west, rapidly evolved into a destructive and extreme on fire behaviour. fire event, due to a series of circumstances that set the scene The fire at Eastern Creek is representative of a type of fire that for a wind-impacted fire. This report details the circumstances so often passes under the radar of the firefighting community that led to the very rapid formation of this very dangerous fire ... structures that are vacant, disused, abandoned, derelict phenomenon, the extreme fire behaviour that followed and the or are subject to demolition, renovation, deconstruction or firefighting operations that enabled FRNSW firefighters to safely closure. The experience within the United States is that these mitigate this hazard. As usual, FRNSW crews responded very are the most dangerous structure fires at which firefighters professionally to this dangerous fire event. conduct operations. As large as the Eastern Creek fire was, and Incident type: Residential unit fire. despite all installed fire suppressions being out of service (and Time, date and place of call: 1733 hours on Wednesday numerous other hazardous conditions present), firefighters were 23 September 2015, Excelsior Street, Guildford. able to operate safely because they were familiar with the site Fire building: Residential unit block, two level, 18.0m x and were aware of the hazards and difficulties present. The value 12.0m, brick and fibrous cement board clad, timber frame and of pre-incident planning at these types of structures cannot be tile roof. The front of the house faced west. The block contained a overstated enough. total of four residential apartments, two on the ground level and Lastly, despite all of the challenges, difficulties and hazardous two on the second level. conditions present at the incidents reported in this edition, as The unit involved was located on the second level of the always, our crews performed with distinction. unit block at the southern end of the building. The unit faced Inspector Kernin Lambert west and was 9.0m x 12.0m in area. A balcony 3.0m x 4.0m was Editor, Fire & Rescue Operations Journal located at the eastern end of the unit. An open plan kitchen/ dining room/lounge room 4.0m x 12.0m was located at the southern end of the unit. A floor-to-ceiling glass sliding door and floor-to-ceiling glass window (combined) 3.6m wide x 2.4m high separated the lounge room from the balcony (the door in the open position created a 1.8m x 2.4m opening), on the
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 2ND ALARM GUILDFORD WIND-IMPACTED UNIT FIRE, 23 SEPT 2015
A window located on southern side of the building, acts as an inlet opening, located on the upwind side of the fire. Note, flames are not venting outwards. Also, compare fire activity with the vent outlet. Both windows are fitted to the same fire compartment. The defensive attack stream directed through this window reduced fire intensity within seconds. Picture supplied courtesy Mrs Amy Johnson
eastern side. A window 1.5m x 1.5m was FRNSW response: Pumpers a 1.8m x 2.4m opening into the unit. located at the western end of the kitchen 55 (Guildford), 30 (Lidcombe), A strong south/south-easterly wind above the kitchen bench. A window 0.5m 72 (Merrylands) and 73 (Fairfield), was blowing at a 45° angle through the wide x 1.75m high was located on the Hazmat Pumper 85 (Chester Hill), Ladder opening into the unit. southern wall. Platform 27 (Parramatta) and Duty Formation of wind-impacted fire: The Access to the unit was via an internal Commander MW2 (Parramatta). smouldering blanket was located on the stairwell 1.5m wide at the northern end. Additional services in attendance: balcony at the eastern end of the unit and An atrium formed above the stairwell. Ambulance Service of NSW, NSW Police directly in the path of the wind, providing The access door to the unit was located and electricity authority. increased quantities of oxygen to the at the base of the stairwell. At the top Situation prior to FRNSW response: smouldering fire. The blanket quickly of the stairwell, a hallway 5.0m long On the afternoon of the fire shortly reignited and a short time later became and 1.2m wide extended to the lounge prior to the time of call, the 33-year-old fully involved in fire. Radiant heat from room. A bedroom, bathroom and laundry female occupant of the fire unit was the flaming blanket caused the release of adjoined the eastern side of the hallway cooking meat in a pot in the kitchen, on volatile hydrocarbon gases (via pyrolysis) and a bedroom adjoined the western side a gas-powered stove. Cooking oil was from the polyurethane foam lounge of the hallway. also in the pot. The occupant left the located within the lounge room a short Interior furnishings within the kitchen stove unattended for a short period of distance away. These gases ignited and consisted of cupboards, benches and time and returned to find the pot alight. the fire quickly spread to the interior of pantries of light timber construction. The occupant went to her bedroom and the unit. Within the lounge room, further Two polyurethane foam and timber obtained a blanket to cover the burning items of furniture formed of polyurethane frame two seat lounges were located pot, in an attempt to smother the fire. The foam and other thermoplastic materials within the lounge room, at the eastern blanket caught alight and the occupant ignited, causing large releases of heat end of the unit. An entertainment unit, removed the blanket to the balcony where and conditions approaching flashover formed of synthetic materials and she then began to shake it, attempting to within the lounge room. A bi-directional thermoplastic was located in the lounge extinguish the fire. This action resulted in flow path formed at the eastern end of room. A lightweight timber table and four no flames being present, although smoke the unit; superheated gases were venting chairs formed of synthetic materials were was still coming from the blanket. The out of the unit in an easterly direction at located in the dining room. occupant then returned to the stove and ceiling level at the same time as air was Weather at time of fire: South/ switched the gas cooker off, however the being drawn into the unit near floor level. south-easterly winds at 33km/h, gusting original fire within the pot continued to The under-ceiling superheated gases to 63km/h, temperature 16°C, relative burn. Air blowing into the unit caused the were seeking an area of low pressure humidity 29% and mean sea level pot fire to intensify, producing increased and were travelling in all directions as pressure 1025.5 hPa recorded at Bureau levels of heat and smoke. The unit began the lounge room fire expanded. These of Meteorology Bankstown Airport to fill with smoke, forcing the occupant superheated gases were rolling down automatic weather station (approximately to evacuate and raise the alarm. The the western and southern walls of the 7.5km from the fire building) at occupant did not close the balcony door kitchen and dining room, impacting 1500 hours. prior to evacuating from the unit. closed glass windows at these locations, When the occupant left the unit, the balcony door was fully open, creating 25
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL resulting in these windows failing, and flammable hydrocarbon gases conditions associated with this extreme creating openings. that continued to feed the fire. The bi- fire phenomenon. The window breach on the southern directional flow path that had previously Initial call and response: FRNSW wall allowed additional air supplies formed to the east near the balcony door FireCom received the first of numerous to enter the dining room. The window had now reversed and all fire gases were ‘000’ calls reporting a unit fire at breach on the western wall created an now venting through the open kitchen Excelsior Street, Guildford and initially exit point for wind blowing into the unit. window on the western side of the unit. responded Pumper 55 and Hazmat There were now two airflow entry No flames or fire gases were venting Pumper 85. As additional calls were points and an airflow exit point within through openings on the east and south taken, a third pumper was added to the unit. The existence of airflow entry sides of the unit. The wind-impacted fire the response. and exit points created an airflow path. was rapidly consuming all combustible A passing police patrol who were The airflow path also involved the materials located within the kitchen/ in the area at the time saw the fire area of combustion. Large quantities dining/lounge room compartment of the and travelled to the fire building, of oxygen were now being drawn into unit. Fire intensity became so severe that approximately three minutes after the the combustion area, creating a wind- a powerful area of low pressure began time of first call and observed the unit impacted fire. Almost immediately, to form within the combustion zone, heavily involved in fire and large flames fire conditions rapidly and dramatically drawing venting smoke back into the fire. issuing from the front window. changed. Heat release rates intensified Intense heat from the fire caused the First FRNSW appliances arrive on significantly, fire growth expanded, aluminium window frame at the southern scene: Pumper 55 under the command resulting in full involvement of end of the unit to melt and form drops of SO Darren Gould turned into the kitchen/dining/lounge room of molten aluminium (aluminium begins Excelsior Street and observed heavy compartment and horizontal flames at to melt at 660°C). The powerful thermal fire venting three to five metres out of least five metres long began to vent from forces located just below ceiling level the front window of the second level the kitchen window at the western end of associated with the venting superheated kitchen window facing Excelsior Street. the kitchen. Fire bypassed the hallway to fire gases caused the upper levels of the Some flame was also observed coming the north, because the kitchen window metal window and door frames located at from the window on the southern side opening provided an area of low pressure. the eastern and southern ends of the unit of the house. Pumper 55 sent a RED Fire intensity increased by almost 300% to soften and the wind entering the unit message requesting the response of a within seconds of the wind-impacted caused these frames to bend towards 2nd Alarm. SO Gould became the Incident fire forming. At this time, internal the direction of vent opening, causing Commander and a command point temperatures were approaching 1,000°C. at least a 40cm inward displacement was established known as “Excelsior The polyurethane foam and thermo of the frames. The wind-impacted fire Street Command”. plastic furniture created a fuel-enriched event in operation at the Excelsior Street Initial firefighting operations: Senior environment, rapidly breaking down and fireground was consistent with the highly Firefighter Peter Grose and Qualified decomposing, producing highly volatile destructive nature and very dangerous Firefighter Craig Paulett donned SCBA
Fire building, showing inlet openings (balcony, top right of building and window centre of right side) and vent opening on the front right side of photograph Kitchen and vent window. Fire severity was extreme and not survivable
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 2ND ALARM GUILDFORD WIND-IMPACTED UNIT FIRE, 23 SEPT 2015
and prepared to advance a 38mm attack they were located at the top of the ceiling of the unit. Senior Firefighter line into the structure to conduct interior stairwell, however forward progress had Tobin reported the effect of this attack offensive operations. As firefighters been stopped due to fire intensity. was immediate, resulting in significant approached the building, they saw the Firefighters conduct defensive diminishing of fire activity within seconds. fire was producing heavy black smoke. operations: The internal fire attack crew Similarly, Firefighters Grose and Paulett The fire attack crew then entered the withdrew to a position of refuge at the top reported a significant lowering of internal ground level door and advanced to the top of the stairwell, at the northern end of the temperatures. The external line was shut of the internal stairs at the northern end hallway, away from the area of heavy fire down, enabling the internal attack crew of the hallway. Firefighters observed the involvement. Hazmat Pumper 85 arrived to advance on the fire. kitchen/dining room/lounge room area on scene and was directed by the Incident Command transferred: Duty to be totally involved in fire from floor to Commander to commence a defensive Commander Parramatta Inspector Bob ceiling. Fire conditions were extreme. external attack on the fire, in attempt to McGowan arrived on scene and following Thick black smoke with partial flames reduce fire intensity. Senior Firefighter a handover briefing, command was were beneath the hallway ceiling. The Sarah Tobin and Qualified Firefighter transferred to Inspector McGowan, with smoke layer had lowered to a height Joshua Maslen deployed a 38mm hose SO Gould appointed Operations Officer. of approximately 1.5m in the hall way. line and directed a straight stream jet Firefighters continue offensive Firefighters observed large volumes of through the front window of the unit onto operations: As soon as defensive very hot, dark brown and black smoke the kitchen ceiling, almost vertically operations ceased, Firefighters Grose coming from the stairwell behind them and on a slight angle. Senior Firefighter and Paulett again began to advance the and being drawn past their backs and into Tobin advised this attack was conducted 38mm attack line along the hallway the fire at significant speed. This smoke for several minutes before signs were and towards the fire area. Firefighters was entering the stairwell via the open observed of fire activity beginning to reported conditions had improved doorway at ground level. diminish. From within the fire building, significantly, reporting that the further From the top of the stairs, Senior the internal attack crew reported they advanced along the hallway, the Firefighter Grose directed a straight temperatures had begun to drop. The lower the temperature became. Third stream jet into the area of total fire defensive line was shut down and arriving Pumper 30 firefighters placed involvement. Firefighters reported that firefighters repositioned to the southern a third 38mm attack line into operation, immediately following this action, the side of the building, where Senior which was deployed to the fire floor to area they were in became extremely hot, Firefighter Tobin observed flames and assist Pumper 55 firefighters conducting due to steam produced. Senior Firefighter smoke pulsing in and out of the second fire attack. Internal temperatures were Grose then began to aggressively level dining room window (located on the much lower by then and fire activity had gas cool, in an attempt to lower the southern side of the unit). The defensive significantly diminished. Firefighters temperature in which the firefighters straight stream jet was again operated advanced to the kitchen/dining room/ were working. The internal attack crew almost vertically, on a slight angle, lounge room area and conducted direct radioed the Incident Commander that through the window and onto the interior
Kitchen and vent window. Fire severity was extreme and not survivable Displacement of metal door frames, caused by superheated gases and inlet pressure
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL fire attack, extinguishing fire that 4 The combination of the wind-impacted Similarly, it is important to identify remained within these rooms. fire scenario in conjunction with the windows and sections of glazing being Aerial appliance placed into hydrocarbon-based fuel load resulting impacted by fire, that could be subject operation: Ladder Platform 27 arrived in very intense fire conditions within the to thermal failure and create an on scene and was positioned in Alpha fire unit. opening in a structure that could create Sector at the front of the fire building. 5 Consistent with a wind-driven fire a flow-path. The presence of such The aerial appliance was placed into event, large flames vented horizontally windows should be considered relative operation, enabling firefighters to from the fire vent point, however fire to wind direction. It is much harder to conduct an aerial inspection of the fire appeared to be drawn in at the entry predict a scenario that could become building. A roof report was provided to openings. Firefighters also reported a wind-impacted fire if a trigger event the Incident Commander, confirming seeing smoke and flames “pulsing” occurs, than it is to identify a wind- the roof structure appeared to be in in and out of the air inlet opening (the impacted fire that is already happening; sound condition and no further fire breached window on the southern side tragically, the experience from the spread was visible. The positioning of the of the building), another indicator of United States is that wind-impacted Ladder Platform enabled it be used as a a wind-driven fire. fires that form due to the occurrence secondary point of firefighter egress, if 6 The defensive straight stream jet of trigger events after firefighters are required in an emergency. Information directed through the entry opening on operating within buildings are the fires from the aerial appliance contributed the southern side of the structure by that claim firefighters’ lives. to the situational awareness of the Hazmat Pumper 85 firefighters had an 10 Firefighters should consider wind Incident Commander and the safety of all almost immediate effect on the fire, direction when conducting size-up of firefighters on the fireground. significantly reducing fire intensity a structure. In particular, firefighters Fire under control: Following the within seconds of the application should be alert to wind conditions that operation of the external defensive of this stream. This technique was may push a fire back into the structure, stream, the internal attack crew highly effective. Firefighters within the instead of flames venting normally. At quickly brought the fire under control. structure reported an immediate and the Excelsior Street fire, the defensive The Pumper 30 SCBA crew conducted significant reduction in temperature fire attack crew observed smoke and a primary search, and declared an all at the time the defensive attack flames pulsing back into the building clear. Pumper 72 firefighters entered the was conducted. To achieve the most through a window on the upwind side, adjoining second level unit at the northern effective results, an exterior stream due to the effects of the wind. end of building to check for fire spread. should be directed through an air entry 11 Research from the City of New York A fire separation wall located in the roof opening, allowing water to contact the Fire Department (FDNY) wind-impacted space prevented fire spread through the source of the fuel and flame, achieving fire research team emphasises that common roof to the void space above the effective extinguishment. The stream both the combustion zone of a wind- adjoining unit. Firefighters completed will be most effective if firefighters impacted fire and the area downwind of salvage and overhaul operations. The applying the stream have the wind at a wind-impacted fire within a structure occupant of the unit was conveyed to their backs. The aim of the defensive are not survivable for firefighters, hospital by ambulance. All combustible stream is not to direct a jet onto the even wearing the highest levels of materials within the lounge and dining flames, but to direct the straight jet structural firefighting protection. rooms were completely consumed by fire. stream through the window at about The key to survival is to be aware of Timber cupboards and benches within the a 60° angle onto the interior ceiling, the signs that a wind-impacted fire kitchen had also been severely damaged allowing water to then drop onto the has the potential to form and take by fire. fire combustion zone. appropriate precautionary actions. This is the responsibility of everyone on Notes 7 At the Excelsior Street fire, the the fireground. 1 The fire event at the Excelsior Street transition from an interior offensive 12 Firefighters at Excelsior Street fireground was a textbook example attack to a defensive attack was performed professionally, identifying of a wind-impacted fire, due to the conducted in a coordinated manner, the hazard and applying appropriate existence of an air inlet opening (open under the direction of the Incident control measures to mitigate the balcony door) and an airflow exit/ Commander, who was in radio contact situation. Everyone went home safely. fire vent point (breached window), with defensive and offensive crews. The Special thanks to FDNY Battalion facilitating air flow created by the defensive attack only commenced when Chiefs Gerald Tracy and George Healy prevailing wind, through the area of it was confirmed the interior offensive and Captain John Ceriello (FDNY Wind- combustion within the structure. crews had withdrawn to a location of Impacted Fire Research Team) and 2 The fuel load, consisting of interior safe refuge. Effective communication Professor Steve Kerber PhD (Director, contents formed of polyurethane and a coordinated attack is the key to Underwriting Laboratories, Firefighter foam, thermoplastics and other safely carrying out this operation. Safety Research Institute) for their synthetic materials released 8 The 360 size-up, contained within the recently introduced Incident assistance in preparing this report. flammable hydrocarbon gases when n heated, creating a fuel-enriched Management SOGs, is a key component END combustion zone, resulting in intense to identifying a wind-impacted fire or fire conditions. the possibility that a wind-impacted 3 The failure of the glass kitchen window fire could form. During the 360 size-up, at the western end of the unit was the it is advantageous for the Incident trigger event that caused the wind- Commander to identify any air inlet impacted fire to form, allowing air openings into the fire compartment or to be funnelled through the unit and any fire vent openings, where it appears delivering large quantities of oxygen flames/internal fire could be getting to the area of existing fire, resulting “pushed” back into the structure from in rapid and significant escalation of a prevailing wind. fire conditions. 9 During size-up, it is advantageous to note wind direction, relative to the fire’s location within the fire building.
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 2ND ALARM GUILDFORD WIND-IMPACTED UNIT FIRE, 23 SEPT 2015
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL
From Charlie Sector, firefighters advance 70mm attack lines to Commissioner Mullins and Area Commander CSupt Alex protect Delta exposures being impacted by fierce fire conditions Scott discuss firefighting operations in Charlie Sector
8TH ALARM REQUIRED TO CONTROL LARGE YENNORA WIND-IMPACTED FURNITURE WAREHOUSE FIRE
Incident summary: Workers and aerial appliances, strong command Duty Commanders MW2 discovered a small smouldering fire presence and courage and determination (Parramatta), MW1 (Huntingwood) and burning within a sofa located on storage of firefighters, prevented this fierce and ME3 (Ashfield), Zone Commander MW2 racking in a furniture warehouse. No highly destructive fire from spreading (Parramatta) Superintendent Selwyn flames were visible and only light smoke to numerous surrounding exposures. Mathias, Area Commander Metropolitan was seen by workers. At the time, large Once again, FRNSW crews performed West (Acting Chief Superintendent Alex loading bay doors were open at the front with distinction. Scott), Director Metropolitan Operations and rear of the warehouse, enabling Incident type: Furniture (Acting Assistant Commissioner wind to blow into the warehouse through warehouse fire. Rick Griffiths), Commissioner of the open doors, creating an air flow Time, date and place of call: 1232 FRNSW (Commissioner Greg Mullins), through the area of combustion. During hours on Monday 27 July 2015. Operational Media Coordinator attempts by workers to extinguish FRNSW response: Pumpers 55 (Superintendent Ian Krimmer), Fleet the smouldering phase fire, the (Guildford), 73 (Fairfield), 72 (Merrylands), Operations Officer, Fire Investigation polyurethane foam sofa “exploded” and 49 (Cabramatta), 27 (Parramatta), and Research Unit, Assistant Director fire quickly spread into stock located 30 (Lidcombe), 41 (Smithfield), 19 Public Affairs Andrew Parsons and Team on storage racking. A wind-impacted (Silverwater), 65 (Rydalmere), 43 Leader Hazmat. fire rapidly developed, causing fire to (Seven Hills), 32 (Mount Druitt) and 96 In addition, a further 28 FRNSW rapidly spread through the warehouse, (Schofields), CAFS Pumper 31 (Busby), appliances and numerous other senior creating inferno-like conditions. When Rescue Pumpers 57 (Wentworthville), 15 officers and specialist support staff the first FRNSW appliance arrived on (Burwood) and 62 (Bankstown), Aerial responded to the incident for relief and scene minutes after the fire ignited, Pumpers 47 (Revesby) and 45 (Miranda), fire duty purposes. the warehouse was totally involved in Ladder Platforms 18 (Glebe), 27 Additional agencies/services fire and fuelled by a very large fire load, (Parramatta), 36 (Crows Nest) and 92 (St in attendance: NSW Police, largely consisting of polyurethane foam Andrews), Heavy Rescues 59 (Eastwood) Ambulance Service of NSW, gas and based furniture goods; 25-30m high and 20 (Hurstville), Hazmat Pumpers 77 electricity authorities. flames were venting from the building; (St Marys) and 85 (Chester Hill), Heavy Fireground description: The fire and numerous surrounding structures Hazmat 85, Tanker 93 (Narellan), CAFS building was a single level open plan (most of which contained flammable Tanker 78 (Dunheved), Incident Control warehouse, 70m x 70m x 10m high, and highly volatile fuel loads) were in Vehicle Bravo, Logistics Support Vehicles steel frame, concrete block clad with immediate danger of fire spread. A 21 (Kogarah) and 1 (City of Sydney) and a fitted metal sheet roof. 1.0m wide combination of good tactical decision Rehabilitation Pod 1. polycarbonate sheet roof skylights making, key placement of hose lines were fitted every 10.0m to the roof. 30
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 8TH ALARM YENNORA WAREHOUSE FIRE, 27 JULY 2015
VIEW VIDEO AT _ fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO _ WATCH NOW Located on the ‘downwind vent’ side of the structure, large flames erupt from the rear of the factory, producing fierce radiant heat. Picture supplied courtesy of Nick Tomhe
A mezzanine level office, 20m x 10m, installed hose reels and portable CO2 10.5km from the fire building) at was located at the front of the structure, extinguishers located every 25m. 1500 hours. within the warehouse. The building A large area of open parkland (Knight Situation prior to FRNSW arriving was utilised as a furniture storage and Park) was located on the opposite side on scene: On the day of the fire, 17 distribution warehouse, storing palletised of the road to the fire building to the staff were present at the warehouse. A stock on metal vertical racking. The south (this would later have a significant 12.0m long shipping container was being warehouse contained eight rows of bearing on fire behaviour). Exposure unloaded at the receiving bay (located at racking. Furniture stock at the time of Bravo consisted of a large factory, 140m the eastern end of the dock) and a large the fire consisted of a large quantity x 80m, located 20m to the west of the quantity of polyurethane foam sofas was of sofas and lounges formed of light fire building. Eight industrial premises located on the loading dock awaiting timber and polyurethane foam materials, were located on the northern side of storage on racking, Similarly, a large stored within light cardboard and plastic Whitaker Street, opposite the rear of the quantity of sofas was also located on packaging. Management reported the fire building (Many of these occupancies the loading dock, awaiting loading into warehouse was filled to capacity at the were associated with the automobile delivery trucks at the western end of the time of the fire. repair industry and contained volatile loading dock. A loading dock facing south was and flammable fuel loads, including a A forklift operator smelled smoke located at the front of the building. The factory that contained a 10,000 litre liquid coming from within the warehouse and loading dock consisted of five separate nitrogen tank). A large factory complex, upon making investigations, observed bays, 10.0m wide, which were all open at 70m x 60m, consisting of six industrial light smoke coming from stock located the time of the fire. Two delivery trucks units adjoined the eastern wall of the fire on racking near the roof. The forklift and one shipping container were in the building (Exposure Delta North/South). operator used the forklift to lower the process of being loaded and unloaded at A pad mounted electricity substation smouldering item of stock to floor level, these bays at the time of the fire. Four was located 5.0m to the north-east of to enable the fire to be extinguished. 6.0m wide warehouse roller doors were the fire building. An above-ground town The forklift operator observed a small located at the rear of the warehouse on main gas service valve was located 3.0m quantity of light smoke coming from a the northern side of the building. All of to the north east of the fire building. two seat sofa, formed of polyurethane these doors were open at the time of the 415V and high voltage 11kV powerlines foam, cloth fabric and wicker cane fire. A truck parking yard 25.0m wide was were mounted on timber poles running materials. The sofa had a thin layer of located at the front of the warehouse. along Whitaker Street at the rear of the cardboard packaging around it. Upon A storage yard 18.0m wide was located fire building. bringing the sofa to the ground, the at the rear of the warehouse. A stack of Weather at time of fire: West/South- worker attempted to extinguish the fire polyurethane foam sofas, 15m x 20m, westerly winds at 20km/h, gusting by kicking it out. Almost immediately, was located at the western end of this to 54km/h (recorded at 1113 hours), the sofa “exploded”, becoming fully yard. The warehouse contained six large temperature 10.5°C, relative humidity involved in fire. The worker raised the battery-powered forklifts. 40% and mean sea level pressure alarm, all staff began to evacuate from The warehouse was fitted with smoke 1025.8 hPa, recorded at the Bureau the warehouse and staff rang ‘000’ to alarms attached to the roof interior of Meteorology Bankstown Airport report the fire. The fire rapidly spread connected to an automatic fire alarm automatic weather station (approximately to numerous other stored sofas on the system. The building also contained loading dock, producing large quantities
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL of flame, thick black smoke and intense warehouse resulted in much greater warehouse totally involved in fire. Large heat, preventing any further attempts fire activity. flames were venting from the rear of at fire extinguishment by staff. In less A textbook result of a wind-impacted the building and a large thick column of than half a minute, fire had spread to fire is the production of the “jet exhaust” black smoke was rolling upwards to a stock located on racking; and in a short on the downwind side of the fire. The height of at least 1,000 m from the fully space of time, the entire warehouse was volume of fire and size of openings at involved building. Numerous exposures completely involved in fire. this fire resulted in flame height almost were in immediate danger of fire spread. Formation of wind-impacted fire: 20m above the roof of the warehouse, SO Gould observed high winds gusting Wind blowing at 20km/h and gusting that produced large quantities of radiant and rapidly spreading the fire. At 1239 above 50km/h was entering the heat resulting in ignition of exposures hours, SO Gould sent the following front of the warehouse via the open 40m away. RED message; loading dock doors (the entry space Initial call and response: Following “FIRECOMS PUMPER 55 RED! was approximately 500m2 facilitating ignition of the fire, an automatic fire RED! RED! CODE 3, FURNITURE ingestion of a large volume of air). The alarm activation was received by FACTORY TOTALLY INVOLVED IN area of open parkland directly in front FireComms at 1233 hours, resulting FIRE. MULTIPLE EXPOSURES AT of the warehouse facilitated relatively in the assignment of Pumpers 55 and RISK. REQUIRE A 6TH ALARM laminar airflow, increasing the volume of 73. Pumper 55, under the command of AND POLICE FOR TRAFFIC air entering the warehouse (structures SO Darren Gould was returning from a CONTROL. SETTING UP FOR in front of the fire building would have drill (facing away from the direction of DEFENSIVE FIREFIGHTING. created turbulent air flow, reducing air the fire) when called by radio to the AFA SO 55 IS IC AND THE INCIDENT flow efficiency). The open rear doors, activation. At this time, no ‘000’ calls WILL BE KNOWN AS YENNORA providing an outlet of approximately had been taken reporting the fire. As COMMAND.” 240m2, facilitated efficient release of Pumper 55 turned in the direction of the SO Gould established command air travelling through the warehouse, fire, although still some distance away, and set up an Incident Command creating an air flow-path. Following firefighters observed a large column of Point, known as “Yennora Command.” ignition, this fire was particularly fierce thick black smoke. SO Gould immediately Immediately following transmission and destructive for a number of reasons; sent a RED message at 1235 hours, of the above message, SO Gould the fuel load consisted of large quantities requesting the response be increased to observed large flames venting from of polyurethane foam products, releasing a 3rd Alarm. Shortly after transmission of the eastern side of the warehouse and large volumes of volatile hydrocarbon the 3rd Alarm the first of numerous ‘000’ rolling across the top of the Exposure gases when heated, resulting in calls began to be received reporting the Delta (south) structure, placing that particularly fierce fire behaviour. Stock fire, which was by now visible from many building under imminent threat. The was stored on elevated racking, creating parts of Sydney. Incident Commander’s first objective highly efficient aeration of fuel loads, Firefighters arrive on scene: Pumper was to stop fire spreading into the Delta leading to more efficient combustion and 55 was the first appliance to arrive on Exposures (south), which were now in worsening the effect of the increased scene, finding a large number of people serious danger and directed Pumper 55 oxygen supplies created by the wind. in the street at the front of the fire firefighters to deploy a 70mm attack line Lastly, the very high fuel load within the building. Firefighters found the furniture and direct an external defensive stream
Firefighters direct pulses of broken streams onto burning timber Firefighters desperately advance 70mm lines poles supporting high voltage power lines in Charlie Sector to protect Delta exposures
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 8TH ALARM YENNORA WAREHOUSE FIRE, 27 JULY 2015 onto the venting flames, in an attempt to and at the time of the fire, there were venting from the rear of the warehouse control fire spread into the exposures. 30 people within the hall, who managed producing intense radiant heat that The Incident Commander sent a message to safely self-evacuate. Pumper 55 could be felt through the fire appliance, by radio to next arriving Pumper 73 to firefighters wearing SCBA advanced causing SO Sibary to direct the appliance go to the Bravo side of the warehouse to a 38mm line into Exposure Delta One driver to re-position Pumper 49 out of stop fire spread into exposures on the (south) and commenced exposure danger further along Whitaker Street to Bravo side. protection from within the structure. the west of the fire building. Upon exiting Protection of Bravo exposures: During this time, firefighters observed the appliance, all members of Pumper Pumper 73, under the command large flames travelling over their heads 49 crew wore SCBA due to the intense of SO Drew Graham, positioned on above the roof skylights, venting from the heat. SO Sibary reported the wind was Orchardleigh Street to the west of the fire warehouse and across the roof of Delta “howling” on the Charlie side and that building. SO Graham reported very high One exposure (south). Despite intense fire very little smoke was being produced by winds and large flames venting through conditions, Pumper 55 firefighters held the fiercely burning fire. A large number the roof of the warehouse towards the their position and continued to protect of onlookers had also gathered to watch Charlie side. SO Graham observed Delta exposure (south), extinguishing a the fire on the Charlie side. Pumper 49 flame heights above the high voltage number of interior spot fires. Firefighters firefighters commenced a defensive fire powerlines on the Charlie side. Pumper continued to monitor the interior of attack with a 70mm attack line from 73 firefighters deployed a 70mm attack Delta exposures for the duration of the the Bravo/Charlie corner. At that time, line and commenced exposure protection incident, ensuring there were no further SO Sibary was too heavily committed to along the Bravo side of the involved fire ignitions. firefighting operations to take command warehouse. SO Graham was appointed Firefighting operations commence of the sector and deferred command to Bravo Sector Commander by the Incident on Charlie side: Pumper 49, under the the next arriving SO. Hazmat Pumper Commander. Fire began to spread to a command of SO Tony Sibary, was the 85, under the command of SO Scott delivery truck located at the front of the third appliance to arrive on scene. At that Donohoe arrived at the Charlie side warehouse. This fire was extinguished time, the Incident Commander had been and SO Donohoe was appointed Charlie by Pumper 73 firefighters with a 38mm unable to complete a 360 size-up of the Sector Commander. Hazmat Pumper attack line. building, due to the physical size of the 85 firefighters deployed a second Firefighters continue to protect building and the urgent need to supervise 70mm attack line off Pumper 49 and Delta exposures: A short time after firefighting operations in Alpha Sector. attempted to conduct a defensive attack, the defensive attack was commenced The Incident Commander directed the however water supply was poor, causing by Pumper 55 firefighters, the Incident third incoming appliance (Pumper 49) firefighters to over-run supply. The Commander ordered this line be shut to go to the Charlie side to conduct a handlines were shut down and switched down and replaced with a 38mm attack size-up, which was completely unsighted to a ground monitor stream, however and deployed into Delta One Exposure to the Incident Commander. Pumper crews continued to experience water (south), to conduct offensive interior 49 went to the Charlie side of the fire supply problems. The intensity of the fire operations, to extinguish any fire burning building which was in Whitaker Street, caused rapid and early collapse of the within the exposure. This building had and observed extreme fire conditions. concrete block wall on the Bravo side of been converted to a community hall Large flames at least 25-30m high were the warehouse. SO Sibary reported that
From Charlie Sector, firefighters advance 70mm attack lines to protect Delta exposures being impacted by fierce fire conditions
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL
Sector Commander Insp Tom Clarkstone tasks crews in heavily impacted Charlie Sector. Radiant heat was intense, numerous exposures were coming under threat and the facial expressions say it all Firefighters operate defensive streams to protect Delta exposures
once this wall collapsed, firefighters were could be used to greatest capacity, was transferred to Superintendent then able to direct attack streams directly a decision was made by the Incident Mathias and Inspector McGowan onto the fire. Commander to establish a water appointed Operations Officer. Staging area established: The relay from the Railway Street mains, Operations continue to protect Incident Commander established approximately 600m to the west of the severely threatened exposures in Charlie a Staging Area in Junction Street, fire building. Officer-in-Charge Pumper sector: In Charlie Sector, firefighters approximately 200m east of the fire 30, SO Richard Schembri, was tasked were now experiencing the full brunt of building and directed all further incoming with establishing the water relay. SO the fully-involved warehouse, located appliances to report to the Staging Area. Schembri was designated as the “Railway downwind of the venting fire. High Pumper 72 was the first appliance to Street Relay Group Commander”. The winds were gusting and swirling and arrive at the Staging Area and was tasked water relay consisted of base pumping firefighting conditions were horrendous. with staging duties, under the command appliance Pumper 30, relay pumping to The fire was being pushed diagonally of Captain Phil Gardner. Hazmat Pumper 77, Aerial Pumper 47 by the strong south-easterly wind, with Transfer of command: At 1246 hours and Pumper 27 and was known as the large flames at least 15 to 25 metres Duty Commander Parramatta Inspector “Railway Street Relay Group”. Once the high spreading from the western end Bob McGowan arrived on scene and relay was operating, aerial operations to the eastern side of the warehouse in following a handover briefing with SO were able to be conducted with great the Charlie Sector, producing enormous Gould, command was transferred to effectiveness. The Ladder Platform radiant heat. Firefighters located in Inspector McGowan. SO Gould was provided a protective stream along the Charlie Sector were confronted with appointed Alpha Sector Commander. full length of the Exposure Delta (south) fierce fire conditions now impacting Aerial operations in Alpha sector: wall and a limited part of the Exposure Exposure Delta (north), a two-level From Alpha Sector, Exposure Delta Delta (north) wall, which was now being smash repair premises containing (south) continued to be impacted by heavily impacted by fire. This stream was numerous flammable materials including fire from the fully-involved warehouse highly effective, preventing fire extension oxyacetylene and LPG gas cylinders. and remained severely under threat. to Delta exposures on the southern side A stack of timber pallets and a pad- Upon the arrival of Ladder Platform of the fireground. mounted electrical substation located 27, the Incident Commander directed Pumper 27 firefighters wearing SCBA within the front yard of the smash the aerial to position in Alpha Sector at and equipped with a thermal imaging repairers were fully involved in fire. A the boundary between the fire building camera deployed a 38mm attack line large above-ground town’s main gas and Exposure Delta (south) and set up and made entry to exposures at Delta service adjacent to the fully involved to protect the exposure with an aerial One and Two (south), where limited fire substation was being impacted by heavy master stream. Firefighters Dan Fish and ignitions had occurred. Firefighters were fire. A delivery truck at this location Jayson Sharman fitted stack tips to the able to quickly extinguish these fires and was beginning to ignite. All materials aerial monitor, increasing the projection fire spread was contained to a small area. within the 18m x 70m open yard at the of the aerial stream. Pumper 27 began to Transfer of command: Zone rear of the fire building were completely supply water to the aerial appliance. Commander MW2 Superintendent Selwyn involved in fire, including a large stack To increase the efficiency of aerial Mathias attended the fireground and of externally stored lounges and sofas. operations and to ensure the aerial following a handover briefing, command 20m high trees and bushes at the rear of the warehouse were totally involved in 34
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 8TH ALARM YENNORA WAREHOUSE FIRE, 27 JULY 2015
Within Charlie Sector, all combustible materials ignited from fierce radiant heat produced from the venting fire fire. A motor vehicle parked on the street Charlie Sector Commander directed that northern end of Charlie Sector, at the was also totally involved in fire, the fuel all 70mm attack lines being operated Charlie/Delta corner, where conditions tank had ruptured and a running fuel fire near the Bravo/Charlie corner be shut were rapidly deteriorating. Numerous was travelling down the street. Radiant down to provide firefighters at the exposures were being heavily impacted by heat from fires burning on the southern Charlie/Delta corner with as much fire and in imminent danger. SO Turner- side of Whitaker Street were beginning water as possible to save the Delta Browne conducted a rapid survey of the to cause pyrolisation of motor vehicles (north) exposures that were being exposures and determined Exposure Delta and buildings on the northern side of heavily impacted. One (north) was most seriously at risk. street, placing them in danger of ignition. Fierce radiant heat had caused the The second level of the smash repairers Firefighters in Whitaker Street reported tops and cross arms of timber power was now starting to become involved in that as the fire conditions intensified, poles carrying 415 volt and 11kV high fire. Flames from the warehouse were the wind conditions worsened and voltage powerlines to ignite, presenting spreading into the second level of the became stronger. the threat that live powerlines could smash repairers through breached roof As conditions worsened in Charlie fall onto Whitaker Street, near where skylights and impacting oxyacetylene gas Sector, Charlie Sector Commander SO firefighters were working. Charlie Sector cylinders and numerous other volatile and Donohoe sent an urgent message to Commander broadcast a warning to flammable materials used in the smash the Incident Commander for further all firefighters to remain out of the fall repairing business. Rescue Pumper 57 resources to be responded to Charlie zone of the powerlines and an urgent firefighters wearing SCBA deployed a Sector to assist in protecting Delta request was sent for the attendance of 70mm attack line and began to conduct exposures. Upon receiving this request, the electrical authority to isolate power. direct fire attack onto the involved smash the Incident Commander directed the Firefighters from Pumper 49 and Hazmat repairers. Conditions were so severe Staging Officer to send all available Pumper 85 began directing short pulses where firefighters were operating that appliances within the staging area to of broken streams from a high pressure a 38mm line was deployed to provide Charlie Sector. The Staging Officer hose reel and 38mm hose onto the protection for the Rescue Pumper 57 fire deployed Rescue Pumper 57 and burning poles, in an attempt to extinguish attack crew, who were operating in an Pumpers 19, 65 and 72 from the staging fires, prevent the timber cross arms offensive interior attack mode. All the area to Charlie Sector. At the same time, and poles burning through and to stop efforts of firefighters were now directed at the Incident Commander sent a further the live powerlines dropping. All SOs in trying to save the smash repairers, to stop RED message increasing the response Charlie Sector were particularly vigilant fire from spreading to further exposures to an 8th Alarm at 1318 hours, ensuring to the powerline hazard and ensured no along Whitaker Street. The mezzanine adequate resources were present crews accidentally entered the potential level of the smash repairers was alight at the fireground to maintain three- fall zone. Electricity authority specialist and fire had dropped down into the repair deep deployment. high voltage crews attended the scene workshop. The aggressive interior attack By now the main priority of the and were able to isolate power via by Rescue Pumper 57 firefighters was Charlie Sector Commander was disconnection to the affected powerlines, successful and the fire within the smash protecting Delta (north) exposures. making the area safe from this hazard. repairers was brought under control and As the fire moved in an easterly direction, Rescue Pumper 57 under the extinguished. The gas cylinders within the conditions eased enough that Bravo command of SO Adam Turner-Browne smash repairers were left in place (due to exposures were no longer in danger. was the first appliance to arrive at the
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL the dangers of attempting to move them), providing the Incident Commander with a Commissioner attends the fireground: cooled and monitored. greater span of control, increased levels At the height of firefighting operations, Duty Commander West Inspector of fireground accountability and greater Commissioner Mullins attended the Tom Clarkstone arrived on scene and situational awareness, ultimately resulting incident and was given a full briefing on was assigned the role of Charlie Sector in greater safety for all firefighters firefighting operations by the Incident Commander. A second 70mm attack line operating at the fireground. The expanded Commander. Commissioner Mullins was placed into operation by Pumper 19 command structure was as follows; conducted a tour of the fireground and firefighters, directing an attack stream – Incident Commander: Zone witnessed firsthand the determined onto fire burning around the smash Commander MW2 Superintendent efforts of firefighters to control the fire and repairers. Heavy fire continued to impact Selwyn Mathias. protect the numerous exposures that were Delta (north) exposures and a third 70mm – Operations Officer: Duty Commander under threat and the difficult conditions attack line was placed in operation by MW2 Inspector Bob McGowan. under which the fire was being fought. The Pumper 65 firefighters, who directed a – Alpha Sector Commander: Duty Commissioner met with members of the defensive steam between the fire building Commander ME3 Inspector Scott Incident Management Team and provided and Exposure Delta (north) 1, to establish Rainnie. advice in a command/expert senior a cut-off and protect Delta exposures. – Bravo Sector Commander: OIC advisory capacity. Firefighters continued to experience Pumper 73 SO Drew Graham. Firefighting operations in Charlie severe conditions of intense radiant – Charlie Sector Commander: Duty sector continue: Firefighters on handlines heat, gusting wind, thick smoke and Commander MW2 Inspector Bob continued to attack the warehouse fire. fierce flames. McGowan. Crews forced locked gates and gained Water shortage again became an issue – Staging Officer: OIC Pumper 72 Captain entry to the open yard located at the rear of in Charlie Sector, as firefighters continued Phil Gardner. the warehouse. Significant collapse of the to experience severe fluctuations in – Senior Adviser to the IC: Area warehouse walls had occurred, enabling water supply. The Incident Commander Commander Metropolitan West (Acting crews to direct external defensive streams directed that a water relay be established Chief Superintendent Alex Scott). onto the fire. The fully involved car and from a main located on Junction Street, – Senior Adviser to the IC: Director running fuel fire were extinguished by to the east of the fire building. This relay Metropolitan Operations Rescue Pumper 57 and Pumper 49 crews. became known as the “Junction Street (Acting Assistant Commissioner Rick CAFS Class A foam aerial attack Relay”, under the command of Junction Griffiths). placed into operation: Ladder Platform 18 Street Relay Group Commander SO Vince – Media Officer: Superintendent Ian was directed by the Incident Commander Pelligra, officer-in-charge of Pumper Krimmer. to set up at the Bravo Charlie corner, to 65, the base pump in the relay. The – Junction Street Relay Group conduct direct attack on the fire. Pumper Junction Street Relay Group consisted Commander: OIC Pumper 65 SO Vince 41 initially supplied water to the aerial of Pumpers 65 and 19. Ladder Platform Pelligra. appliance, which was able to attack 92 was deployed to Charlie Sector, to – Railway Street Relay Group the warehouse fire through breached assist protection of Delta exposures. Commander: OIC Pumper 30 SO roofing irons. CAFS Pumper 31 was Once the water relay was established, Richard Schembri. positioned in Charlie Sector. The aerial lines from the relay were connected attack was switched from water to Class directly to the aerial appliance, enabling an effective aerial attack to be conducted. In conjunction with Ladder Platform 27, this aerial stream successfully secured the eastern edge of the warehouse fire, stopping fire spread and protecting all Delta exposures. Hazmat operations: Hazmat 85 firefighters set up Area Rae monitors at strategic points around the fireground to conduct atmospheric monitoring. Hazmat crews were also using four-headed gas detectors to monitor the atmosphere. On several occasions, hazmat crews detected excessive carbon monoxide levels and advice was provided to Sector Commanders, who ensured firefighters were wearing SCBA at these locations. Hazmat 85 crews also assisted air cylinder rotation, changing and replenishing air cylinders, due to the large amount of SCBA wearing taking place at this incident. Hazmat crews monitored the smoke plume being produced by the fire. Members of HART (Hazmat Advisory Response Team) monitored water run-off and conducted pH testing. HART members conducted a hazard assessment and provided relevant advice to the Incident Commander, further increasing the safety of firefighters. Fireground command structure expanded: As additional senior officers arrived at the fireground, the incident Firefighters drag more 70mm lines into position command structure was expanded,
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 8TH ALARM YENNORA WAREHOUSE FIRE, 27 JULY 2015
A foam, as CAFS Pumper 31 supplied Commander began to scale down By the following week, occupancies that Ladder Platform 18 Class A CAFS. The operations. A fire duty remained on scene had been impacted by fire had resumed CAFS attack achieved significant fire for a further 24 hours. regular business. knockdown. Again, wind was a factor in the Media briefings: Superintendant Notes placement of the appliance and direction Mathias conducted a media conference Firefighting conditions were of the stream, with some break-up of the with the large media contingent in 1 horrendous at this fire, particularly stream occurring due to the impact of the attendance at the fire, praising the on the downwind side of the involved strong wind. Overall however, firefighters efforts of firefighters whose efforts had warehouse, where firefighters reported CAFS fire suppression was quite undoubtedly stopped the fire spreading battled 30m flames, intense radiant effective. A major advantage of the CAFS to numerous other buildings directly in heat, gusting and swirling winds, attack was the minimal volume of water the fire’s path. The fire was the lead news large volumes of smoke, poor water required to undertake CAFS operations, story on all radio and television networks supply and numerous fire ignitions. at a fireground where water supplies that day and later that evening. It is only due to the determination, remained limited. Assistant Director Public Affairs skill and courage of firefighters that Fire brought under control: Three Andrew Parsons, working in conjunction this particularly aggressive fire was ladder platforms were now in operation with Operational Media Coordinator stopped from spreading to numerous and the fire perimeter was secured on all Superintendent Ian Krimmer, worked other exposures directly in the sides, via effective aerial stream cut-offs. extremely hard behind the scenes, fire’s path. All exposures were now protected. Two providing media crews with safe access to 2 Again, the wind was a key factor at water relays were in operation, ensuring the incident, organising media briefings this fire. A wind-impacted fire event adequate water supplies were provided and providing timely and detailed briefings quickly developed on a very large for aerial operations. With the fire edges to the media. The large scale of the fire, scale, with large openings at the front secure, master stream operations were which could be viewed from many parts and rear of the warehouse creating able to be directed onto the involved of Sydney, generated very large media airflow path entry/exit points, and warehouse, bringing the fire under interest. Mr Parsons provided constant consequent airflow path within the control. After several hours of intense updates to the media via FRNSW social fire building, resulting in ferocious firefighting, fire activity within the furniture media, ensuring the largest possible and extreme fire conditions. The warehouse began to significantly diminish, audience was reached and the most timely transition of this fire from light enabling the Incident Commander to and accurate information concerning smoke involving a smouldering fire send an Incident Contained message FRNSW operations was reported. to rapid fire growth and heavy fire at 1645 hours. Throughout the duration Incident conclusion: The warehouse involvement in less than a minute is of firefighting operations, firefighters and contents were completely destroyed consistent with typical wind-impacted continually monitored all exposures, by the fire. Although some fire had spread fire behaviour. The situation was to ensure there had been no ignitions into Delta one (north and south) exposures, worsened due to the geography of within the structures, and all were these ignitions were able to be rapidly the fire location (facilitating the entry successfully protected. extinguished by firefighters, with minimal of laminar air flow and therefore Following the transmission of the fire damage occurring. Most occupancies higher concentrations of oxygen), Incident Contained message, the Incident were operating again as usual the next day.
Sector Commander Insp Tom Clarkstone tasks Charlie Sector crews, assisted by Area Commander CSupt Alex Scott
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL
Ladder Platform 18 conducts an aerial attack on the fire Firefighters position lines to protect Delta exposures with Class A CAFS foam pumped by CAFS Pumper 31
a large quantity of a highly volatile which was unsighted to the Incident identified by FRNSW crews and fuel load and fuel load arrangement Commander, provided critical appropriate control measures on racking, facilitating highly firefighting resources to a location established, ensuring operations efficient aeration. According to fire that was at extreme risk. The timely were undertaken safely and that no engineers from the National Institute response of resources to this sector firefighters were injured. of Standards and Technology and enabled fire control to be established 9 The benefit of establishing a staging Underwriting Laboratory, this type at a time when exposures were area and ensuring a tactical reserve of scenario can increase fire rate being heavily impacted by fire. Fire of resources is maintained within the of combustion, fire intensity and spread to these exposures would staging area was demonstrated when rate of spread by up to 300%. Most have been difficult to contain, Charlie Sector Commander called for significant was the fire exhaust given the highly volatile fuel loads additional appliances to respond to venting on the down-wind side of the within the exposures and the poor the rapidly deteriorating situation in structure, producing 25–30 metre water supplies being experienced Charlie Sector. Additional crews were flame lengths, and the release of very by firefighters. immediately available and able to be large quantities of radiant heat. 5 Firefighters operating in Charlie deployed without delay. 3 The first arriving firefighters were Sector must be congratulated on 10 Sectoring ensured span of control confronted with a rapidly expanding their courage, determination and was maintained, accountability fire situation, involving extreme fire skill, battling fierce fire conditions was maintained and the Incident behaviour, numerous surrounding under very adverse and difficult Commander maintained situational exposures at high risk, and very circumstances. awareness of the entire incident. This limited resources. The initial Incident 6 High voltage powerlines presented also helped to ensure all incident Commander conducted a rapid size- major safety issues to firefighters; objectives were achieved and all up, identifying the incident critical nevertheless, very effective control operations were conducted safely. factors, including the exposures most measures were put in place that 11 The volatile nature of polyurethane at risk and immediately placing the enabled the hazard to be controlled foam products was demonstrated. first hoseline in position to reduce fire and firefighting to continue safely. When heated, these materials release spread to that exposure. This decision 7 This fire was detected by AFA shortly hydrocarbon gases, resulting in was critical and had an immediate after ignition. The crew of Pumper 55, intense fire behaviour, high heat impact on firefighting objectives, who were out of station at the time, release rates and rapid fire growth. securing the fire edge and preventing observed a large column of thick Firefighters should always be aware fire spread at a critical boundary. black smoke within two minutes of of the intense fire behaviour often 4 The Incident Commander made a being assigned to the call, indicating associated with these materials. series of key decisions that were the speed and ferocity of fire spread. 12 All FRNSW crews who responded to critical to safely and effectively This type of fire behaviour is typical of Yennora should be congratulated on controlling this fire. The decision a wind-impacted fire event. their efforts at this extremely difficult to direct incoming appliances to 8 Numerous hazards were present and dangerous fire.n END the Charlie side of the building, at this fire. These hazards were
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 8TH ALARM YENNORA WAREHOUSE FIRE, 27 JULY 2015
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL
VIEW VIDEO AT _ fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO _ WATCH NOW
View of warehouse fully involved from Alpha Sector
FRNSW FIREFIGHTERS CONTROL ENORMOUS 10TH ALARM EASTERN CREEK MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS WAREHOUSE FIRE
Incident summary: A motor vehicle speed, the first responding FRNSW Aerial Pumpers 86 (Penrith), 97 parts national storage and distribution appliance transmitted a Red message (Huntingwood) and 7 (Horningsea Park), warehouse located at Eastern Creek for response of a 5th Alarm before Ladder Platforms 4 (Darlinghurst) and was severely damaged during the severe leaving the engine bay. This was one of 27 Parramatta), Hazmat Pumpers 77 hailstorm of 25 April 2015, sustaining the largest structure fires responded to (St Marys) and 85 (Chester Hill), Heavy major structural failure, including partial by FRNSW in many years and presented Hazmats 77 and 85, Heavy Rescues collapse of the pre-cast concrete walls, responding firefighters with numerous 63 and 102, Tanker 78, CAFS Tanker internal steel support frame and metal hazards, challenges and difficulties; 78, Logistics Support Vehicles 1 (City sheet roof. The structure remained fully Nevertheless, our firefighters responded of Sydney) and 21 (Kogarah), Incident stocked with products used in the motor professionally, employing considered Control Vehicle Bravo, USAR 1 and vehicle parts industry (many formed of tactics and strategies with diligence and Rehabilitation Pod 1. thermoplastic construction) located on determination, successfully bringing Duty Commanders MW1 vertical storage racking, including at least this enormous fire under control without (Huntingwood), MW2 (Parramatta), and 60,000 litres of automobile fluids and oils. further loss to numerous surrounding ME3 (Ashfield), Zone Commander MW1 The damage caused by the hailstorm had exposures and importantly, without injury (Acting Superintendent Michael Morris), destroyed the installed fire protections to firefighters. Area Commander Metropolitan West and detection systems used to protect this Incident type: Storage and distribution (Acting Chief Superintendent Alex Scott), very large 48,000m2 open plan warehouse, warehouse fire. Director Community Safety (Assistant including the early suppression fast Time, date and place of call: 1540 Commissioner Mark Whybro), Deputy response automatic sprinkler system, hours on Thursday 30 July 2015, Peter Commissioner Jim Smith, Assistant hydrant ring mains and stored water Brock Drive, Eastern Creek. Director Public Affairs Andrew Parsons, tank. The numerous openings and FRNSW response: Pumpers 43 Fleet Operations Officer, Operational breaches within the structure created (Seven Hills), 32 (Mount Druitt), 72 Media Coordinator and Team Leader large ventilation openings, facilitating (Merrylands), 27 (Parramatta), 55 Hazmat Advisory Response Team. a plentiful airflow into the warehouse (Guildford), 73 (Fairfield), 65 (Rydalmere), In addition to above, a further 30 (therefore promoting rapid fire spread). 30 (Lidcombe), 49 (Cabramatta) and 83 FRNSW appliances and numerous other When the fire started, wind was blowing (Riverstone), CAFS Pumper 31 (Busby), senior officers and specialist support staff directly into the side of the warehouse Rescue Pumpers 57 (Wentworthville), responded to the incident for relief and where almost the entire side wall had 63 (Blacktown), 78 (Dunheved), 101 fire duty purposes. collapsed. The fire took hold with such (Bonnyrigg Heights) and 102 (Regentville), 40
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 10TH ALARM EASTERN CREEK WAREHOUSE FIRE, 30 JULY 2015
Additional agencies/services in attendance: NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Police, Ambulance Service of NSW, NSW Roads and Maritime Services, gas and electricity authorities, Regional Emergency Management Officer and heavy machinery contractors. Fireground description: The fire building was a national storage and distribution warehouse for the motor vehicle industry. The building was 320m x 150m x 12m high, of steel frame, precast concrete panel and Klip-lok metal sheet roof construction. Two office buildings were located on the northern side of the fire building; the first office was 20m x 50m, two levels of concrete, glass and steel construction. The second office building was 20m x 75m, two levels of concrete, glass and steel construction. The fire building had been severely damaged during a severe hailstorm that occurred on 25 April 2015, causing major structural collapse to occur to Pumper 27 supplying water to Charlie Sector. Aerial Pumper 7 attacking the fire in the background sections of the roof, walls and internal steel frame. Due to severe damage to the building, it was now unoccupied. At the time of the fire, contractors were in the process of demolishing the building, commencing at the eastern end. They had removed the first 55m of the building, leaving a further 265m x 150m remaining standing. The standing section of structure contained large quantities of stock, located within polyurethane plastic wrapping, cardboard packaging and light timber crates, stored on vertical racking 9.0m high. A large quantity of the stock was made of plastic. The warehouse contained 60,000 litres of oil based automotive fluids, stored in 500ml and one litre plastic containers, located on racking. As the demolition contractors progressed, salvage contractors were removing stock, resulting in a large pile of disused packaging material, approximately 100m x 30m, located at the View of fireground from Polair 1. Aerial Pumper 97 is visible to the left of the office building on the left side of the eastern end of the fire building. Material photograph, indicating the size and scope of this very large building fire. Photo supplied courtesy of NSW Police Air Wing within this pile consisted of cardboard boxes, polyurethane plastic and foam wrapping and light timber crates. Due to the effects of the hailstorm, the site was highly unstable, much of the internal steel support frame had been destroyed and many of the pre-cast concrete panels were unsupported. The structural failure due to the hailstorm resulted in large sections of the northern wall and roof separating from the office buildings, causing most of the northern side of the structure to be open and exposed to the prevailing weather (in particular any wind blowing from the north). As a result of the major structural damage caused by the hailstorm, the ESFR (early suppression fast response) automatic sprinkler system had been irreparably damaged, was completely inoperable and had been disconnected. The hydrant ring main and installed hose reels had similarly been destroyed and were therefore disconnected. A large Hazmat Pumper 77 was the base pump in the relay to Bravo Sector million-litre stored water tank used
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to supply the ESFR system had been drained and was empty. The fire detection system and automatic fire alarm had been severely damaged during the hailstorm and disconnected. The site had no operable fire detection or installed fire suppression systems. Exposure A consisted of a group of five factories 50m x 200m, located 40m to the west of the fire building, on the western side of Peter Brock Drive. A pad- mounted 415V electricity substation was located at the front of the fire building, near the Alpha/Bravo corner, within the collapse zone of the building walls. Exposure B consisted of the M4 Motorway, located 60m to the north of the fire building. The fire broke out at the start of the afternoon peak commute. Exposure D consisted of a major national database centre for a national food retail chain, 100m x 80m, located 40m to the south of the fire building, on Aerial Pumper 97 placed the first attack stream into operation at the fire the southern side of Peter Brock Drive. This centre operated 24 hours a day and contained approximately 100 staff. FRNSW activities at site prior to fire: Following the hailstorm and resulting severe structural damage to the building, FRNSW had visited the site on several occasions to conduct familiarisation exercises. Firefighters were aware the site still contained a large quantity of stock and contents, although no installed fire protection systems were in service. Firefighters were also familiar with the hazards on site, in particular the unstable structure. Alternate water supplies were identified from nearby hydrants. Firefighters were aware that lack of working fire detection systems would probably mean that any fire would be at an advanced stage upon discovery and notification to FRNSW, and therefore most likely all firefighting would be completely defensive (particularly given the highly unstable nature of the 78 Station firefighters direct a CAFS stream onto the fiercely burning fire in Charlie Sector structure). Similarly, due to the large stock load that remained within the building, a greater alarm would be required to be responded on the initial alarm assignment. This preplanning and familiarisation would later prove to be critical. Weather at time of fire:Northerly winds at 24km/h, gusting to 39km/h (recorded at 1331 hours), temperature 19°C, relative humidity 36% and mean sea level pressure 1019 hPa, recorded at the Bureau of Meteorology Richmond RAAF Base automatic weather station. Situation prior to FRNSW arriving on scene: Contractors were operating oxyacetylene flame cutting equipment to cut through steel sections of structure at the eastern end of the building when sparks ignited discarded packaging material located nearby. Workers attempted to extinguish the fire with portable fire extinguishers and an operable hose reel located near the Aerial Pumper 97 directs an aerial master stream onto the fully involved building location of the cutting, however the fire rapidly spread internally into stock
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 10TH ALARM EASTERN CREEK WAREHOUSE FIRE, 30 JULY 2015
located on racking and quickly took hold. The building was completely open on the northern side, due to structural collapse, allowing entry of the northerly wind, causing the fire to intensify significantly. Numerous other openings and structural breaches provided significant ventilation within the warehouse, allowing for a large airflow through the structure, resulting in rapid fire spread and intense fire activity. Within minutes, fire had spread through the entire warehouse and the structure was totally involved in fire, producing a large column of thick black and dark grey smoke. At the same time, fire spread into the large pile of discarded materials located to the east of the building. Numerous passers-by and motorists began to ring ‘000’ to report the fire. Several motorists travelling along Huntingwood Drive drove directly to nearby 97 Station to report the fire. Initial call and response: Shortly after Numerous handlines in operation attempting to control the stack fire the ignition of the discarded packaging material, workers on site called ‘000’ to report the fire, indicating the fire involved rubbish. At this time, there was no additional information indicating the building was alight or in danger. The NSW Rural Fire Service was initially assigned to the call (as the call was initially reported as a non-structure fire within a NSWRFS area). The crew at 97 Station were conducting drill when a passer-by ran into the station to report the fire. They were met by Senior Firefighter Shane McDonell, who observed a column of black smoke from the direction of the reported fire. At the same time, a local business opposite the fire building telephoned 97 Station directly to report the fire, stating the motor vehicle parts warehouse that had collapsed during the hailstorm was on fire. Numerous ‘000’ calls were now being taken, with motorists driving on the M4 Motorway reporting the fire. When it became apparent the fire involved a large structure, NSWRFS Control requested the response of FRNSW. SF McDonnell called out to Station Commander SO Rick Cousins (who was on the telephone taking details from the caller reporting the fire) that a large column of black smoke was visible. Seconds later the 97 Station turnout system activated, responding Aerial Pumper 97 to the fire. SO Cousins directed SF McDonnell to send a Code 1 via radio to FireComs and request a 2nd Alarm. SFF McDonnell, who was at the appliance then sent a RED message, reporting large volumes of black smoke visible and requesting a 2nd Alarm. Approximately 30 seconds later, Aerial Pumper 97 began to leave the station engine bay, when SO Cousins saw a very large column of thick black smoke, indicative of a major building fire in progress. SO Cousins immediately sent Firefighters battled fierce conditions in Charlie Sector the following RED message;
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“FIRE COMS AERIAL PUMPER 97 RED! RED! RED! COLLAPSED BUILDING FROM THE PREVIOUS HAILSTORM IS WELL ALIGHT, REQUIRE A 5TH ALARM. BUILDING IS IN RFS AREA.” SO Cousins stated that as Aerial Pumper 97 responded to the fire, the smoke column became darker and increased in size. En route, SO Cousins was aware the structure was in a highly unstable collapsed state. FireComs informed Duty Commander MW1 Inspector Glenn Launt of the fire. From the Huntingwood Zone Office at Huntingwood, Inspector Launt and Zone Commander MW1 Acting Superintendent Michael Morris could clearly see the very large smoke plume being produced by the fire and it was obvious that it was a major structure fire. The smoke plume was getting darker, flames were now Fuelled by polyurethane foam bags, firefighters battled fierce conditions in Charlie Sector visible within the smoke plume and the size of the fire was continually expanding. Immediately, Inspector Launt and A/ Superintendent Morris responded to the fire. En route to the fire, A/Superintendent Morris observed the fire was rapidly growing in size. First FRNSW appliance arrives on scene: Upon arrival of Aerial Pumper 97 minutes later, SO Cousins found the entire warehouse totally involved in fire and burning from end to end. An enormous plume of black smoke was rolling upwards from the building. SO Cousins sent an arrival message reporting the structure was totally involved in fire, confirmed the response of a 5th Alarm and established command (known as “Eastern Creek Command”). At this time, police were evacuating people from the area. SO Cousins (now the Incident Commander) advised his objectives were to get the Aerial Pumper into the best possible position where it Incident Controller Supt Michael Morris and Area Commander Alex Scott discuss firefighting tactics could be most effective and to organise water supplies. A rapid size-up enabled the Incident Commander to direct Aerial Pumper 97 to position and set up on the northern side of the building (Bravo Side), towards the eastern end of the site. From this location, the aerial had safe access to the fire and was also able to attempt to establish a cut-off to fire spreading towards the discarded materials pile. Aerial Pumper 97 was placed into operation as a water tower and commenced a direct attack on the fire, with the limited water supplies available from the appliance water tank. The appliance was in a safe location and not in danger of being impacted by fire, however the closest serviceable hydrants were approximately 300m away. Aware there were no water supplies on site, however booster hydrants were located at the front of industrial premises to the west of the fire building, the Incident Commander sent a further message Firefighters place standpipes in operation to supply Delta Sector master stream operations directing incoming appliances to go to
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 10TH ALARM EASTERN CREEK WAREHOUSE FIRE, 30 JULY 2015 the booster system and establish a water relay to Aerial Pumper 97. Response increased to an 8th Alarm: Large volumes of black smoke were rolling across Peter Brock Drive to the south of the fire building (Delta Side), making this section of road impassable. Smoke and large volumes of burning debris were being pushed by wind to the south of the fire building and impacting Exposure Delta. Inspector Launt and A/ Superintendent Morris arrived at the fireground. Due to the size of the fire, A/Superintendent Morris immediately increased the response to an 8th Alarm. Transfer of command: Superintendent Morris conducted a handover briefing with SO Cousins and incident command was then transferred to Superintendent Morris. SO Cousins was appointed Bravo Sector Commander. An incident command post was established within a concourse area, at the front of Exposure Alpha. The Incident Commander nominated the western side of the building the Alpha Side, the side facing north was now the Pumper 27 SF Ben Forner supplies water to firefighters operating in Charlie Sector Bravo Sector, the eastern end of the fireground was the Charlie Side and the western side of the building along Peter Brock Drive became Delta Sector, under the Command of Delta Sector Commander Inspector Launt. Water relay established: Second arriving FRNSW appliance Hazmat Pumper 77 commenced to establish a water relay from the 375mm main located on Peter Brock Drive to the west of the fire building, to supply water to Aerial Pumper 97. Hazmat Pumper 77, under the command of SO Jeff Sheather, located supply hydrants attached to the brigade booster fitting (connected to a 375mm main) located on the western side of Peter Brock Drive. In establishing the relay, Pumper 32 under the command of SO Rod Kinder, conducted a forward hose lay. Relay base pumping appliance Hazmat Pumper 77 obtained water supplies from the supply hydrants and then relay pumped to Pumper 32, who Firefighters battled fierce conditions in Charlie Sector then supplied water to Aerial Pumper 97. Once water supply was secured via relay, Aerial Pumper 97 was able to conduct a sustained attack on the fire. The water relay was established under the command of Relay Group Commander SO Sheather. SO Kinder was appointed Bravo Sector Commander. Pumper 55 firefighters commenced to attack the disused material stack fire with a 70mm attack line, deployed from Aerial Pumper 97. Although firefighters slowed the advance of the fire, a significant amount of fire was deep seated, burning within the stack and beyond the reach of hose streams. Command considerations: Due to the dangers of collapsing concrete wall panels on the western side of the building, the IC declared the Alpha Side of the building was an exclusion zone. The fully involved warehouse, containing large quantities of combustible products, A staging area was established on Peter including thousands of litres of automotive fluids, produced a significant smoke plume Brock Drive, 300 metres to the west of
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL the fire building. Rescue Pumper 78 was A number of larger areas of grass and stream, which was directed into the wind, the first appliance to arrive at the staging vegetation were alight within these experienced difficulty reaching the fire. area and OIC Rescue Pumper 78 SO Dave grounds, which was extinguished by Water supply to the aerial appliance was Watson was appointed Staging Officer. NSWRFS volunteers with tankers. The increased via four supply lines, directly The Incident Commander conducted a Exposure One building was a national feeding from a 375 main, enabling a size-up of the incident, identifying the data centre, containing large banks harder hitting solid jet to be produced, incident critical factors and developed of computers. Staff advised that if the greatly improving the aerial stream. an incident action plan, consisting of centre was shut down, short and long The aerial attack reduced fire intensity incident objectives, strategies, tactics, term damage would occur to the national and was successful in stopping burning identification of hazards and appropriate retail business. Rescue Pumper 63 airborne materials from spreading to control measures and identification firefighters under the command of SO Delta Exposure. of the necessary resources to achieve Michael Harrison entered the building Third aerial appliance placed into objectives. Objectives of the Incident and remained with staff, monitoring operation: Aerial Pumper 86 was directed Commander included the placement atmospheric concentrations, ensuring to position at the eastern end of the fire of aerial appliances to enable master all people remained safe and enabling building in Bravo Sector and commence stream operations and establishment of the centre to continue operating. operations as a water tower. A second water relays to provide the aerials with The centre was being impacted by water relay was established from the the necessary water supplies to mount heavy concentrations of smoke for Peter Brock Drive 375mm main located an effective attack. The NSWRFS Zone approximately 90 minutes. to west of the fire building, consisting Commander for the Cumberland Zone A heavy plume of smoke, containing of base pumping appliance Pumper 73, attended the incident command post and large quantities of burning materials, relaying to Hazmat Pumper 85, supplying conferred with the Incident Commander. continued to be pushed by the wind in a water to Aerial Pumper 86. Aerial Pumper Due to the large quantity of hazardous southerly direction towards areas of open 97 was relocated to a position in proximity materials stored on the site and involved grass and bushland further to the south to the disused material stack, from where in fire, the incident was declared a of the fireground. Pumper 43 was tasked an aerial stream could be directed onto hazardous materials incident and by the Incident Commander to investigate the burning pile. The relay from Hazmat remained under the command of FRNSW. this area and found an area of grass and Pumper 77 continued to supply water Police attended the incident command bush alight, located in an inaccessible to Aerial Pumper 97, although it was post and liaised with the Incident location. NSWRFS tankers were deployed necessary to temporarily shut down the Commander concerning evacuations and to control this fire, under the command relay to place an additional pumping local road closures around the fireground. of an NSWRFS Group Officer. These appliance (Pumper 55) in the relay, due to The Incident Commander worked closely operations were included within the ICS the distances water was being pumped. with police to ensure the safety of the structure and designated the Bushfire Prior to commencing aerial operations, public was maintained throughout the fire Operations Sector. Bushfire operations firefighters fitted the stack tip nozzle to and at the same time the impact to the were complicated due to the 33kV high the aerial monitor, to provide a harder public was minimised. Heavy Rescue 63 voltage transmission lines located above hitting solid jet, enabling the water was tasked with Rapid Intervention Team the fire area. stream to penetrate further into the pile duty and established the RIT staging area Rescue Pumper 101 was located on to reach the deep-seated fire burning on Peter Brock Drive near the incident Peter Brock Drive to the east of the fire beneath the surface. command post. building, providing one 70mm and two Charlie sector Class A foam attack: Hazmat operations: Heavy Hazmat 38mm fire attack lines to Delta Sector. CAFS Pumper 31 under the command of 77 firefighters conducted atmospheric Firefighters were attacking fire burning SO Jamie Towle and Tanker 78 under the monitoring, setting up Area Rae monitors on the southern side of the warehouse command of Retained Firefighter Duane in all sectors. Firefighters carried at the eastern end of Delta Sector. Major Phillips were deployed to Charlie Sector, out a reconnaissance of the area to structural collapse had occurred along in an attempt to control the spread of determine water run-off pathways and the entire southern wall of the building, fire through the disused material stack. established booms within run-off paths. exposing the fire burning within the Two 38mm attack lines were placed in Crews monitored the smoke plume warehouse. A significant amount of operation connected to CAFS Pumper 31, and conducted testing of water run-off. fire was burning among combustible enabling firefighters to commence a Class Heavy Hazmat 85 firefighters assisted air materials located beneath collapsed A CAFS foam attack on the fire, from the cylinder replacement. Inspector Duncan concrete wall slabs. All crews working eastern side of the pile (proportioned White established a Hazmat Sector and in this area were wearing SCBA, due at 1% then 0.5% at 700kPa). Two 38mm took command of hazmat operations to the heavy smoke condition present, attack lines were placed in operation within that sector. and a high degree of crew rotation was connected to Tanker 78, enabling Operations to protect Delta exposure: necessary. Firefighters from 27, 49, 72, firefighters to conduct a Class A foam A key objective of the IC was to ensure 83, 101 and 102 stations were conducting (proportioned at 3%) attack on the fire. SO there was no fire extension into Delta fire attack in this sector. Towle reported fire was slowly burning Exposures. Operations in Delta Sector Charlie sector firefighting operations: underneath the surface of the pile, in a were conducted under the command Duty Commander Parramatta Inspector northerly direction. Foam attack streams of Duty Commander MW1 Inspector Martin Hofstadler was appointed Charlie were experiencing limited success, due Launt. Exposure Delta One was located Sector Commander. The fire had entered to the polyurethane packaging, effectively immediately downwind of the fire building the large pile of disused packaging acting as an “umbrella”, preventing and was being impacted by large volumes material and was beginning to take hold. extinguishing media from penetrating of smoke, airborne burning materials Burning cardboard, plastic and paper through the pile to reach the fire. Pumper and embers. Numerous spot fires began materials within the loosely stacked pile 27 obtained water from street hydrants to ignite within bushes, shrubs and were igniting, becoming airborne and located at Auto Place and relay pumped to mulch located in close proximity to the travelling towards Exposure Delta One. CAFS Pumper 31. Exposure One building. Rescue Pumper Aerial Pumper 7 was positioned on Peter Fire contained: The fire was now 57 entered the grounds of Exposure One Brock Drive to the east of the fire building secured on all sides, with aerial master and commenced to extinguish small spot and placed into operations, directing an streams establishing effective fire cut-off, fires, assisted by firefighters from Rescue aerial stream onto the involved stack, supported by defensive handline streams. Pumpers 101 and 102. reducing fire intensity. Initially the aerial
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 10TH ALARM EASTERN CREEK WAREHOUSE FIRE, 30 JULY 2015
At 1705 hours, the Incident Commander declared the fire was contained and operations moved to commence extinguishment. The fire was still burning fiercely at this time but the Incident Commander was satisfied that all flanks were secured. Excavator used to extinguish stack fire: An excavator was brought into operation on the disused material stack fire to remove unburnt material from the path of the fire, creating a five metre wide fire break. Once the fire break had been constructed, the excavator then began to open up the involved pile, exposing burning materials which firefighters were then able to extinguish. USAR-1 deployed shadowless balloon lights in proximity to the stack, illuminating the area the excavator was working in, increasing scene safety. Response increased to 10th Alarm: At 1812 hours, the IC increased the Firefighters battled fierce conditions in Charlie Sector response to a 10th Alarm to ensure there were adequate crews on the fireground to maintain three-deep deployment. This was critical to ensure firefighters who had been working hard were able to be properly rotated through the Rehabilitation Sector. Fourth aerial appliance placed into operation: Ladder Platform 4 was deployed to Delta Sector to conduct aerial operations. Pumper 43, then Pumper 83 (under the command of Captain Bob Ewers) supplied water to Ladder Platform 4, enabling a further aerial master stream to be directed onto the fire. Fireground command structure expanded: As additional senior officers arrived at the fireground, the incident command structure was expanded to meet incident operation needs. The expanded command structure was as follows; – Incident Commander: Zone Aerial Pumper 97 directs an aerial master stream onto the fire from Charlie Sector Commander MW1 A/Superintendent Michael Morris. – Bravo Sector Commander: Duty Commander ME3 Inspector Craig Davies. – Charlie Sector Commander: Duty Commander MW2 Inspector Martin Hofstadler. – Delta Sector Commander: Duty Commander MW2 Inspector Glenn Launt. – Staging Officer: OIC Rescue Pumper 78 SO Dave Watson. – Hazmat Sector Commander, Inspector Duncan White. – Senior Advisers to the IC: Area Commander Metropolitan West, Acting Chief Superintendent Alex Scott; Deputy Commissioner Jim Smith; Director Community Safety, Assistant Commissioner Mark Whybro. – Media Officer: Superintendent Ian Krimmer. Aerial Pumper 97 directs an aerial master stream onto the fire from Charlie Sector
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Rehabilitation sector: Due to the the safety of firefighters. Similarly, early as possible will give firefighters large scale firefighting operations firefighters should note alterations to the greatest possible chance of underway, a Rehabilitation Sector building structure that may promote establishing effective fire cut-offs. was established near the incident rapid fire growth. The firefighters Similarly, whenever an aerial attack command post. Firefighters were responding to the Eastern Creek fire is being planned, establishment of an rotated through the Rehabilitation were prepared for the hazardous adequate water supply should be an Sector, where two rehabilitation pods and difficult conditions that would early consideration for the Incident were located, ensuring firefighter confront them; As a result, firefighting Commander. It is advantageous welfare was maintained. The response operations were carried out in a safe, for the level of response to include of an 8th Alarm ensured there were effective and coordinated manner. adequate pumping appliances for adequate firefighters present to maintain 3 There is sometimes a misconception the establishment of secure water firefighting operations while crews were that fighting a fire in a building supplies of sufficient volume. rotated through the Rehabilitation Sector. that has had the sprinkler system 7 Within stack and pile fires, fire activity Fire brought under control: An aerial disconnected is the same as if the is typically deep-seated and covered master stream attack was operating building did not have a sprinkler by the material forming the stack/ across the fireground from three sectors, system in the first place; this pile, preventing extinguishing medium assisted by hoseline crews working at misconception is a trap. Under reaching the seat of the fire. These the eastern end of the fireground. Fire the Building Code of Australia, types of fires require the covering activity had diminished significantly and very large structures that contain material to be removed, “opening” the at 2048 hours, the Incident Commander high fuel loads located on vertical pile to allow access by extinguishing declared the fire under control. With the storage racking with no internal media. Excavators are an effective fire now significantly diminished and separation or compartmentation are way to safely open material stacks under control, firefighting operations required to be fitted with automatic and piles, enabling extinguishment to began to be scaled back and a 2nd Alarm sprinkler systems to control the be carried out, provided operators can fire duty was put in place. CAFS Bulk rapid and extreme fire conditions work from safe positions. Firefighters Tanker 78 was deployed to assist fire duty that will quickly develop without should be aware that whenever a operations. Firefighters reported the automatic sprinkler fire control. stack or pile is opened, there will application of CAFS greatly assisted final When a sprinkler system has been be an increase in fire activity due to extinguishment of the fire. A fire duty disconnected or is not operating and additional supplies of oxygen being remained in place for a further 36 hours. a fire occurs in such a structure, the available to the fire. Firefighters A significant component of the fire duty safety of firefighters will be severely should always ensure that when included hazmat operations, involving compromised, due to the rapid and stacks or piles are opened, adequate continued monitoring of water run-off often uncontrollable fire growth. fire protection is on hand to control courses and maintenance of booms. Firefighters adopted a completely any escalating fire conditions. defensive strategy at the Eastern 8 Stack tips are a significant asset Notes Creek fire, in accordance with to aerial operations, particular in The fire was as dangerous as it 1 pre-determined planning for this conditions of high wind, providing was spectacular, particularly given structure; as a result, all firefighters solid jets with less stream break the numerous hazards on site returned home safely at the end of up than hollow core streams. Solid associated with the highly unstable this fire. jets can project further, are less building structure. Difficulties were 4 The Incident Commander was vulnerable to the effects of wind compounded for firefighters by confronted with an expanding fire and have a greater fire knockdown the lack of installed fire protection burning out of control within a very ability. They are a significant asset for systems and lack of water supply. large structure, across a large use in situations where fire may be However, due to the ongoing fireground. The Incident Commander burning beneath the surface of the familiarisation visits undertaken applied sound command principles, fuel, requiring strong water/stream by FRNSW crews, firefighters that included conducting adequate penetration to reach the seat of were aware of the unique hazards, size-up and identifying incident the fire. difficulties and issues associated critical factors, objectives, priorities, 9 As always, firefighter safety and with this site, in particular the need hazardous conditions and the welfare was the highest priority of to establish water supplies via relay necessary resources to achieve the Incident Commander. Adequate pumping, the early requirement objectives. resources at the fireground, via for a greater alarm response and 5 Fireground operations were the application of the three-deep the need to ensure all firefighting underpinned by the framework model, ensured firefighters could was completely defensive. The first of a robust command structure, be regularly rested and rotated. responding SO was aware of the that provided the IC with a greater Similarly, the early establishment of above and laid the foundation for safe span of control, increased levels a Rehabilitation Sector assisted in and effective operations at this very of fireground accountability and maintaining firefighter welfare. large fire. greater situational awareness, 10 Congratulations to all firefighters who 2 Buildings undergoing demolition, ultimately resulting in greater safety responded to the Eastern Creek fire. renovation or other forms of de- for all firefighters operating at the All crews worked extremely hard at construction are of enormous concern fireground and enabling all incident this very large fire, enabling the fire to to firefighters; these structures often objectives to be achieved. Assigning be successfully brought under control have many of the fire suppression experienced Inspectors as Sector with no loss of exposures. n systems that enable firefighters END Commanders in the early stages to operate safely within them improved coordination and overall disconnected, in particular automatic situational awareness. sprinkler systems and installed 6 The most effective means of hydrant systems. It is advantageous controlling very large structure for firefighters to regularly visit these fires is with master streams, sites, to identify if systems have preferably from aerial appliances. been disconnected and how this may Establishment of an aerial attack as impact fire growth and ultimately
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Firefighters working on Vehicle 2 set the chain pull set up.
FRNSW FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO KELLYVILLE HIGH SPEED MOTOR VEHICLE HEAD-ON COLLISION AND MULTIPLE ENTRAPMENTS
Incident summary: FRNSW passenger). The rear seat elderly Aeromedical Retrieval Unit, Care Flight crews responded to a high speed passengers self-released prior to the Aeromedical Retrieval Unit, St John head‑on collision, resulting in multiple arrival of emergency services. The middle Ambulance and NSW Police. entrapments in multiple vehicles. FRNSW aged driver remained severely trapped by Incident operations: Pumper 94, firefighters were the first emergency confinement and injury. under the command of SO Jamie responders to arrive at this incident and Vehicle 2, a wagon located partially McFarlane, was the first FRNSW were confronted by numerous critically on the road and partially elevated on a appliance to arrive at the collision injured people; the initial actions of steel Armco safety railing, containing an scene. At this time, no other emergency firefighters laid the platform for the adult middle-aged male driver, severely services were present. Pumper 94 major emergency operation that was trapped by compression. The driver was positioned across the road to protect the about to unfold. Firefighters performed trapped by compression of the steering crash scene and firefighters deployed with high distinction at this very difficult wheel to the abdomen, compression of a protective hoseline. SO McFarlane crash scene, working closely with the dash onto his lower limbs and the conducted a rapid scene assessment, ambulance paramedics, aeromedical floor pan had wrapped around his feet. observing the collision vehicles, retrieval teams and police, to ensure all The driver’s body was in tight contact determining they had been involved in people involved in the crash were given with (and being supported by) the driver’s a high speed head-on collision, at least the greatest possible chance of survival. door of the vehicle. A child was removed two people remained severely trapped, Incident type: Motor vehicle accident from the rear of the vehicle by passers-by several vehicle occupants were out persons trapped. prior to arrival of emergency services. of their vehicles and all of the crash Call details: 1548 hours, Sunday 19 Although the front wheels of the vehicle victims were in critical conditions. After July 2015, Direct line call from Police were on the road surface, the rear wheels completing size-up, SO McFarlane sent RCO, MVA persons trapped, Memorial were in the air, making the vehicle a concise but detailed initial situation Avenue, Kellyville. highly unstable. report to FireCom, reporting incident Nature of entrapment/emergency: FRNSW response: Pumper conditions and requesting urgent High speed, head-on collision between 94 (Kellyville), Rescue Pumper 63 attendance of two rescue units, police two motor vehicles: (Blacktown), Heavy Rescue 63 and and multiple ambulances due to the Vehicle 1, a sedan, located on the Duty Commander MW1 (Huntingwood) number of patients. This size-up and roadway, contained two adult male Inspector Drew Wilson. immediate situation report laid the occupants (driver and rear passenger) Additional services in attendance: foundation for the lifesaving operations and one adult female occupant (rear Ambulance Service of NSW, Ambulance that would then follow. Responding Heavy Rescue 63 later reported this initial 50
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 KELLYVILLE MVA, 19 JULY 2015
Rescue 63 SF Barry Jones operating the chain pull set to From within the cabin of the vehicle, SO Phil Nightingale and SFF Shane Park release the driver from steering wheeling compression. assisted by SFF Ross Wilton work to release the driver from lower limb entrapment.
Incident summary: FRNSW crews middle-aged male driver, severely trapped out of their vehicles and all of the crash responded to a high speed head- by compression. The driver was trapped victims were in critical conditions. After on collision, resulting in multiple by compression of the steering wheel to completing size-up, SO McFarlane sent entrapments in multiple vehicles. FRNSW the abdomen, compression of the dash a concise but detailed initial situation firefighters were the first emergency onto his lower limbs and the floor pan report to FireCom, reporting incident responders to arrive at this incident and had wrapped around his feet. The driver’s conditions and requesting urgent were confronted by numerous critically body was in tight contact with (and being attendance of two rescue units, police and injured people; the initial actions of supported by) the driver’s door of the multiple ambulances due to the number firefighters laid the platform for the major vehicle. A child was removed from the rear of patients. This size-up and immediate emergency operation that was about to of the vehicle by passers-by prior to arrival situation report laid the foundation for unfold. Firefighters performed with high of emergency services. Although the front the lifesaving operations that would then distinction at this very difficult crash wheels of the vehicle were on the road follow. Responding Heavy Rescue 63 scene, working closely with ambulance surface, the rear wheels were in the air, later reported this initial situation report paramedics, aeromedical retrieval teams making the vehicle highly unstable. was invaluable, providing the rescue and police, to ensure all people involved in FRNSW response: Pumper with important information, assisting the crash were given the greatest possible 94 (Kellyville), Rescue Pumper 63 firefighters to commence forming an chance of survival. (Blacktown), Heavy Rescue 63 and extrication plan while still en route. Incident type: Motor vehicle accident Duty Commander MW1 (Huntingwood) While SO McFarlane was sending persons trapped. Inspector Drew Wilson. the first situation report, Pumper 94 Call details: 1548 hours, Sunday Additional services in attendance: firefighters commenced the immediate 19 July 2015, Direct line call from Police Ambulance Service of NSW, Ambulance triage of crash patients. Firefighters RCO, MVA persons trapped, Memorial Aeromedical Retrieval Unit, Care Flight found the male driver of Vehicle 1 in a Avenue, Kellyville. Aeromedical Retrieval Unit, St John condition of severe medical distress Nature of entrapment/emergency: Ambulance and NSW Police. (unconscious, not breathing and suffering High speed, head-on collision between Incident operations: Pumper 94, under what appeared to be a serious chest two motor vehicles: the command of SO Jamie McFarlane, injury). A volunteer St John Ambulance Vehicle 1, a sedan, located on the was the first FRNSW appliance to arrive Service first responder who was passing roadway, contained two adult male at the collision scene. At this time, no by treated this person with a bag/mask occupants (driver and rear passenger) other emergency services were present. oxygen resuscitator. Firefighters assisted and one adult female occupant (rear Pumper 94 positioned across the road to resuscitation and also commenced passenger). The rear seat elderly protect the crash scene and firefighters assessment and initial patient care of passengers self-released prior to the deployed a protective hoseline. SO the two injured passengers who had arrival of emergency services. The middle McFarlane conducted a rapid scene exited from Vehicle 1. At the same time, aged driver remained severely trapped by assessment, observing the collision firefighters were also examining patients confinement and injury. vehicles, determining they had been associated with Vehicle 2. Firefighter Vehicle 2, a wagon located partially on involved in a high speed head-on collision, Ross Wilton was directed by members the road and partially elevated on a steel at least two people remained severely of the public to a child located near the Armco safety railing, containing an adult trapped, several vehicle occupants were crash scene who had been removed from
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL the vehicle by passers-by. Firefighter had separated from the C Pillar and was difficult), however the electric seat drive Wilton assessed the patient and provided opened with spreaders. The door hinges mechanism had disengaged, causing initial patient stabilisation. As a result were cut with shears to give firefighters the seat to remain jammed and unable of this assessment, Firefighter Wilton greater access to the B Pillar. Firefighters to be moved by hand. Firefighters placed determined the patient had sustained made cuts into the top of the B pillar, the driver onto a rescue board, enabling life threatening internal injuries and however they experienced difficulties removal from the vehicle and placement passed this information to the ambulance cutting due to the strength of the new on an ambulance stretcher, prior to being service, who subsequently deployed the car technology materials (boron) located conveyed to hospital. Child Flight Aeromedical Retrieval Unit. in this area. Firefighters amended the While the rescue of the trapped Firefighter Wilton continued to provide extrication strategy, cutting the top of patient in Vehicle 1 was in progress, the patient care for the child until handing the driver’s door window frame and the extrication of the severely trapped driver over to ambulance paramedics upon their top of the B pillar. A cut was then made in Vehicle 2 was getting underway. This arrival. Firefighters also provided initial at the base of the B pillar with the small extrication was conducted by Rescue patient care to the driver of Vehicle 2, who shears. Firefighters made a pie cut at the 63 firefighters, greatly assisted by the was severely trapped, until the arrival base of the B Pillar and then attempted crew of Pumper 94. The extrication plan of paramedics. to spread the B Pillar away, using the involved performing a side removal of the Ambulance paramedics arrived C Pillar as a base. The severity of the off-side of the vehicle, via a side rip. Prior on scene and after conducting an collision had significantly weakened the to commencing extrication, the vehicle assessment, informed firefighters the C pillar (the vehicle shell had separated was secured with timber step blocks. driver of Vehicle 1 was the first priority for from the chassis, due to the force of Firefighters made cuts in the off-side B extrication. Heavy Rescue 63 arrived on impact), greatly complicating attempts to Pillar and then spread the B Pillar off the scene and in accordance with the request spread off the C pillar. Firefighters then vehicle, completely removing the off-side from paramedics, commenced extrication used the large shears, cutting completely of the vehicle and releasing the driver of the driver of Vehicle 1. Firefighters through the base of the B Pillar. At this from compression caused by the driver’s stabilised the vehicle with timber step time, Firefighter John Casey was able to door. During the process of removing blocks. A short time later Rescue Pumper enter the rear of the vehicle and support the driver’s door, support for the driver 63 arrived on scene and the rescue crews the head of the trapped driver (Firefighter was lost (causing the driver’s upper split into two teams of three firefighters Casey remained at this location for the body to lean outwards from the vehicle), each, to commence simultaneous remainder of the extrication). Firefighters necessitating firefighters and ambulance extrication of patients trapped within then cut the seat belt pre-tensioners, paramedics to hold the upper body of the Vehicles 1 and 2. before pushing the door and B Pillar driver to provide support throughout the At Vehicle 1, firefighters determined around towards the front off-side guard remainder of the rescue. The downward the driver was trapped by severe of the vehicle, cutting the door back- angle of the vehicle (due to the rear of confinement. The initial extrication plan strap during this process. Firefighters the vehicle being located in an elevated involved conducting a side removal of attempted to recline and move the position on the crash rail) worsened this the off-side of the vehicle, using the side driver’s seat, which was set in a very situation. Once the door was removed, rip technique. The rear off-side door upright position (making patient release in addition to partially releasing the
Firefighters prepare for final release of the trapped driver
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 KELLYVILLE MVA, 19 JULY 2015 driver from compression, greater access Notes 5 FRNSW crews were the first was provided for the medical team, 1 FRNSW crews were the first emergency emergency responders to arrive at this significantly assisting and enhancing service to arrive at this incident and incident, joined by a St. Johns volunteer. patient care. were confronted with a scene of trauma The quality of patient care provided Firefighters then conducted a steering and confusion. Firefighters immediately by firefighters and the volunteer set wheel pull, to remove the patient from commenced restoring order, triaging, in train the first step in the chain of steering wheel compression. Pumper assessing and treating patients, survival that would ultimately give all 94 firefighters cut the windscreen out, making the scene safe and preparing patients the greatest chance. enabling the chain pull set to be connected for the rescues. The actions of the first 6 This incident once again demonstrated to the steering wheel and anchored to the responding crews probably resulted in the importance of the actions of the front lower chassis rail. Operation of the lives being saved. first arriving pumper crew. These chain puller enabled the steering wheel to 2 Tragically, not all people involved in this actions quickly stabilised the incident be lifted off the driver. Hydraulic spreaders collision would survive; however the and laid the foundation for the more were then used to perform a dash lift. efforts of all emergency services at the substantial emergency operations by Firefighters made relief cuts at the top scene provided these people with the all services that would follow. and bottom of the A pillar. The spreaders greatest possible chance of survival. 7 Congratulations to all crews were then placed internally, between 3 Again, this was a case where the in attendance for an extremely the horizontal reinforcing member in interaction between the specialised professional emergency operation. the dash and the top of the transmission services at the scene (FRNSW This was a difficult emergency scene tunnel. Operation of the spreaders lifted firefighters/rescue crews, ambulance and all emergency crews from all the dash off the patient’s lower limbs and paramedics, medical retrieval teams services performed with distinction, also created sufficient space for Senior and police) was seamless; the high demonstrating the highest levels of Firefighter Shane Park to access the levels of communication, interaction skill, professionalism and commitment. driver’s feet, which still remained trapped and cooperation between the services nEND within the folded floor pan. A second set of again was a significant factor in a highly spreaders were placed between the base professional operation that would of the sill and the A pillar on the off-side, provide the greatest chance of survival enabling the dash to be lifted further, for all people involved in the crash. enabling Senior Firefighter Park to 4 The detailed initial situation report manually remove the driver’s feet from the from the first arriving FRNSW pumper floor pan entrapment. The driver was then enabled key specialist (non-FRNSW) placed on a rescue board and removed resources to be alerted and activated. from the vehicle, prior to being conveyed Information contained in this report to hospital. also provided the incoming rescue crews with critical information, enabling a plan to be formulated en route; this was particularly important due to the crash scene conditions.
This view of vehicle 1 is indicative of the force of impact, severity of entrapment and difficulties overcome by firefighters conducting the rescue The overall crash scene. All emergency services worked as one team
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL
Firefighters on the southern side of the fire direct an installed hose heel stream onto the exposure vessel; note pyrolysis gases being released, due to the large amount of radiant heat, indicating the exposure vessel is close to ignition. Photo courtesy Damian Hofman.
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FRNSW CONTROL FAST-SPREADING WOOLLOOMOOLOO FINGER WHARF MARINA FIRE
Incident summary: When FRNSW Wharf marina, Cowper Wharf Road, plastic construction. The floating dock was called to a marina fire at the Finger Woolloomooloo. constituted the marina and was a Wharf, Woolloomooloo Bay, two luxury FRNSW response: Pumpers 4 separate fixture from the Finger Wharf vessels formed of volatile fibreglass (Darlinghurst), 3 (The Rocks), 35 structure, used solely for the mooring of and thermoplastic construction and (Botany), 53 (Neutral Bay), Flyer 1 (City of vessels. The floating dock was connected containing almost 4,500 litres of marine Sydney) and Runner 1, Rescue Pumper by 1.0m narrow walkways (fitted with diesel fuel were well alight and fire 1, Heavy Rescue 1, Hazmat Pumper 13 steel railings) to the 10m wide main conditions were intense. Vessels either (Alexandria), Heavy Hazmat 13, Duty timber wharf attached to the western side of the burning boats were close Commander ME1 (City) and Manager side of the Finger Wharf complex (also to ignition. A further 60 vessels were Community Engagement Unit. known as the western promenade). located nearby. Most seriously, the Additional agencies/services in The floating dock contained 62 twin 104-year-old, 410-metre long Finger attendance: NSW Police (including bay berths, facilitating the mooring of Wharf structure, formed largely of Water Police), Ambulance Service of 62 vessels. On the morning of the fire, timber construction and home to over NSW, gas and electricity authorities, and boats were located at all moorings. 400 people, was at risk of fire spread. Port Authority of NSW (formerly Sydney Most vessels located at the marina were Firefighters employed a coordinated Ports Corporation). luxury motor yachts and motor cruisers. series of strategies and tactics involving Fireground description: The Finger 240 volt AC power supplies were located shore and marine based firefighting to Wharf complex is located at the southern at each berth on the floating dock. At protect exposure vessels, cut off fire end of Woolloomooloo Bay, connected the time of the fire, the floating dock spread, control the fire and protect to the shore at Cowper Wharf Road, was located approximately three metres the large Finger Wharf structure. The Woolloomooloo. below the deck of the main wharf. fire involved a coordinated response of The involved vessels (described The Finger Wharf is located 4.0m to multiple agencies. This was a textbook further below) were moored to a floating the east of the floating dock and marina. example of marina firefighting. dock, 265m long, located 4.0m to the The Finger Wharf is 410 metres long Incident type: Boat fire at marina. west of the side of the Finger Wharf. The and 64m wide and is the longest timber Time, date and place of call: 0350 floating dock was 2.0m wide, formed piled wharf in the world. The Finger hours on Saturday 4 July 2015, ‘000’ of recycled plastic construction and Wharf structure is composed of two side call to report of a boat fire at the Finger located on pontoons, also of recycled sheds running almost the length of the
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FINGER WHARF MARINA FIRE, 4 JULY 2015 wharf, connected by a covered roadway between. The roofline is three parallel gable roofs and the external elevations are distinguished by a repetitive gridded structure. The ground level of the wharf consists of restaurants. Levels two, three and loft level consist of 300 residential apartments. A hotel accommodation complex is located at the southern end of the wharf. A separate three level, 45m x 40m, concrete and steel apartment building is located at the northern end of the wharf, although not connected to the wharf building. A 10.0m wide timber and concrete promenade is located on the west side of the wharf, located 4.0m from the floating dock. The promenade is engineered to take a load of eight tonnes per wheel. A 10m wide vehicular access way is located on the eastern side of the wharf. The Finger Wharf was constructed in 1911, of timber construction and used as a 3 Station firefighters aboard OSV Denison direct a protective stream between the involved vessels and exposure wool store. It was extensively modified vessels, working in conjunction with shore-based crews to stop fire spread. Photo courtesy Martin Grant. and commenced residential occupation in 1999. The Finger Wharf structure is fitted with an automatic sprinkler fire protection system. The western promenade is fitted with twin headed pillar hydrants, located every 50m, connected to a 150mm ring main. An AS2419.1 brigade booster fitting is fitted to the ring main. Installed hose reels are also fitted to the floating dock of the marina, located every 25m. Occupancies within the Finger Wharf are fitted with smoke detectors connected to an automatic fire alarm system. The involved vessels were located in mooring bays 41 and 42, located approximately 250m from the shore line. A floating access deck, 1.2m wide, was located between the vessels. The vessel at bay 41 was a 17m long luxury sport power yacht of fibreglass hull construction, containing approximately Mann’s Point has come alongside OSV Denison, working with 3 Station 2,400 litres of diesel fuel. The vessel firefighters to form the Marine Sector. Photo courtesy Martin Grant. at bay 42 was a 16.3m long luxury motor yacht of fibreglass hull (formed of vinylester resin, corecell foam and polyester resin) construction, containing approximately 1,900 litres of diesel fuel. Luxury motor yachts were located either side of the involved vessels, less than 0.5m away. Land access to the Finger Wharf structure is via Cowper Wharf Road, located at the southern end of the wharf. Vehicular access is via the western promenade and a vehicular driveway located along the eastern side of the wharf. On the morning of the fire, there were approximately 400-500 people residing within the apartments and motel. Initial call and response: At 0350 hours on Saturday 4 July 2015, FRNSW Sydney Communication Centre received the first of numerous ‘000’ calls reporting a boat fire at the From the Marine Sector, firefighters direct an attack stream onto the involved vessel at berth Finger Wharf marina, Cowper Wharf 42. The exposure vessel at berth 43 has been safely removed. Photo courtesy Martin Grant. Road, Woolloomooloo. Pumper 4,
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL
Flyer 1, Rescue Pumper 1 and Duty Dean Jones, also wearing SCBA, went ring main, increasing pressure from 600 Commander City were initially responded onto the floating dock and commenced kPa to 1000 kPa. Booster operations also to the reported fire. At the same time, protection of the vessel at berth 43 increased the water volume flowing into FireComs assigned the Port Authority of (to the south of the involved vessels), the ring main, significantly improving NSW response vessels and responded also under imminent threat, with an firefighting water supply. Pumper 3 to Moores Wharf at The Rocks installed hose reel fitted to the floating Firefighters continue to protect to rendezvous with the Port Authority dock by directing a cooling stream onto exposures: The crew of Rescue Pumper firefighting vessels as part of regularly this vessel. The cover on this vessel 1 deployed to the main wharf as the practised joint response arrangement. was also bubbling from the impact of breathing apparatus back up crew, First crews arrive on scene: Flyer fierce radiant heat when firefighters enabling crew rotation to take place for 1, under the command of SO Tony commenced operations. firefighters wearing SCBA conducting Camilleri, was the first FRNSW appliance As the initial protective streams firefighting operations. Four 38mm lines to arrive on scene. SO Camilleri were being placed into operation, were now in operation from Flyer 1 by became the Incident Commander and Pumper 4 under the command of SO firefighters wearing SCBA, directing established a Command Point, known as Con Gerasimou, arrived on scene and cooling streams onto exposure vessels “Woolloomooloo Command”. Firefighters also drove onto the wharf, positioning north and south of the involved vessels. were aware due to knowledge gained to the south of Flyer 1. The IC directed Exposure vessels remained under severe through pre-incident planning exercises appliances to be parked at evenly spaced threat as the fire continued to grow in that the engineered load limit of the intervals along the wharf, to minimise intensity, fuelled by volatile fibreglass, western promenade was well within loading of the wharf. SO Gerasimou polyurethane foam and diesel fuel, limits for passage of FRNSW fire switched off the 240 V power supply causing severe radiant heat to impact appliances. Initial access onto the going to the floating dock. At this time, the threatened vessels. SO Gerasimou western promenade of the Finger most of the boats moored at the floating reported the vessel at berth 40 was very Wharf for fire appliances was blocked dock were connected to live power. The close to ignition. by steel security bollards. While police IC directed Pumper 4 to obtain a water Marine operations: At the time of and security guards were unlocking the supply for Flyer 1, which was now fully call, Pumper 3, under the command of bollards, SO Camilleri went on foot onto committed providing fire protection SO Peter Gillard, went to Moores Wharf, the promenade to investigate the fire and to the non-involved vessels. Pumper The Rocks, where firefighters went conduct an initial size-up. SO Camilleri 4 firefighters connected supply lines aboard the Port Authority emergency observed two boats midway along the from pillar hydrants located on the response vessel Denison. Firefighters wharf completely involved in fire. At this wharf to Flyer 1, securing a firefighting took SCBA sets, the remote access stage, although the boats were heavily water supply. Pumper 4 pump operator pack and handheld transceivers (HHTs) involved in fire, fire had not yet spread to assisted Flyer 1 pump operator for with them, with HHTs set to Fireground their diesel tanks. Vessels (of fibreglass the duration of operations. The hose channel 510. The Denison then travelled construction) located either side of the reel line being operated by Firefighter to Woolloomooloo Bay, in proximity to involved vessels were being heavily Jones was replaced by a 38mm attack the involved vessels. SO Gillard became impacted by severe radiant heat and line, protecting exposure vessels on the Sector Commander of the Marine were in immediate danger of igniting. the southern side of the fire. A second Sector and was in communication with These non-involved vessels were less 38mm attack line was placed into the IC via HHT. The Denison began than 1.0m from the involved vessels. SO operation, protecting exposure vessels drafting water out of the harbour and Camilleri observed the protective sail on the northern side of the fire. With firefighters wearing SCBA operated the cover of the vessel moored at berth 40 the fire flanks being secured, Pumper 4 fixed monitor aboard the vessel, directing beginning to bubble and blister due to firefighters conducted a direct attack on a sea-based protective stream onto the the impact of fierce radiant heat. The the fire, directing a third 38mm attack most seriously threatened boat to the first objective of SO Camilleri was to line stream onto the involved vessels, north of the burning vessels, working stop the fire spreading to further boats, attempting to reduce fire intensity and in conjunction with the shore-based by establishing fire cut-offs either side lower the radiant heat being produced. operations. The Denison was operating of the involved vessels. At this time, Despite these efforts, the fire began in smoke with reduced visibility. Radio police were on scene and residents had to grow in intensity, most likely due to communications from shore-based commenced to self-evacuate from the involvement of the onboard diesel fuel. firefighters to the Marine Sector Finger Wharf building. Fierce flames were rolling upwards Commander assisted in the direction Fire attack gets underway: As soon above the vessels. Large plumes of thick and effective placement of the monitor as the security bollards were removed, black smoke were rising above the fire, stream. SO Gerasimou stated shore- Flyer 1 proceeded onto the western containing fibrous materials from the based firefighters could only reach part promenade and travelled to the north burning fibreglass hulls. of the threatened vessels with defensive of the involved boats. The Incident Brigade booster fitting placed into streams, however the monitor stream Commander believed this was the most operation: Rescue Pumper 1 under the from the Denison, working in conjunction effective position to conduct fire attack command of SO Andrew McNamara went with shore crews, was able to be directed and also wanted to space appliances to the brigade hydrant booster fitting. onto sections of the vessels the shore- out evenly on the promenade to spread The booster fitting was not located in an based streams could not reach, enabling loading on the wharf. While crews obvious position and consisted of several all parts of the exposed vessels to be were setting up 38mm fire attack lines, installations (two sprinkler boosters completely protected. firefighters commenced immediate and one hydrant booster). However SO Incident command transferred: protection of the vessel most seriously McNamara and the crew of Rescue Duty Commander City Inspector Jay under immediate threat, located at berth Pumper 1 were very familiar with the Bland arrived on scene and following 40, with a protective cooling stream from system, having recently attended to a handover briefing with SO Camilleri, the Flyer 1 high pressure hose reel. the site to conduct a booster pumping command was transferred with SO Firefighter Katherine Blanchard, wearing and operations drill. Rescue Pumper 1 Camilleri appointed Operations Officer. SCBA, directed a cooling stream onto firefighters connected lines between the The Incident Commander increased the the threatened vessel at berth 40 (to the pumper and the booster fitting. Following response for the purpose of enabling north of the involved vessels), providing communication with the IC, the lines crew rotation and establishing adequate immediate protection of this vessel from were charged and Rescue Pumper 1 SCBA back-up crews (in accordance the intense radiant heat. Firefighter began boosting the Finger Wharf hydrant with the three-deep deployment model)
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FINGER WHARF MARINA FIRE, 4 JULY 2015
and directed all incoming appliances to report the staging area, located on Cowper Wharf Road. SO McNamara was appointed Safety Officer. Heavy Rescue 1 was deployed onto the wharf and the rescue lights set up to illuminate the work area, increasing scene safety. Water Police remove exposure vessels: SO McNamara had the benefit of the previous experience of the 2007 Royal Motor Yacht Club marina fire and was aware that an effective way to control a marina fire was to remove non-involved vessels out of the fire’s pathway. SO McNamara communicated this information to the Incident Commander, who agreed this would be an effective strategy. SO McNamara liaised with police on scene and confirmed that the Water Police were responding. Firefighters began to untie the mooring lines of the two exposure vessels located immediately to the north and south of the involved vessels. Each vessel was secured with six mooring lines; five of these lines were untied by firefighters wearing SCBA to enable the vessels to be quickly towed away once the Water Police arrived on scene. A single mooring line remained attached to each vessel, to prevent the vessels drifting uncontrollably. A short time later the Water Police arrived on scene. The vessel at mooring berth 40 was considered to be the boat most seriously under threat and tow lines were attached From the main wharf, two supply lines are connected to installed twin-headed pillar hydrants, supplying water to Flyer 1. Photo courtesy Damian Hofman. from this vessel to the Water Police launch. When this boat was secured to the Water Police launch, SO McNamara released the final mooring line, enabling the exposure vessel to then be released and towed to a position of safety into open water within Woolloomooloo Bay and away from the threat of fire spread. After the vessel at berth 40 had been safely moored at a remote location, the Water Police launch returned and attached a tow line to the vessel at berth 43. When the vessel was secured to the police launch, the final mooring line was untied by firefighters, allowing the threatened vessel to be removed to safety. Not only did the actions of removing adjoining vessels protect those boats most at risk, an effective fire break had been created by removing fuel from the fire’s path, significantly reducing the likelihood of any further lateral fire spread through the marina and greatly reducing the possibility of a significant escalation in fire conditions occurring. Escalating fire activity in proximity to the 104-year-old Finger Wharf structure could have resulted in fire spread to this iconic sbuilding. Firefighters secure burning boats: Firefighters observed the mooring lines securing the involved vessels were beginning to burn through, melt and sever, presenting the danger that Once the fuel tanks of the burning vessels ignited, fire activity was intense. Firefighters carried out a burning vessels could break away. determined attack to protect exposure vessels from fierce radiant heat. Photo courtesy Damian Hofman. In the event the burning boats broke free they could easily ignite numerous
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other fires involving further vessels and land-based structures. A further complicating problem in the event the burning boats broke free was that any additional ignitions would be at remote locations that may present difficult access to firefighters. As the boats began to drift, firefighters used ceiling hooks to retrieve the boats. Firefighters wearing SCBA used steel wire rope slings from the Tirfor kits to secure the vessels and prevent further drifting of the boats. Firefighters also attached additional mooring lines to the vessels. These mooring lines consisted of short lines, to minimise the dangerous effect of “whiplash” rope travel, in the event the boats sank, causing the mooring lines to snap and fly through the air (which could cause serious injury to firefighters). Due to hazards present, SO McNamara instructed police to secure the entrance to the wharf, establishing a restricted The fuel tank erupts on the vessel moored at berth 42. Picture supplied courtesy of Damian Hofman access zone. The smoke condition was heavily obstructing the ability of shore- based firefighters to observe the mooring lines securing the burning vessels. SO McNamara requested firefighters aboard the Denison to monitor the mooring lines from the marine side of the fire, to ensure the mooring lines remained intact. Direct fire attack operations:Once the exposure vessels were removed and the threat of fire spread to further boats greatly diminished, firefighters switched firefighting modes from defensive to offensive direct fire attack. Firefighters directed attack streams onto the fully involved vessels. The involved boats continued to produce large volumes of black smoke. The diesel tanks on both vessels were now fully involved in fire, burning fiercely and producing large flames. The wind was now starting to swirl, causing the thick smoke plume Firefighters attempt to bring the fully involved boats under control. The enormous Finger Wharf structure, to blow across the floating dock where protected by firefighters, is visible on the right side of the photograph. Picture supplied courtesy of Damian Hofman firefighters were located, greatly reducing visibility. Due to the significant increase in fire intensity, a reduction in visibility, exposures no longer at risk and the burning vessels fully secured, the Incident Commander made the decision to withdraw all crews from the floating dock to a position of greater safety on the main wharf. Crews repositioned to the main wharf and firefighting operations continued. During the period of heightened fire intensity, a 15m long section of the pontoon access dock completely burnt through and sank. The Incident Commander liaised with the Port Authority Commander, via the Marine Sector Commander concerning a requirement to place booms around the fire area, due to the possibility of diesel spilling from the marine tanks. The Port Authority Commander made arrangements to place booms once the fire had been extinguished. Once the fuel tanks of the burning vessels ignited, fire activity was intense. Firefighters carried out a Full evacuation of Finger Wharf: determined attack to protect exposure vessels from fierce radiant heat. Photo courtesy Damian Hofman Following the significant increase in fire activity due to the involvement of the
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FINGER WHARF MARINA FIRE, 4 JULY 2015 diesel fuel tanks aboard the vessels, Sector Commander, assisting in the electricity supplies to power on board smoke began to enter the residential effective direction of water streams. equipment. apartments and hotel within the Finger Fire extinguished: As firefighters 3 Storage space at marinas is at a Wharf structure. Runner 1, under the were slowly bringing the fires under premium and separation between command of SO Craig Mashman, had control, the vessel at berth 41 sunk at vessels is minimal. The potential for responded to the Finger Wharf, due the mooring. A short time later, vessel-to-vessel fire spread is quite to the activation of an automatic fire the burning vessel at berth 42 also high, due to the impact of radiant alarm. Upon making investigations, sunk, resulting in extinguishment of heat. firefighters found large volumes of both vessels. The Port Authority of NSW 4 As with all incidents responded smoke were impacting the western side vessels then commenced to place booms to by FRNSW, size-up is critical. of the building, resulting in heavy smoke around the affected area to prevent the Effective size-up enables the logging of residential apartments on escape of any hazardous materials into Incident Commander to determine level three of the structure. Firefighters the harbour. incident priorities and establish detected a strong smell of burning Re-occupation by residents: key objectives. This is particularly resin within the building and observed Following extinguishment of the fire, important at complex incidents particles and fibrous materials in the firefighters conducted ventilation of the and when there are numerous air. SO Mashman observed numerous Finger Wharf structure, to enable re- competing urgent priorities and residents were still within the building occupation by the residents. Atmospheric limited resources available. The and gave instructions that a full monitoring was conducted and found to Incident Commander at this incident evacuation of the building was to be be clear. The east wing of the structure conducted an early and effective undertaken. This total evacuation was was initially re-occupied, after which size-up, resulting in initial strategies undertaken with police assistance. residents returned to the west wing. and tactics employed that would The Incident Commander appointed Residents were advised to keep their lay the foundation for a successful SO Mashman as the Evacuation doors and windows closed. Evacuation incident outcome. Sector Commander. Sector Commander SO Mashman 5 The actions of the first arriving The night was extremely cold and reported Finger Wharf management FRNSW appliance crew on Flyer 1 many evacuees were young children. were extremely helpful assisting the were to commence protection of With the assistance of police and hotel re-occupation of the residents into the most at-risk exposures. These management, SO Mashman organised the building. operations were conducted with for all evacuees to be re-located into FRNSW operations concluded: At relatively small diameter streams the hotel foyer, to protect them from the the conclusion of FRNSW operations, until larger hose lines could be hostile external environment at that hour it was determined that apart from the placed into operation, nevertheless of the morning. The hotel foyer was clear two vessels initially involved in fire, they were highly effective at providing of smoke and remote from the fire area. vessels at marine berths 40 and 43 critical cooling, sufficient to mitigate Expansion of marine operations: had sustained superficial heat damage the impact of the significant radiant Firefighters continued to conduct fire only and no other vessels had been heat attack from the adjacent heavily attack. At this time, firefighters from 13, damaged by fire. Similarly, no fire spread involved vessels. Undoubtedly, 35 and 53 stations were also on scene, occurred to the main wharf or the Finger these initial operations prevented located in staging and were providing Wharf structure. The affected section further fire spread, the involvement SCBA rotation with crews conducting of waterway had been boomed by Port of further vessels and a significant fire attack operations. From the Marine Authority of NSW and contaminants worsening of the situation. Similarly, Sector, Pumper 3 continued to direct the contained. The site was handed over the decision to strengthen exposure monitor stream onto the involved vessels to Police, who then deemed the site protection with additional hose lines from the Denison. The effect of the a crime scene. was a key tactical decision that monitor stream caused the fire to reduce prevented further fire spread. Notes in intensity. As a result of diminishing fire 6 The application of cooling streams Luxury marine craft are largely intensity, shore-based firefighters were 1 onto the surfaces of exposed non- formed of volatile combustible able to safely break open the front hatch involved vessels is advantageous, materials, including fibreglass, cover of the involved vessel at berth 41 to slow down ignition of exposure thermoplastics, polyurethane foams with a ceiling hook and commence to vessels from radiant heat. This will and other synthetic materials, due apply B Class foam, via the high pressure buy some time, until either the fire to their buoyant nature, light weight, hose reel, directly into the hull of the is controlled with a more substantial strength and modern appearance. burning vessel. Although the foam attack fire attack or the exposure vessels When involved in fire, these materials had a significant impact, greatly reducing can be removed. produce intense fire conditions, fire intensity, fire continued to burn 7 Firefighters worked with including high heat release rates within inaccessible parts of the vessel, determination under very difficult and large flames. These materials including the wheel house and below the circumstances to protect non- also produce thick, acrid, black main deck. involved vessels from intense smoke containing fibrous materials. During firefighting operations, radiant heat, through the operation Significantly, these materials a second Port Authority of NSW of protective hose streams. These produce large quantities of radiant response vessel Manns Point arrived at efforts stopped the fire from heat, placing any exposures in close Woolloomooloo Bay to assist operations. spreading. proximity in extreme danger of The vessels Manns Point and Denison 8 The decision of the Incident fire spread. were secured together, increasing the Controller to utilise the Water Police 2 Luxury marine craft also contain efficiency of marine water monitor to tow the non-involved exposure large quantities of marine diesel operations (through greater stability vessels away from the burning boats fuel, which is easily ignited by the of the larger vessel, reducing water was a key tactical decision that both intense heat associated with burning monitor “jet” reaction). In addition to removed these vessels from danger fibreglass and polyurethane foams. the larger monitor being operated, and removed fuel from the fire’s path, Other hazardous materials found on firefighters were now operating two greatly reducing the possibility of fire luxury vessels include LPG cylinders smaller monitors aboard the Manns spread to further vessels. and flares. In dock, these vessels Point. Shore-based firefighters remained are normally connected to 240 Volt in radio communications with the Marine
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL
9 Marina and boat fires present never exceeded, the situational 21 Historically, marina fires have often numerous hazards for firefighters, awareness of the Incident resulted in large losses, particularly many of which can be unseen. This Commander was increased due to vessel to vessel fire spread, fire was no exception. Significant and operations were conducted fuelled by highly volatile fibreglass hazards at this fire included the in a coordinated, safe and boat construction and high marina 240 volt power supply connected to effective manner. fuel loads. Under these conditions, all boats (switched off), hazardous 15 The temptation to cast burning conflagrations can quickly develop particles contained within the vessels adrift must be strongly that are difficult to control with smoke plume produced by the resisted; While a burning vessel is at conventional firefighting techniques. burning fibreglass (all firefighters a wharf facility, there is the capacity In addition to the above, the Finger were wearing SCBA), instability for fire services to extinguish the Wharf structure was a large and subsequent destruction of the fire in a safe and controlled manner. 100-year-old former wool store floating access deck (crews were A boat adrift will likely float to building, of timber construction withdrawn prior to the deck burning remote and inaccessible locations, located less than 15m from the through and sinking), intense where there is difficult access to involved vessels. The FRNSW crews heat produced by the burning fire services. Worse still, a burning who responded to this fire performed fibreglass and marine diesel fuel (all vessel has the potential to ignite with distinction, conducting firefighters wearing full structural numerous other non-involved assets, firefighting in a determined and PPC and SCBA), fall/drown hazards including other vessels and land highly professional manner, associated with working on the wharf structures. If the decision is made to confining the fire to its place of (work area illuminated by Heavy tow a burning vessel away, the vessel origin and stopping any further fire Rescue 1 light), minimal essential should be secured with a steel wire spread from occurring. This was a personnel on the wharf working rope sling, as a tow rope will most textbook example of how to conduct under maximum supervision, and the likely burn through. operations at a marina fire. Port Authority of NSW vessel working 16 Firefighters should anticipate and 22 As was the case at this fire, boat in close proximity to the fire scene). prepare for failure of the mooring and marina fires are seldom 10 Use of the hydrant ring main system lines securing burning vessels, straightforward, containing and brigade booster fitting provided which will most likely ignite and burn many hazards, difficulties and adequate water supply for critical through from radiant heat. The use tactical challenges to firefighters. firefighting operations. The operation of the steel wire rope slings from Congratulations to all crews who of the hydrant ring main negated the the Tirfor kits was a highly effective responded to the Finger Wharf need for lengthy hose lays from the means of securing the burning fire for their considerable efforts. road, at a fireground where excessive vessels at this fire. nEND hose could have led to trip hazards 17 FRNSW is currently in the process of resulting in firefighters potentially introducing the Challenger Worksafe falling into the harbour. Pro 300 N automatic Type 1 personal 11 The value of pre-incident planning flotation device (life jacket) into and familiarisation drills was clearly service. These devices, which can demonstrated, with Rescue Pumper be worn with full structural PPC 1 having recently conducted drill on and SCBA, will greatly enhance the the Finger Wharf booster system. safety of firefighters when working at Responding firefighters were marina fires. completely familiar with booster 18 In previous experiences, boat operations and were able to quickly owners have attempted to remove and efficiently place the booster into many non-involved vessels at once; operation at a critical time during these actions can lead to significant firefighting operations. waterway congestion, resulting in the 12 There was a high level of vessels most at risk not being able to communication, coordination and be removed in a timely manner and cooperation between FRNSW, the can result in further unnecessary NSW Water Police and the Port fire spread. Removal of non-involved Authority of NSW, resulting in very vessels should be conducted in a effective and safe operations. The coordinated manner, starting with the ability to operate in a coordinated vessels most at risk first, under the manner at this fire was critical to the direction of the Incident Commander. highly successful outcomes achieved. If possible, Water Police or marine 13 The communications between authorities should assist in the shore-based crews and firefighters removal of vessels to ensure vessels located in the Marine Sector was are removed in accordance with the invaluable, enabling monitor streams overall firefigting plan. to be directed to the most effective 19 Untying the exposure vessels saved locations, resulting in safe, effective valuable time, enabling the vessels to and coordinated operations. be quickly moved to safety by Water 14 The Incident Commander established Police vessels. Note, firefighters sectors and formed a command kept a single mooring attached to structure commensurate with the the vessels, to prevent uncontrolled complexities of the incident at an drifting, until tow lines were attached. early point in operations. 20 Congratulations to Flyer 1 pump As a result, the span of control was operator, Firefighter Warren Stanley, who performed faultlessly at his first pumping job!
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FINGER WHARF MARINA FIRE, 4 JULY 2015
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL
Rescue crews work closely with Ambulance Paramedics to release the three trapped occupants.
THREE PEOPLE TRAPPED BY COMPRESSION AT LIDCOMBE TRUCK HEAD-ON COLLISION AND ROLL OVER
Incident summary: FRNSW crews stationary parked cars. As a result of the was caught on the “high” side of the were confronted with a multiple collision, the truck came to rest on the cabin, near the clutch pedal, however her vehicle head-on collision, including near side (referred to as the “low” side in left leg was located mid-way down the the involvement of a heavy vehicle and this report). The off-side is also referred front of the cabin and her head and upper rollover and reports of multiple persons to as the “high side” in this report. body were located on the “low” side of trapped including one person reportedly As a result of the collision, the the truck near the ground. This patient trapped under the overturned truck. male driver and one female occupant was in extreme pain due to her fractured This was a complex rescue, requiring of the truck were severely trapped by limbs, worsened by any movement of the the employment of specialist techniques compression to the lower limbs. The truck cabin. and resources. As usual, firefighters occupants of the truck were trapped Occupant 2: An adult male passenger performed with distinction. as follows: (seated in the passenger seat against Incident type: Motor vehicle accident Driver: The driver’s feet and lower left the near side window), was located persons trapped. leg were caught between the firewall and within the cabin of the truck against the Call details: 0933 hours, Tuesday floor of the truck between the steering near side cabin door and trapped by 30 June 2015, Direct line call from Police column (located on the “high” side of the severe confinement. RCO, MVA persons trapped, Carter truck), however the driver’s head and The driver of the sedan self-released Street, Lidcombe. upper body were located on the “low” prior to arrival of emergency services. Nature of entrapment/emergency: side of the truck near the ground. FRNSW response: Pumper 30 High speed head-on collision between Occupant 1: An adult female (Lidcombe), Rescue Pumpers 15 a sedan and a medium rigid two axle passenger, who was seated in the center (Burwood) and 59 (Eastwood) and pantech aluminium body delivery truck. of the cabin, was trapped by compression Heavy Rescue 59 (Eastwood) and Duty Following collision, the truck rolled and of the firewall, which had folded around Commander ME3 (Ashfield) Inspector came to rest on the near side. In addition, her legs at collision impact, causing Geoff Roach. the sedan then struck two unoccupied compound fractures to both legs. Similar to the driver, the passenger’s right leg
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 LIDCOMBE MVA, 30 JUNE 2015
The hydraulic ram located between the A and B pillars on the off side of the truck is slowly extended
Services in attendance: Ambulance realising additional specialist rescue Firefighters assisted the passers-by Service of NSW and NSW Police. equipment and rescue operators would from the cabin of the truck to the ground. Incident operations: Pumper 30, be required at this incident (This decision At this time, firefighters could see the under the command of SO Michael would later prove to be critical to the driver and occupant 1, however only the Newcomb, was the first emergency success of the rescue). As a result of arm of occupant 2 was visible. SO Brown service appliance to arrive on scene the message from Rescue Pumper 15, consulted with ambulance paramedics and was met with a scene of confusion Rescue Pumper 59 and Heavy Rescue and an extrication plan was formed, and distress, including reports from 59 were responded to the incident. At initially involving setting Tirfor winches members of the public that people were the crash scene, Pumper 30 firefighters either side of the overturned truck, trapped under the truck. SO Newcomb had commenced stabilisation of the to prevent further movement of the truck found a collision involving three cars overturned truck. Firefighter Stephan during extrication. and a delivery truck which had rolled Marshall went to the cabin of the truck Duty Commander Inner West following collision, severely trapping and provided reassurance to the trapped Inspector Geoff Roach arrived at the three people within the cabin of the occupants. Firefighter Marshall remained incident and established a FRNSW truck. At this time, two passers-by had with the occupants, who were in highly Command Point. Inspector Roach was climbed onto the cabin of the truck, distressed states. This had a significant FRNSW Commander and liaised closely precariously positioned, attempting to impact on the trapped occupants, greatly with emergency services in attendance as support the driver. SO Newcomb directed reassuring and calming the people. well as the FRNSW Rescue Commander, fire protection to be immediately put in Rescue Pumper 15 arrived on SO Brown. place, while he conducted a rapid scene scene and firefighters commenced an Rescue Pumper 15 was positioned on assessment. Following size-up, SO assessment of the entrapment and began the western side of the truck and a Tirfor Newcomb sent an initial situation report, to form an extrication plan. Despite winch was connected between Rescue accurately describing the entrapment and initial efforts by Pumper 30, the truck Pumper 15 (anchor) and the steering the situation at the crash scene. (in particular the cabin) remained highly column of the truck (secured with chains), SO Glenn Brown was the officer unstable, with any movement of the cabin to stop the truck sliding backwards. At in charge of Rescue Pumper 15 and causing extreme pain to the passenger, about this time, Rescue Pumper 59 and responding to the crash scene when due to the compound fractures to both Heavy Rescue 59 arrived on scene; the he overheard the situation report from legs. Firefighters placed step blocks, attendance of these appliances was Pumper 30. SO Brown accurately cribbing and wedges in, around and under critical, bringing additional specialised assessed the situation and immediately the truck, making it as stable as possible. rescue equipment and rescue operators sent a RED message for an additional to this complex rescue situation. Heavy Rescue Unit and Rescue Pumper,
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL
A second irfor winch was established continued to be tensioned (providing placed behind the roof of the cabin, to from the truck to Heavy Rescue 59 follow up packing) while the ram was provide a base to ram from (firefighters (anchor) located on the eastern side of the extended. A pocket line was placed were unable to ram off the roof because truck, further increasing stabilisation. The around the ram and secured, to prevent the A pillar had been cut, removing the Tirfor winch cables were tensioned prior the ram dropping. The ram was operated structural integrity of the roof). The ram to any cutting taking place, to prevent any to full extension, however could not was then extended, pushing the crushed parts of the cabin collapsing back onto the extend far enough to provide complete firewall forward and providing enough patients once cutting commenced. release of the patient. A 2005U hydraulic clearance to release the patient’s legs sA ladder was placed at the side of the power ram replaced the 2004 ram. The from entrapment (the previously installed truck, providing access to the top of cabin. larger ram was then operated to full timber packing successfully provided Firefighter Nick Ryan initially gained extension, releasing the driver’s leg from a base for the ram operation). A chest access to the top of the cabin via the compression. The drivers shoe was cut harness was then placed on the patient, ladder with an ambulance paramedic. away from the driver’s right foot, enabling connected to a rescue line and the patient A heavy-duty steel bullbar was fitted to its release. Once the driver’s lower limbs lifted, utilising the haul party, removing the front of the cabin, which was removed were released from compression, the the patient from entrapment. The patient by unbolting (the strength of the steel driver was placed in a chest harness was then placed on a rescue board, prevented it from being cut through). and lifted vertically using a rescue line removed from the truck and placed on Firefighters then used spreaders and and cordage techniques. The haul party an ambulance stretcher for conveyance shears to cut and remove the door from consisted of firefighters located on top to hospital. Once the driver and trapped the driver’s side of the cabin, greatly of the overturned truck body. After lifting female occupant had been released, the improving patient access. the driver a short distance vertically, third trapped person was able to simply Hydraulic shears were used to make firefighters were able to place the patient stand up and be assisted by firefighters cuts in the top and bottom of the off- onto a rescue board for final removal from and ambulance paramedics from the side A pillar, enabling the A pillar to be the vehicle. NB: A FRNSW officer was truck cabin and placed on an ambulance removed. A relief cut was made on the located on top of the overturned truck stretcher for transport to hospital. bottom of the near-side A pillar. Relief with the haul party, ensuring the safety of Notes cuts were made in the truck gussets on all firefighters at this location. The actions of the first arriving the off-side and near sides, using small Firefighters then worked to free the 1 pumper laid a firm foundation for the and large shears. Firefighters were female passenger. A hydraulic power rescue and emergency operations that cutting with extreme caution, due to the ram was placed on the “low” side of the would follow and ultimately resulted close proximity of the female occupant’s truck, between the base of the A pillar (on in highly successful outcomes for all feet. A Holmatro 2004U hydraulic power the windscreen at the base of the dash) patients involved in this collision. ram was placed on the “high” side of and the cabin roof. Timber step blocks 2 The officer-in-charge of the first the truck, on the off-side of the cabin, were placed behind the roof and at the arriving FRNSW appliance provided a between the A and B pillars. The Tirfors bottom of the windscreen. Packing was detailed situation report to FireComs,
Rescue crews pause as an Ambulance The crash scene. Rescue appliances were positioned to facilitate tirfor winch operations paramedic stabilises a trapped occupant.
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 LIDCOMBE MVA, 30 JUNE 2015
providing precise details of the Use of the Tirfor winches was critical, entrapment and critical incident ensuring the vehicle did not collapse conditions. The officer in charge of further onto patients during cutting. the incoming rescue appliance heard Not only did stabilisation protect the the CAN (i.e. conditions, actions trapped patients, it increased the and needs) report and based on the levels of safety to the rescue crews information provided, requested and medical teams. additional specialist resources 5 A high level of inter-service that would prove critical at this communication and cooperation was incident. The pro-active request for evident at this incident, resulting in resources shortened the time for seamless operations, again resulting specialist equipment to arrive at in the best possible outcomes for the incident, greatly enhancing the the patients. effectiveness of operations. The value 6 Extrication crews were met with of detailed CAN reports cannot be a complex entrapment scenario, emphasised enough. however a combination of ingenuity, 3 Entrapment was complex, requiring significant skill levels of the rescue a detailed assessment by the rescue operators, excellent command crews in consultation with ambulance leadership and the right rescue paramedics, taking into consideration equipment resulted in rescue each patient’s individual medical operations that were safe and highly condition, resulting in the formation of effective. Throughout the difficult a considered extrication plan. Release extrication, Ambulance paramedics was a slow and careful step-by-step provided advanced life support and operation, with each step reviewed as directions on patient management. the extrication proceeded, ultimately 7 Congratulations to crews present, who resulting in the best possible performed with distinction and with outcomes for the patients. complete professionalism. nEND 4 Stabilisation was critical at the incident. Movement of the overturned truck prior to FRNSW arrival was causing distress, pain and a worsening of the patient’s condition. Significant stabilisation via timber packing reduced this movement.
Firefighters make a slight adjustment to the ram located between the A and B pillars on the off-side of the truck.
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIRE & RESCUE OPERATIONS JOURNAL
Rescue crews from 78 and 101 stations work to release the trapped driver.
HIGH SPEED MOTOR VEHICLE HEAD‑ON COLLISION AND ENTRAPMENT AT MOUNT VERNON
Incident summary: FRNSW crews had compressed onto the driver’s lower requesting the attendance of a second responded to a high speed head-on limbs and the bracket holding the brake rescue unit, for the provision of additional collision, resulting in entrapment by master cylinder was causing compression personnel and equipment. compression to the lower limbs of the just above the driver’s right ankle. No An initial inspection cut was made driver of one of the vehicles (a forward other people remained within the other in the metal panel at the front of the control van). Extrication involved a two vehicles. vehicle, enabling the rescue crew to carefully coordinated operation, utilising FRNSW response: Rescue Pumpers identify the lower limb entrapment. the simultaneous operation of hydraulic 101 (Bonnyrigg Heights) and 78 Firefighters commenced to make access tools to slowly remove the patient (Dunheved) and Duty Commander MW2 to the trapped patient through the driver’s from compression. The success of the (Parramatta) Inspector Stephen Parkins. door. The door and front off-side corner extrication reflected the high level of Additional services in attendance: of the vehicle were severely crushed and professionalism of all FRNSW crews at Ambulance Service of NSW, Ambulance distorted due to collision impact, making the scene. Aeromedical Retrieval Unit, NSW Police, operation of the rescue tools difficult. Incident type: Motor vehicle accident NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Roads Firefighters used super spreaders to persons trapped. and Maritime Services. open the door and hydraulic shears to Call details: 1614 hours, Thursday Incident operations: Rescue Pumper fully remove the door. Firefighters used 3 September 2015, Direct line call from 101, under the command of SO Dan the Combi tool to cut through a metal Police RCO, MVA persons trapped, Mamre O’Dea, was the first FRNSW appliance to reinforcing bar fitted to the door, enabling Road, Mount Vernon. arrive on scene. Firefighters commenced the door to be completely removed. Nature of entrapment/emergency: stabilisation of the forward control van The extrication plan involved High speed, off-set head-on collision containing the trapped driver, which was conducting a dash push, to lift the dash between two motor vehicles, a forward located in the middle of the road. NSWRFS off the patient’s lower limbs, using a control van (vehicle A) and a light truck units were on scene and had established hydraulic ram. A complication to the (vehicle B). Following initial impact, a fire protection. SO 101 liaised with the dash push was the patient’s right foot secondary collision occurred with a third Ambulance Paramedic Supervisor while entrapment, requiring firefighters to lift vehicle, a crew cab utility (Vehicle C). the rescue crew assessed the entrapment and push the dash at the same time, to As a result of the collision, the adult and commenced to form an extrication prevent further compression and injury male driver of Vehicle A was trapped by plan. Due to the serious nature of the of the patient’s foot. This was achieved compression within the vehicle. The dash entrapment, SO 101 sent a message by placing the spreaders between a
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 MT VERNON MVA, 11 MAY 2015 reinforced section of the vehicle floor and the A pillar, enabling the dash to be lifted at the same time as it was pushed forward. Prior to commencing the dash push, firefighters made a relief cut at the top of the A pillar. A small ram was then placed between the base of the B pillar gusset and the A pillar at dash level and tension was taken on the ram. At this time, there was insufficient space to place a larger ram. A relief cut was made in the A pillar gusset. As the ram was extended, pushing the A pillar and dash forward, the spreaders were opened, lifting the dash. This operation was conducted extremely slowly and with great caution. As the dash was lifted, timber packing blocks were positioned to support the dash and also placed around the brake master cylinder bracket, to prevent the bracket returning and crushing the patient’s foot. When the small ram had reached full extension, it was replaced by a medium ram, enabling the A pillar and dash to be continued to be pushed forward. From the front and off side, firefighters conduct a coordinated extrication. Once the dash had been moved away from the patient’s legs, the dash was secured in place with the chain pull set, attached to the A pillar at dash level and the lower vehicle chassis, enabling the ram to be removed, facilitating patient release. A rescue board was utilised to remove the patient from the vehicle. Notes 1 A comprehensive size-up identified the entrapment (and in particular, complications associated with the entrapment) and in consultation with ambulance paramedics enabled an effective extrication plan to be formed. Significantly, the compression caused by the brake master cylinder bracket on the patient’s ankle and foot was identified during the size-up, enabling an appropriate extrication plan to be formed, resulting in the patient being released without suffering further injury or discomfort. In a carefully coordinated operation, as the hydraulic ram is extended, the spreaders 2 Release was slow and cautious, lift the dash. Hydraulic shears are also at work. Note timber packing in place. involving the carefully coordinated operation of the spreaders and ram. The success of this operation is a reflection of the high level of skill of the rescue operators. 3 As always, cooperation, coordination and communication between the services was excellent and a key to a successful patient outcome. 4 Size-up by the first arriving FRNSW OIC identified the need for an additional rescue unit for the provision of extra rescue equipment and operators; this decision turned out to be significant, enabling an enhanced extrication capability, again adding to the success of achieving the best possible outcome for the patient. 5 Congratulations to the FRNSW crews and all emergsency services in attendance for an extremely professional rescue operation. From the front and off side, firefighters conduct a coordinated extrication. nEND
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 SELLING THE SAFETY MESSAGE
VIEW VIDEO AT _ fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO _ WATCH NOW
FRNSW at a simulated road crash at bstreetsmart (2014 file image)
BSTREETSMART DRIVES ROAD SAFETY HOME FOR TEENAGERS Story by Qualified Firefighter Peter Kirwan, Technical Rescue Instructor, Education and Training Directorate n 25–27 August, FRNSW such as brain injuries and paraplegia, Vanessa Merryweather – My kiddo is participated in bstreetsmart, safety features of vehicles and organ there today. Can’t thank you guys enough. Oa road safety event run by the donation. Musician Morgan Evans talked Lyn Soussi – Made a major impact Westmead Hospital Trauma Service. about his fatigue-related crash and then on my son, the first thing he mentioned The aim of the event is to reduce the performed a number of his songs. when he got in. number of young adults involved in car During the lunch break, students had This year, approximately 22,000 Year crashes, by showing the aftermath of the opportunity to view a number of static 11 and 12 students attended the event serious crashes using simulation and displays centred on road safety. This over the three days, which was held at guest speakers. year FRNSW had their largest display Allphones Arena, Homebush. For the In 2013, 22,015 people were either so far which included a crashed vehicle first time the event was webcast live killed or injured on NSW roads. Of this with rescue techniques applied, student for schools who were unable to attend. 2,402 were young adults aged between interaction with rescue tools and a photo The webcast was viewed by more than 17 and 20 years old and 1,909 of them booth where students could dress up in 240 schools including overseas schools, were either the driver or passenger of uniforms from three different eras and either live or on-demand later that day. the motor vehicle. It is this group that have their photo taken. The event was attended by John bstreetsmart aims to educate about the Firefighters talked to the students Sidoti, Parliamentary Secretary for impacts of road trauma. and teachers, not only about road safety Transport, Roads, Industry, Resources FRNSW was represented at and making smart choices as a driver and Energy on the Tuesday and Troy bstreetsmart by Technical Rescue or passenger, but also about choosing Grant, Deputy Premier and Minister for Training, Community Engagement, firefighting as a career. Justice and Police on the Wednesday. and stations from ME3 and MW2. The Firefighters at the event used Mr Grant visited the FRNSW display attending stations participated in a live Twitter to promote road safety. Their and complimented firefighters on its demonstration of the aftermath of a ‘tweets’ were retweeted and favourited presentation as well as discussing rescue motor vehicle crash where one person by bstreetsmart, Ambulance Service of with them. dies and two others are seriously injured. NSW and NSW Police. Pictures were also The bstreetsmart program provides The demonstration commenced with the posted to the FRNSW Facebook page a powerful message to young drivers cause of the crash and concluded with attracting a number of comments from regarding road safety. The 2015 event the responsible driver being arrested parents and students. was another success with the large and placed in a police car. FRNSW crews Kim Youngblood – Thank you guys. My attendance and webcast reaching provided fire protection and the rescue daughter went to this on Tuesday. It made more young people than ever before. capability for the show. her understand the repercussions of Planning for the 2016 bstreetsmart Following the live demonstration, wrong or impulsive decisions made while event will commence next year. For more guest speakers talked to the audience driving and many lives are impacted due information see www.bstreetsmart.org. about their own life-changing injuries to those decisions. nEND 68
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 CAMPAIGN HELPS TO REDUCE WINTER HOUSE FIRES BY 8 PER CENT onday 31 August saw the Average number of residential fires 2006–2014 against 2015 official end of winter and 500 Mconclusion of the 2015 h Campaign. This year’s campaign focussed on fire safety in the kitchen with the simple 450 message: ‘Keep looking when cooking’. Operation Cold Snap, which ran from 17 July to 2 August, also brought winter 400 fire safety to the forefront, with more than 200 fire stations across the State taking part in a host of engagement activities. 350 Between June and August, FRNSW firefighters responded to more than 1,100 home fires and sadly, during that time, 300 seven people died in fires. In addition, 171 people were injured in house fires – with a noticeable spike in July when a total 250 of 75 people were injured during that month alone. Despite these fatality and injury 200 statistics for the winter period, campaign Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec results show a decrease of 8% in home fires against the 2006–2014 average and 2015 Average No of residential fires 2006–2014 a 24% decrease in kitchen-related fires against the 2006–2014 average.* “This outcome is an outstanding result,” said Manager Community Fire injuries 2006–2014 average against 2015 Engagement Unit Superintendent 80 Mick Ollerenshaw. “It’s a strong indication that the targeted campaign approach was successful in contributing to this reduction.” 70 During the campaign, FRNSW promoted the ‘keep looking when cooking’ message to millions of people in NSW through social media, digital and 60 radio ads, direct mail and in person via Operation Cold Snap. Both the digital and radio ads were also translated into Arabic, Cantonese, 50 Mandarin and Vietnamese. Two sample groups (the primary target audience of respondents who 40 belong to the top 10 ‘at-risk’ Mosaic** types, as well as the general NSW population) were surveyed to evaluate the campaign (see results on next page). 30 Christopher Fish, Team Leader Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Partnership, Evaluation and Marketing, said social media was a standout during 2015 Average No of residential fires 2009–2014 the 2015 campaign. “Social media as a channel had the strongest recall, which could be attributed to its interactive nature or the strong and impactful imagery used. A combination of imagery, recipes and videos, used both organically and as part of paid strategy, resulted in a significant * Results reported as at 29 October 2015 increase in campaign reach when ** Mosaic profiling combines fire injury risk data with lifestyle data to identify, down to the individual household, community members compared to 2014.” nEND at greater risk of fire. Mosaic classifies all Australian households and neighbourhoods into 49 types and 13 overarching groups.
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 SELLING THE SAFETY MESSAGE CAMPAIGN OUTCOMES
Around of of the Social media performed 77% 58% the strongest with ad NSW residents targeted audience said they would take action to become were aware that it only takes 0-3 recall and conveyed a more fire safe as a result of the minutes for a fire to become deadly, an clear fire safety message radio ads. improvement on 2014 and previous years. to its audience.
A direct mail pack (including a wooden Non-paid social Paid online media spatula with the ‘keep looking when media posts received activity received cooking’ messaging) was well received, with 94% of 1.5 million 16.5 million recipients feeling impressions, impressions, positive towards it. with 12,646 people actively engaged with 115,487 people actively engaged (via Recipients felt it was an informative (via likes, shares, comments) and likes, shares, comments) and 659,475 useful reminder, and a great way to 129,975 video views. video views. educate their children on fire safety.
Almost all members The campaign of the target audience 83 additional website received (99%) who visited the unpaid media items were reported, providing a total audience 67,039 visits, FRNSW home fire reach of 1.8 million (media type: with most traffic driven by paid safety website found it newspapers 67 items, TV 6 items and advertising and both corporate and fire to be useful. radio 10 items). station Facebook posts.
The ‘keep looking when 84% of respondents cooking’ line was clearly 23% of said they would take positive action understood across NSW residents towards fire safety after seeing either the board. recalled seeing the campaign the digital or social media campaign.
Toukley RetF Jodi Kenning’s winning FIREFIGHTER RECIPE COMPETITION WINNER recipe helped to promote winter fire safety With a delicious selection of winter warmer recipes to choose from, Hatted chef turned City of Sydney Firefighter Kurt Fegebank was spoilt for choice when judging the Firefighter Recipe Competition. He selected Toukley Retained Firefighter Jodi Kenning’s beef and beer stew for being “a genuine winter warmer, and by far the most popular dish”. The recipes were invaluable in keeping the campaign visible on Facebook and reaching more than 300,000 people. All recipes were added to the home fire safety web pages www. fire.nsw.gov.au/home-fire-safety/recipes with the recipes achieving 56,909 page views.
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 REACHING OUT TO THE UNDERSTANDING VULNERABLE THE NEEDS AND WITH THE RED CROSS EXPECTATIONS OF
n early 2015, FRNSW and the NSWRFS teamed up with the Australian Red OUR COMMUNITY Cross to identify vulnerable older I n May, FRNSW commissioned Australia Online Research to conduct a Customer people for referral to the Smoke Alarm and Battery Replacement (SABRE) program. Satisfaction Survey to develop a better understanding of community needs Called the Home Fire Resilience Iand expectations. Project, the program involves FRNSW The results will guide development of a Customer Charter, outlining FRNSW’s firefighters and NSWRFS members commitment to the community and where it will focus its investments. delivering the existing SABRE program Prior to this study, very limited research of this kind had been done for our service. accompanied by Red Cross volunteers. This study therefore provides important insights that can be benchmarked within Acting Community Safety Coordinator, Australia and at an international level. Senior Firefighter Paula Raat said by The study was designed to ensure that its findings were representative of the partnering with Red Cross, FRNSW community and will provide a solid foundation for future tracking. can add greater effectiveness to the Key findings: SABRE program. 1. FRNSW performed well on all ‘Whole-of-Government’ measures. “For FRNSW, this is essentially – FRNSW outperformed NSW Public Services overall on goals and values. business as usual. While firefighters carry out standard SABRE procedures, the Red Consumer Business Cross volunteer will talk to the resident to Average rating Fire & NSW Fire NSW Fire & NSW Fire NSW encourage them to prepare for, respond to, Rescue Brigades Public Rescue Brigades Public and recover from fire emergencies.” NSW Services NSW Services During pilot training in Maitland, Homebush, Ballina, and Grafton in Transparency 8.2 8.3 6.6 8.0 < 8.3 6.7 September, firefighters and volunteers Safeguards privacy 8.4 < 8.7 7.6 8.4 < 8.6 7.7 were taught how to make conversations more impactful, thus ensuring residents Public participation 7.7 7.7 6.0 7.4 < 7.8 6.0 are more likely to actually take steps to Making it easier to prepare for a fire emergency. access information 8.2 < 8.4 7.1 8.0 < 8.2 7.0 After attending the joint training with Is a body I can trust 8.9 < 9.1 7.1 8.8 = 8.8 7.2 his crew, Lidcombe Fire Station SO David Inskip said the project will be beneficial to Operates with vulnerable members of the community and integrity 8.8 < 9.1 7.2 8.8 = 8.8 7.4 offers a valuable opportunity to interact Provides good service 8.9 < 9.1 7.1 8.8 = 8.9 7.1 with staff from other agencies. “The training ensures those delivering Is accountable for its the project are more effective in their services 8.6 < 8.6 6.9 8.5 = 8.5 6.9 role by being able to call upon all the appropriate resources and capabilities,” 2. Satisfaction was high across all services, with a few small exceptions. SO Inskip said. – Around 80% of customers were satisfied with FRNSW services (scoring 8 out of “I see any opportunity to meet with 10). agencies similarly involved with serving – A small number of services showed some level of dissatisfaction (including animal the community as worthwhile. It goes a rescue, terrorist threats, response to bushfires, and bushland search & rescue). long way to understanding what resources – Most services were seen to have improved over the last five years, with a small we all have available and how best FRNSW percentage perceived to have worsened (including house fire preparedness can assist other agencies.” education, rescue to building collapses / infrastructure damage, response to The project, which is funded by the natural disasters). Office of Emergency Management’s 3. Drivers of satisfaction differed among consumers and businesses. Community Resilience Innovation – Among consumers, the most important factors were those related to reliability Program, is targeting a group of 500 at- and meeting the needs of the community. risk seniors identified by the Red Cross – Among business customers, the most important attributes related directly to the through the successful Telecross welfare employees, and included honesty, reliability, knowledge and understanding the phone call program. customer perspective. The home visits, which commenced in November, include a presentation of Red 4. Core response and rescue services remained the most significant, but all services Cross disaster preparedness information were seen as important. and a range of FRNSW materials including – Other services such as education and training were identified as being secondary a fire safety fridge magnet, a ‘keep looking but still high importance. when cooking’ spatula, a Fire Safety in the Home brochure, and a 10-year lithium 5. Customers were responsive to new service concepts, with emergency life saving first battery photoelectric smoke alarm and aid showing the highest appeal. taping kit. nEND – Over half of customers found home fire safety checks appealing.
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 SELLING THE SAFETY MESSAGE
6. Customers saw house fire prevention and education as a shared responsibility between the community and FRNSW. – The tag line ‘Help us help you’ resonated well TESTING TIMES with customers. – Customers also believed that FRNSW should have an equal balance in its focus between emergency response FOR SMOKE and prevention/education. – The community expects FRNSW to do more prevention activities. ALARMS
7. Brand awareness is low, with low distinction between FRNSW In March 2015 FIRU conducted burns at and the NSWRFS. FRNSW’s testing facility at Londonderry – Confusion exists about FRNSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service, with only around half of customers clear they are as part of ongoing smoke alarm research. separate organisations. – However, those surveyed did not place great importance on the difference between the two fire services, holding the justified expectation that FRNSW and the NSWRFS will work seamlessly together to protect and serve the community. – Exposure to FRNSW through open days, events or media generally improved understanding and perceptions.
8. FRNSW was perceived to be mainly in charge of building fires, with less clarity of its role beyond that. – Customers were divided about FRNSW’s responsibilities
regarding building collapses and bushfire education. FIRU monitoring burns to test smoke alarm effectiveness – Most saw FRNSW as only assisting in other rescue situations (including motor vehicle, animal rescue and natural disasters). uperintendent Jeremy Fewtrell, Manager FIRU, described the Primary services: perceived core responsibilities purpose of the burns. “We conducted this research to ensure Sour advice to the community on smoke alarms is sound and justifiable,” he said. “The research findings will also be used to CORE advise regulators on the suitability of smoke alarm regulations in relation to type of smoke alarms, and the number of alarms 87% Other fire related Only assist 84% required per level in both state legislation and the building code.” The burns assessed the performance of photoelectric and
72% UNCLEAR ionisation smoke alarms in a realistic residential setting with
61% 61% both flaming and smouldering fires. The impact of smoke alarm 57% 55% 55% 54% 53% 53% positioning on performance was also considered with three 45%
42% 42% different locations assessed: centre of the ceiling, wall-mounted and dead space. In an Australian first, the fire gases were also chemically 25% 22%
19% 19% analysed. This analysis assessed tenability of the fire compartment
12% once smoke alarms activated, and also whether smoke alarms 9% 7% gave sufficient warning to enable occupants to still exit a building safely. Residential sprinklers were incorporated in some of the burn scenarios. The sprinklers proved very effective in containing or extinguishing the fires, and the gas analysis equipment identified that when sprinklers activated, atmospheric conditions in the room Back burning
Animal rescue improved which would also improve survivability for any occupants.
Fire investigation Fire FIRU staff built a two-bedroom unit as a research prop in which
Medical emergencies Medical to conduct the burns. This prop enabled different fire scenarios to Response to bushfires Response to
Response to house fires Response to be created. To ensure realistic and consistent fuel loads for the test,
Building fire safety checks safety Building fire typical furniture was added to the prop. Bush and search and rescue Bush and search Rescue to building collapses Rescue to Response to terrorist threats terrorist Response to Response to commercial fires commercial Response to Response to natural disasters natural Response to Bushfire prevention education prevention Bushfire
Commercial fire safety training safety fire Commercial The 10 smoke alarm research burns conducted in March were Responding with SES to storms Responding with SES to House fire prevention education prevention House fire Bushfire preparedness education preparedness Bushfire Response to hazardous materials hazardous Response to
Rescue to motor vehicle accidents vehicle motor Rescue to the initial burns in what will be a comprehensive series of 90 burns. Response to automatic fire alarms fire automatic Response to House fire preparedness education preparedness House fire Each burn scenario is repeated three times to ensure that the test In charge of... Assists with Don’t do at all Don’t know results are statistically valid. FRNSW is working with the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), the body responsible for the Building Code of Australia, to ensure that the research addresses their requirements and will provide sound advice to policy decision makers. The ABCB is partially funding the cost of this research. nEND
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FRNSW IN THE MEDIA CHESTER HILL HOSTS DISNEY FILMING Recently Chester Hill Fire Station played host to Disney Channel Online who made a segment about FRNSW for their audience of children aged three to 15 years old.
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Filming at Chester Hill for Disney children’s television
hat sometimes takes seconds through his paces on the Physical Aptitude models, hopefully inspiring both boys on-screen and looks like Test by FRNSW Health and Safety Advisor and girls to dream about firefighting as a Wfun to be involved in, can Stephen Pascoe. Mikey’s efforts should possible career. Chester Hill’s A Platoon in reality be a tedious, stop-and-start- impress the kids with just how much stepped up for action scenes that included again process with which firefighters physical fitness might be important to their both hose handling, and also search and are not familiar. Certainly behind the later choices in life, especially if they are rescue sequences, to demonstrate the scenes of a production shoot is nothing aiming for a career in firefighting. teamwork discussed in the interviews. like the response to an emergency Mikey also outlined what kids can do This segment will run during Disney’s incident. Shooting often pauses to tweak at home to make themselves and their online broadcast of the Avengers Assemble the lighting or to reset audio after a families more fire safe, reminding them animations. Those kids who tune into train passes. to have working smoke alarms and to virtual reality superheros will also be given Like other location shoots, this Disney practise a home escape plan. Disney is a window into the real world and a glimpse filming had its challenges; however A to be commended for their willingness to of FRNSW at work. They will see some real Platoon at 85 Chester Hill met these consult on scripts and proposed activities firefighting skills and what teamwork can head-on and with good humour. Duty with FRNSW’s Media and Communications do when there is real trouble at hand. Who Commander Inspector Drew Wilson and Unit, ensuring a great messaging outcome. needs superpowers when you have trained Zone Commander Superintendent Adam Senior Firefighters Brett Carle and firefighting professionals from FRNSW Dewberry were also very supportive, Vanessa Osburg talked to Mikey about what standing by? remaining unfazed by the multiple hazmat it takes to be a firefighter, emphasising When it hits the small screen, FRNSW incidents and shed fire thrown into the mix the importance of teamwork and training hopes all those girls and boys watching on the day of shooting. in delivering a safe, efficient and effective Disney will listen to Mikey’s fire safety Disney host and professional emergency service. Brett and Vanessa messages and dream about their future skateboarder, Mikey Mendoza, was put as FRNSW spokespeople were great role careers as firefighters.n END
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FRNSW IN THE MEDIA
Two of the children playing the role of firefighters GETTING GREAT RETURN ON INTEREST FROM THE BANK A major new advertising campaign for the Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) features firefighting, among other professions, as a career option for children growing up. So, what did that have to do with FRNSW?
he creative brief behind the undertaking. “We’ve got about 120 kids Sydney’s Inner West and City of Sydney CommBank (television, digital and all up, with about 35 lead actor roles we’ll Fire Station. Cast and crew worked Tpossibly cinema) campaign is all film. [For the role of firefighter] we go closely with Superintendent Ian Krimmer about encouraging people to follow their into an extensive wardrobe period where from the Media and Communications dreams. With the commercial support they’re getting measured, all the fabrics Unit (MCU), Retained Firefighter Richard of the bank, of course. Capitalising on have been sourced internationally and Summers and Deputy Captain Craig the ‘dream’ of being a firefighter, the locally, and we’ve been rehearsing [the Ferns from ComSafe, getting tips profession was included in the final kids] as well at Fox Studios.” on operational authenticity. The cast creative script produced by ad-land were complete with scaled-down PPC, giant, M&C Saatchi. Firefighter shares modified helmet, ‘movie prop’ fibreglass screen time with surgeon, nurse, fashion We’ve been quite axe and firefighting tools and replica designer, pilot, police officer, paramedic, plastic breathing apparatus set. farmer, etc. All of the roles were played amazed ... how Good Oil Films Director Hamish on-screen by an impressive ensemble accomodating the Rothwell said the costumes and props of child actors, who – according to the were even better than they expected. “It’s producers, Good Oil Films – took on their [real] firefighters have so much better with all the detail, they adult personas with great gusto, flare been, so, thank you! just look legitimate – looks amazing!” and conviction. Filming the firefighter scenes The creatives behind the campaign commenced at 5am, starting with a wanted absolute authenticity for the The ‘firefighters’ are a mix of boys building fire sequence, complete with various roles, in particular, firefighter. and girls from a range of backgrounds lighting to simulate a working fire Enter FRNSW, Australia’s largest and accurately portraying the 19 firefighters and heavy smoke effects. Two stowed busiest urban fire and rescue service. used in the final ad. appliances hired for the day by the Good Oil Films Executive Producer, Filming took place in two locations, production company via ComSafe, plus a Sam Long, said the job was a big a factory warehouse in St Peters in police car and uniformed ‘police officer’
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 added to the authenticity of the scene. The cast and crew then moved to City of Sydney Fire Station to film the second and final sequence – the fire station and simulated turnout. “We get about three and a half weeks to get everything all together once we get the script, so it’s a very short period of time,” said Hamish. “We’re [filming] eight different scenarios and the fire department is one of them. We’ll shoot for five days and I’ll do post-production for about six weeks.” As this was a commercial, the FRNSW brand will not appear in the final ads, however, the unmistakable markings and style of our trucks will be recognisable to many people. All the on-screen uniforms have generic ‘fire department’ branding, complete with imitation ‘fire department’ badges on all clothing and props. “To be honest, we’ve been quite Filming on set with the young actors amazed that we were able to get in here and how accommodating the [real] firefighters have been, so, thank you, thank you!” said Executive Producer Sam Long. MCU Assistant Director Andrew Parsons, who also attended the all-day filming, said assessing and assisting with requests like this is part of the service MCU provides. “When a company approaches FRNSW for involvement, the request is assessed by MCU, referred to ComSafe for equipment and resource quotes and then, providing the FRNSW brand is not compromised and it benefits our key messages, a brief is sent to the Office of the Commissioner for final approval. “Given this campaign is about prompting young people to consider ‘dream’ careers – firefighter being one of them – we were keen to see the role shine among the other on-screen jobs. “The idea resonated with what MCU Screen grab from the completed advertisement aims to achieve long term through recruitment media and marketing. Who knows, a young girl or boy seeing this ad campaign may dream of being a firefighter and be inspired to one day pursue and realise that dream.” Not every ad campaign, photo shoot, TV project or independent production, e.g. documentary – regardless of size, budget or scope – will be approved. Requests should always be assessed by MCU before FRNSW resources and people are involved or committed to the project. The CommBank nationwide ad campaign started screening in late September 2015. https://youtu.be/fNWlY73iO0U nEND
VIEW VIDEO AT _ fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews OR SCAN CODE TO _ Filming on set with the young actors WATCH NOW
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FRNSW IN THE MEDIA
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Media at the scene of an incident MAKING THE CHANGING MEDIA LANDSCAPE WORK FOR YOU The advent and ever-increasing uptake of social media and smartphones have drastically changed the media landscape. FRNSW’s Media and Communications Unit (MCU) demonstrates how you can make the media work to your advantage.
A picture really can paint a media accounts for Twitter, Facebook, with the community and promote the thousand words. Youtube, Instagram and Soundcloud are profile of firefighters and FRNSW with In response to the Media Pocket Guide a great way to showcase our work to a the community. released in 2014, MCU reports a very diverse and very appreciative audience. ‘Like’ and ‘share’, it’s a great way to positive uptake of firefighters sending increase our profile images and video of some of the great In the next edition of Fire & Rescue work being done by crews throughout News, MCU will share some great the community. News is a very examples (including tips and tricks) of Being careful to follow the instruction content-hungry beast the good work stations are doing on their of not showing accident or fire victims, Facebook pages to promote the profile of as outlined on the back of the media firefighters and FRNSW. pocket guide card, images sent in to the If you have a picture or short video In the meantime, if your station is Media Team by firefighters have shown of an incident your crew has attended, operating a Facebook page, make sure crews working in a variety of settings and and the pictures don’t show victims of you don’t miss out on the opportunity to situations. These pictures – and videos – accident or fire, you can send them to ‘share’ important material and stories are often included in the official @FRNSW [email protected]. You can also send from our main Facebook page. By ‘liking’ tweets (via Twitter) and FRNSW Facebook pictures of community engagements, the FRNSW Facebook page, you’ll have posts. Many are picked up by media and community activities and special events. immediate access to updates, news from shared on social by our followers or online Make sure you include your name, contact around FRNSW as well as key community news services. number, incident number and a brief safety messages and content. Add this to Followed by thousands of journalists description of the incident and be sure to the great work you’re sharing with your and hundreds of thousands of members of get it to us as soon as possible so it’s not community via your local Facebook page. the community, the official FRNSW social old news by the time we receive it. The Media Team will help share your stories
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 TV networks still engage freelance #FRNSW TRENDING camera crews (commonly referred to as OCT 2013 – Periscope | 27 September, ‘stringers’ in the old days) to film overnight Dulwich Hill burst water main news. They too are affected by cutbacks BUSHFIRE media conference with Supt in newsrooms, driven by the changing Adam Dewberry, live video – business model and the way material MEDIA STATS 4,107 interactions is sourced for reporting e.g. ‘citizen journalists’. Freelance camera crews – Twitter | 16 September, Bateau aren’t as prevalent as mobile phone users. Bay Hail (video sent in by DCapt Ian “News is a very content-hungry beast,” 150 Dancaster) – 14,942 interactions said Mr Parsons. “It’s not uncommon to TV news and – Twitter | 13 September, Concord see house fires from other states on the radio stories 3rd Alarm structure fire – news services we see here in NSW. It’s 15,975 interactions content, it’s newsworthy and, if newsrooms – Facebook | 26 August, have pictures – of course they’ll run them. Just like viewers in those other states bstreetsmart demonstration at 85 will see the work of our firefighters at Facebook updates Sydney Olympic Park – 128,163 suburban house fires and factory fires etc. interactions, 921 likes and shares shared with Similarly, if there’s no mainstream media 1.3 million people – Twitter | 21 August, Clareville at our incidents, newsrooms will try and hazard reduction burn notification source material from ‘citizen journalists’.” and pictures from the fireground – As MCU sources more and more 16,635 interactions material from crews on the ground, or 152 – Facebook | 17 August, new rumbler (when possible) FRNSW media officers FRNSW specific attend incidents and gather material, siren post and video – 251,229 newspaper stories interactions 3,198 likes and shares newsrooms will eagerly use that content (on-air or online). However it’s important to remember that taking images must never interfere with operational duties A great way of maximising exposure however “FRNSW’s main business is 525 of what you and your crew are doing to a fire, rescue, hazmat – anything ‘media Tweets with more diverse internal and external audience is to content related’ comes after the main than 5.2 million contact the Media Team via mission is complete. Where we can, retweets [email protected]. The Media Team particularly at the major incidents in the can help support the great work you’re GSA, we’ll send media officers to manage doing locally with your community and media on the ground, assist the Incident local media. Management Team with messaging and The rise and rise of citizen journalism capture pictures, audio and video. But, we “News gathering is an expensive can’t always be there – particularly in the business and newsrooms can’t have a outlying regional areas.” news crew in every suburb – ready and Bushfire media – sharing our story waiting for news to break,” said Andrew In the midst of the bushfire emergency Parsons, Assistant Director Media and of October 2013, a picture of FRNSW Communications Unit. Retained Firefighter Jeff Kryger looking “But a significant majority of after a dog rescued from a burning people have camera and data-enabled home in the Blue Mountains was shared smartphones. Something significant more than 2.6 million times globally on happens now on the street and in an social media. instant, social media will come alive with Stories of rescues, firsthand accounts first-hand accounts, video, pictures and of firefighting and great saves emerged the dreaded ‘selfie’ from the scene.” from the horror of the fires and played a In a relatively short period of time, significant role in keeping the community the power of news gathering and social informed about what FRNSW was doing influence of mainstream media shifted during the crisis. from the media to the citizen. The term As the possibility of a busy bushfire ‘citizen journalism’ was coined and period in early 2016 develops, firefighters through the power of a technology, e.g. are reminded that what you do is of great smartphones, the public became news interest to the community and media. If RetF Jeff Kryger caring for a dog rescued from fire camera operators, photographers and the Media Team knows about it, it can reporters. This has created a content-rich be shared with the news networks via environment for mainstream media to social media, media releases and even via pick from and seen a decrease of in-house picture (and interview) opportunities on resources, e.g. staff news photographers, the ground. THE MEDIA TEAM WANT camera operators and journalists. During periods of high operational TO HELP TELL YOUR STORY “Video streaming on platforms like tempo, the Media Team will support the If you have something to share with Periscope and Meerkat now put multiple overall bushfire communications effort media or need assistance, contact live cameras on the street,” said Mr by sharing critical bushfire information the Media Team at Parsons. “This content, while having a time from other agencies. The Media Team will limit post event, can be accessed, shared also share details on the FRNSW specific [email protected] and downloaded as video on demand – bushfire response and activities that or call 0418 181 00 (24 hours) perfect for newsrooms and online media. support or lead the overall bushfire effort. or (02) 9265 2907 In fact, any number of popular social nEND (0730 to 1700 – Monday to Friday). media platforms allow users to upload and share video, very quickly.” 77
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 INCREASING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVENESS IN THE WORKFORCE BE HEARD STRATEGY PROMOTES SAFE, RESPECTFUL AND HARMONIOUS WORKPLACES FRNSW’s Be Heard – Embedding Respectful Workplaces Strategy & See Act Say has been launched to embed a values-based work culture based on trust, professionalism and mutual respect.
he Strategy was officially launched Behaving Ethically includes a package of by Commissioner Greg Mullins resources designed to help government on 4 August at the State Training sector employees better understand FRNSW is TCollege at Alexandria. their obligation to act ethically and in the committed to “This strategy is all about taking public interest. positive action at every level of the building a modern, Be Heard aims to: organisation,” said Commissioner diverse and dynamic – encourage employees to voice their Mullins. “FRNSW is committed to concerns and be heard without fear workforce building a modern, diverse and dynamic of retaliatory action workforce, and workplaces where – embed ethical and lawful behaviours everyone feels valued and treated – Enhanced electronic systems that are the foundation of a healthy with respect.” to record and manage low level workplace culture at all levels President of the Anti-Discrimination complaints at a local level. of FRNSW Board of NSW, Dr Stepan Kerkyasharian, – Regular reporting and analysis – encourage early SEE ACT SAY also spoke at the launch. He shared his across all areas to identify key issues, intervention to address and quickly observations and insights into workplace trends, training needs to develop resolve inappropriate behaviour, bullying, harassment and discrimination, understanding and accountability. e.g. if staff see inappropriate and the impact these behaviours have on – A performance and development behaviour they should act upon it and Australian organisations today. system encouraging open two- say something FRNSW has a zero tolerance for any way communication and feedback – reinforce a zero tolerance approach form of bullying, harassment, disrespect, as part of creating a respectful to bullying, harassment and discrimination or racial vilification. All workplace and a well-informed and discriminatory behaviours. staff are accountable for ensuring that engaged workforce. such behaviours are eliminated from Collectively, Be Heard: – Introduction of healthy station audits the workplace. – strengthens and embeds knowledge to identify and recognise initiatives The important three-year Be and methods of addressing that have been implemented in Heard Strategy introduces a range of behaviours which can lead to bullying workplaces where an engaged, new initiatives focused on embedding and harassment cohesive and respectful workplace appropriate behaviours at all levels – builds confidence to speak up without culture exists. of the organisation to achieve safe, fear of negative consequences if This is an exciting time for all FRNSW. respectful and harmonious workplaces. inappropriate behaviour occurs or The Be Heard Strategy and its initiatives This includes enhancing management is seen provide all staff with the opportunity capability to recognise the signs and – ensures reports of inappropriate to play a significant role in ensuring a manage issues regarding inappropriate behaviour are taken seriously and healthy organisational culture. For more behaviours; giving staff the confidence to acted upon quickly and decisively information, visit the Be Heard toolkit on speak up and voice concerns; delivering at all levels. the Intranet (Toolkits > About You > Be training to raise awareness and reinforce Heard – Respectful Workplace Strategy). What’s in it for staff? key messages; and using Yammer n – Resources and tools to assist all staff END (an internal social media network) to to respond to and manage bullying communicate and share information and harassment concerns. with all staff to enhance engagement – Management capability and and improve their knowledge of issues clear understanding of roles and and trends. responsibilities regarding complaint The introduction of tools, resources handling through the provision and training is intended to provide all of training, support, mentoring staff with the confidence to be proactive if and coaching. they see inappropriate behaviours, to act – Strengthened management quickly and say something. accountability for embedding FRNSW’s Be Heard Strategy values‑driven, respectful and tolerant also aligns to the Behaving Ethically workplaces. Framework for the NSW Government – Social media platforms and other sector which requires all government communication mediums for all sector employees to conduct themselves staff to participate in, review and VIEW VIDEO AT _ in ways that demonstrate the core share knowledge to enhance their fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews values of integrity, trust, service awareness of initiatives, issues, risks and accountability. OR and trends. SCAN CODE TO _ WATCH NOW
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FIREFIGHTERS MUDDIED A KNOCKOUT AT ABORIGINAL FIREFIGHTERS RUGBY LEAGUE GET TOUGH ON CHAMPIONSHIPS BREAST CANCER
Promoting safety and firefighting as a career
RNSW firefighters took part – both on and off the field – in the FNSW Aboriginal Rugby League Team of female firefighters who competed in the Miss Muddy event Championship in Dubbo at the beginning of October. Firefighters Peter Jensen, Craig McLaren and Quinten Silva competed while former NRL player and Firefighter Michael Lett, Station Officer Bill Spek, Qualified Firefighter Dean Dobson, Firefighter Terry Manton and Retained Firefighter Jason Nolan answered questions and promoted VIEW VIDEO AT _ safety messages on the FRNSW stand. fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews They were also joined by current OR Indigenous Fire & Rescue Employment Strategy (IFARES) participants Shawn SCAN CODE TO _ Orcher, Brad Russel and Alex Frail, as well WATCH NOW as Inspector Drew Wilson and ‘A’ platoon
Crawling under netting as part of the obstacle course from Dubbo Fire Station. The knockout competition, held every year for the past 45 years, attracts an estimated 15,000 spectators and is here was mud, sweat and tears firefighter, Acting Superintendent considered a modern day corroboree. The on Saturday 26 September, as a Michelle Young from Queensland Fire and 2015 event included more than 120 men’s, team of female firefighters from Emergency Services. women’s and junior teams and was telecast T live by NITV. all three NSW fire agencies competed in Station Officer Bronnie Mackintosh said the Miss Muddy obstacle course for the the Miss Muddy contest offered firefighters “With most attendees coming from McGrath Breast Cancer Foundation. a unique opportunity to compete together regional locations, it offered a great Miss Muddy is a multi-themed obstacle as a multi-agency team while also opportunity to promote fire safety and race based on a military-style boot camp. promoting firefighting as a career. firefighting careers to Indigenous men and Participants tackle both individual and “There are huge parts of the population women,” said SO Spek. team-based obstacles over a 5km course. who don’t know that women are already “It’s an important message to The obstacles include rope climbs, wall doing the job and many are unaware of the communicate – Aboriginal families are jumps, weight bag shoulder carries, ice range of skills you need to be a firefighter,” more than twice as likely to experience a baths, slippery tunnels, hurdles, giant SO Mackintosh said. house fire as other demographics in NSW,” trampolines, monkey bars, paint cannons “By engaging with fit, strong women at he said. and the trademark 50-metre mud pit which events like Miss Muddy, we’re able to show “The organisers of the event were very must be crawled through on your stomach. them that they can do the job and it does impressed with the commitment shown by This year more than 5,000 women took offer a flexible and rewarding career.” FRNSW and I’m sure the benefits will come part in the Miss Muddy event at the Penrith Women and Firefighting Australasia back tenfold as the partnerships grows Regatta Centre. have partnered with Miss Muddy for their and the respect increases. With next year’s The firefighter team, wearing modified full calendar of events held throughout knockout being held in Redfern in Sydney, turnout ‘shorts’, included 13 firefighters Australia and New Zealand. This will it is a great opportunity for FRNSW to play from FRNSW (both permanent and provide all urban and rural fire agencies in a major role.” nEND retained), Llandilo NSWRFS Brigade, Australasia with ongoing opportunities to Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service reach out to fit, strong and smart women. and the country’s highest ranking female nEND
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS KEEPING IT REGIONAL IN THE RANKS Progressing through the ranks of FRNSW is nothing new. Making the journey from Firefighter to Superintendent in regional NSW is rare – and newly appointed Zone Commander RW1, Superintendent Gary Barber may even be the first in the organisation’s history to do it.
or Supt Barber, life hasn’t always been about the fire brigade. After Fleaving school he joined the Commonwealth Bank in Port Macquarie, and then in Sydney, before electing for a regional transfer. “I ended up at Gilgandra on the Western Plains of NSW and settled into playing rugby with the Gulargambone Galahs,” said Supt Barber. “When the banks started closing in the mid-nineties I decided I needed to think about a proper career. I joined FRNSW in 1995.” After two years at City of Sydney and several more as a reliever, he was stationed as a firefighter at Dubbo in 1999. “In 2003 I looked to engage more with firefighters across the organisation and started to apply for Senior Instructor Country (SIC) positions. My time at a regional fire station working with a great group of Retained Firefighters prepared me well.” Supt Barber was appointed to the position of SIC in the then RW7 (Leeton). It was a role that gave him a great appreciation of the challenges Supt Barber and crewmember with basic life support equipment faced by both Retained and Permanent Firefighters in other regional locations. Just a year later he sat the Station Officers exam and was promoted to some of the best in world. Be it going “Gary is proof that firefighters and Station Officer in 2005, subsequently underground into opal mines at Lightning officers have an equal opportunity applying for the position as Station Ridge to sitting on the banks of the to progress their career through Commander 280 Dubbo C Platoon. Barwon River at Brewarrina, it is a great the ranks in both Regional and “Working at Dubbo Fire Station was experience with fantastic people.” Metropolitan Operations. a great experience, from conducting Although he has made progressing “Working in Regional West over the cordage drills off local buildings, hazmat through the ranks look easy, Supt Barber past 16 years, he has closely observed drills on the Macquarie River to a admits the study is very demanding. a number of talented officers and period when we responded to 50 house Despite the challenges, he says the developed his skills in the critical areas of fires in the space of a month. In Dubbo background knowledge is invaluable and leadership, management and fireground we were a secondary rescue station, study itself is “habit forming”. operations. As have other officers intermediate hazmat and quite busy with This year, Supt Barber took what including Chief Superintendent Dave fires and community activities. This gave he says was an opportunity to make a Felton and Superintendents Greg Lewis, me exposure to a number of different greater contribution to FRNSW, and Jeremy Fewtrell and Adam Dewberry.” directorates within FRNSW.” in particular regional firefighters, by After 16 years at FRNSW, Supt Barber By 2012, Gary had itchy feet again, becoming Zone Commander RW1. is an advocate for working in regional and after sitting the Inspector’s exam, Supt Barber said he has great NSW and the opportunity it can bring. he was open to taking any position he mentors in his fellow regional Zone “Of course the primary benefit is the was offered. Commanders and his Area Commander, relaxed lifestyle and the opportunity to “It so happened that Dubbo was Chief Superintendent Neil Harris, who raise a family in a fantastic environment,” available. I took up the position and was encouraged him to take on the role. he said. “The benefit to anyone wanting able to acquaint myself again with a lot Chief Superintendent Neil Harris to broaden their career is also extremely of faces I had last seen on the rugby field said Supt Barber is an outstanding high. Making the tree change has across the zone. officer who has set the benchmark in many positives and it is something all “Stations across RW1 are extremely Regional Operations. firefighters should seriously consider.” accommodating and the settings are nEND
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 NEW PORT MACQUARIE FIRE STATION OPENED
Family, Cobar crew and Commissioner Mullins with new pumper proudly bearing the HOWIES numberplate HOWIES’ FIRE TRUCK ON
The new Port Macquarie Fire Station ‘open for business’ THE ROAD
n 24 August, the Minister for Emergency Services, IN COBAR David Elliott, and Commissioner Greg Mullins officially Oopened the new Port Macquarie Fire Station in the city’s 256 Cobar recently received a new emergency services hub. They were joined by the Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams, firefighters both past and fire appliance that, for the first time in present, school students, and community leaders and members. FRNSW history, carried a personalised In opening the state-of-the-art building, Minister Elliott said the new fire station would provide firefighters with registration plate to honour a facilities worthy of a modern fire and rescue service. “The NSW fallen firefighter. Government has invested $3.4 million in this new fire station which will meet the needs of firefighters and the community well ommissioner Greg Mullins travelled to Cobar on into the future.” 22 September to personally present the crew with keys to Commissioner Mullins said the new station would enhance their new $310,000 Mercedes Benz Class 2 pumper. The provision of fire and emergency services to the residents of Port C new appliance displays the number plate ‘HOWIES’ in a tribute to Macquarie and surrounding areas. Retained Firefighter Daniel ‘Howie’ Howard. “The new station accommodates two fire appliances as well RetF Howard was fatally injured by falling debris when a as a hazardous materials van, boat and trailer and incorporates wall collapsed at the height of firefighting operations at the New facilities for firefighters to refill breathing apparatus cylinders. Occidental Hotel in Marshall St, Cobar, on 17 August last year. It also provides office space for FRNSW’s Mid North Coast His death deeply affected his family, the township of Cobar and zone management team,” he said. “Being located within the entire NSW firefighting family. the Port Macquarie emergency services precinct will also Zone Commander RW1, Supt Adam Dewberry earlier improve coordination and cooperation between the emergency approached the Commissioner asking if FRNSW could request a service agencies.” personalised registration plate for its new pumper. After liaising Station Officer Gaven Muller said the station’s location was with Roads and Maritime Services and other emergency services, more central to the expanding town. “Being in the industrial permission was granted for the Cobar appliance to carry the area means a quicker response time and better service to plate to perpetuate the memory of RetF Howard. the community.” The special registration plate were kept secret from the The new station is a far cry from the early days. The original crew and family until the new pumper was unveiled and the keys brigade was housed in a shed on Council land. The first fire officially handed over. Commissioner Mullins said it was a small station in Port Macquarie was built and officially opened in but unique gesture to keep Firefighter Howard’s memory alive. August 1958. The appliance at that time was a 350gpm Dennis. nEND Port Macquarie firefighters responded to more than 720 fires and other emergencies last financial year. They also carried out more than 220 community fire safety education activities. nEND
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS BUILDING A NEW HQ
Architectural rendering of the new Headquarters building
ork is now well underway to and develop solutions. They are the first create a modern, spacious port of call to ensure issues and ideas Wand light-filled new FRNSW are being heard. Find out who is in the Headquarters in Greenacre. When Greenacre WoW group on the intranet completed, 1 Amarina will be equipped under Toolkits > Organisation Wide with smart technology and interactive, > Asset Management & Property > collaborative spaces. 1 Amarina Ave > Greenacre Ways of Completion of the new HQ is expected Working Group. in June 2017. Don’t just read about the construction – What has happened so far? watch it! September Check out the time lapse camera and – Contract awarded to see firsthand the progress over the last ADCO Constructions few months. – New traffic flow introduced along with Find out more new parking arrangements during To get a better idea of how 1 Amarina construction will look, access FAQS, latest project – ADCO established the construction information and resources visit the site on 22 September intranet toolkit (Toolkits > Organisation October Wide > Asset Management & Property – Site preparations made > 1 Amarina Ave). n – Demolition of Building A completed END November – Ground works commenced including footings and service provisions December – Construction of the Building A VIEW VIDEO AT _ planned to commence fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews Meet the Greenacre WoW group In September the Greenacre ‘Ways OR of Working’ Group was formed to raise SCAN CODE TO _ Bill and Beth King in the early days (bottom) and recently (top) any issues onsite with the project team WATCH NOW
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 DOWN MEMORY LANE LIFE AS THE WIFE OF A FIREFIGHTER By Beth King ill King and I had been going his family had to be fitted in between his together for about two years when plumbing (illegal at that time as far as Bhe joined the Fire Brigade in 1961 the Fire Brigade was concerned), band after being rejected from the Police force as engagements and football. being too short. When Belinda was two and a half I One of his fellow inductees, Rex Hartas, resumed my position as Secretary in the who was too short for even the Fire Department of Anatomy at the University Brigade, succeeded in being accepted after of Sydney. Bill used to pick Belinda up from putting thong soles inside his socks before her babysitter after his 7–3 shift ended, until being measured to increase his height! I returned home, which gave him a little Another of Bill’s inductees was Billy Todd, time with her. the renowned boxer at that time. We moved into our new house at Elanora There was no passing out parade, when Belinda was six weeks old, and Bill just a letter advising him of his was transferred to Crows Nest Fire Station successful application. from Drummoyne. Bill did all the plumbing We married on 2 February 1962, and I on our new home. His career, which has was thrown into being a shiftworker’s wife. been well documented, went on from there. His shifts were 7am – 3pm, 3pm – 11pm The shifts they worked were real killers, and 11pm – 7am. In those days, the day and I can see why many men and their wives they knocked off and the following day was crumbled under the pressure. I think we counted as two days off. At that time Bill survived because his parents lived in Nowra had no leave owing, and we spent one day and mine in Brisbane, so we had to make it at Terrigal and two at Forster, which was on our own no matter what. In Elanora and the sum of our honeymoon! surrounding suburbs we had many firies as Many married couples crumbled friends and their wives were also supportive. under this shift regime, and divorces were We had a piffling amount from Child common. Also, to make enough money to Endowment and that was it. Everything we get ahead, most firemen had “quarries” earned was by our own hand. and Bill was a qualified plumber. He also I had to do all the shopping, visits to detailed cars, played rugby league for baby health centre, doctor etc all by myself, Concord United and Western Suburbs, mostly while Bill was working, and prepare was in the Pipes and Drums of the 30th dinner only to see him go to sleep straight Battalion which eventually became the after with exhaustion! 17th Battalion, Royal News South Wales Our sons contracted infantile Regiment (RNSWR). gastroenteritis aged 18 months and three To compensate and for an interest, years and even with Stuart in the Children’s I formed a baton twirling team and the girls Hospital at Camperdown, and Evan ill at were decked out in a uniform which had home, he still could not get leave to help. short Black Watch tartan skirts, red jackets The kids got the usual childhood and glengarries (hats) similar to the band’s diseases, sometimes I got them as well, but drummers. We practiced at the army drill there was no leave for that either. The child hall in North Sydney, where the band had rearing, housekeeping, school, homework, their practices, and performed quite a lot sports, school activities, were mainly the with the boys. responsibility of the women in the 60s to We also performed with the many 90s, with very little help from the men. I rugby league teams at the time. We started venture to say that was the reason for the the first cheer girl squad for Canterbury failure of a lot of family partnerships. when Peter Moore was in charge. We were The firefighters of today don’t realise Australian Champions and attended many how good they have it, or maybe they do, as festivals around Australia over a period of the hundreds of applications for new firies 20 years. seem to point out that it is a job coveted When we had our first child in 1966, Bill by many! was on day shift and was not allowed time With the advent of 24 hour shifts, off to be with me while I gave birth to our I think that this will be very beneficial to all daughter Belinda at King George V Hospital. firefighters and their families.n END At 2.30pm my doctor said “would you like SO Bill King retired on Boxing Day me to ring your husband and advise him 2014 after 53 years as a firefighter. He was he has a daughter?” He visited the hospital farewelled at Manly Warringah Leagues after he finished his shift. Club on 24 February 2015. His son, Stuart, is There was no leave for Bill to help a Firefighter at City of Sydney. out with his new daughter, and time with
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 DOWN MEMORY LANE FIREY PASSION FOR HISTORY LIVES ON IN COOLAMON
Retired RetF Chris Berry and his wife Joanne with firefighting memorabilia Outside the recently-opened Coolamon Fire Museum
he discovery of a single brass Over the next three decades, Chris With hundreds of items to display, helmet more than 30 years ago was always on the lookout for anything Chris built all the cabinets for the Tled to a lifetime of collecting for associated with firefighting, not just in museum himself while his son helped retired Retained Firefighter Chris Berry NSW or Australia but also from around paint the fire station doors their in the Riverina town of Coolamon. the world. original colour. For Chris and his wife Joanne, their He went to clearance sales, garage On Monday 5 October, Commissioner fire brigade story began shortly after they sales, markets, swap meets and in later Greg Mullins raised the Australian flag first moved to Coolamon with their three years he advanced to eBay. And his family and cut the ribbon to open the museum children, Belinda, Johnathon and Daniel, always knew what to buy him for his to the public. in 1976. As well as running a furniture birthday, Father’s Day and Christmas. With the unique collection now factory, Chris became a dedicated Gradually his collection grew and proudly on show, Chris and Joanne Retained Firefighter and Engine Keeper now includes more than 100 helmets, hope the museum can become a with the Coolamon and Temora brigades. uniforms, breathing apparatus, leather tourist attraction for Coolamon and He also received the National Medal fire buckets, axes, foam branches, also a learning environment for in 1996. telephones, rattles used as emergency school students. One day, while installing a new alarms, a hose reel cart, a horse harness, Chris and Joanne said they were kitchen for a retired firefighter called badges, and more than 200 toy models. honoured to have Commissioner Mullins Bluey at West Wyalong, Chris caught After he retired, Chris leased the open the Coolamon Fire Museum and sight of a brass helmet sitting on old 262 Coolamon Fire Station, which thanked the Coolamon Shire Council top of the old kitchen cupboards he remains much as it was when it first and all involved for helping to make their was dismantling. opened in 1933, to realise his dream of dream a reality. nEND “I was so excited, Bluey’s wife said opening a fire museum. Coolamon Fire Museum, 46 Cowabbie I could have it along with Bluey’s belt, “When I found I could have the old Street, open 10am to 4pm daily, visitors axe and spanner,” Chris said. “I was Coolamon Fire Station, I started to get welcome by kind donation. overwhelmed and pledged to purchase excited,” Chris said. “But I didn’t realise my very first collectables from Bluey. I had so much stuff until I started to From that day, my collecting was set unpack it.” in motion.”
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
After the stair climb, Adam Regal said he was overwhelmed by the support. “I would have to be one of the luckiest blokes to have the mates that I have ... [Matt Pridham] has bought some absolutely brilliant people together to help raise the profile and raise vital research funds to MND. “I got to meet his work colleagues from across NSW and what a great bunch of legends they are. They came from everywhere, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, The Hunter Valley ... everyone should be proud of what they achieved.” In an email to all staff following the fundraiser, Commissioner Greg Mullins praised the support given to this initiative. “I was stunned by the turnout of firefighters who decided to do their bit in a fight against a deadly killer – motor neurone disease (MND). VIEW VIDEO AT _ “As your Commissioner I want to take fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews this opportunity to sincerely thank each OR and every one of you who volunteered your time to either climb the tower or to SCAN CODE TO _ support those who did.” nEND WATCH NOW Event organiser QF Mathew Pridham, with MND sufferer Adam Regal and his family THANK YOU FRNSW Professor David Wilkinson of Macquarie University wrote to Commissioner Mullins after the stair climb to thank him for CLIMBING 1,500 FRNSW’s support. “On behalf of Macquarie University I would to thank Fire & Rescue NSW STAIRS RAISES for its support of Sunday’s ‘Fire Fighters Climb for MND’ of which the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Research Centre at Macquarie MORE THAN University was the beneficiary. The feedback I have received has been heart-warming. There have $180,000 been stories of immense community spirit and generosity as well as tests of physical endurance. The figure On Sunday 4 October around 160 FRNSW firefighters raised by the event currently sits at from across the State climbed a staggering 1,504 stairs in $171,000 – an incredible achievement the Sydney Tower Eye in full turnout gear to raise much for an event in its first year. My team advise they are confident that this needed funds for research into motor neurone disease. figure will rise … I would like to thank every one of orking in partnership with Professor Dominic Rowe is the head the 158 fire fighters who raced up Macquarie University, of Macquarie University Hospital’s Motor 1,504 steps (some twice) and raised Wthe Firefighters Climb for Neurone Disease clinic, the largest of its funds for the event. I would like to Motor Neurone Disease raised more kind in Australia. particularly thank fire fighter Matt than $180,000. “Motor neurone disease is an Pridham who initiated the event. It is Event organiser, Qualified Firefighter unpredictable and wretched disease. members of the community such as Mathew Pridham, said his inspiration While 10% of patients have it due to Matt who make such a difference in came from his close friend, Adam Regal. inheriting a faulty gene, 90% of patients raising both awareness and much- “Adam was diagnosed with motor have sporadic motor neurone disease needed funds for medical research. neurone disease about 18 months ago with no known cause. The collaborative nature of this event and since then, he’s been determined “We are thrilled with the donation to raise awareness of it, so I wanted to from FRNSW firefighters to our research highlights the synergy between fire help him with that cause,” said Mathew. centre. It is only with research that we fighters and our MND researchers – “Adam is a loving husband and father will understand what the elements that of being in the business of being and a great mate. It was devastating that cause this disease are and how it committed to saving peoples’ lives. to see him diagnosed with such a progresses, which will ultimately lead to We look forward to working with debilitating disease.” therapies that slow and stop it.” Fire & Rescue NSW to make this an annual fundraiser.”
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT NEWCASTLE NO. 2 FIRE STATION A BALL RAISES BIG HIT WITH SICK KIDS $20,000 FOR BURNS SURVIVORS
The hospital’s fire engine mural and 57 stn crewmember helping one of the children in the garden
RNSW’s No. 2 Fire Station, the and little helmets, and a popular climb-on Burns Unit in Westmead Children’s fire truck. Chief Supt David Felton and Hospital, is now revamped and The crew from Station 57 B Platoon Susie O’Neill, KIDS Foundation F officially open for business! was on hand at the launch to help small The $180,000 refurbishment to the VIPs explore the playground and clamber Burns Unit courtyard, courtesy of 40 in and out of the miniature truck. When it companies donating labour and materials, came to gardening, no hoses were in sight, n Friday 18 September, 220 was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting but watering cans appeared to do the trick! FRNSW firefighters, admin and ceremony on Monday 14 September. The Head of the Burns Unit, Dr John trade staff and their families O The spectacular makeover from Harvey, believes the new playground will turned out in their finery for the courtyard to playground includes a life-size aid patients in their rehabilitation. “It will Newcastle Firefighter’s Fundraising Ball and very red FRNSW fire station mural excite the children and stimulate them to at Wests Leagues Club, New Lambton. adorning the southern wall, shady trees, exercise,” he said. “Children need to be With a host of special guests in colourful flowering potplants and watering rehabilitated as fast as possible to pre- attendance, including Commissioner cans, a bike path complete with bicycles burn life, and this playground will help that Greg Mullins, Deputy Commissioner process.” n Jim Smith , Dr. Raj Kumar, Director of END Trauma and Surgery at John Hunter Children’s Hospital and Ms Susie O’Neill, Founder and Managing Director K.I.D.S. Foundation Burns Survivors Network, TAKING THE CHAMPIONSHIPS the night raised $20,000 to assist burns survivors. TO THE COMMUNITY This was in addition to a cheque for $10,000 presented on the night to hen hosting the Regional Havenlee Special Needs School. “The Dr Kumar by Commissioner Mullins, Firefighting Championships money paid for 75 $20 book vouchers for from Newcastle and the Hunter region in August 2015, 224 Berry the schools. More than 300 children also firefighters’ payroll deductions. W took their community responsibility entered the colouring-in competition. The $30,000 donation for 2015 brings even further by raising $1,500 for local It was a great way to get the local the grand total raised and donated to schools. The crew organised a colouring community actively involved with the $433,550 since the inception of the in contest for the local school, preschool brigade and the championships.” Firefighter’s Ball in 2000. and special needs school and raised A schools education day was also John Hunter Children’s Hospital $1,500 in sponsorship money. held ahead of the championships with Burns Unit will use this year’s donation to Retained Firefighter Ross Goodger around 400 school students attending purchase video/games equipment for the said the money was split between Berry the display. The day was hosted by burns treatment room (which has been Primary School, Berry Preschool and FRNSW with NSW Police, NSW Rural fully funded by previous donations) to Fire Service, Ambulance Service of NSW help distract children from the traumatic and NSW State Emergency Service also experience of burns dressings. participating. Over the championships The donations to K.I.D.S. Foundation VIEW VIDEO AT _ fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews weekend, 20 brigades were represented will ensure burns survivors from across 17 competing teams with entrants Newcastle and the Hunter (both children OR travelling from as far away as Broken Hill and adults) are able to attend the burns and Dorrigo to the south coast town of SCAN CODE TO _ survivors camp to be held in December. Berry. nEND nEND WATCH NOW
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 Firefighters and villagers gather at the completed school library
From: SF Andrew Versus_ FIRE IN THEIR To: FRNSW_ Subject: Construction day 4 BELLY TO Our last big day on the job! Paul and Steve (Jaffa and Stef) worked on capping the roof, Greg installed the lights and power outlets, and everyone else was on windows and BUILD FIJIAN cladding. The last few hours felt like the countdown on The Block but we finally got there. Finished the day with a talk on/installation of smoke detectors before lots of singing, LIBRARY dancing – and kava of course – with our new friends. A wonderful experience for the boys! n August 2015, six FRNSW firefighters set off on a trip to the Fijian island of Kadavu to construct a school library in the Iremote village of Vacalea. In his previous life as a scuba diving instructor, Kogarah From: SF Andrew Versus_ Senior Firefighter Andrew Verus lived and worked on Kadavu To: FRNSW_ with his family. He established a strong relationship with the local Subject: Job complete! people and witnessed their efforts to educate their children locally to avoid a five-hour walk to the nearest government-built school. Our last task was to install the front door, pack up our tools The idea of building a school library was born, and together and say some heartfelt goodbyes. Jaffa installed more with Station Officer Peter Eastment and Senior Firefighters Paul needed smoke alarms in the girls’ dorm and we signed the O’Sullivan, Dan Clay, Greg Daly and Steven Richards; SF Verus set school visitors’ book, FRNSW occurrence book style. What to work making it a reality. an amazing week, thank you to everyone back home for all After months of preparation in NSW, the team gave up their the great support and FRNSW for making the time possible own time and money to spend a week constructing the library for us to do this. See you all back home soon. building from scratch, including installing electricity, glazing and smoke detectors. Despite some minor challenges due to the Fijian weather, the team completed the project in record time and also had the From: SF Andrew Versus_ opportunity to promote fire safety with SO Eastment giving a fire To: FRNSW_ safety talk to the village. Subject: Coming home Following the trip, SF Verus and more volunteers worked to Overall it was such a successful trip; the village was very turn the new building into a fully functioning library by completing excited about their new library and sincerely grateful to the the fitout. Stocking the library with more than 3,000 donated books has begun and will continue in 2016. boys for giving up their time to help. At the same time, the A/Assistant Commissioner Gerry Byrne said the team was a experience of spending time with these beautiful people credit to FRNSW. affected us all so greatly we left thinking we got much “Fantastic job, well done to all the firies that were involved. more than we put in. We’d like to thank the many people The work, time and effort you have put in will benefit the local who donated books for the library and a special thanks to children and community for years to come.” nEND Assistant Commissioner Gerry Byrne and FRNSW senior management for their great support of the project.
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 THE SPORTING LIFE
QF Jeremy Crumblin on the winner’s podium ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GO! Firefighters are accustomed to racing the clock when they respond to calls. At the World Police and Fire Games held every two years, firefighters and police officers get the chance to compete against each other to see who is the fittest, fastest and strongest.
Story by Qualified Firefighter Jeremy Crumblin rom 26 June to 5 July this year, swim, toughest competitor alive, ultimate winning three medals at the games,” said almost 12,000 athletes made up firefighter and indoor rowing (both Stuart. “But the highlight was competing Fof active and retired personnel individually and in teams). against fellow firefighters and police from 70 different countries gathered in FRNSW had ample cause to celebrate officers from Brazil, Poland, Spain, Russia, Virginia, USA to attend the 2015 World at this year’s Games following a strong Iceland, Germany, Turkey, Croatia and Police and Fire Games. The biennial event performance by its team, with 16 medals the USA.” included over 60 different sports run to a won across a number of different sports In keeping with tradition, FRNSW professional standard at 53 venues. More and events. fielded teams in rugby 7s. In the Over 35s, than 3,000 volunteers worked, some for Area Commander Regional South, FRNSW achieved the upper hand against up to 18 months, to prepare for hosting Chief Superintendent Ken Murphy, was the strong competition in some closely fought the sGames. most successful with a seven-medal haul matches while dominating others, keeping Dubbed ‘the Games of Heroes,’ the in swimming events. the winning formula going all the way into World Police and Fire Games is the third Close behind was Qualified Firefighter first place and the gold medal. biggest multi-sport event on Earth, Jeremy Crumblin from City of Sydney A Retired Mosman Station Officer Bill behind the World Masters Games and the Platoon who won five medals. “It was an King AFSM is a veteran of many Games and Summer Olympics. honour and a privilege to represent FRNSW competed this year in the indoor rowing. More than 25 FRNSW personnel – both to compete at the Games, and I found Bill placed 4th in a competitive race and current and retired – attended the 2015 no shortage of camaraderie while both was cheered on by his support crew. Games, along with their family and friends. competing and cheering on others,” said By the end of the Games, Australia’s Athletes competed in a varied array of Jeremy. “Some of my best memories of the overall medal tally stood at 121, with 56 sports including traditional Olympic-style Games included cheering on the Aussies in gold, 33 silver and 32 bronze. This put sports such as track and field, rugby ice hockey, dodgeball and boxing events.” Australia in seventh place overall behind sevens, swimming, golf, as well as more Station Officer Stuart Sutton of 304 the USA, Canada, Russia, Spain, Brazil specialised and occupation specific Gosford D Platoon competed in track and and the UK, improving two places on sports such as orienteering, stair race field and won three medals. “After training Australia’s ninth place finish in the 2013 (both full gear and non-gear), open water hard for the last two years, it was terrific Belfast Games.
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 While FRNSW athletes enjoyed great medal success, it was the camaraderie of competing with athletes from around the world and the friendships made, as well as the spirit of the games and cheering on fellow competitors, that brought the most satisfaction to all those involved. A major attraction of the Games was the opportunity to enter as a team and build morale while competing, having fun, making friends from around the world, and supporting one another. Many stories were shared and it was interesting to inspect the appliances and gear of local brigades, and quiz the locals on the ins and outs of the job, seeing how it compared to the way things were done back home. Seemingly just as quickly as the Opening Ceremony had initiated proceedings, the Closing Ceremony arrived. It was then time to hand the torch to the Montreal organising committee who are hosting the next Games in 2017. So on that note, get training! nEND
FRNSW MEDAL WINNERS INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING Ken Murphy: 2 gold (100m backstroke, 200m freestyle relay), 4 silver (men’s 200m medley relay, mixed 200m medley relay, 50m backstroke, mixed 200m freestyle relay) and 1 bronze (200m individual medley). Jeremy Crumblin: 3 gold (stair race, orienteering sprint, mixed pairs indoor rowing, 1 silver (full gear stair BLUE SKIES FOR race) and 1 bronze (full gear team stair race). Stuart Sutton: 2 gold (discus, A BEAUTIFUL hammer throw) and 1 bronze (shot‑put). Rugby 7s Over 35s Team: gold. GAME OF RUGBY n Friday 11 September, FRNSW The following men’s game was a far and NSW Police competed for the closer affair with neither team able to Osecond annual 9/11 Memorial Cup trouble the scoreboard throughout the at Sydney’s waterfront Taplin Park. match. FRNSW had several opportunities The 9/11 Memorial Cup was to score but pushed the final pass and contested over two games on a perfect were unable to convert possession to spring afternoon with Commissioner points. In the final play of the match the Greg Mullins and Superintendent Rob Police team scored the only points to Critchlow, past president of the Police finish 5-0 victors in another thoroughly Rugby Union, joining a large crowd. entertaining game. During the event Commissioner With one game apiece on the day, Mullins reflected on the ultimate last year’s winners, FRNSW, retained the sacrifice made by New York City’s first 9/11 Cup title. responders on 11 September 2001 and Wellbeing Coordinator SF Mark led a poignant minute’s silence. Dobson said both games were played On the field, FRNSW women’s in a spirit that honoured the memory of team, led by SO Bronnie Mackintosh our fallen New York firefighter and police and featuring three present or past brothers and sisters. Australian reps (rugby and rugby league), “There was fierce on field put on a dominant display of rugby. They competition followed by an afternoon of stunned the Police team and delighted camaraderie that epitomises our joint the FRNSW spectators with an amazing values of respect, courage and service.” display of power, precision and superb nEND skill to run out 45-5 winners.
Images courtesy Andrew Parsons and Damon Chamberlain 89
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 AWARDS MOSAIC PROFILING WINS AFAC KNOWLEDGE INNOVATION AWARD t the 2015 AFAC Conference “In the past, fire prevention strategies Welcome and Awards Ceremony and policies have relied on a broad brush Ain September, FRNSW received approach to identify and target ‘at-risk’ the ‘Knowledge Innovation Agency Award groups,” he said. “This meant that any – 2015’ sponsored by Motorola Solutions. engagement was based on a one-size- The award recognises FRNSW’s use fits-all approach. Not only does Mosaic of socio-economic data to develop a identify down to the individual household community profiling tool. The tool is based the community members known to be at on Mosaic data and is an innovative product, greatest risk to fire, importantly it also combining fire injury risk data with lifestyle identifies the best medium for successful data to identify households at greater risk of engagement.” nEND experiencing a home fire. This intelligence- led approach has also led to the creation of FRNSW’s Station Risk Profile. Assistant Director Community Safety, VIEW VIDEO AT _ fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews Chief Superintendent Chris Lewis, said knowledge-led interventions better target OR problem areas, ultimately leading to a reduction in residential fires, fire injuries SCAN CODE TO _ and the associated costs of emergencies. WATCH NOW
HOME FIRE SAFETY CHECKS VIDEO WINS BEST LEARNING AWARD t the LearnX Impact Awards in intervention initiative which provides September, FRNSW won gold education, advice and intervention to Ain the Best Learning Video at-risk households via a home visitation category for the Home Fire Safety program. To support this initiative, Checks animated promotional video after FRNSW’s Community Engagement Unit live judging on the night. The awards in collaboration with its Partnership, recognise the best in workplace learning Evaluation & Marketing section and the in Australia and New Zealand, with other Project Management Office, engaged winners including the Commonwealth global workplace learning company Bank of Australia and the Australian Kineo to create a self-paced online Sports Anti‑Doping Authority. learning module, showing how to The Home Fire Safety Checks (HFSC) complete a HFSC and use the supporting Program is a prevention and early IT solutions. nEND
RETAINED FIREFIGHTER AVAN CHRISTIE AWARDED FOR SELFLESS ACT IN THE SURF
n August, Casino Surf Club Treasurer On 6 April 2015, Mr Christie stopped teenagers were stuck in a rip a further and Evans Head Retained Firefighter in at the surf club to get a receipt book kilometre up the beach. After going back IAvan Christie received a NSW Rescue when he was told people were in trouble out but beginning to fatigue himself, he of the Month Award at the Surf Life Saving at Main Beach. Mr Christie, who is not was assisted by fellow lifesaver Rolan NSW Awards of Excellence ceremony. He an active patrolling lifesaver, grabbed a Murcott who helped both the eenagers and was also awarded a National Rescue of the board and went out to rescue a young girl Mr Christie back to shore. nEND Month Award at a special ceremony held at and her grandmother who were caught Parliament House in Canberra. in a rip near the breakwall. After he got them back to shore he was told two more 90
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 INSPECTOR MARTIN HOFSTADLER RECEIVES PARRAMATTA CITY COUNCIL AWARD
RNSW Inspector Martin Hofstadler, Duty Commander MW2, was honoured for ‘Commitment’ at The Lord Mayor’s F2015 Frontline and Community Services Awards held in Parramatta in August. The awards recognise members from the NSW Police Force, Fire & Rescue NSW, Ambulance Service of NSW, NSW State Emergency Service, nurses, midwives and the Royal NSW Lancers in five award categories. In awarding Insp Hofstadler, a Parramatta City Council official said he is well respected by his fellow senior officers and admired by the personnel under his command. “Inspector Hofstadler’s commitment to the community of Parramatta is demonstrated by his untiring pursuit to maintain public safety while ensuring his personnel and stations are fully prepared to deal with any emergency they may be called upon to attend,” he said. nEND
FIREFIGHTER PETER TRIPLE ZERO JENSEN RECOGNISED AT KIDS’ CHALLENGE TAFE NSW GILI AWARDS RESOURCES HIGHLY COMMENDED
he Triple Zero Kids’ Challenge – Parents and Teacher’s Guide and Resource Pack project was highly commended Tin the 2015 Resilient Australia Awards. This project was nominated by FRNSW on behalf of the national Triple Zero Awareness Work Group, which FRNSW chairs. On Tuesday 13 October, Assistant Commissioner Mark Whybro attended the presentation ceremony at NSW Parliament House and accepted the award on behalf of the Work Group. The Awards were presented by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Police, Troy Grant and the Minister for Emergency Services, David Elliott. The Triple Zero Kids’ Challenge game aims to make young children more aware of the Australia’s emergency services number, Triple Zero (000). It is an interactive online game that uses twelve scenarios (covering Fire, Ambulance and Police) to teach practical steps in how to deal with emergencies, and how to get help in an emergency. The game is also available in six other languages besides English (Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Burmese, Hindi and Dinka), The Guide and Resource Pack were recently developed to align the game to the National Curriculum, making it easier for teachers to deliver lessons in their classrooms. The Guide n 22 October, Redfern Firefighter Peter Jensen was and Pack are accessed through the game’s homepage as free presented with an Achievement Award at the 2015 TAFE downloadable PDFs. They include lesson plans and group NSW Gili Awards at Ultimo TAFE. The awards acknowledge activities that will embed children’s learnings from playing the O game scenarios. Since the launch of the Teacher’s Guide in the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal students, the contribution and dedication of TAFE NSW staff, and the outcomes December 2014, almost 9,000 Guides have been downloaded, a of TAFE NSW engagement with industry, schools and Aboriginal remarkable penetration into primary schiools. communities. While FF Jensen was undertaking the Certificate To access the game, go to lll in Fitness as part of FRNSW’s inaugural IFARES program, he www.triplezero.gov.au and click on demonstrated excellent attendance, enthusiasm and participation. the Kids’ Challenge link. nEND He also took on the role of class mentor and helped guide his fellow students through the course. FF Jensen graduated from the State Training College at Alexandria in July 2015 after exceeding the benchmark required to join FRNSW as a full-time firefighter. nEND 91
Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 PAYING TRIBUTE FIREFIGHTERS THE PUBLIC SAYS THANKS PRAISED Thank you to RetF Jen Williams Thank you to 510 Yamba IN NSW “Please pass on my thanks to one of your “My wife Kate, two year old son Max and firefighters, Jen Williams, for assisting me I were holidaying in Yamba. My son is PARLIAMENT in the rescue of two elderly people who were obsessed with fire trucks, Fireman Sam, inside their submerged vehicle. firefighting uniforms and all apparatus involved at the moment. Just before At approx. 20:00 last night [1 November] departing Yamba Kate & Max took one last I was tasked to attend a domestic assault. walk to view the fire truck parked outside On my way to this case I came across the when Dave [Yamba Captain Dave Woods] Thompson Street causeway and noticed a arrived at the station. Without hesitation he car caught in flood waters and a gentleman offered them the opportunity to take a closer trying to secure the car with a rope. I stopped look at the brand new truck parked inside to help and noticed two elderly people inside and also hop up into the cab. the vehicle trapped by confinement. The “I arrived at the station a short time later creek was flowing fast and rising. As I and marvelled at the look on Max’s face! went into the water, Jen was walking past After having a thorough look at the truck and stopped to render assistance. Jen made Dave gave us a guided tour through the contact with Fire & Rescue for further station and to top it off presented Max with assistance. The water was inside the vehicle a reprint of a job from the day before (just up to the dashboard and both people still like on Fireman Sam!). had their seat belts on. Once I released the “Max got a great thrill out of this experience seatbelts and got them out I handed each and we think it made his holiday!” patient over to Jen who put them in the ambulance reassuring and comforting “Thanks and all the best.” them until I could further assess them. Michael McCaffrey Both patients were suffering from hypothermia and were transported Minister David Elliott practises basic firefighting skills to Cootamundra hospital for Angela Woodcock further observation. October 2015
It’s comforting to know that we work well “I just wanted to highlight how wonderful, n 27 July, Minister for Emergency together for the one cause.” brave & professional our emergency service Services, David Elliot, Glenn Andrew Barton personnel are. It was my neighbour who was Brookes, Member for East Hills, NSW Ambulance Station Officer, trapped in his collapsed garage (Canada Bay, O Cootamundra 23/10/15) and I witnessed the entire rescue and Ned Manoun, Mayor of Liverpool, attended 8 Liverpool for a ‘Firefighter for operation and wish to extend my thanks a Day’ experience. In a Private Members and appreciation to them, for coordinating Statement in the NSW Parliament on Thank you to 460 The Entrance his extrication safely and without any further 11 August, MP Brookes spoke highly of “I have had a couple of wonderfully caring injury or damage. Well done and thank you.” the experience and praised the work recruits assist me over the past week or Like • Comment • Share of firefighters: so with the replacement of my faulty “It was a great experience that showed smoke alarm. Be the first to like this. Most Relevant me just how professional our modern- “I felt it only fair to let you know these day firefighters are and demonstrated people were just wonderful; friendly and Thank you to 434 Hamlyn Terrace the courage they require to do their very professional and they are a credit to the important job. station and the service (The Entrance “I wanted to send in a thank you to the “ As firefighters for the day, we Truck 460). wonderful firefighters from Hamlyn Terrace searched for victims in a simulated “I thank them and your service of the station. Last week they visited our centre, burning home and had the chance to replacement batteries and installation of and were amazing. Their organisation and use the high-pressure water hoses. We new detectors very much.” safety of the children was a credit to them. operated the jaws of life and were given The visit was very informative for all the Debbi Lalor JP a ride on a fully extended 37-metre children and teachers. cherry picker … being able to participate ”It was one of the best groups of people we in the activities of the day refreshed my have had come through the centre … so Judy Egan THANKYOU!!!! Extremely professional, appreciation of the hardworking firies in September 2015 our State. organised and helpful. “It reminded me of how dependent “Thank you – you guys are awesome. A few “Keep up the amazing work.” we are on these men and women to save lovely blokes visited my Mum recently Kylie Jones lives. We do not often get an opportunity to sort out beeping smoke detectors. Centre Manager, Kids Academy Woongarrah to think about the work they do, and I No charge, but more importantly you made thank them for their continued hard work her feel secure and cared for and valued by and courage.” nEND the community.” Lou Price July 2015 Source: Legislative Assembly Hansard Like • Comment • Share 11 August 2015 Be the first to like this. Most Relevant “I would like to thank the men from Wentworthville Fire Station who rearranged their day to come to our Kindy showcase today. Your time was greatly appreciated by the kids, the teachers and the parents :-) “
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 FAREWELL AND VALE: WITH GRATITUDE THANKS TO THOSE FOR SERVICE TO THE RETIRING PEOPLE OF NSW Name Fire station/business unit Date retired Name Fire station/business unit Date retired RetF M Langham Boggabri 14–Jun–15 Retired FF R Hill Revesby 25–Jul–15 RetF D Bennett Mudgee 19–Jun–15 Retired Capt C Jones Cobar 8–Aug–15 RetF R English Bowraville 19–Jun–15 FF D Cullen Fairfield 11–Aug–15 Capt P Mitchell Kiama 2–Jul–15 Retired Superintendent SO S Gleeson Hamilton 16–Jul–15 V Crum QFSM Headquarters 13–Aug–15 QF J Brigden Shoalhaven 17–Jul–15 Retired Capt T Prior Holbrook 23–Aug–15 SF M Wilson Firefighter Initial Training 19–Jul–15 Retired SO K Rendoth Katoomba 24–Aug–15 RetF B Reeves Kyogle 21–Jul–15 Retired RetF B Stubbs Mt Victoria 1–Sep–15 SO A Leak Cranebrook 21–Jul–15 Retired SF B Wright Sydney Comms 13–Sep–15 SO D Grant Blacktown 23–Jul–15 Volunteer Firefighter M Haylor Riverstone Sep–15 SF P Doesburg Bulli 24–Jul–15 Retired SO J Boyt Waterloo, Maroubra, Katoomba and Capt D Brown Cowra 31–Jul–15 Maitland 4–Oct–15 SO M Maher Tweed Heads 31–Jul–15 Retired SO C Ewin BA Section and Newcastle 9–Oct–15 SO R Bennett Matraville 31–Jul–15 Retired District Officer Leichhardt, Headquarters RetF R McArthur Ballina 4–Aug–15 A Steyns and Alexandria 9–Oct–15 DCapt S Harrison Rhodes 7–Aug–15 Retired RetF A Willis Oct–15 SF G Sykes St Andrews 10–Aug–15 Retired DCapt R Bradley Parkes 15–Oct–15 SF K Aitken Sydney Comms 10–Aug–15 SO B Hitchcock Newcastle 14–Aug–15 SO D Ebbels Queanbeyan 14–Aug–15 SO K West Avalon 14–Aug–15 SO M Kelly Botany 14–Aug–15 DCapt G Sutherland Tweed Heads 20–Aug–15 RetF J Gosby Rhodes 21–Aug–15 SF G Lendrum Belmont 22–Aug–15 SF D Clifton Randwick 2–Sep–15 SF K Harding Newcastle Comms 3–Sep–15 Insp G Reid Metro South 2 Zone Office 4–Sep–15 SO G Robertson Campsie 4–Sep–15 SO G Breen Fleet Operations 8–Sep–15
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 Fire & Rescue Operations Journal Editor (MCU) wants to publicise the incidents your Insp Kernin Lambert FRNSWMEDIA crew attended, and the achievements of your unit. Art Director DesignDavey T: (02) 9265 2907 E: [email protected] Production, photography and editorial Andrew Parsons FIRE & RESCUE NEWS Becky Gollings Send any high-resolution photos (larger Heather Pillans than 1,000KB) to: Malissa Milligean [email protected] Bronwyn Hilton Jan Crombie-Brown Supt Ian Krimmer Kerry Blackett Online and digital James Hanney
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Fire & Rescue News : Summer 2015 ARE YOU BUSHFIRE READY?
KNOW THE RADIO DIFFERENCE REPORTING EMERGENCY ALERT VS GET FAMILIAR WITH THE EMERGENCY WARNING CAATSSWEEC FORMAT
TOBANS BUSHFIRE WHAT SPARKS A FIREFIGHTER TOTAL FIRE BAN? SAFETY BUSHFIRE SAFETY – EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY
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WHAT’S THE POCKET WEATHER? GUIDE STAY UP TO DATE WITH MAKE A BUSHFIRE THE BOM INFORMATION CARD PART OF YOUR KIT
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