Fire & Rescue December 2012 News

Bankstown unit fire Firefighters face fierce high-rise fire

USAR accreditation Gaining approval from the UN

Fire chief found Locating a remarkable former chief The Commissioner Writes

Welcome to the summer edition of Fire & Rescue News, ready for you and your family over the festive season.

In the lead-up to the bushfire season, we have been busy with major hazard reductions. We barely completed these when the bushfires began, with FRNSW and the RFS fighting major fires just about every week since late October. There was plenty of rain early this year for vegetation to flourish, with floods affecting 75% of the state in March. However, much of the prolific growth dried out when the weather shifted away from the wet La Nina patterns. After Sydney experienced the wettest start to a year in two decades, the three months to November were the driest in 10 years. Close co-operation with the RFS, and the good work of our own Community Fire Units, will be crucial as we face what could be a serious bushfire season. Community Fire Units have their own section in this edition, and there are profiles of Communications Centre Operators and a fire vehicle repairer. This edition has many more stories about recent operations, ranging from difficult cotton bale fires to hazmat incidents. If you attend any noteworthy or unusual incidents, I encourage you to send a write-up for publication on the Intranet and Fire & Rescue News. If you want to comment on articles in this issue or submit stories for next issue, please send your ideas and feedback to: frnews@fire.nsw.gov.au Research is the key to developing better firefighting techniques and better approaches to prevent fires. This edition features a section on the AFAC/Bushfire CRC conference, where FRNSW officers delivered some very interesting papers. There are also features on reduced fire-risk cigarettes, the Structural Fire Safety Unit, and the research that helped inform the decision to make sprinklers mandatory in aged care facilities. Our IT section has continued to innovate, and a story on the new electronic Occurrence Book is one of the articles that covers their work. The holiday season is a good time to relax with family. However, it can also be stressful, as everyone rushes around to get things ready before their celebrations. This edition features the Peer Support program and the importance of looking after yourself. The holidays will also bring many more motorists onto unfamiliar roads, and unfortunately there may be more motor vehicle accidents requiring rescues, especially in regional areas. Take extra care when you’re driving this holiday season. Most firefighters will continue working over the holiday season, even if their families have holidays. During this period, my thoughts will be with my fellow firefighters who protect our community. It’s been a busy year, not least for those who trained and competed in the State Firefighter Championships in Tamworth in October or the World Firefighter Games in Sydney that followed. After a particularly busy year, administrative staff will be taking a break during the shut-down in the last week of December and first week of January. Whether you’re working or on holidays, I hope all of you have a safe, restful break, and enjoy the festive season. 2013 will not be without its challenges, however it will also bring opportunities.

Greg Mullins AFSM Commissioner

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Features

Sprinklers in nursing USAR accreditation homes legislation 06 Mental health 16 10 Legendary chief: Rex Threlfo 24

46 Barangaroo Structural Fire Safety

12 34 42 43 44 Reduced Smoke Burns Unit, GIO Fire fire-risk alarm Children’s sponsorship chief cigarettes subsidy Hospital found scheme

Front cover: a firefighter at the Bankstown incident 01 Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Other contents

Commissioner Mullins with Minister for Police and Profile: Vehicle repairer 14 Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher, briefing the media New vehicles 19 AFAC/Bushfire CRC conference 20 Operational capability 21 Training the trainers 22 FIRU development 23 Profile: Comms Centre operator 26 Discovery Channel filming FRNSW 28 BMC plans tested in major incident 31 Bushfire season snapshot 31 Bushfire Officers help burns 32 Milestone for St Ives and Pennant Hills CFU 33 What’s new in IT 38 Videoconferencing 38 e-Occurrence book 39 SAP 40 Automatic Vehicle Location 40 Letters 48 Retirements and deaths 49 Incidents

Unit fire death Bankstown 03 Petrol station fires Hoxton Park, Newtown 04 Educating the public about gas safety Alexandria 05 BBQ gas explosion fire Homebush 13 Monorail rescue CBD 15 Container leak Port Botany 18 Fatal house fires Blue Mountains 27 Substation fire Albury 30 Unconscious man pulled from unit Surry Hills 33 Cotton fire distribution centre Yennora 36 Firefighters use a plough to avert disaster Warren 37 Silo fires Corowa 39 Factory fire 8th alarm Wetherill Park 41

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FRNSW Media, Ministerial & Communications Unit (MMCU) wants to publicise the incidents your crew attended, and the achievements of your unit. T: (02) 9265 2907 E: media@fire.nsw.gov.au Intranet Email any photos and stories to peter.walker@fire.nsw.gov.au Fire & Rescue News Send any high-resolution photos (larger than 1,000KB) to: frnews@fire.nsw.gov.au

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Bankstown FIRE 14:48 6 SEP INCIDENT

Fire tragedy Two women trapped in high-rise apartment

Two young women were trapped in a fire in their multi-storey residential building in Bankstown on Thursday 6 September.

o escape the intense heat and Crews with 38mm handlines took flames, they both jumped from some time to reduce the intensity a fifth floor window. One of the of the flames and gain entry to the Twomen lost her life from the fall four-bedroom unit, which was totally and the other was critically injured. involved in flames. Firefighters were initially alerted to The fire caused fire and heat the apartment block fire on the corner damage to the modern reinforced of West and South Terrace Bankstown concrete building with a magnitude at 1448 hours by an automatic fire that has rarely been seen. The fact that alarm, followed by numerous 000 the fire was contained to the fifth level emergency calls. is some testament to the stringent Upon arrival, firefighters observed structural fire safety standards in that a fifth floor apartment was well Australia, as well as the concerted alight, and there was evidence of people attack by attending crews trapped on upper levels. A 4th alarm According to the Commissioner, response was requested bringing about crews performed an outstanding job in a 60 firefighters to the scene, including very challenging fire. They successfully the Commissioner. contained the fire to the original unit Tragically, the two women jumped and rescued between 40 and 50 people. from a window ledge at the same time Firefighters helped Ambulance as fire crews arrived. Firefighters in paramedics and doctors to triage and breathing apparatus rescued around treat people for smoke inhalation, and 30 people from the upper floors of the a number were transported to hospital. building via the fire stairs, and also via One Station Officer was also injured and an aerial ladder platform. taken to hospital for treatment. Firefighters attacked the fire on the FRNSW fire investigators and the fifth floor, and conducted search and NSW Police are still assessing the cause rescue on the fifth, sixth and seventh of the fire and are pursuing a number floors. Fire conditions were severe, of leads. with a wind-driven fire venting through The incident attracted much media the door of the unit, which appeared attention. In the aftermath, attention to have been wedged open, into the focused on the safety of such apartment internal atrium. blocks and whether changes are needed to improve building safety for occupants. QEND

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Hoxton Park Newtown FIRE INCIDENT

Firefighters prevent burning LPG cylinders from exploding at service stations

20 AUG 13:18 31 AUG 11:52

ultiple 000 calls reported Firefighters established a 200m rews were called to a service a building fire at a service exclusion zone with assistance from station on King St, Newtown station at 1318 hrs on Monday the police, and a number of people just after midday on Friday M20 August. were evacuated from neighbouring C31 August. Eight crews responded, the first businesses. On arrival they found two large LPG arriving within minutes to discover a Quick action by firefighters in cylinders well alight. number of LPG cylinders well alight and a potentially dangerous situation A 2nd Alarm was requested given threatening a building adjacent to the helped prevent any explosion. There concerns of a boiling liquid expanding service station. were no injuries have been reported. vapour explosion (BLEVE) or fire spread Firefighters immediately set up A large media presence in the air to exposure buildings. hoses and a ground monitor to contain and on the ground was managed by Firefighters set up water jets to cool the fire and keep the cylinders cool. the FRNSW media team with regular adjacent cylinders, and successfully One vehicle parked at the service updates given by Supt Tom Cooper. resolved what could have been a very station was destroyed in the flames. QEND serious incident. Quick action by crews saved an adjacent building, limiting damage by fire.

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Facebook message SS:

Walked passed a guy two days ago filling a bottle and said “Gee, where are your gloves?”... He was like “ohh I can’t be bothered with them, it’s too hard!”. I thought to myself, once you get a gas burn you won’t be so blase about, it will you!

Educating the public about gas safety

Two LPG cylinder fires at service stations in late August prompted FRNSW to team-up with WorkCover to educate the public about gas safety.

FRNSW crews showed off their gas firefighting skills in Alexandria in October, gaining widespread media attention and ensuring coverage of our safety message. Commissioner Greg Mullins said firefighters had responded to 64 barbecue fires and 67 leaking or damaged LPG cylinders and hoses from June to September, the majority of which were BBQ cylinders. Crews from 5 Newtown, 10 Redfern, 28 Marrickville, and 18 Glebe (pumper “In the five years to June 2011, there have been 782 claims for and aerial) and 13 Alexandria (Hazmat) incidents involving gas cylinders,” Commissioner Mullins said. were commended for an excellent job. A 200m exclusion zone closed busy He reminded the public not to use cylinders that are damaged King St for a short period, but firefighters or corroded, not to use cylinders with damaged attachments or were able to send a stop message at leaking hoses, and to decant a safe distance from fuel dispensers, 1630 hrs. QEND flammable materials, tanks containing dangerous goods, public places, and building entries and exits. General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division, John Watson, said the service station fires at Newtown and Hoxton Park were the result of unsafe practices when decanting LPG into smaller cylinders, such as those used in barbeques. He reminded the public that LPG cylinders should be “earthed” while being filled, by placing them on the ground to limit the risk of static electricity build from the flow of gas.

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 USAR Task Force achieves UN accreditation

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 The NSW Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force was put through its paces to gain international accreditation.

he skills and expertise of the United Nations – who have assessed NSW Task Force, which is led by 12 classification exercises in the last FRNSW, are well-recognised and three years. Trespected around the world. In the 12 to 18 months leading In September, it undertook the up to NSW’s classification exercise, International Search and Rescue Advisory representatives from FRNSW and other Group (INSARAG) External Classification agencies travelled to countries including (IEC) exercise. Spain, Germany, Finland, South Korea, Many members of the NSW Task Force Japan, Oman and the USA to observe have deployed to humanitarian crises, these nations as they worked through both in Australia and overseas. the IEC checklist. Such international Most recently, the Task Force were engagement was invaluable to the NSW deployed twice to New Task Force as we prepared Zealand following the for our own classification earthquake in Christchurch International exercise. in February 2011, and then Months of planning and to Japan following the engagement was preparation were required earthquake and tsunami invaluable to for the 2012 IEC exercise. in March of the same year. A multi-agency working Prior to that, elements of a prepare for the group was established Task Force had deployed to classification in mid-2011, which Queensland following the included representatives devastating floods. exercise from FRNSW, the SES, The external Ambulance Service of classification process NSW, NSW Police, NSW is set and administered by the United Public Works (engineers), AusAID and the Nations. An internationally-recognised Federal Attorney General’s Department accreditation, it consists of a voluntary, (Emergency Management Australia). independent peer-reviewed assessment of international USAR teams. ExCon Over a series of 16 meetings, the The planning and preparation working group, in particular Exercise FRNSW’s road to the IEC exercise Control (ExCon), worked through a began in 1998 when the first Category range of challenges and issues from 2 USAR course was conducted. Since developing deployment management then, FRNSW has created one of the plans and a portfolio of evidence, which best structural collapse rescue training was submitted to INSARAG, through to programs in the world and has developed identifying and building the prop to be a reputation as a world leader in the field. used for the exercise, and management of FRNSW has had a long association the cache. with the INSARAG community, with Supt Brian Smart, Manager Rescue, specialists from our rescue section said the members of the Task Force attending exercises as both classifiers took part in several training courses and observers. FRNSW maintains three and exercises in the lead up to the IEC classifiers – all accredited with the exercise in September 2012. >

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 USAR taskforce achieves UN accreditation

“In the 18 months prior to the IEC exercise, we conducted four Category 2 USAR courses,” he said. CCanineanine capability “The Australian Defence Force plays a key role in USAR deployments with ForFor the firstfirst time, a canine capability was incorporated in to the the Task Force and cache generally Task Force. The NSW SES formed the canine unit in 2011. It transported by military aircraft into pprovidesrovides a criticalcritical element when attemptingattempting to locate potentialpotential a disaster zone. We worked with the Australian Defence Force at the Richmond ssurvivorsurvivors or victimsvictims iinn collapsed structures, usingusing speciallyspecially trainedtrained Air Force Base on several occasions caninescanines and handlers. undertaking trial deployments, including FFourour SESSES canine handlers and their dogs travelled with the Task a full 72-person load exercise in July 2012. FForceorce to Brisbane for the exercise, and proved that they will play “We also ran multiple 48-hour aann integral role in any futurefuture responses to disasters both nationally exercises in the lead up to the IEC aandnd internationallinternationally.y. exercise and Task Force members undertook a range of specialist training courses. of crews whilst managing fatigue. As “All of this ensured that the Task Force Mentor the ‘first arriving team’, the Task Force was fully prepared and equipped for the A requirement of the IEC is that the was also required to establish the IEC exercise.” Task Force seeking classification must Onsite Operations and Coordination The site selected for the IEC work with a mentor. FRNSW selected Centre (OSOCC), which carries out the exercise was the Queensland Combined Battalion Chief Pat Rohaley from the United Nations function of coordinating Emergency Services Academy located on Los Angeles County Fire Department, the arrival and deployment of other Whyte Island in Brisbane. This state- who has significant experience in international USAR teams until United of-the-art facility USAR at the international Nations representatives arrive in country. includes a purpose- level. He travelled to NSW The scenario-based assessments built USAR prop, which on three separate occasions It was a huge were designed to simulate as closely can be manipulated to work with the team and as possible real life situations. The four to suit a range of asset to use the guide its preparations. Pat’s rescue teams, lead by SO Tony Waller, complex scenarios. experience and knowledge Queensland SO Chris Sykes, SO Bruce Cameron A team of fire proved invaluable to the NSW and SO Clayton Allison, worked through officers, including a facility Task Force. numerous scenarios, all designed to number of the FRNSW test more than 200 criteria set down by USAR instructors, The exercise the INSARAG guidelines. The team was spent more than five weeks in Brisbane, The exercise was based on the structural rigorously assessed by seven classifiers working with the Queensland Fire & collapse of a multi-storey reinforced throughout the exercise to ensure Rescue Service (QFRS) during a USAR concrete building, following an compliance with these guidelines. exercise, familiarising themselves with earthquake. It simulated and tested every The scenarios included a number the prop, and then working on the prop aspect of a full heavy USAR deployment, of complex rescue operations including to prepare it for the IEC exercise. It was a with the Task Force required to sustain vertical rescue and confined space huge asset to the project team to use the continuous operations over a 36-hour operations, as well as breaching and facility in Queensland and to work with period at two separate locations. breaking materials in order to recover USAR specialists from QFRS in preparing This involved mobilising and deploying victims from rubble. In one scenario, this and planning for the exercise. the full 72-person multi-agency Task Force, establishing a Base of Operations involved removing 20 tonnes of concrete (BoO), and demonstrating the rotation from a car.

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 The outcome achieving accreditation with the United After a gruelling 36 hours, the Task Nations, especially Chief Superintendent HighlyHighly skskilledilled teamteam Force was able to pack up and head John Denny and Superintendent Warwick home, while key stakeholders, including Kidd, who have provided vision and drive Commissioner Greg Mullins, met with in developing our USAR capabilities for The 772-person2-person Task Force the classifiers to hear the outcome of more than a decade,” he said. iiss a highlyhighly skilled team the exercise. “This accreditation is a major comprised mainly ooff achievement for both NSW and Australia, Following a thorough evaluation, the speciallyspecially trained fifirefightersrefighters IEC team unanimously decided that the confirming that both Queensland, which NSW Task Force had demonstrated all of achieved classification in 2008, and NSW ffromrom FRNFRNSW.SW. Their the requirements of an INSARAG Heavy are amongst the most highly trained spspecialistecialist rescue skills are Rescue Team and recommended that and best equipped USAR Task Forces compcomplementedlemented bbyy peoppeoplele the INSARAG secretariat register the in the world.” fromfrom the NNSWSW Police Force,Force, team as an international Heavy USAR In practical terms, achieving the NSW State Emergency team. Success! United Nations accreditation means that ServicService,, Ambulance SServiceervice disaster-affected countries accepting Overall, the classifiers were of NSW,NSW, NNSWSW HealthHealth,, extremely impressed with the assistance from the NSW Task Force can professionalism and skill of the Task be confident that the Task Force can and Engineers from NNSWSW Public Force. The Chinese classifier, Dr Peng will accept and accomplish any tasks Works and representatrepresentativesives Bibo, who specialises in the medical assigned to it. ffromrom the Australian component of the assessment, quipped Where to from here? Government agenciesagencies to Commissioner Mullins that he had “no AusAidAusAid and Emergency Despite successfully undertaking the work to do” because the Task Force was Managementt Australia.Austr alia a. performing so well. IEC exercise and achieving accreditation The assessors were also very with the United Nations, plans are The Task Force iiss supported impressed with already being put in place for the ongoing by sophisticatedii logisti iics development and the deployment ssupportupport infrastructureinfrastructure management plan enhancement One scenario involved of NSW’s USAR tthathat eenablesnables ththee tteameam ttoo and aspects of the bbee self-sustaining for 1100 mobilisation process, removing 20 tonnes capabilities. in particular the In five years days.days. ThThee TaskTask ForceForce TeamTeam mobilisation card of concrete from a car time (2017) the NSW Leader, a hihighlyghly trained which was developed Task Force will be FRNSW senior officer, is by one of the current required to undertake rresponsibleesponsible for all facets of a reclassification USAR instructors, Task Force operations.i SO Russell Turner, to streamline the exercise. Between now and then, the reception and processing of Task Force NSW Task Force will have to ensure The Task Force is broken members prior to deployment. A number areas earmarked for improvement by into four multi-agency of the overseas and interstate visitors the IEC classifiers, for example greater integration of the canine and technical operational teams, at the exercise commented on how supp orted by sppe cialists successful the card was and expressed search capabilities, have been properly interest in implementing a similar system addressed, and the team will continue to ssuchuch as doctors, paramedicsparamedics for their own mobilization process. look for new and improved practices. andand enengineers.gineers. This enables Commissioner Mullins said he The multi-agency working group the Task Force to sustaini was very proud of everyone involved in will continue to meet to ensure ongoing 24-hour operations over the this project. coordination between the agencies, course of the deployment.deployment. “So many people have contributed in the lead-up to reclassification to the NSW Task Force successfully exercise. QEND

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Hardman: John Boxer Chaplains Lyndsay and Dawn Smith

SF Mark Dobson, Wellbeing Co-ordinator

Look after yourself

Firefighters are champions when it comes to looking after their fellow crew members and their equipment, but they often neglect to look after themselves.

his is especially true when it comes to mental health, according to Senior CommonCommon sisignsgns of mental health difficulties TFirefighter Mark Dobson, the Wellbeing Co-ordinator. Is there a significant difference in the It’s time for you to speak to a Peer “Firefighters often think they’re way one of your mates is behaving lately? Support Team member, a chaplain, bullet-proof,” SF Dobson said. Q much more agitated than usual counsellor or GP if you: “They can be reluctant to ask for help Q having more conflicts with other people Q have a feeling of constantly being for mental health problems because they overwhelmed think it might affect their work, or that Q usually quiet, but lately much their peers will think less of them.” more rowdy; or Q feel like you’re much more short-tempered with everyone “But in all the cases I’ve seen, Q usually rowdy, but now much their peers have been very supportive. more withdrawn Q have difficulty keeping your mind They won’t judge you.” on the job at hand Hardman John Boxer plays Bobo in Fat Pizza, and Firefighters have the same stresses staff who are affected by a particular more recently a hardman in the soon that can affect the general population, incident or an accumulation of incidents. to be released The Great Gatsby. He including financial worries or family This team of volunteers may also provide came to City of Sydney Fire Station in difficulties. But as first responders, support by attending critical incidents October to spread a simple message: it firefighters can be exposed to potentially such as the Quakers Hill Nursing doesn’t matter if you’re the dangerous and stressful Home fire and have been sent on USAR roughest or toughest, we all scenes. deployments. need help. “It can be hard to make However over the past two years the Most people will have a “It felt like that first phone call or have focus shifted to be more proactive. mental health problem at a weight had that first conversation if The 50 firefighters who are peer some point in their lives. you’re having difficulties,” support team members each visit four At any one time, 20% of the been lifted” SF Dobson said. stations a year to promote the program, population is living with a “But the most common so firefighters know they can get help. mental health problem. thing I hear is, ‘why the hell “We’re hoping to de-stigmatise mental Anxiety and depression didn’t I call earlier’.” health,” SF Dobson said. are the most common. Substance abuse “One guy told me it felt like a weight “If you had a leg injury, you would do causes problems and makes it harder to had been lifted.” something about it. It’s just the same for deal with other difficulties. The Critical Incident Support Program your mental health.” QEND was established in 1990 as a contact for 10

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 A firefighter speaks: ‘My battle with depression’

A firefighter* won his battle with depression. My psychologist helped me look at things from a These are his words. different angle and look for evidence that challenged my negative thoughts. I never thought that I’d be a candidate for depression and I no longer see my psychiatrist or psychologist and anxiety. Firefighters are strong and resilient and tough. am no longer on medication They don’t break down. My wife and kids have noticed a huge improvement At least that’s what I thought during many years in me. I feel better in myself. I still have days when I’m o service. down, but they are far outnumbered by the good days. I got to the point that where I couldn’t cope with my I have also learnt a few things along the way job anymore. I hated going to work. I was anxious at to getting better, and that’s part of the reason I’m work and I would be upset on the way home. I wasn’t writing this. sleeping and was tired all the time. There are people within the organisation I was short tempered and that care. The staff in Health and Safety aggressive with my wife and kids, Branch are there to support and help. although I didn’t realise it at the time. I “My wife and If you don’t connect with your psychologist became withdrawn at home. kids have or psychiatrist after a couple of sessions, ask At work, I hid behind a façade of noticed a huge to be referred to someone else. humour. One incident was the straw You have to trust and be comfortable that broke the camel’s back. I lost it. I improvement with the people that are helping you. It was couldn’t cope anymore. in me.” the third psychologist that I ended up being I was advised to see the BMO, who comfortable with and who assisted me to get referred me to a psychologist. back on track. It was the best thing that could have Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Depression happened to me. effects not only you but the people around you. I went to my GP and was referred to a psychiatrist. If you aren’t comfortable in dealing with people My psychiatrist prescribed medication and continued within FRNSW, seek help outside. There are many good sessions with the psychologist. organisations that can help. Your GP can set you up At first I had sessions with the psychologist with a mental health plan, the Black Dog Institute has every week. We covered my reactions to the events heaps of on-line resources and there are plenty of phone that had led me down the path of depression. The services available. sessions were difficult – it’s hard to admit your feelings I never thought FRNSW wanted to get rid of me, I just and weaknesses. wasn’t comfortable asking for help. I felt that I had failed my family, that I was not the person that I thought I was, that I had over-reacted to the *Name withheld. Interactions with the peer support events. I questioned everything I believed about myself. team remain confidential.

What’s available All calls and appointments are completely confidential.

Peer Support Team 1 This team offers help to employees who are affected by individual traumatic incidents or a cumulative effect over their career, as well as support for general mental health issues. A list of the peers can be found in the phone directory on the Intranet under phone directory lists.

Employee Assistance Program 2 A service funded by FRNSW, it will connect you to a counsellor. It’s confidential and solution-focused. It is available for all FRNSW employees and their immediate family members. Call 1300 360 364.

Your GP 3 Ask for a referral to a psychologist. Medicare will pay for 12 sessions a year, and FRNSW will cover the gap between the counsellor’s fee and the Medicare rebate.

Manager Assist Program 4 A service through our EAP provider. Advises managers how to deal with someone with a mental health problem or assists when having to have a difficult conversation with an employee. Don’t put off having a conversation with someone who might need help. Call 1300 360 364.

Chaplains 5 Chaplaincy seeks to provide emotional support and care to all employees and their families during times of stress and major life events. Whether the issues relate to work, to home, to relationships or health, the Chaplains offer confidential and non-judgemental care and support. Contact Lyndsay Smith on 0418 869 280, Dawn Smith on 0418 268 754, or chaplain@fire.nsw.gov.au.

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 The average number of cigarette-related fires has halved since the introduction of reduced fire risk cigarettes. But it may be too early to determine the precise cause of the reduction.

Winning the WAR against cigarette fires

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 or experienced fire investigators, territory governments, fire services Dramatic drop it’s a classic scenario that is always and a number of consumer groups What is more certain is that over a 25 year tragic for all involved. subsequently supported the push. period, there has been a dramatic 53% F A fire victim, often elderly and From March 2010, all cigarettes made drop in cigarette-related fires, from living alone, falls asleep while smoking, or imported into Australia had to be 1,490 in 1987/88 to 716 last financial year. perhaps in the lounge room in front of the reduced fire-risk, with retailers given six There are many possible causes TV, or while lying in bed. months to clear old stock. for the remarkable decline in A smouldering cigarette drops onto Deputy Commissioner Jim Smith cigarette-related fires. Fewer people carpet or furnishings, and slowly ignites recently asked FRNSW’s Strategic smoke, and there are regulations forcing a fire that engulfs the Information Unit to analyse mattresses and upholstered furniture room. The victim, impeded trends related to cigarette to be more resistant to fires. Mandatory by alcohol or medication, Cigarette-related fires. The report assessed smoke alarms and fire prevention or just gradually the impact of the special programs have also had a big effect, anaesthetised by the fires fell from reduced fire cigarettes. with the possibility that many small fires smoke, never wakes up. 121 to 57 It found that in FRNSW go unreported. The introduction areas, the average number In time, we will be able to judge of reduced fire-risk of cigarette related fires-risk more accurately whether reduced cigarettes, a national fell from 121 to 57 each fire-risk cigarettes are contributing initiative of FRNSW, will hopefully month since the introduction of reduced to the remarkable decline in cigarette make this scenario less likely to occur fire-risk cigarettes. related fires. The early data reinforce the from now on. However, with little more than two intuitive view that this measure will save FRNSW strongly advocated for years of data, it is still too soon to declare many lives. QEND the introduction of cigarettes that are that reduced fire-risk cigarettes have designed to self-extinguish if the smoker had a long-term impact, statistically does not draw on them. All state and significant impact on fire trends.

Homebush FIRE INCIDENT

SO Scott Dodson briefing the media

Firefighters rescue Numerous 000 calls reported an explosion and fire on the balcony of a three-storey unit block in Henley Rd, Homebush family from shortly before 2300 hours on Wednesday 29 August balcony after crew from 30 Lidcombe arrived gas leaking from a deteriorated gas line within minutes, followed closely on a barbecue. by 16 Concord and 15 Burwood. It appeared the gas had leaked out GAS A They found a second-level and was ignited by an electrical spark unit well alight and sent a “Red” from the split-system airconditioning message, saying they were evacuating unit on the balcony, resulting in an explosion about 150 residents from the block and explosion and fire. required additional crews to assist. The barbecue hadn’t been used for Firefighters quickly brought the fire several months and the cylinder had not 29 23:00 under control. been turned off. AUG Firefighters also rescued a family Fortunately no-one was injured of five, including a two-year-old child during this incident, but it emphasised and an elderly woman, who were the need to remind householders to stranded on a balcony due to the check their barbecues, especially during smoke-logged stairwell. the warmer months. Ambulance paramedics assessed The incident received wide media the family before they were transported coverage with SO Scott Dodson to hospital as a precaution. speaking to the media at the scene The explosion and resulting fire and raising awareness of LPG safety. were believed to have been caused by QEND

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 PROFILE Fire vehicle repairer Evan Holborow

It takes a certain level of devotion to be a FRNSW fire vehicle repairer.

ar from being tucked away in the The appliance had blown an air hose services, otherwise the next-closest truck Greenacre workshop, repairers and had become a sitting duck, while the might be ten minutes away,” Evan said. such as Evan Holborow are on the bottles threatened to explode and possibly The repairers are rostered Ffront line of service provision. throw shrapnel towards the truck. The round-the-clock for on-call duties to If a fire appliance is ever struck by urgent repairs helped firefighters douse fix appliances that could be struck by mechanical difficulties during an incident, the flames and avoid an explosion. mechanical difficulties anywhere in the urgent repairs can be crucial. The repairers undertake maintenance Greater Sydney Area. At a factory fire at Marrickville in early on all the FRNSW Fleet including all “If a truck has broken down at 1am, 2012, Evan was called to fix an appliance fire appliances and other specialist we’re there,” Evan said. with a broken cooling pump. A quick equipment including fire “It doesn’t matter if it’s repair got the appliance up and running pumps, ladder trucks, rain, hail or shine – if a truck is so it could be used to help put out the fire. and special All Terrain in a gutter with water gushing He was once called to repair an Vehicles used in the If a truck is down, we have to get in there appliance at a fire in Guildford, where snow fields. in a gutter with and fix it. a welder’s oxy acetylene bottles had There are 20 “We strive to go above caught alight. repairers in the Fleet water gushing and beyond to get it back on maintenance section. down, we the road.” This is made up of heavy In addition to being on the vehicle mechanics, get in there call out roster there are also aerial fitters, body and fix it. three lube service vehicles builders and specialist constantly on the road, auto electricians. maintaining appliances in every corner of the State. Body builders Evan enjoys the change of The body builders repair all parts of scenery when he travels, but still a vehicle’s body from ladder brackets to misses his family. doors and cabins. The fire trucks have a lot of specialist custom-made brackets Passion for engines which need very careful attention. He joined FRNSW six years ago, after Laptops have become an qualifying as a diesel mechanic at tech indispensable tool, allowing the repairers and spending 10 years in the private to communicate directly with the sector. computer in the engine of each appliance, “I’ve always had a passion for anything diagnosing faults and finding solutions. with an engine in it, and I love using my While not every repair is urgent, the hands,” Evan said. repairers are still conscious that a timely “I like Fire & Rescue – you get turn-around will put an appliance back more variety, more responsibility and in service, taking pressure off the service opportunity than in the private sector, exchange vehicle fleet. where you’re just working on the same “It’s satisfying to get a truck back on site every day.” QEND the road and able to provide emergency 14

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Sydney RESCUE INCIDENT

Passengers rescued from monorail

24 SEP 14:00

A power outage in part of the CBD stranded people on the monorail in Sydney’s CBD on Monday 24 September.

hortly after 1400 hours, leading to concerns of rising temperature restored to the surrounding area crews responded to calls of inside the cars. including the monorail at 4.45pm. people trapped in two sets FRNSW responded aerial appliances Firefighters had previously Sof cars on the 3.6 kilometre from City of Sydney, Glebe and carried out regular drills rehearsing monorail loop. Darlinghurst, and the Police Rescue procedures required for dealing with One of the sets, with about Squad also responded. such an eventuality. The incident 50 people on board, was stuck on Firefighters used aerials to reach the highlighted the value of such Darling Drive on the western side stranded monorail cars where they forced exercises, enabling the evacuations to of Darling Harbour. The other, with the doors open, allowing Ambulance proceed efficiently. 27 people on board, was stuck at paramedics to enter and check the The aerial platforms – some of the intersection of Liverpool and condition of those inside. Firefighters then which were purchased with monorail Day streets. progressively evacuated people to safety. operations firmly in mind – were Those trapped included children. Ambulance paramedics assessed key to the effective and co-ordinated The power outage also meant around 30 people for heat-related rescue. QEND air-conditioning wasn’t operating, dehydration. Power was eventually

15

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Identical room without sprinklers Major WIN for fire safety

Putting new sprinkler systems into established nursing homes is a very expensive job.

RNSW has been instrumental in First, it had to be established Their test-burns in January 2012 in working with the industry and how many nursing homes would full-scale replicas of the nursing home other NSW Government agencies need sprinklers. rooms showed most, if not all, occupants Fto develop policy and legislation Current legislation requires Class would have survived if the rooms had that will save lives. 9c nursing homes built since 2002 to had sprinklers. Retrofitting sprinkler systems was have sprinklers, but nobody knew how With no sprinklers, temperatures estimated to cost about $5,570 per bed, many of the older nursing homes did not reached 1167 degrees Celsius. based on the bills for past fit-outs. That have them. But with sprinklers, temperatures adds up to about $172 million for the Local firefighters did the legwork reached a maximum of 75 degrees at whole industry. and visited ceiling level, and less on The NSW Government 86% of nursing the ground. The sprinklers was understandably cautious homes across activated after 4 minutes about forcing a large extra 55% did not NSW, checking Temperatures and 40 seconds and brought cost on nursing homes, have sprinklers whether reached 1167 C the fire under control within especially community-based sprinkler a further 30 seconds. facilities that typically have systems were Backed by the solid little cash to spare. present for a scientific research, FRNSW Nursing homes would have to pass NSW Government survey. was able to confidently advise that on the costs to the elderly and their Out of the 888 Commonwealth- sprinklers would have activated soon families, or if that were not possible, they accredited aged-care facilities, a after the smoke alarm. The sprinklers might have to close facilities, which could disturbing 55% did not have sprinklers. would almost certainly contain the fire, make it difficult for the elderly to find But would sprinklers actually make a significantly reducing the temperature of proper care. difference? the smoke. The FRNSW Fire Investigation and Legwork Research Unit (FIRU) conducted crucial Industry support In a textbook example of how to achieve research the effectiveness of sprinklers However, one crucial factor was still a major positive reform, FRNSW (see ‘Research yields results for needed: industry support. contributed to a strong policy proposal FIRU’, p23). Unless there was wide support among that helped convince all stakeholders the nursing home providers who would that the reform would be worthwhile. have to implement the changes, the policy

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 In the room with sprinklers, the fire did not spread beyond the bed

Quakers Hill How the fire developed proposal could have failed to take off. The Quakers Hill Nursing Home fire on The NSW Government held a forum on 7 February 2012 to consult 18 November 2011 resulted in multiple deaths and representatives of the commercial and 32 injuries. The cause of most deaths is likely to not-for-profit aged care providers. The have been the inhalation of super-heated smoke. Commissioner spoke strongly in support of sprinklers, then showed a video of the FRNSW was directed to the smaller of two fires research burns. “The pictures did the talking,” he said. and quickly extinguished it, initially unaware of The industry broadly supported the second fire. retrofitting sprinklers as a fire safety measure, but wanted to be given time to The smoke compartments protected the rest of implement the change. the building as intended but, over time, confined The NSW Government then proposed a three-year phase-in, to prevent any large amounts of hot toxic smoke from the shortage of contractors who would have well-developed second fire, posing an extreme to install sprinklers. hazard to occupants of that wing. Nursing homes could also apply for extensions of a further year in special The conditions made evacuating residents circumstances. The government proposes that extremely difficult. nursing homes show on signs out the front and on their websites whether they Excluding the Quakers Hill fire, there have been have installed sprinklers. at least 27 fatalities in aged care facilities in NSW This may be more effective in since 1981 due to nine separate fires. There have encouraging nursing homes to adopt the change as early as possible, rather than been nearly 2000 other fires in aged care facilities simply rely on the threat of large fines. over that period, with many non-fatal injuries. QEND

1717

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Port Botany

The new heavy hazmat appliance at City of Sydney

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 HAZMAT Shipping INCIDENT container sent to ‘elephant room’

11 SEP 09:00

major hazmat response was The spill area on the ship was mounted on 11 September neutralised. Initial tests on the when a ship at Port Botany liquid, including the PH level, were A had a container leaking what inconclusive. was believed to be sodium hydroxide. The leaking container was The operation lasted from 0900hrs placed on a spill truck and moved to 2000hrs and required a total of 21 to the port’s so-called “elephant crews to rotate through the operation. room”, which is large enough to First to arrive on the scene were accommodate a shipping container 56 Matraville and the Heavy Hazmat and contain any leaks. The container from 13 Alexandria. Upon arrival of was safely opened and investigated. the Duty Commander from Georges QEND River the incident was upgraded to a 3rd Alarm.

New vehicles

Station Zone Subclass Class Configuration Make Model Style Commissioned

Nelson Bay MN3 Class 3 Pumper Pri-Res Scania P320 4000LPM-SEM 27/09/12 Neutral Bay ME2 Class 3 Pumper Std Scania P320 4000LPM-SEM 17/09/12 Bondi ME1 Class 3 Pumper Std Scania P320 4000LPM-SEM 31/08/12 Kogarah MS2 Class 3 Pumper Std Scania P320 4000LPM-SEM 21/08/12 Randwick MS2 Class 3 Pumper Std Scania P320 4000LPM-SEM 31/07/12 Lane Cove ME2 Class 3 Pumper Std Scania P320 4000LPM-SEM 31/07/12 Batemans Bay RS1 Class 3 Pumper Pri-Res Scania P320 4000LPM-SEM 25/07/12 Cessnock MN3 Class 3 Pumper RAR Scania P320 4000LPM-SEM 23/07/12 Maitland MN3 Class 3 Pumper Std Scania P320 4000LPM-SEM 23/07/12 Counter Terrorism DSO Hazmat Special Scientific Mercedes 416 CDI MWB Scientific 2/08/12 Revesby ME3 Pumper Aerial RAR Scania P340 Telesqurt 15M 9/08/12 Penrith MW1 Pumper Aerial Std Scania P360 Telesqurt 15M 18/05/12 Huntingwood MW1 Pumper Aerial RAR Scania P340 Telesqurt 15M 20/02/12

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 AFAC/Bushfire CRC Conference

A CFU volunteer Diverse country finds common ground

The joint AFAC/Bushfire CRC Conference had a good mix of speakers for both urban and rural firefighters.

elivered under the theme Diverse Commissioner Mullins introduced The first speaker on the panel was Country. Common Ground, the Arlington County Fire Department Fire FRNSW Station Officer Morgan Cook from conference last August had more Chief, James Schwartz, who used a the FIRU, who delivered a paper on the Dthan 90 sessions. number of case studies – including “Build It and Burn It” fire research (see One of the keynote speakers, the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon – to article below). demographer Bernard Salt from illustrate how best to prepare for, and Also at the conference, Inspector Nick accounting firm KPMG, pointed to the manage, a major crisis Ferrante spoke on the Blue large number of baby boomers reaching response. Card Incident Management retirement age. FRNSW Assistant Training System, and Many of these boomers will want to Commissioner Mark Brown Case studies Assistant Commissioner volunteer, and Mr Salt discussed some of chaired a panel on good included the Brown delivered a the best ways to make use of the group. practice in urban firefighting. 9/11 attacks on paper on implementing Key issues addressed at the Increasing risks in the our new Operational conference included the drivers shaping built environment, and the Pentagon Capability System emergency management, how diversity the introduction of new (see articles following). and resilience shape community technologies, bring with Assistant Commissioner expectations, the risks in different them new challenges to Brown also introduced two environments, and the importance urban firefighting. speakers from Western Australia’s Fire of leadership and accountability in & Emergency Services Authority (FESA): incident management. Flashover in three minutes Stephen Johnston, who spoke about the “Fires will develop more rapidly in challenges posed by alternative power Managing complex incidents structures due to modern furnishings sources such as solar power systems and FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins and linings that can lead to flashover new electrical industry procedures, and chaired a session on the interdisciplinary in residential structures in two to three Murray Bawden, who spoke about the approach to managing complex incidents. minutes, rather than the seven to fire dangers of scrap metal yards after In a crisis, it can be more effective 10 minutes experienced in the 1980s,” FESA experienced a number of significant to work across the usual boundaries of Assistant Commissioner Brown said. deep-seated fires in “enormous” scrap jurisdiction and professional disciplines. metal piles. QEND

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Fire & Rescue News : December 20122012 Assistant Commissioner Mark Brown

Training with foam

“ here are significant challenges There should be documented procedures Operational in developing and managing on the best way to perform rescues. A risk new operational capabilities, assessment would allow the organisation Capability Tsuch as reptile handling or to weigh-up the dangers, and find ways to swift water rescues,” said Assistant improve the safety of all concerned. Commissioner Brown, FRNSW Director meets the of Operational Capability. Inputs “At the same time, our core business Operational capability is made up of an challenges of fighting fires is changing, because organisation’s personnel, its structure, there are changing risks in the built training, equipment, facilities, support, of a complex environment and the introduction of new information used for decision making, technologies.” and ‘doctrine’ such as the Standard Operational Guidelines. working Swift water rescue All of these inputs need to be The issue of swift water rescues provides managed across their lifecycle. environment a good illustration of some of the issues Once you identify what services faced when developing, implementing and must be delivered, you can specify the maintaining a new or indeed an existing, operational requirements. You can then operational capability. implement the capabilities, manage, and Many questions inevitably arise. For eventually withdraw and dispose of them example, should FRNSW perform these if required. rescues? What “This approach Assistant Commissioner equipment, training, represents a major Mark Brown delivered organisational Major shift in the way shift in the way structure, and that we will do a paper about the information flows do we will do business business and has complexities of we need to deploy application to fire implementing a crews to safely and and emergency effectively rescue services throughout new Operational people from fast-moving flood waters? Australasia,” Assistant Commissioner Capability System. For years, firefighters had performed Brown said. swift water rescues. However, the “Whether it’s a rapid response to Queensland floods of January 2011 a structure fire or working alongside allowed FRNSW to gain a much better the Rural Fire Service for many weeks understanding of some of the risks during a campaign event, our ‘operational involved in the task. capability’ is our ability to deliver services Swift water rescues require within specified time frames, and then specialised equipment, and the sustain that service delivery for the time equipment should be checked regularly. required.” QEND

2121

Fire & Rescue News : December 20122012 AFAC/Bushfire CRC Conference Training the trainers

What’s the best way to train fire officers in incident management?

or the past two years, FRNSW methods used to train surgical teams “With Incident Management, you really has been trialling the Blue Card and aviation crews — rather than simply need a simulated environment that offers Incident Management training stating how to do something, Blue Card the same challenges and chances for Fsystem, which was developed by aims to capture and correct the inevitable error as the real thing.” the Phoenix Fire Department in the US. errors that sneak in when a person is at Insp Ferrante’s key findings had Blue Card incorporates a 50 hour the very edge of their cognitive capacity. important lessons for the early stages of online theory course followed by three The system incorporates the key an incident. full days of practical simulation training principles of the Australian “Without compulsory to teach Incident Controllers how to Inter-Service Incident staging, the first Incident effectively manage the huge amount of Management System Controller will become confusing information at an emergency (AIIMS), but the training in You can’t learn quickly overwhelmed with incident while maintaining a strong a simulated environment to swim by the complexity of managing focus on safety. is focused on the urban swinging your incoming resources,” Inspector Nick Ferrante managed environment, and in he said. the evaluation and delivered a paper particular, on structure fires. arms in The Commissioner, on the experience. “You can’t learn to a classroom who originally introduced swim by swinging your ICS based on the Phoenix Human factors arms in a classroom,” Fire Department “Fire He explained how the training system Insp Ferrante said. Command” system back in focuses on the human factors of incident 1995, has approved extension of the Blue management. It applies some of the Card trial in 2013. QEND

Incident controller at work

A typical page from the BlueCard online course

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Fire & Rescue News : December 20122012 hen the predecessor of the Fire FRNSW Commissioner to strongly Investigation and Research advocate to the State Government that Unit (FIRU) was born 25 years sprinklers should be made mandatory in Wago, researchers were mostly all aged care facilities in NSW. FIRU concerned with arson investigation and the high number of fires with an Major reform research “undetermined” cause. In a major policy reform, the government Their work was focused mainly on decided to accept and implement the establishing the cause and origin of fires, advice, with the Planning Minister Brad yields and training specialist fire investigators. Hazzard specifically referring to the SO Morgan Cook, a research officer graphic evidence provided by Fire & results in the FIRU, delivered a presentation Rescue NSW. explaining how the unit now gives greater While sprinklers have been used for the priority to fire research, including “Build It for the past 130 years, they have been and Burn It” projects. installed mainly in mills, factories, The best example was a project that warehouses and department stores. community tested some of the theories that came out “Traditionally, sprinklers and of the tragic Quakers Hill Nursing Home compartmentation were aimed more at fire in November 2011, in which more property protection,” SO Cook said. The FIRU ‘build it, burn it’ than 20 elderly people lost their lives. “To protect life, we rely on smoke The researchers reconstructed and detection and early warning, with method yielded important ignited four scale models of the rooms appropriate egress. results for the community involved in the fire. “But what about vulnerable groups “The results were beyond what we had like the disabled and elderly in a variety of after the Quakers Hill hoped,” SO Cook said. residential care settings, who simply can’t nursing home tragedy. In one comparison, identical rooms evacuate without assistance? with identical fuel loads were set alight “With an ageing population, with identical methods. Only one of the it is important to look at the role rooms had sprinklers, showing the stark sprinklers can play as part of the difference the devices could make in a ‘life-safety’ package.” nursing home setting. SO Cook was recently awarded a That evidence, along with other Churchill Fellowship, which will enable research and experience, allowed the him to study and learn from fire research organisations overseas. QEND

Quakers Hill Nursing Home – Daily Telegraph

Daily Telegraph

2323

Fire & Rescue News : December 20122012 Building codes SAVE lives

The Structural Fire Safety Unit (SFSU) works on the front line to ensure major new developments will be safe for firefighters and occupants.

ast September, a fire in a textile This includes ensuring the building liquids which provides buoyancy to a factory in Karachi provided a is provided with appropriate fire safety theatrical smoke that is entrained in the horrific reminder of the importance systems, such as early fire detection and heat plume. Lof building codes. notification, and measures to minimise Superintendent Chris Jurgeit, There were few fire exits, and most of the chance of any fires spreading. manager of the SFSU, said their them were locked or barred. As a result, models also take into account the 289 workers perished in the smoke Modelling works “characteristics” of the building and flames. Analysing building plans, the fire and occupants, such as whether any could be Australia’s building codes have been structural engineers use sophisticated elderly or use a wheelchair. shaped by years of experience from some computer models to predict how a real “We spend a lot of time calculating of the worst fires in history. fire would behave. how long it would take before the smoke There were major reforms after the This needs to be undertaken by begins to affect people,” Supt Jurgeit said. Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New suitably qualified people and involves a “Then we look at how long it would York in 1911, which killed more than number of assumptions or judgements. take people to safely evacuate. 141 people. More recently, the Quakers SFSU is involved as a stakeholder in “That’s the big question – would the Hill Nursing Home fire in November 2011 this process and aims to ensure this is occupants have enough time to get out lead to legislative reforms that made undertaken appropriately. of the building before the fire begins to sprinklers mandatory in all nursing “Hot smoke” tests can also be affect them? homes (see ‘Major win for fire safety’, performed during the commissioning “We always adopt a conservative page 16). phase of a building to verify the interfacing approach which recognises that FRNSW’s Structural Fire Safety and operation of fire safety systems such sometimes things don’t work Unit (SFSU) works on the frontline to as smoke detection systems and smoke as designed.” ensure major new developments will be hazard management systems. Using computer modelling, fire designed with occupant’s and firefighter’s These tests use a pre-determined engineers can also determine why safety in mind. number of trays containing burning a particular fire became such an extreme event. 24

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Images Courtesy Barangaroo Development Authority

Artist’s impression of the three main towers

This method was valuable when “We can provide an exemption from “It can be a challenge explaining the investigating the fire in the Bankstown a fire safety feature if it doesn’t improve dangers of a fire that has five megawatts high-rise apartment building. Two young the building’s fire safety and would just be of radiant heat – the equivalent of women had jumped from a fifth-floor an unnecessary expense, both to provide, standing close to 2000 radiators,” window to escape the extreme heat, but and to maintain,” Supt Jurgeit said. Supt Jurgeit said. tragically only one survived. “The deletion of sprinklers in a Computer modelling was also used large building used to manufacture Barangaroo development after the Childers Backpacker fire concrete products would in most cases The SFSU is currently assessing one of in Queensland. be supported, provided other supporting Australia’s biggest projects, the $6 billion The estimates of evacuation times fire safety features (such as suitable Barangaroo development on the western take into account changes in the average perimeter vehicular access) are included side of Sydney’s CBD. size of Australians over past decades in the design. The first stage of the development will (called Anthropometry), which has “Space is always at a premium on the include three skyscrapers above a podium affected how quickly a group of say 20 ground floor of commercial and retail with carparking beneath it. The first stage people can pass buildings, so there’s also has several medium and low-rise through an exit always a request to commercial buildings. doorway to a place move the fire control “One of the questions was whether of relative safety. Five megawatts rooms and booster we should have a separate booster set for Superintendent of radiant heat is pump rooms. each of the buildings, or a single booster Jurgeit said “We try to be set for all of them,” Supt Jurgeit said. every building is equivalent to standing flexible, but we’d “We decided to allow a single booster different, and each close to 2000 radiators. never allow a change for the site, which could be out of the way may require a that would endanger and reduce convergence and congestion different solution firefighters or the of appliances during an incident. to the problems of building occupants.” “Like many issues in structural fire fire safety. Developers often employ their safety, it was a judgement call. There It would be easy to insist that every own building consultant. They need to are pros and cons for each side. In the building adopt the same fire-safety maximise the profitability of a project, end, the developer’s engineers reverted measures. But depending on the design although they may not thoroughly to a ‘prescriptive’ solution which had of the building, many of these measures understand the needs of fire safety, or the individual booster assemblies.” QEND would be completely unnecessary – such safety of firefighters when responding to as a smoke exhaust fan in an area with an incident in their development. an open roof. 25

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 A SECOND calling

PROFILE

Senior Firefighter Brian Deans

Comms Centre operators lay it on the line!

s a popular film character once a veteran of more than 20 years and a as well, of course, as learning new philosophised: “Life is like a box newly-appointed operator – to find out operating systems from time to time,” of chocolates – you never know just what it takes to be a fire emergency SFF Deans said. A what you’re gonna get”. call-taker. There have always been challenges It is an adage that easily applies to – both with technology and dealing with Fire & Rescue NSW’s Communications Sydney Comms – Brian Deans the public. Centre operators each time they answer Senior Firefighter Brian Deans has “What you have are highly trained a Triple Zero (000) call. Fires and 22 years’ experience in provincial, operators working in a tense and emergencies of every nature; pleas to regional and Sydney communications challenging environment,” SFF Deans said. rescue beloved pets from precarious and has been through four dispatch “Back in the mid-80s when the system positions; or prank calls – call-takers system upgrades. crashed you wheeled out a white board never know what is waiting for them on “I joined the NSW Fire Brigades and took it from there. Technology has the other end of the line. in 1979 and, after five years at three come a long way since then. Back then stations, I was looking for a different the computer running the system had a challenge and one that would broaden my 5 megabyte capacity and it was the size career path,” he said. of a kitchen.” You get 100s of “I took up a The explosion in calls for every little position at Sydney mobile phone ownership Communications The phone calls over the years has also grass fire because and, after two years, can be confronting had an impact on the everyone has a mobile I applied for a transfer workload in emergency to work in provincial services’ communication communications at centres. Albury as my family was keen to move “Even up until the mid-90s if there FRNSW’s call centres have a down there. The comms were run out of was a grass fire most people would have reputation for professionalism and the Albury watchroom and covered from to wait until they found a public phone or efficiency. Last financial year nearly the Albury area south to the border.” until they got home to ring it in, so you 97 per cent of fire emergency calls were After 8 ½ years at Albury, SFF would only get a handful of calls. These answered within 10 seconds, well above Deans returned to Sydney where he days, you can get hundreds of calls for the national benchmark of 90 per cent. was stationed at City of Sydney, then every little grass fire because everyone Technology plays a vital role in Marrickville, before moving to Sydney has a mobile phone.” the ability to dispatch the appropriate Communications for two years. He While being there to assist members equipment, appliances and personnel transferred to the Wollongong fire district of the public on what can often be the to incidents as quickly as possible. The and, in 2002, moved to the Wollongong worst day of their lives is one of the skills of the 100-plus staff members Communications Centre before relocating appealing aspects of the job, it can also be who are attached to the call centres are back to Sydney in June this year. frustrating and emotionally draining. equally paramount. “Every communications centre has “The level of hysteria of the caller can As FRNSW settles in to the new its own idiosyncrasies and way of doing make the job really hard for us. You have Emergency Services Computer- things,” he said. to try to settle them down – be a bit like a Aided Dispatch (ESCAD) system, Fire “There are protocols and responses counsellor. Everything is so time-critical. & Rescue News caught up with two particular to certain incidents and You have to get the correct information Communications Centre operators – infrastructure that you have to learn – out of them in a timely manner.

26

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 “Also, members of the public can be quite abusive. They sometimes expect a fire truck to be coming around the corner Blue Mountains the minute they make a call and will keep calling until one arrives. “The fatalities affect you the most, of FIRE course, because you aren’t there to help or do anything about it. We know someone INCIDENT has died before their family members do and you feel for them and the pain they are about to go through.” Newcastle Comms – Geoff Frith Qualified Firefighter Geoff Frith transferred to the Newcastle Communications Centre in August this year because he, too, had been looking for a new challenge. “I had worked at a number of stations – Hurstville, Cabramatta, Macquarie Fields, Liverpool and Crows Nest – and had been on the list for a transfer to Newcastle,” he said. “I am still getting used to things but what I have been really surprised Fatal house fires a tragic reminder about is how raw it can feel taking a Triple-Zero call. “When you turn out to a job as a firefighter you feel comfortable because you are in your turn-out gear and you are 10 AUG 21:00 with your crew. “When you take a call it is almost like There were three fatal house fires in the Blue Mountains turning up to a job by yourself and it is up in just three days from Friday 10 August to Sunday 12 August. to you to get it right. “I expected it to be intense and for there to be a lot of stress but what has arly on 10 August, fire the blaze, two crews in breathing surprised me is how the phone calls can communications received apparatus entered the house and be so confronting. numerous 000 calls to a house conducted a search and rescue in “It is the gravity of the situation – Ealight at Blaxland. Firefighters marginal conditions locating two having to get the correct information as from 301 Glenbrook and 102 unconscious people. quickly as possible from someone who is Regentville A Platoon responded. Firefighters carried them outside distressed or injured. On arrival, Regentville crews found and administered first aid until QFF Frith said what he enjoyed the most a split-level brick and tile house totally Ambulance paramedics arrived and about working in the Comms Centre was involved in fire. transported the couple to hospital. the team work and “watching the machine There were reports of two persons There is little doubt that in action” when there was a big incident. unaccounted for and the Station firefighters saved their lives. “Not long after I started, I had just Commander called for a 2nd Alarm. Firefighters also discovered a third taken the radios off an experienced guy The Glenbrook crew also arrived person inside the dwelling but sadly and there was a 3rd Alarm, then a 5th and firefighters attacked the fire and they were unable to be revived. Alarm and a 6th Alarm, then a house fire conducted a search and rescue under On the morning of Sunday and a hazmat incident within an hour difficult fire conditions. 12 August, firefighters from 301 and a half. The fire was extinguished but Glenbrook and 102 Regentville B “You do get an adrenaline rush. It is sadly one deceased person was found Platoon were called to another house not like the rush you get with physical in the home. in Blaxland after a resident returned action on the fire ground, but a real The second person was not home home to find the windows blackened mental rush.” at the time and was later located safe and the house filled with smoke. QFF Frith admits being a call-taker can and well. FIRU and NSW Police Force Tragically, a deceased person was be frustrating at times when it comes to investigated but the house was so also found in the dwelling. Firefighters dealing with some members of the public badly damaged that the cause of the wearing breathing apparatus and “remaining cool” with the system. fire remains undetermined. ventilated the premises and used a “I think some members of the general Also on Friday 10 August, crews thermal imaging camera to check for public think there is a call-taker in from 359 Lawson, 495 Wentworth any hot spots. every town. They ring up and, when you Falls and 361 Leura responded to a After conducting atmospheric ask them for a location, they might say house fire at 2100 hours. monitoring, firefighters stood by until something like ‘it’s where Billy Hicock The house was well alight when FIRU had finished the investigation. It rolled his car last week’ and expect you to firefighters arrived, and neighbours appeared that the fire, which started know where they are talking about.” reported two residents were missing. in the kitchen, had self-extinguished “But I understand we are talking While firefighters attacked due to lack of oxygen in the house. to people who are very stressed and QEND panicking. At the end of the day, our job is to help them and that is what we will always do.” QEND 27

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 A cast of thousands

28

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Whhatat to dodo next

TTo assist producers with selectinselectingg a suitable on-screen talent, a short ‘no frills’ video (maximum(maximum 3 minutes)minutes) ccan be sent* to MMCU on one of the ffollowingllowing formats:formats: The Media Ministerial and Communications Unit Q DVD,DVD, mini-DV or on CD-ROMCD-ROM as a .WMV, .MOV or MP4 (MMCU) has been approached by a UK based TThe aimaim ofof thisthis videovideo isis notnot toto production company, on behalf of the Discovery Channel, sshhowcase yyourselfourself as the next bbiig ththining iinn Hollywood, iitt iiss to interested in doing a program about FRNSW. ggive producers an idea oof:f: your eexperience,perience, specialisedspecialised skills, your normal station and how yyouou looklook// “he key to the success of this “Discovery has a real niche in ssouundnd onon camera.camera. program will be firefighters their programming,” said Andrew– a TTo assist, here are the key qquestionsuestions willing to participate and prepared former television professional whose tthat the producersproducers would likelike ttoo Tto have a television camera follow background includes six years working kknownow thethe answers toto:: them while on shift. closely with Seven’s multi-Logie award 1) What is youryour name?name? The reach for a program like this is winning program, Border Security, 22) How longg have yo u been a well into the millions,” said Assistant while head of communications for the firefighter?firefighter? Director MMCU Andrew Parsons. Immigration Department. “The audience would primarily be the “Their formula relies on: a problem, 3)3) WWhat specialised trainintrainingg do youyou North Americas, Western Europe and the intelligence and skill that goes into have as a firefifirefighter?ghter? Asian (including Oceania) markets.” developing a solution and the character, 44) Where are you stationed?stationed? The initial concept of the program is to or characters, who deliver that solution 55)) TellTell us aaboutbout wwherehere you worworkk focus on FRNSW’s capabilities and reach, for a positive outcome. (your(your station), what are the as well as technology, “It would be easy to types of jobs you go to, ie. what the diversity of location produce a ‘COPS’ style would be a ‘ty‘typicalpical day’ for you? and types of work being show where it’s job after 66) WhatWhat hhasas beenbeen oonene ooff ththee mmoreore done by firefighters Discovery wants to job, but Discovery wants to iinterestingnteresting or challenchallengingging jobs – both permanent see how one of the see how one of the world’s you’ve attended as a firefighter – and retained. world’s biggest fire biggest fire services – tell us about it, what did you do? “Traditionally, covering one of the biggest 7) Why would yyou like to be involved programs like this services does its land masses on earth – iinn this project?project? follow the formula of: does its job, and does it job, and does it well TThe final product, including the get aboard a fire truck well.” ‘performance’ and edit, does not and follow the crew,” To achieve the best on- have to win an Oscar. Keep it short, Andrew said. screen result, Discovery keep it real.. “This particular wants to choose a number concept wants to look more widely of firefighters (new and long serving) on SSend your application by Friday at FRNSW as a world class fire and shift, willing to volunteer their ‘on camera 18 JanuaryJanuary 2013 to: rescue service and the work being talent’ as a firefighter, and or expertise as MMCUMMCU – Discoveryy Projject done all around NSW. Initial talks a technical specialist. LLevelevel 10,10, 227227 Elizabeth StSt, revealed the production team are “Like in all productions involving SSydnedneyy NSW 20002000 keen to follow firefighters at various our firefighters, FRNSW will have the FurtherFurthrtherer infinformation:ormation: stations in various disciplines: HAZMAT, right to clear the final product before it ccall (02) 9265 29029077 rescue, fire investigators, technical goes to air and will work closely with the eemail media@fire.nsw.gov.aumedia@fire.nsw.gov.au specialists, engineers and radio Discovery Channel to ensure firefighters communications specialists.” and their capabilities are shown in the * SubmittedS media will not be returned, pleasep keep your own copy The key to the success of this program most professional and positive way”, will be firefighters willing to participate Andrew said. QEND and prepared to have a television camera follow them while on shift. 29

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Albury FIRE INCIDENT

Substation fire ignites 50,000 litres of oil

14 OCT 15:00

lbury fire crews could see the to contaminate the Murray River. to assist. The CFA Chief Officer, smoke while en route to a Contractors had to pump contaminated Euan Ferguson, was in Wodonga and reported fire at a high-voltage liquid from the bund and the RFS then attended the fire to speak to crews. He Atransformer at the Hume Weir pumped out the clean water. rang Commissioner Mullins to praise on Murray Street, Albury on Sunday 14 Firefighters successfully protected the efforts of FRNSW and the incident October. The pumper and tanker from nearby exposures, using hand lines to management team. The excellent 206 Albury North and aerial pumper prevent the fire spreading from one working relationship between the from 203 Albury were first on scene transformer, which was well alight, to services contributed to preventing a after FRNSW received the call shortly a nearby transformer which was behind major spillage of oil into the Murray before 1500 hours. a blast wall. River and limited damage to the By 1658 hours, power was Two compressed air foam units were surrounding ecosystem. shut off by Transgrid, who operate despatched from ACT Fire & Rescue in The CFA issued a warning about the high-voltage power lines, Canberra, but were called off when crews the thick plume of smoke that and Eraring Energy who own the gained control of the fire. 480 Wagga crossed the Hume Weir into Victoria. hydroelectricity generator. Only then Wagga hazmat van and foam trailer Some roads were closed, 510 people were firefighters able to begin using assisted while pumpers from 209 Albury evacuated from a nearby caravan park foam to extinguish the 50,000 litres of Civic and 268 Corowa provided welcome and a wedding had to be moved from a burning mineral oil. relief. nearby venue. Crews were hampered when Throughout the incident, FRNSW The fire was finally extinguished by the bund around the transformer worked closely with the local RFS and 0200 hours on Monday, 11 hours after overflowed and threatened the Victorian CFA which sent 4 pumpers it began. QEND

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 BFMC plans tested in major Incident Management Exercise

Bushfire Officers orchestrated a major bushfire management exercise on August 23. Bushfire Season Snapshot

ased in Greenacre, the exercise On the same day, FRNSW was As at 4 December 2012 was designed to test the FRNSW involved in the NSW State Operations Bushfire Incidents within Fire Control Centres in Lane Cove, Exercise, “K12”. FRNSW district greater than 1 ha Greenacre and Newcastle. The annual exercise tests the B (code 161 – forest or wood fire) 39 The exercise simulated the functions and coordinated management management of bushfires affecting of bushfire emergencies from the purpose CFU Activations 6 the John Hunter Hospital precinct in built facility at RFS headquarters. Newcastle, while a large fast moving fire Led by Assistant Commissioner Rob Hazard Reduction Burns 61 was burning along Chowder Bay Road in McNeil, IMT Charlie staffed the FRNSW CFU Pre-season Briefings 26 Mosman, threatening naval BICC and participated fuel oil supplies and tourist in the State Operations Section 44s declared 19 infrastructure. Centre functions, along Full activation of Bushfire Emergency warnings The day with fulfilling internal Incident Coordination Centre 0 would have to be issued strengthened reporting requirements Partial Activations of BICC 4 to communities in the working relations that would be required in affected areas and 200 a real event. State Operations Exercise – Krulak 2012 1 children would have to be amongst all As well as being evacuated by water from agencies involved in IMX K12, TOBANs declared 8 their school camp. FRNSW’s Bushfire Section Number of fire districts The exercise simulated assisted Operational affected by TOBANs 16 the simultaneous Command by incorporating activation of FRNSW Fire Control Centres the required annual testing of the FRNSW (FCC) in both Newcastle and Sydney, BFMCs Fire Control Centres located at Summer Weather Outlook staffed with a multi-agency Incident Lane Cove, Newcastle and Greenacre. Management Team from state and local Wetter summer likely for northeast NSW government representatives. Inspectors Promotion Program The southeast Australian outlook for The busy day of incident management December 2012 to February 2013 indicates: Relaying vital information exercises and training didn’t finish there Q a wetter than normal season is more likely In the exercise, information from the – an Inspectors Promotional Program for parts of northern and eastern NSW Incident Controllers was relayed into the (IPP) was also underway completing the FRNSW Bushfire Incident Coordination bushfire component of the course. Warm summer likely for VIC and TAS Centre (BICC) at the RFS headquarters. Bushfire Officer Terry Amor, along The southeast Australian temperature The information was vital for the State with staff from Command Leadership outlook averaged over December 2012 Emergency Management Controllers to Management (CLM) instructed on bushfire to February 2013 shows: develop and maintain a comprehensive theory and hazard reduction operations. Q warmer days more likely over Victoria, overview of state resources. In the afternoon, the activation cell Tasmania, and the southern parts It also assists in incident management provided a bushfire scenario as the IPP of SA and NSW and forward planning on a strategic, participants fulfilled the functional roles Q cooler days more likely in northeast NSW holistic scale. in an Incident Management Team to Bushfire Officer Robert Strauch said manage a Class 2 Bushfire. Facebook the two simulated bushfire emergencies “The day was a great success for all Look for the Community Fire Unit’s comprehensively tested the skills, involved,” BFO Strauch said. page on Facebook. Like the page and knowledge, and capability of Manly, The agencies included FRNSW, RFS, join the conversation. Facebook.com/ Mosman, North Sydney and Newcastle OEH-NPWS, Sydney Harbour Federation communityfireunits Bushfire Management Committees’ Trust, Defence, Police, Local Councils, Section 52 Operations Plans. Department of Health, John Hunter Hospital staff, Ausgrid and Sydney Water. www.facebook.com/frnsw QEND Twitter.com/firerescuensw 31

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Bushfire Officers help at burns across NSW

Spring brought several days with a Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) rating of over 24 (very high). Recent operations azard reductions cannot be Heath Langdon, Bushfire Officer Inner Hazard reduction by FRNSW has protected conducted on days with an FFDI West, said the planning process to get fire significant infrastructure and regions including: greater than 25 – conditions on the ground can be a lengthy process. Q Sydney Water Treatment Plant at North Head Hwhich tend to produce significant “Once an area is identified and Q Belrose Electrical Sub-station, bushfires, as demonstrated in the Central endorsed by the BFMC, the planning a major Sydney power infrastructure Coast and Newcastle areas in October. process begins,” BFO Langdon said. Q Holsworthy Army Base FRNSW Bushfire Officers assisted “Mapping of the site occurs to Q Ku-ring-gai Operational Commands determine containment Q Belrose across the state, taking lines, risks and issues Q Forestville advantage of the weather associated with Q Lane Cove conditions to complete Government this site.” essential hazard directed increasing Once this has been Q Palm Beach reduction work for the identified by the Bushfire Q Engadine / Waterfall / Alfords Point 2012/13 Bushfire Season. hazard reductions Officer, a burn plan is Q North Rocks The planning process by 20% written to identify all the Q North Parramatta to get fire on the ground risks associated with this Q Parramatta is determined by the operation and produces Q Hunters Hill Hazard Reduction Sub an operational plan to Q South Katoomba Committee that is coordinated out of the safely conduct the hazard reduction. Q Valley Heights Bushfire Management Committee (BFMC) “With the Government’s directive Q Lithgow of the local area. of increasing hazard reduction works Q Molong There are 67 BFMCs across the state. across all agencies by 20 percent, it was Q Warragamba These committees use the local Bushfire full steam ahead for the Bushfire Section Q Lake Macquarie Risk Management Plan to identify the to meet this target,” BFO Langdon said. Q Newcastle assets and the treatments of that area to QEND endorse any prescribed burning. Q Central Coast Q Wyong

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Milestone for St Ives and Pennant Hills CFUs

embers of two CFU units held throughout their teams. He sees their a street party in St Ives in biggest accomplishment as being able November to celebrate their to maintain community spirit throughout M10-year milestone. their neighbourhood over the past 10 The original unit, FHP-087 was years. formed by a group of neighbours in Pennant Hills based units MHP-029 2002. The unit split in 2009 to form and MHP-060, have had a similar history another unit, MHP-242. to the St Ives CFUs and also celebrated The units continue to train together. their 10-year anniversary in November. Their training schedule usually starts Combined, the units have 28 members, in September and runs for the duration 4 trainees, 2 cadets and 2 associate CFU member Bernice Miller pulling the of the fire danger period, meeting every members. pump on a tyre-trolley devised by the CFU. second Sunday of the month. Team Coordinator Bob Macdonald, a They undertake various activities founding member, considers the biggest including training scenarios, cleaning obstacle the units have overcome is out hydrants, maintaining equipment apathy towards bushfire awareness in and removing fuel sources in and their local area and believes team spirit around their property. and running social events is the key to Team Coordinator Lawrie Perrin their units’ success. attributes the success of their unit to Congratulations to members of regular training and communications as unit’s FHP-087, MHP-242, MHP-029 well as the strong mutual respect held and MHP-060. QEND

Surry Hills

Unconscious man rescued from burning unit FIRE INCIDENT Facebook.com/frnsw 27 11:00 OCT Thank-you messages from his family

Facebook message Facebook message LH: SB+GB:

This is to all of you involved in my Just adding our thanks to the brothers rescue. From a grateful message above from DB, that was sister with all my heart, thank you! our nephew you saved, we know We can’t live without you! oxoxox it’s “all part of the job” but we also know that that job is often taken for granted. Your actions in rescuing him from that blazing flat have, have Facebook message kept our family unit intact at this hortly before 1100hrs on Friday 27 October, time. Thank you again to all those a neighbour in a unit on Poplar St, Surry KL-B: involved in this terrible incident. Hills reported smoke billowing from a third-storey unit. I am adding my thanks and Facebook message S gratitude to all of the people City of Sydney firefighters arrived and involved in the rescue and saving of DB: immediately commenced a search and rescue our cousins life, as a family we are operation in SCBA where they found a 3rd floor eternally grateful for those of you who called 000 and then the brave To the members of 1 City of Sydney, unit to be well alight. fire fighters who put my cousins I would like to THANK YOU all from An unconscious man was found in the life first to find him & resuscitate myself and the members of my fire-affected apartment. Firefighters treated him him, no words can ever really family for rescuing and saving the express the depth of thanks and life of our beloved family member. with oxygen therapy until ambulance paramedics gratefulness to you that we feel. He is my younger cousin. Words arrived to take over treatment and transport him To the police & ambulance officers cannot describe the gratitude we to hospital. who attended also thank you. feel in our hearts for you all for the Meanwhile crews mounted an offensive attack Without everyone who assisted outstanding job done by all who no matter how small you think were involved in this call. If there is to rapidly control and extinguish the fire. you think your part was, our anything I personally can do for your A 2nd Alarm assignment brought a total of five family would be in a much sadder crew members or your station please appliances from City of Sydney, 4 Darlinghurst place at the moment. I hug you do not hesitate to ask. THANK YOU all tightly with my heart. All again for keeping him with us and and 38 Pyrmont to the scene. As a precaution, THANK YOU for the service you do 120 residents were evacuated from the day in and day out. From a brother eight-storey block. QEND firefighter in the NSWRFS.

33

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 New scheme to subsidise smoke alarms for the deaf

Colin Allen used to rely on his cats to alert him to the lifesaving sound of his smoke alarm.

“hat’s clearly not a dependable lights and vibrating under-pillow factor increases for anyone who cannot method,” Mr Allen, who is pads to supplement the sound of the hear a standard smoke alarm,” said deaf, said. alarms can rise to as much as $500,” Sharon Everson, Chief Executive Officer of T Smoke alarms are lifesaving Mr Constance said. the Deaf Society of NSW. devices – unless you can’t hear them. “That is why the subsidy scheme “The subsidy gives deaf, deafblind and Specialised smoke alarms that have has been introduced.” hard of hearing people in NSW the right to strobe lights and vibrating under-pillow “Cost will no longer be a reason make the same choices as everyone else pads have been available for people who people cannot access home safety about their home fire safety.” are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing for equipment that warns of a house fire.” Applications for the subsidy can be a long time, but at considerable cost. Commissioner Greg Mullins said made to the Deaf Society of NSW, which The new Smoke Alarm Subsidy this was an important step towards provides information and services to Scheme has been hailed as a saving lives. people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of saviour for those with a profound “It is mandatory to have a smoke hearing and their families. hearing impairment. alarm in every household where people sleep, but those who Firefighters commended for Sleep more easily are deaf or hard of supporting the deaf The $2 million scheme Risks increase for hearing cannot hear a Ingleburn Fire Station Captain Louis Hese is subsidising 3500 of standard smoke alarm. and Senior Firefighter Melanie Rebane, these specialised smoke anyone who cannot This lifesaving program FRNSW’s community safety coordinator, alarms so that those who hear a standard will see 3500 high-tech were commended for their efforts to are hard of hearing are smoke alarms go to ensure those who are hard of hearing not penalised. Instead of smoke alarm people in our community receive the specialised smoke alarms. paying the nearly $500 who are deaf, deafblind In 2006, Captain Hese used an NRMA for a specialised smoke or hard of hearing,” community grant to source and install 10 alarm, people who are Commissioner Mullins said. specialised smoke alarms for those with hard of hearing can get one for the cost of “For those eligible, firefighters from hearing impairments in his Campbelltown an average smoke alarm (around $50). your local fire station can come out and community. He did it again in 2007. “I sleep much more easily, knowing help install them.” Senior Firefighter Melanie Rebane that if there is a fire I have a chance to The scheme is a joint initiative took the work of Captain Hese and other escape,” Mr Allen said of his subsidised between the Deaf Society of NSW and NSW firefighters and turned it into the smoke alarm. FRNSW, with funding from Ageing, Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme. Senior NSW Minister for Disability Services, Disability and Home Care (ADHC). Firefighter Rebane spearheaded the new Andrew Constance, launched the “If the average person is twice as initiative in conjunction with the Deaf scheme in August. likely to die in a fire at home where a Society of NSW, helping to secure the “The average smoke alarm costs smoke alarm is not installed, the risk finances and the backing to roll it out around $50, but those with flashing across the state.QEND

34

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 SF Melanie Rebane A smoke alarm for the deaf Captain Louis Hesse

A firefighter helps install a smoke alarm alarm for the deaf

35

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Warren Yennora FIRE INCIDENT

All images of Warren incident Crew battles Smouldering cotton-bale fire cotton bales in strong winds difficult to quell

5 SEP 11:49 9 OCT 22:15

irefighters from 491 Warren Commanders from Dubbo also rews were called to an Automatic Fire Station were called to a fire responded, and aerial support was Fire Alarm at the Yennora involving cotton bales at a large also provided by two fixed wing Distribution Park in Fairfield Fcotton gin on the Oxley Highway water bombers dispatched by the Cat 2215 hours on Tuesday 9 at Warren, just before lunchtime on RFS. October. Wednesday 5 September, a hot, dry The fire had spread to an They immediately called for more and windy day. adjacent golf course, a rail bridge, resources on arrival as they could smell They arrived12 minutes later and and hundreds of cotton bales over smoke in the roof area of the large were confronted with a large number an area of 100 hectares. 100m x 30m building. A 5th Alarm was of cotton bales well alight, with fire The Oxley Highway and main called at 2305 hours, by which time one spreading rapidly due to strong winds. western train line were closed fifth of the building’s contents were Crews from 465 Trangie, 280 during firefighting operations, and involved in fire. Dubbo, 284 Delroy and 300 Gilgandra an emergency alert was issued to responded to assist, as well as eight residents of Warren to be prepared local RFS units. for a major smoke hazard before The Senior Instructor, Duty a wind change at 1800 hours. Commander, Zone and Area QEND

36

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Firefighters deploy a plough to avert disaster

A strong relationship the Warren community, built over many years, paid off when a major fire hit.

ith hundreds of cotton bales The LEMO was lead by the General well alight, a strong wind was Manager of Warren Shire Council, who threatening to spread the agreed to firefighters’ request to supply Wfire to a rail line and nearby one of the council’s large water tankers fuel depot. for the fire. A large housing estate would also be affected if the fire got out of control. Firebreak Crews took quick action to extinguish Most importantly, fire officers were able to grass fires that had been caused by the ask the council to arrange for contractors burning bales. to plough a field downwind of the fire to However, with the cotton expected form a firebreak. to burn for many hours, officers knew The firebreak that stopped the fire it would be a tough battle to keep the spreading to more grassland. The vital fire contained. action meant the IMT could concentrate resources on extinguishing the cotton Preventing a catastrophe bales, rather than standing guard to That’s when the relationships they had prevent fire spreading to more grassland. formed in the Warren community made The fire created a large smoke haze, a significant difference in preventing so FRNSW’s Media, Ministerial and a catastrophe. Communications Unit (MMCU) used Early in the incident, FRNSW’s Twitter to keep the public informed. Incident Management Radio and TV updates Team (IMT) contacted were often taken directly Queensland Cotton, which Radio and TV from these tweets. owns the property. Chief Supt Harris and The IMT was able updates were Insp Gary Barber also gave to speak directly to taken directly numerous interviews to Firefighters found the fires inside the company’s senior from tweets. radio, TV and the press, the cotton bales difficult to quell, with executives, because they providing clear briefings about 400 bales damaged by fire and had already formed a good about what was happening. water. The last smouldering bales relationship with them. Fire officers also were removed at 1830 hours the The IMT asked the executives whether arranged a letter box drop to tell residents following day; by 1930 hours they were the company could move the unburnt the smoke was not toxic, but that people being pulled apart and hosed down. cotton bales. with respiratory problems should stay It took two and a half days to Workers from the company were able indoors. make sure that the fire had been to move many bales, even though they had Information was also provided to local extinguished, with the incident finally never had to work close to a fire ground. hospitals, nursing homes and schools. closed after 1400 hours Friday. Their action prevented the massive NSW Health used a register of known QEND fire involving spreading even further. respiratory sufferers to door-knock After years of close collaboration, people, speaking directly to those FRNSW Regional West officers Supt As a result of the wide public Greg Lewis and Chief Supt Neil Harris campaign, there was not a single hospital had a good relationship with the police, admission from respiratory problems. council and other officers on the Local QEND Emergency Management Committee (LEMO), and of course with colleagues from the RFS.

37

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Richard Host, Director IT, Fire & Rescue NSW

Commissioner Mullins speaks to USAR team at NZ earthquake

Videoconferencing

Meet with people on the other side of the city IT or the State, without leaving your office or fire station. What’s new in IT he benefits are crystal clear. “Videoconferencing is cost effective Videoconferencing can and helps reduce the time we are FRNSW is now recognised as allow you to hold a meeting required to spend outside our respective a centre of excellence for IT Twith a number of fire officers or Commands, travelling long distances systems and technology. executives hundreds of kilometres away. to meetings,” Chief Superintendent Unlike a telephone conference, it’s Harris said. FRNSW has been given the easy to recognise who’s talking. “I look forward to the continued honour of providing systems You can see all the participants on improvements in the video conferencing the screen at the same time, making it equipment over time. for other agencies within the easy to judge their body language. This “We’ll be using it more and more Emergency Services sector. also makes it easier to see if someone’s in regional operations especially, as a Information technology is waiting to say something. means to reduce the time our officers have previously been required to spend about two things: improving the Launch away from their Commands, family capability of our organisation, After a two-year development period, and friends.” and improving efficiency so FRNSW launched videoconferencing Training more resources can be put back a year ago. A number of sites are already connected, including Greenacre, The system is already proving useful for into improving our capability. Alexandria, head office, and zone and area training seminars, connecting instructors Over the last few years, the offices. There are plans to connect most with staff in some regional areas. fire stations. Training and Co-ordination Manager, people in IT have been working The system can also Superintendent Bob to improve our systems, to connect with non-FRNSW Alexander, said the system introduce new technology and users, which is useful It has cut the was vital for e-learning. automate administrative tasks. when collaborating with He has used outside agencies. time and expense videoconferencing to New systems are providing When the USAR team of travel in some connect officers in a fire- a single consistency of was deployed to respond training facility in Armidale information, from which to the Christchurch area commands with students with laptops to make better decisions. earthquake and Japanese in Kiama. Tsunami, the team used This remote training Videoconferencing, mobile videoconferencing to brief requires accuracy, and devices and faster networks are Commissioner Greg Mullins in his office videoconferencing provides the only helping to conquer the tyranny about the operations. images that are clear enough for training of distance. Videoconferencing has cut the purposes. time and expense of travel in some While the benefits are clear, the Projects planned include area commands. Regional West Area technology behind the system is far new hand-held radios, the Commander, Neil Harris, especially from simple. deployment of iPads in the field, likes the Movi system of one-on-one The system uses FRNSW’s private new incident management communication that allows you to phone and data lines, the Wide Area show someone a document you’re Network, that currently connects all zone systems, and more. working on whilst interacting with the and corporate offices. Better systems will lead to person on screen. a safer community.

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Corowa FIRE INCIDENT

USAR team deployed in Christchurch

Turning Over a New Leaf

All metropolitan stations will be using the eOccurrence Book by the end of 2012, with regional stations scheduled for implementation commencing in early 2013.

The network provides free phone n 2010, FRNSW embarked on calls between offices on the network. a project to replace the paper However, the infrastructure had to be occurrence books used in every Silo fires fine-tuned to allow videoconferencing, Ifire station to record information and the bandwidth in some areas had to on events and activities taking place Narrabri West be increased. at the station with a computer-based The FRNSW Manager of Network application. Communications, Sheikh Osman, said The existing books have been in use 17 14:30 unlike sending a document or video file by for more than a century. The upgrade OCT email, the data has to arrive instantly. to an online version is part of FRNSWs “Videoconferencing has to send a commitment to being recognised by constant stream of data that doesn’t drop employees as a high-tech organisation. ilo incidents can lead to out, even for a second,” Mr Osman said. A project team was assembled with dangerous explosions or “You can’t have a time lag, and you a mix of IT staff and firefighters working fires that are difficult to can’t have ‘packet loss’ of any of the data. together to understand how stations Sextinguish. Firefighters “If you did, a few crucial words that use the books today and how this could dealt with two separate silo someone is saying could drop out.” transition from old to new. incidents less than four Video data is captured by the cameras The team spent 12 months weeks apart. mounted next to the videoconferencing talking to firefighters at a number of On Wednesday 17 October televisions. It has a much higher stations with permanent and retained in Corowa, two pumpers from firefighters to ensure that the final 268 Corowa and a pumper from product would meet FRNSW’s needs, 394 Mulwala were called to the and a number of presentations were Rivalea Feedmill at 1430 hours. Unlike Skype, given at station forums and Area and They found smoke coming from it allows several Zone meetings. an elevated silo containing 3 to This allowed the team to identify 5 tonnes of wheat. They evacuated locations to where improvements in processes could seven people and flooded the participate be made – for example, incident details containers, but it was not until after simultaneously are now automatically populated from 0800 the following day that the stop the Computer Aided Dispatch system, message was sent. removing the need for stations to On Wednesday 17 October in manually record this information. Narrabri West, two crews from resolution and reliability than Skype, A pilot was conducted at seven 399 Narrabri and a crew from so unlike a webcam, the system can stations to gain valuable feedback and 264 Coonabarabran were called clearly identify a whole group of people make final improvements prior to the to a Graincorp silo. in a boardroom. go-live date in mid-2012. Smoke had possibly come Unlike Skype, it also allows several Since the launch, feedback has from friction with the conveyor locations to participate simultaneously. been extremely positive, aided by the belt. Crews wearing breathing FRNSW is now working to allow provision of an additional dedicated apparatus searched upper levels video-streaming from iPhones. This computer for each station to be used for with gas detectors and thermal could be useful at a major fire or hazmat the eOccurrence Book. imaging cameras, but found no incident, if you wanted to show what Over the next 12 months there are sign of fire. conditions were like. a number of improvements planned As a precaution, students at a “We can do that now with the including replacing the register used nearby school were given an early Blackberry, but we’re developing it for the to hold details of keys to premises mark. QEND iPhone,” Mr Osman said. QEND and incorporating the Station Register amongst those to be looked at. QEND

39

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 IT Driving down response times

Emergency Services SAP system now one of the biggest in Australia The new Automatic Vehiclecle Location (AVL) system will allow ESCAD operators Our SAP system has evolved to become one of the largest to despatch the closest systems (by headcount) in Australian Government. appliance to any incident.

magine you are in a fire truck, SSAP is the pre-eminent enterprise resource planning system in use across the globe, returning to your station after an wwith the number of customers exceeding 50,000 and millions of enendd-users accessing incident. The ESCAD operator the system through portals and mobile devices. The system can be used fforor fifinancials,nancials, Ireceives a frantic Triple Zero (000) HR, learnlearning,ing, inventoryinventory and stores management,management, asset manamanagement,gement, busbusinessiness call about a fire, with people trapped intelligence, customer relationship management – the list is eexteenssiivee. in a second-floor unit. Your appliance is driving through the same suburb as this he Emergency Services SAP modules that will support the agencies in new emergency, and is only a few human resources (ESSAP-HR) managing the huge array of firefighting, streets away. project commenced in January rescue and vehicle assets. However, since a number of T2011 and ran for 18 months. It Once completed, SAP will give appliances are on the road, unless the now manages the people, finances and emergency response and recovery teams ESCAD operator spends valuable time stores for FRNSW, the RFS, the SES a single comprehensive source for rescue contacting each appliance by radio, and the Ministry of Police & Emergency and firefighting people and their skills, they have no way of knowing that your Services, equipment and vehicles. This will enable crew is the closest to the fire and may The project brought together the four the State to prepare, protect, respond and Emergency Services agencies onto the recover from incidents and events. one platform – all hosted and supported Another vital initiative the SAP team by FRNSW. has been busy with is the recent launch Vehicles on the road It deployed a common HR solution for of ESCAT in SAP. This project has linked can be dispatched based all permanent, retained and volunteer procurement directly to the financials on their actual location Emergency Services resources across the system, thereby allowing the organisation state that can be accessed 24 hour a day, to streamline the two business activities. every day of the year. The NSW Government has recognised The ESSAP-HR project was one of the FRNSW’s work in implementing this SAP be in the best position to respond and first major multi-Emergency Services system – so much so that the Attorney possibly save a life. Agency IT projects. General’s Department will now use the The new AVL system will allow the It required complete integration and same SAP system. The project is expected Communications Centre to locate the co-operation on a scale that had never to go live in March 2013. nearest most appropriate vehicle and before been undertaken in Australia. Under the sharing arrangement within respond them to the incident. The project team ran from three NSW Government, agencies are able to AVL is currently being installed on key locations: FRNSW in Sydney, SES implement the system without restriction, appliances throughout the Metropolitan in Wollongong and RFS at Lidcombe. thereby enabling a modern supportable area with at least 90 vehicles currently The system is accessible through system that is highly available and highly having them in place. internal networks and the Internet, scalable. Assistant Director of Preparedness and supports an average of 1800 plus FRNSW will continue to collaborate and Response, Chief Superintendent users per day. with other Emergency Services agencies Paul McGuiggan, said the system will The next phase of the Emergency to leverage this huge store of information improve the despatch of vehicles that are Services program is the implementation to improve front-line intelligence and already mobile. of the SAP Enterprise Asset Management capability, leading ultimately to a safer New South Wales community. QEND 40

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 WetherillWeth Park FIRE INCIDENT

“The key benefit is that if vehicles are Firefighters save main warehouse in on the road, we will be able to dispatch them based on their actual location, rather than the location of their Fire Station,” Chief Superintendent McGuiggan said. The AVL unit on each vehicle includes a GPS system to determine the vehicle’s 8th location. A modem transmits this information back to the ESCAD operators alarm fire via the mobile phone network. In metropolitan areas, the AVL units will be installed under the seat inside vehicles, with an antenna on the roof. In rural areas, the whole unit will be mounted on the roof of each vehicle in a weather-proof box, which is more suitable 03:00 for conditions in those areas. 27 JUL Installing the units onto about 500 vehicles is a complex job, according to Terry Farley, Assistant Director for IT Systems. major fire at a large As the incident escalated, the “We had to design the installation for whitegoods and electrical response was upgraded to an 8th each type of vehicle,” Chief Superintendent storage warehouse brought Alarm. More than 75 firefighters Farley said. QEND Afirefighters to Hallstrom Place, from stations across Sydney were Wetherill Park on Friday 27 July. A responded to the fierce fire which took Triple Zero (000) call was received several hours to bring under control. from a security guard at 0330 hours Fortunately no-one was in the and firefighters from 41 Smithfield factory at the time of the blaze. were on scene within minutes. A multi-pump relay was set up to Firefighters arrived to find a augment the lack of water supply number of wooden pallets, a truck and in the area. materials at the front of the building Whereas the front of the factory well alight. This hampered efforts to and the office area was destroyed gain access to the building. by the fire, the contents of the main Once they gained entry, firefighters warehouse only suffered some found the front section and office area heat and smoke damage due to the of the 40m x 30m warehouse fully firefighting efforts on the night in involved in fire and nearby factories trying conditions. QEND under threat.

41

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 A young patient Westmead Children’s Hospital nurses Learn to Stop Burns

Support from firefighters has made a big difference at Westmead Children’s Hospital.

f you visit any FRNSW station, you’d “It’s only a very small amount we providing state of the art analgesia and expect to see firefighters, big red donate each pay,” said a City of Sydney anaesthesia. This helps make repeated trucks and rows of boots and helmets. firefighter who, along with colleagues, procedures more tolerable to children and IAt FRNSW Station No 2, however, contributes to the Burns Unit via regular less stressful for families. you’ll encounter doctors, nurses, payroll deductions, “but every bit counts “This money has also contributed stethoscopes and brightly coloured and it all adds up. It’s good to know that towards establishing a research program murals. FRNSW No 2 Station is actually we are able to help.” looking at burns scars and developing the Burns Unit of Westmead Children’s techniques to prevent them. It has also Hospital, the official FRNSW charity. 200 children per year helped to fund our recent research which George Street West was the original And help it does. The Burns Unit treats established the scientific basis for the use No 2 Station. When it closed in the 1950s, all major paediatric burns in NSW and of cold water for first aid in burns.” the number was not re-allocated to admits over 200 children each year. another NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) The majority of those children are aged Close bond Station. In 1995 the then NSWFB between one and four years and have Superintendent Peter Stathis, one of the Commissioner, Ian received scalds from tea/ original trustees of the Fund, believes MacDougall, decreed that coffee, kettles or bath that there is a close bond between the Burns Unit at Westmead Donations water. Thanks to FRNSW FRNSW and the Burns Unit. “Firefighters Children’s Hospital would donations, the Burns give support as well as funds,” he said. become an official NSWFB allow us to Unit is able to buy vital “Individual firefighters, Platoons, Stations Station and bestowed it with employ doctors equipment and employ and Zones raise money for this very the title of Station No 2. a burns anaesthetist to worthwhile charity, and a Christmas Although members of and nurses reduce the pain and trauma visit by firefighters (and Santa) is almost Station No 2 don’t wear specialising in of the children’s dressing mandatory.” firefighting gear, they do changes. Nursing Unit Manager, Carrie wear FRNSW T-shirts. pain relief Dr John Harvey, Head Hopwood, agrees. “There has always FRNSW employees of the Burns Unit affirms been a mutual understanding and respect have been donating to that the generous donations between firefighters and the Burns Unit the Burns Unit since 1985 when it was from FRNSW provide very positive team. I think this is due to the difficult situated in the Royal Alexandra Hospital benefits for his patients and their families. job we all do.” for Children at Camperdown. In fact, “We are delighted to have the ongoing “It’s fantastic to have the support the Burns Unit Fund is still known as support of FRNSW,” he said. “Our staff and funding of FRNSW which helps the NSW Fire Brigades Royal Alexandra has a special relationship with FRNSW, improve our patients’ lives both directly Hospital For Children Burns Unit Fund. and firefighters visit us from all over NSW and indirectly. Our young patients and Through payroll deductions, community to see how their donations affect the care their families appreciate visits from the fundraising activities, and donations, of our burns patients.” firefighters and enjoy the interaction FRNSW staff have donated more than “Donations allow us to employ with them. It’s great to acknowledge $1.83 million to the Burns Unit. doctors and nurses specialising in the wonderful work that firefighters do, pain relief. Their role is to alleviate the and in particular, their long-standing pain and stress involved with burns by commitment to the Burns Unit.”

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Donations to John Hunter Hospital,Hospital, NNewcastleewcastle With In August 2011, the annual Newcastle a little Firefighters Ball raised $25$25,250,250 to enable John help Hunter CChildren’shildren’s Hospital to buy equipment from for treating burns patients. $5,000 was also our donated to Hunter KidsaKidsafefe to educate children about friends

accident prevention, and GIO Executive Manager of Marketing Peter Williams, and GIO Digital Marketing Adviser Adam McKay $5,000 was ggiveniven to the KIDS Foundation to assist local families attendinattendingg ththee aannualnnual BBurnsurns SuSurvivorsrvivors camp. Sponsorships have allowed FRNSW to increase community engagement activities by more than a third.

In March 2011, firefighters cycled ire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and above their contractual arrangements, from Sydney to Wagga Wagga, a distance established a partnership including the Winter Fire Safety campaign. of more than 400 kilometres, in only four program in 2008 to encourage Over the next three years, GIO will days. This 400 in 4 charity bike ride raised Fprivate sector funding to help be increasing their commitment to help over $41,000 for the Burns Unit and deliver community engagement FRNSW develop and deliver a number cyclists promoted fire safety messages in programs. As a result of the partnership of community engagement programs, country towns they visited along the way. program, FRNSW has been able to campaigns, and initiatives. The additional develop and improve a number of funds will help FRNSW undertake previously unfunded public safety important updates to improve the usability initiatives. of the online Home Fire Safety Audit, to Young patients Assistant Commissioner Mark deliver a bigger and better Winter Fire and their families Whybro, Director Community Safety, is Safety campaign, and a more integrated proud of the results. Fire Prevention Week and Open Day. appreciate visits “From the inception of the As Principal Partner, GIO will now from firefighters partnership program in 2008 to 2011, receive acknowledgement across there has been a 36% increase in all FRNSW community engagement community engagement activities brochures and material that appears in the delivered by FRNSW,” Assistant public domain. In coming months, you will And, when it comes to fire safety, it Commissioner Whybro said. see updated branding rolled out across the goes without saying that prevention is “Over the same period, we’ve seen Kitchen Fire Simulators, pull-up banners, better than cure. In order to achieve this, a decrease of 6.47% in residential home fact sheets, brochures, and our website. The Children’s Hospital Burns Research fires, and a 6.07% decrease in residential Assistant Commissioner Whybro is very Institute, the Child Safety Centre, Kidsafe home fires against the five-year average.” positive about the future. and FRNSW continue working together to FRNSW has developed two Major “The funds and resources committed promote burns education and prevention. Community Partnerships since the by a valuable partner like GIO allows The message is simple, important, introduction of the partnership program, FRNSW to deliver community engagement and ongoing. Learn To Stop Burns. with McDonalds and GIO. While the and education that we otherwise would QEND relationship with McDonalds ended in not have had the funds or resources to 2011, GIO has recently signed on for a provide,” he said. further three years and has increased its “Brigade Kids, Recovery Kits, level of support, becoming FRNSW’s first and the Home Fire Safety Audit are a ever Principal Partner. testament to this. “With increased sponsorship funding, Fire Safety Audit the Community Safety team can continue During the course of the relationship, to support the great work firefighters are GIO has been instrumental in assisting doing to deliver local community safety FRNSW to develop the online Home initiatives and campaigns, helping to Fire Safety Audit tool and the FRNSW deliver further reductions in preventable Recovery Kit. GIO has also contributed home fires, related injuries, and fatalities.” significantly to a range of other QEND community engagement initiatives over 43

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Final resting place of remarkable fire chief

On top of the cliffs at Bronte, amongst a 16 hectare sea of some 50,000 examples of Stonemasonry and funerary art dating back from the 19th century is an unremarkable grass patch.

ronically, the area occupying a tiny our former chiefs. The Commissioner Another former Chief, Mr Alfred Webb, section of Waverley Cemetery is the agreed and said it was a ‘good idea’… is also buried at Waverley Cemetery. final resting place of a remarkable it went from there.” A little further down from Mr Webb’s Iman and his beloved wife. SO Tai has researched and written grave – adorned with an impressive Finding this small patch of earth was about all of the chiefs throughout the memorial comprising a large cross with no easy task, but for Station Officer David history of the organisation, a journey a firefighter’s belt and axe draped over Tai, it was one of the final pieces of a large that has seen him commit hundreds of it – lays Mr Bear and his wife, Annie. The jigsaw he’d been methodically putting personal hours to the project. Bears’ grave is unmarked and would have together for many months. The journey hasn’t been a solo one. been completely overlooked if not for SO SO Tai had found the unmarked A very understanding wife and family has Tai’s eye for detail. grave of Mr William Douglas Bear – the supported and encouraged SO Tai while “While researching Mr Bear’s final first ‘Chief’ of Fire & Rescue NSW, on his ‘mission’. SO Tai acknowledges resting place, I was wandering around which at the time (1884) was called The the fantastic research support from Ms Waverley Cemetery looking for a Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Anne Pickles, retired Station Officer Sam headstone for Mr Bear or his wife, Annie,” “Mr Bear’s actual rank was Walker, Supt Peter Stathis, Cathy Rostron, said SO Tai. Superintendent,” said SO Tai as he begins Lachlan Calvey, Julie Wyner, the Lessons “Considering Mr Webb’s grave, I to list off some of the information from his Learned Centre staff -including A/Supt thought it would be easy to find Mr Bear. research into Mr Bear. Chris Sedgwick and Lynette Twigg, Mark But the more I looked, I couldn’t find it.” “Superintendent was the highest rank White and his staff from the Museum of On the day SO Tai was searching for in the Metropolitan Fire Brigade from Fire, and Commissioner Mullins. the former chief’s grave, an off-duty 1884-1909. The rank of Chief Officer did Originally destined to follow a path firefighter was walking along the adjacent not come into existence until 1 January as a graphic designer and illustrator, track to the cemetery and saw SO Tai, who 1910 after the Fire Brigades Act 1909 SO Tai joined the fire service in 1986 was in uniform. Asking if SO Tai was okay, was enacted.” and has worked at a number of stations the firefighter was interested to hear what “At 35 years of age, Mr Bear remains attaining the rank of SO in 1997. Asked the purpose of the visit was all about. the youngest person to hold the highest if he considered himself a ‘writer’ or Both firefighters then teamed up and rank in the (then) brigade.” ‘historian’, SO Tai is more comfortable began a search along the area where For SO Tai, a technical writer in the with title of ‘researcher’. SO Tai was certain Mr Bear and his Lessons Learned Centre, what had been “I love researching something,” wife’s graves were – their only clue: faint a passing remark in the corridor one said SO Tai. numbers stamped into the gravestones. day between him and the Commissioner “This has been a great way of Armed with a map of the graves has culminated in a compilation combining a genuine interest in the obtained from the visitors centre, of a comprehensive history of our history of the brigades and my research it became a process of location Chief Officers. skills – two things that have enabled me and elimination. “I originally wrote a piece on a former to find out some interesting things that “We found a grave with the number Chief, Mr C J Griffiths,” explained SO Tai. not many people knew. It also enabled me that correlated to being adjacent to where “Commissioner Mullins had read it and to find a few missing links, too – including Mr Bear was supposed to be,” said SO Tai. later – in a passing conversation – I said where Mr Bear is buried.” “While we found a numbered grave, we should have some more material on we couldn’t see Mr Bear’s headstone or any signs of where he may be.

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 David Tai inspecting the grave site Waverley cemetery

“Then it dawned on us – the grave was completely unmarked and the grass patch was what we were looking for.” Both firefighters had found the first chief. Mr Bear and his wife were resting in a completely unmarked plot, a few rows back from the edge of the cliff above Bronte, overlooking the ocean. SO Tai’s research has found ancestral links to Annie and William Douglas Bear’s children, the last known child passed away in the late 1950s. Finding a living immediate family member of the Bears is David Tai inspecting the grave site becoming increasingly difficult. SO Tai is beginning to sense the family Waverley cemetery Supt Alfred Webb link may be lost. “It would be great to do something to mark this grave as a significant site,” said SO Tai. “The founding Chief of the modern fire service for NSW lay, with his wife, in an unmarked grave – no link or mention to the great organisation he came from.” SO David Tai hopes, as do a number of other people in the fire service, that one day in the near future something can be done to mark the final resting place of our first chief. When former chief, Mr Rex Threlfo, passed away on 20 August 2012, SO Tai’s research was invaluable in assisting the FRNSW Media Team to write an obituary that was published in The Sydney Morning Herald. The FRNSW Media Team is working with SO Tai to publish some limited copies of the completed profiles. In the meantime, Fire & Rescue News is please to be able to share with readers Mr Threlfo’s profile as an example of the work SO Tai has meticulously put together. QEND 45

Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Rex Threlfo

Charles Rex Threlfo felt he was the “Lucky Chief”.

s Chief Officer from 1980 to 1984, They faced fierce jungle fighting in the first four years I did a lot of study. Rex Threlfo was the first Chief before successfully capturing Lae 12 days I could have passed the DO’s (District Officer to sit in on board meetings. later. The 2/13th battalion also landed on Officers) exam, which I later did – so AHe was the 16th leader of the NSW Scarlet Beach, helping to defend against a I progressed through the ranks like Fire Brigades. Japanese counter-attack. everyone else”. A World War II veteran, Mr Threlfo The 2/13th battalion returned to After getting married, Mr Threlfo built did tours of the Middle East, Papua New Australia in March 1944. They landed at his own home like many other veterans. Guinea and Borneo. Brunei on 10 June, before making another Mr Threlfo said: “I consider the He was the second President of landing in the Miri-Lutong area ten days couple of years I spent at Stanmore were the FBEU (after Charles Milledge) to later. They captured the Lutong airfield probably some of my best years in the reach the rank of Chief Officer. Like his and oil tanks and moved inland to the Fire Service. predecessor, Chief Officer Fred Davies, Pujut oilfields. “A good group of people, we all got Mr Threlfo would be in charge of the NSW During World War II, 9th division on well and it was a busy station”. Fire Brigades as it faced incidents with casualties included 256 dead and 556 multiple fatalities. wounded. Mr Threlfo was discharged on FBEU executive 4 April 1946. In an interview with Dr Colin While at Stanmore, Mr Threlfo met Early years Adrian at Headquarters fire station on 21 Maurice (“Maurie”) Stolmack, the FBEU Born on 25 February 1924 October 1983, Mr Threlfo Secretary. Mr Threlfo then met the FBEU in Mullumbimby, as a young said sombrely “I fought a President, Harry Evans, at Bankstown man Mr Threlfo wanted to He decided to number of battles”. fire station. do law. He started working With the war over, Mr The two men would have an important in a solicitor’s office but give it a six Threlfo decided that he no influence on Mr Threlfo, who joined the World War II interrupted. At month-trial longer wanted to do Law. union executive after the successful age 17, he enlisted with the Believing there was a future campaign for a 42-hour week in 1955. Australian Imperial Forces in being a Quantity Surveyor, Mr Evans retired as President of the FBEU on 12 August 1941. he applied to do a course in 1957 due to illness. He suggested to Mr Mr Threlfo joined the 2/13th Australian through the army. Threlfo that he should run for the position. Infantry Battalion, also known as the Mr Threlfo recalled in the interview, “We ran a good campaign and I got an “Devil’s Own”. “I was in a Hotel in Petersham, when who absolute majority,” Mr Threlfo said. Mr Threlfo became FBEU President in Military Service should come in, but some fellows I had been in the army with – John O’Coote, 1957 and remained in the position for nine By July 1942, the German and Italian Danny Lewis and Mr Turner”. years. forces had reached El Alamein in North After they made a persuasive The union’s achievements during his Africa, an area defended by the British argument for him to join the NSW Fire term included: Eighth Army. The 9th Division rushed to Brigades, he decided he would “give it 1960 The FBEU applied to the Alamein, and the 2/13th battalion fought a trial for six months”. Industrial Commission for an award for for two weeks from late October 1942. Volunteer Firemen. It came into effect After the Japanese attack on Darwin, Career in 1963. the 9th Division was recalled to Australia. Mr Threlfo was accepted into the NSW 1963 The union stepped up After leave and jungle training they were Fire Brigades at age 22 on 6 May 1946. its campaign for compressed air sent to Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea, Mr Threlfo told Dr Adrian “I became breathing apparatus then landed north-west of the town of Lae very interested in the Fire Service and 1964 Poly-carbonate helmets in September 1943 without casualties. replaced brass helmets after a long union campaign

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 District Officer Mr Threlfo was promoted to Station Major changeschanges Officer D grade in June 1962, progressing to C grade in June 1964. He passed exams and was made a District Officer B grade in March 1966. During Mr Threlfo’s term as CChiefhief OOfficer,fficer, he assisted the Board in implementing Mr Threlfo stood down as president many significant changes. OOtherther major occurrences have also been includedincluded.. of the FBEU, mainly because he had become a District Officer. You could not be 1981 1983 a Senior Officer and remain as president Q Commenced conversion of 70 mm Q Full-time EEO Co-ordinator of the union. hose to Storz Instantaneous was appointed Stations that he was attached Couplings Q Half-day session on interaction to during his career included Q NSWFB policy decision to with the media included in District 1 Headquarters, 12 Balmain, consolidate role in non-fire rescue. Officers’ training 7 Stanmore and 22 Leichhardt. New equipment included 34 sets Q Mr Cinders Programme launched Unheard of of rescue shears, three sets of by SF Krimmer, telling 30,628 Upon joining the Senior Officers Holmatro advanced hydraulic jaws, children about fire safety in six Association, Mr Threlfo informed them and 22 new appliances months and appearing on TV shows that he was remaining a member of Q First Chaplain, Salvation Army Major including Romper Room and Simon the FBEU. This was previously unheard Don Woodland, was appointed Townsend’s Wonder World of. The Senior Officers Association Q Task force began preparing a new Q The term “Fireman” changed to were initially reluctant to endorse his instruction manual, the Blue Reader “firefighter”, signalling a major application, but subsequently relented. Q Task force began preparing a Volume change in brigade culture, paving the A year later, Mr Threlfo was asked to of Standing Orders way for recruitment of women (In become secretary of the Senior Officers Orders 27 April) Association. 1982 Q Major planning and preparations In December 1968, Mr Threlfo was Q Board installed its first computer – for 1984 Centenary Year of the Fire appointed Building Inspector under a major development in 1982 Brigades Superintendent Vic Crum and later acted as the technical advisor to Deputy Chief Q The ban on out duties was lifted, Q FBEU included a claim for a shorter Officer Jack Meeve on the Height of allowing firefighters to perform four 38-hour working week. This was Buildings Advisory Committee. in a 12 month period achieved and implemented two In May 1973, Mr Threlfo was made Q Board planned Fire Investigation years later Inspector and placed in charge of Zone Team to assist the Police Arson Q Fire Command Vehicle was 1 – Blue Mountains. He was transferred Squad. The unit was created with commissioned for major incidents to the Fire Prevention Department (FPD) one District Officer, but team did not 1984 in 1977. commence until 1987 Mr Threlfo was promoted to Q A School Lecture Programme Q Approval of move of administrative Superintendent in September 1977 and developed with the Department of staff from HQ to Aetna Tower placed in charge of Personnel, before Education, speaking on fire safety on the corner of Bathurst and becoming the officer-in-charge of the Fire and prevention in State schools Castlereagh Streets Prevention Department. Q Inspector Bernie Cinders was The Staff Training and Development developed by SF Ian Krimmer for Division was formed in 1978 and Mr children’s fire safety programme Threlfo was transferred to this new post. He rebuilt the resources section of the College and brought in a number of future leaders to work underneath him, including Bill Reay and Stan Hearn. Both The Board of Fire Commissioners With the precedent now set, the would go on to become Chief Officer. had operated since the inception of the Chief Officers who followed Mr Threlfo In September 1979, Mr Threlfo Metropolitan Brigade in 1884. It made continued to attend board meetings, until ascended to the rank all the monetary and policy decisions the Board of Fire Commissioners was of Deputy Chief Officer regarding the Brigade. officially dissolved on 31 December 1989. (Services). Less than a year Before Mr Threlfo, Chief Mr Threlfo retired on 20 July 1984, later, he was made Deputy The years Officers were not able to providing the NSW Fire Brigades with Chief Officer (Executive) I spent at attend board meetings. If over 38 years of dedicated service. In after Deputy Chief Officer not called on for “technical June 1986, Mr Threlfo was awarded the C. Rose retired. From 26 Stanmore were advice” (after which they had Member of the Order of Australia for September 1980, he was probably some to leave), the Chief Officer services to the NSW Fire Brigades. chosen to be the Acting would wait until the meeting Rex Charles Threlfo passed away on Chief Officer. of my best was over to be told what the 19 August 2012, at 88 years of age. He years in the board had decided. was cremated at Rookwood Crematorium. Chief officer Mr Threlfo was the first In his last report as Chief Officer to When Chief Officer Fred Fire Service Chief Officer to be regularly Fire News on 20 July 1984, Mr Threlfo Davies retired, Mr Threlfo invited to attend board said: “I am a little disgruntled at leaving was appointed Chief Officer meetings. The significance the Fire Service before the first female on 17 October 1980. of Chief Officer Threlfo’s achievement was Firefighter is employed. > that it allowed him to have a direct input in decisions.

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 Rex Threlfo

“A number of Chief Officers are apprehensive about the introduction of women into the fire services. However, MMajorajor incidents duringduring his term as CChiefhief OOfficerfficer I don’t share their trepidation. We have taken steps through the FRAB testing Pacific Heights Nursing Home fire the lift well completely involved. to ensure a recognised standard of A fire broke out at the home on performance will be maintained by the Of the estimated 70 people in the Princess Hwy, Sylvania Heights at building, nine lost their lives. A Station women. I am a strong supporter of equal 2304hrs on 29 April 1981. employment opportunities”. Officer received the Conspicuous Commissioner Mullins lauded high The front section of the building was Bravery Medal. Many precarious praise on retired Chief Officer Threlfo, involved in fire with heavy smoke rescues were performed from upper saying: “He was integral to natural logging. Brigade personnel equipped levels. justice being introduced into the NSWFB with breathing apparatus entered to Pantheon Restaurant fire carry out search and rescue operations disciplinary processes, was a visionary Firefighters were called to a fire in a and attack the fire. Of the 70 aged leader, and took a personal interest in me restaurant above ground-floor shops residents, 16 lost their lives. Six when I was a young officer.” in Marrickville at 0133hrs on 29 April Brigade personnel received Citations Whether in his role as the President 1982. Crews arrived to find the entire for Bravery. of the FBEU or the senior positions he first floor heavily involved. held in the Fire Brigade, Mr Threlfo Rembrandt Residential endeavoured to help his fellow firefighters Apartments fire Firefighters rescued a number of unconscious and semi-conscious by working tirelessly to improve their Firefighters were called to the fire on safety and working conditions. people. There were no fatalities, Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross at 0158hrs although 28 people were taken to SO David Tai is drafting a history on 25 August 1981. Darlinghurst of former fire chiefs. This is an edited hospital. Three Brigade personnel, pumper arrived to find the five storey including District Officer Phil Robinson, version of his article on Rex Threlfo. building well alight, with the entrance QEND received Citations for Bravery. lobby and wooden stairs surrounding Letters

Motorbike accident the two motors outside the church. Jacko’s chest Facebook.com/frnsw would have really extended when they carried y bike didn’t fair so well after hitting the casket through the Guard of Honour on full salute. another car, although fortunately I Firefighter rescues two people Jacko was so passionate about the Fire Monly sustained a bruised hip. from Sutherland fire after Brigade so I knew the Commissioner would A firefighter, Marianne Hopcroft, receiving minor burns stopped to render assistance. She assisted like to be informed what a wonderful crew in retrieving my bike from the roadway, and he has here. Please convey my thanks to the Commissioner and all down the line. after assessing my medical condition, she Facebook message then tended to the driver of the other vehicle. Mary Phillips, Narrandera After assisting all with their exchange of SS: details, FF Hopcroft remained with me until Japanese Parliament (Diet) my wife arrived some 25 minutes later and What a Hero! Simply forgetting his proved invaluable in helping me lift my bike (unofficial translation) injuries and continuing on to save into our trailer. She even secured the bike in others… Amazing! the trailer for me. apanese people were deeply impressed FF Hopcroft was driving a marked by the relief activities, quick and warm, FRNSW vehicle and was in uniform when she Jraised by FRNSW at the time of the Great Firefighter Championships, East Japan Earthquake. We were very pleased stopped to help and her professionalism was Tamworth evident to all in attendance. to have the chance to directly express our It took a while to identify who the Good appreciation to the relief brigades and have face-to-face talks with them. Samaritan was. Please pass on my sincere Facebook message thanks to FF Hopcroft. On behalf of the delegation, I would like Thanks again. (name supplied) Bangor. to express my sincere gratitude for the warm DC: welcome you gave us on the occasion of our recent official visit to your country at the Condolences appreciated invitation of the Parliament of Australia. Took my son to watch & we had a great time. My son enjoyed the I believe that to further strengthen the y husband, Walter Alexander Phillips, firetruck I bought him. You guys friendly relations of our two countries, it is of do a great service to your towns. only ever known as “Jacko”, passed great importance to further promote exchanges Maway on 14 May. I am just up to writing in various fields and deepen the mutual my thanks to all for their condolences. understanding of the people of both countries. Facebook message Jacko was a retained firefighter for 45 We sincerely hope the mutual understanding years here at 400 Narrandera and had a and friendly relations of our two countries will PA: retirement dinner in August 2004. I was so show further progress. fortunate at his passing that our son Wayne Reiterating my appreciation for your Alexander Phillips was here to relieve the Great going. Was the best time kindness, I wish you good health and continued I had in the brigade was these Zone 3 Duty Commander for a month. success. competitions. Stay safe. At times like this, one realises the Otsuji Hidehisa comradery of the firefighters. All the messages Vice President, House of Councillors and floral tributes were wonderful, but the National Diet of Japan. proudest moment was the Guard of Honour and

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 With gratitude for service to the people of NSW

Deaths of retired and current members April to October 2012

Station Officer Thomas LISTON July 2012 Station Officer Ian DEMPSEY July 2012 Station Officer Geoff HODDER July 2012 Debbie BANERJEE (Admin) July 2012 Retained FF Harley ROOTS July 2012 Station Officer John PIRONA July 2012 Station Officer Edwin DOWNIE July 2012 Captain Colin HUTSON August 2012 Captain Kevin MULDOON AFSM October 2012 D/Captain Robert McMASTER September 2012 Station Officer William BOYLE August 2012 Chief Officer Rex THRELFO AFSM August 2012 Retained FF Reginald ALFORD August 2012

Farewell and enjoy ‘you’ time Retirements April to October 2012 Name Station Date Retired Name Station Date Retired

Michael Maclaurin Comm – Katoomba 4/05/2012 Peter Jezzard Shellharbour Hazmat 23/07/2012 Stuart Schmidt Darlinghurst 20/04/2012 John Roach Ashfield 26/07/2012 Gary Panton Horningsea Park 3/05/2012 Wayne Ansell Gosford 26/07/2012 John Considine Macquarie Fields 3/05/2012 Mark Williams Maitland 27/07/2012 Kevin Carey Hamlyn Terrace 18/05/2012 Brian Johnson Metro Sth2 Zone Offc 27/07/2012 Walter McGlynn Berkeley Vale 18/05/2012 Alan Walker AFSM Coffs Harbour 27/07/2012 Richard Tanner Beecroft 18/05/2012 Steve Hogan Dubbo 28/07/2012 Martin Clough Bulli 18/05/2012 Michael Guymer AFSM Emergency Plan&Coor 10/08/2012 Greg Mcdonald Lane Cove 19/05/2012 Greg Todd Berkeley Vale 10/08/2012 Stephen Ridgeway Mayfield West 26/05/2012 Peter Fitzpatrick Warrawong 10/08/2012 Anthony Hopwood Comm – Newcastle 1/06/2012 Kurt Bals Tamworth 17/08/2012 John Benson AFSM Dep.Comm.Emerg.Mangt 2/07/2012 Michael Maitland Dee Why 24/08/2012 Arthur Richards Kellyville 2/07/2012 Robert Stewart Queanbeyan 24/08/2012 Anthony Grant Metro Wst3 Zone Offc 6/07/2012 John Hamling City Of Sydney 26/08/2012 James Barnes Cranebrook 9/07/2012 Jeff Walker Berkeley Vale 30/08/2012 Mark Preston Comsafe Training Ser 12/07/2012 Kenneth Brown Hamlyn Terrace 7/09/2012 Ray Cranley Wollongong 13/07/2012 Ronald Love Metro Sth3 Zone Offc 7/09/2012 Daniel Good Horningsea Park 13/07/2012 George Brown Macquarie Fields 7/09/2012 Ian Ockerby Dee Why 13/07/2012 Bryan Parkes Wollongong 7/09/2012 Neale Fraser Newcastle 13/07/2012 Jennifer Corr Toronto 7/09/2012 Garry Eagles Rosemeadow 13/07/2012 Stephen Sims Newcastle 7/09/2012 Gerard Donovan Leichhardt 13/07/2012 Fred Hampton Berkeley Vale 21/09/2012 George Johnston Riverwood 13/07/2012 Glenn Lander Menai 21/09/2012 Chris Kirsten Charlestown 13/07/2012 Todd Lucock Kogarah 21/09/2012 Brent Edwards Nowra 13/07/2012 Vincent Bell Manager TRC 21/09/2012 Robert Derwin Forestville 13/07/2012 Alan Johnston Metro Est2 Zone Offc 5/10/2012 Warren Goodwin Mayfield West 13/07/2012 Graham Webb Metro Sth2 Zone Offc 19/10/2012 Ian Wilcox Comm – Wollongong 13/07/2012 Jeffrey Fell Dunheved 19/10/2012 Adrain Bognar Comm – Newcastle 15/07/2012 Garry Hills Metro Sth2 Zone Offc 19/10/2012 Dennis Latta Toronto 20/07/2012 John Karimanovic Concord 26/10/2012

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Fire & Rescue News : December 2012 1942 American LaFrance-Foamite 600

The “American LaFrance” company was named after its founder, Truckson LaFrance. NSW received 50 ALF pumper chassis in 1943, with massive 12.3 litre V-12 petrol engines and a top speed of 130km/h. With a “twin six” configuration you could run the engine at half power on one bank only, usually to prime the fire pump. A transfer box on the main driveshaft powered a CentraFlow fire pump. Two generators were fitted to most engines. Photo courtesy Museum of Fire and The Good Egg Studio