May 2013 News

Fire & Rescue May 2013 News

Fire and flooding rain Bushfire and storm features

Movement at the stations News from the crews

Something old, something new Appliances past and present The Commissioner Writes

Some of you may remember from your high school English studies, the poet Dorothea McKellar describing Australia as “a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains … of drought and flooding rains.”

For FRNSW, the 2012/13 summer has been rather like that. In January this year, and particularly on the days of 8 and 18 January, NSW experienced some of the highest temperatures ever recorded, which led to widespread bushfire activity. The main feature in this magazine gives some snapshots of the extensive role played by FRNSW as we worked with the NSW Rural Fire Service and other agencies to fight the hundreds of bushfires burning around the State during January. This summer, we’ve also had our share of “flooding rains”. In late January and again in late February, FRNSW was kept busy supporting the NSW State Emergency Service in storm operations. This issue also outlines the major role we played in responding to the extensive damage caused by the heavy rain, strong winds and subsequent flooding. As Commissioner, I make it a priority to get out and do regular station visits whenever possible. And I am constantly surprised and delighted at the amazing amount of work being done at the station level in local communities. We’ve included in this issue a number of articles highlighting some of the great work done by crews at different stations, including Maitland’s Mega Open Day, Bowral and Temora’s community engagement activities, Dungog’s retained recruitment success, and use of local media by Nowra, Bateman Bay and Regional North 3. If you have an interesting story to tell about the work being done at your station, I encourage you to let us know at [email protected] so we can consider including this information in future issues of Fire & Rescue News. Happy reading! Greg Mullins AFSM Commissioner

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Features 18

Movement 02 at the stations state 08

Something old, sizzles something new World Firefighters 36 Games 04

Bushfires 2 013

10 12 23 28 30 Getting the Fire Building Fire Down best people station relationships investigation history for the job upgrades with the media lane

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 bushfire feature

Other contents

Arsonists put on notice 06 New vehicles 09 New recruitment approach bolsters Dungog ranks 16 Retained firefighting in Bowral – an engaging activity 17 Maitland’s Mega Open Day 18 Retained Facebook ad a big ‘hit’ 21 City of Sydney meets Schäfflertanz 24 456 Stn Temora – firefighting in ‘the friendliest town in NSW’ 25 SF Bronnie Mackintosh 26 The way it was… the Coachman 30 Fire Brigade items heritage listed 33 ‘Briton’ – end of an era 34 ‘Hats off’ to our firies 40 Deaths and retirements 41 Farewell and enjoy ‘you’ time 41

Incidents

Furniture factory up in flames Marrickville 07 Between 8 and 21 January 2013: Firefighters work ‘tyrelessly’ as New Year dawns Villawood 11 Crane fire stops Sydney traffic Broadway 14 Homeowners on alert as park ignites Lane Cove 20 Cement truck fuels hazmat incident Rozelle 22 10,321 Water, water everywhere… Northern NSW 31 Tragedy strikes at Claymore house fire Claymore 32 Calls to Triple Zero Mini tornadoes batter NSW coast Southern NSW 35 1,348 Bush & grass fires were reported

Send in your stories and photos

FRNSW Media, Ministerial & Communications Unit (MMCU) wants to 1,020 publicise the incidents your crew attended, and the achievements of your unit. Firefighters and T: (02) 9265 2907 E: [email protected] 240 appliances deployed Intranet Email any photos and stories to [email protected] Fire & Rescue News Send any high-resolution photos (larger than 1,000KB) to: [email protected] 62 Strike Teams were formed Follow FRNSW and placed on standby on days of total fire ban Twitter.com/firerescuensw www.facebook.com/frnsw

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Firefighters spring into action as the state sizzles

FRNSW Communication n January 2013, NSW experienced All FRNSW stations and appliances were Centres answered 10,321 bushfire conditions not seen for many placed online and various contingencies years. Temperatures soared to the mid put in place. Strike Teams were Triple Zero (000) calls between 40s and above on a handful of days, sent to bolster resources at fires at 8 and 21 January 2013. A total I most notably on 8 and 18 January, and the Coonabarabran, Boorowa, Cessnock and of 1,348 bush and grass fires bushfire danger rating in many parts of Nowra. On top of this, FRNSW firefighters were reported in that time, with NSW reached Extreme and Catastrophic. responded to more than 200 automatic Preparations for the soaring fire alarm activations, house fires, more than 1,020 firefighters temperatures began in the days before chemical spills, rescues, and hundreds and 240 appliances deployed 8 January with special logistical of bush and grass fires that were to major outbreaks. On the arrangements put in place. Dozens of extinguished by the first arriving crews. days of total fire ban, 62 Strike off-duty firefighters were recalled on the Commissioner Greg Mullins praised 8th and assembled at Homebush before the efforts of firefighters and support Teams were formed and placed being picked up and transported by bus to staff. “In contrast to last year’s wet on standby. Many were deployed the Greenacre complex where they were summer, the hotter drier weather to tackle major bushfires assigned to appliances, sorted into Strike experienced over the summer with above affecting Boorowa, Bungendore, Teams and supplied with the necessary average temperatures resulted in us Cessnock, Cooma‑Monaro, gear to be deployed. A strike team was facing a very difficult period of bushfire also formed at the State Training College danger. I am enormously proud of the Coonabarabran, Henty, and sent into the field on the South Coast. tremendous efforts of our firefighters and Holbrook, Jerilderie, Superintendent Wayne Roberts said support staff alongside personnel from Lithgow, Nowra, Oura, it was a great team effort. “With the the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Tarcutta, Wandandian support of Inventory, Warehouse and Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Distribution, Equipment Logistics, Fleet, Corporation of NSW and other agencies (near Sussex Inlet) and Yass. Training College and Properties staff, the as we dealt with numerous bush and whole task of assembling, tasking and grass fires across the State.” committing large numbers of personnel Bushfire Section Manager and ran like clockwork,” he said. BICC Coordinator Steve Moran said Communications Centres were the high temperatures, low humidity swamped with more than 4,000 Triple and strong winds created the perfect Zero calls on 8 January alone. Extra staff bushfire conditions over the course of were also sent to the Bushfire Incident the two weeks. “We were quite fortunate Control Centre at the NSW Rural Fire that it wasn’t worse. No lives were lost Service headquarters at Lidcombe. and we could have lost many more On Friday 18 January, the hottest properties. I would put that down largely day ever recorded in Sydney, FRNSW to the preparations that were made experienced one of its busiest days ever. beforehand,” he said. nEND

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 bushfire feature Bushfires 2 013 stories from the frontline

Here are some brief snapshots of the tremendous efforts of FRNSW firefighters involved in bushfire operations in January 2013.

Coonabarabran Oura, Henty and Tarcutta

s bushfires raged through the Strike Team Leader, Inspector Grant irefighters from Jerilderie, Turvey Warrumbungles National Park O’Regan, said firefighters had put in Park, Leeton and Yenda battled on Sunday 13 January, a FRNSW many long hours of hard work together through intense heat and smoke AStrike Team of three tankers with their RFS colleagues to contain the Fas they fought to save homes and with firefighters from Coonabarabran, fire. “The crews were dedicated in their livestock from bushfires at Tarcutta and Narrabri, Gunnedah, Delroy and Dubbo efforts,” he said. “I cannot praise their Oura on Tuesday 8 January. made the 30km trip up to the Siding commitment enough. Without it, many The Strike Team of 22 firefighters Springs Observatory near Coonabarabran. more properties would have been lost.” and four appliances started the day in It took three hours to get there with crews On Saturday 23 February, Wagga Wagga and was soon sent to Oura facing strong winds, embers, dense Commissioner Mullins presented Unit to join the effort protecting homes and smoke and falling trees all the way. “You Commendations for Courageous Action containing the blaze. While the main fire couldn’t drive at more than 20km/h,” to the firefighters from Dubbo, Delroy, front had passed Oura, crews were faced Coonabarabran Captain Phil Mangan said. Coonabarabran, Gunnedah and Narrabri with some of the worst weather conditions The Strike Team were the only who helped save the Observatory. In imaginable with temperatures hitting the firefighters to make it to the Observatory. presenting the awards, Commissioner mid 40s and extreme winds. They found the accommodation lodge and Mullins said: “I congratulate them for By mid morning, reports were coming several buildings engulfed in flames and their commitment and professionalism, in of another blaze at Tarcutta. Strike got to work to save what they could using and their determination to save the Team Leader Inspector Tom Freedom the water supply at the Observatory. It Siding Springs Observatory, which would immediately dispatched half his team to proved to be a long hard night with crews certainly have suffered irreparable Tarcutta with Wagga Wagga Inspector not finishing until around 4am. However, damage and incurred a disastrous Daryl Manson. The second half of the the Observatory, information centre, financial and scientific loss without Strike Team and Inspector Freedom administration centre and fire station their efforts.” joined them shortly afterwards. were all saved. RFS Commissioner Shane As some of the first arriving crews Over the following few days, the Fitzsimmons and the Director General of to Mates Gully Rd, the Strike Team Strike Team was deployed to the town Emergency Management Australia Mark encountered dense smoke and ferocious of Bugaldie to protect properties along Crosweller, after touring the fireground, flames threatening several homes. They Barradine Rd. Further property protection praised the FRNSW Strike Team which, immediately got to work and managed and firefighting operations were carried despite hostile fire conditions, saved the to save several homes and release out along Timor Road. world-renowned facility from the fire. large numbers of livestock. The crews remained in place overnight. Inspector Freedom said it was a credit to all services attending that no houses were lost on that “frenetic day”. NSW OURA, COONABARABRAN HENTY AND TARCUTTA YASS AND BUNGENDORE

LITHGOW

SUSSEX INLET

COOMA

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Strike team assembles in Wagga Wagga

Cooma and Bungendore Yass Lithgow

irefighters from Bowral, fierce bushfire threatening homes wo FRNSW Strike Teams, made Queanbeyan, Cooma, Bombala, near the Hume Highway on 8-9 up of firefighters from the Blue Jindabyne and ACT Fire and January saw FRNSW firefighters Mountains and Sydney, were called FRescue fought for five days to Apushed to their limits. Tto a bushfire at Lithgow in the early save homes in the Kybean Valley and at A Strike Team of 16 firefighters from hours of Wednesday 9 January. Bungendore as fierce blazes threatened Yass, Young, Temora and Narrandera Superintendent Lindsay West said crews homes on 8-9 January. The Strike Team battled through intense heat and smoke were called to the blaze at 5am and worked of 25 firefighters – the only joint agency to contain the bushfire at Yass and most of the day to bring it under control. Strike Team – battled through intense Bookham. Strike Team Leader Inspector “At the height of the fire, we had 75 heat, strong winds and thick smoke. Steven Hayes said the flames were fierce FRNSW firefighters and 50 RFS firefighters, Under the leadership of Inspector and it “got a bit hairy. It was the quickest plus additional RFS resources including Ray Buchanan, the Strike Team was moving fire I have ever seen. We were three helicopters, a plane and three first deployed to Nimmitabel Public lucky not to lose any properties.” bulldozers (used to create fire trails) School to protect it from the fire front. battling the fire,” Superintendent West said. They were then sent into the Kybean “Fortunately the winds were not as Valley at about 3pm on Tuesday the 8th, Sussex Inlet strong as predicted and we were able to tasked with protecting a number of large contain the fire by 4pm, and no properties heritage-listed homes, halls, farming were damaged or lost. It was a great infrastructure and livestock from the irefighters from the Greater Sydney effort by the Strike Teams, which were flames, which were stopped within 100 Area were deployed to Sussex Inlet made up of retained firefighters from metres of buildings. on 8 January. The Strike Team was across the Blue Mountains, including Crews faced extreme weather led by Inspector Nick Ferrante. Wentworth Falls, Glenbrook, Springwood, conditions with temperatures hitting the F Lawson, Katoomba, Blackheath, and “There were a number of small mid 40s. The surrounding pine forest villages near Sussex Inlet, which were Mount Victoria, as well as from fire fuelled a ferocious blaze as crews worked relatively isolated by the fire,” he stations in the Greater Sydney Area, hard to prevent embers from setting said. “We had a fire appliance in each including Rhodes, Merrylands, Dunheved n fire to homes. The Strike Team also village, providing a point of contact for and Riverstone.” ” END extinguished several grass fires that had residents, and ‘eyes on the ground’. flared up, threatening several properties. Crews were preemptively positioned to On 9-10 January, the Strike Team was protect property and to call for additional sent to help contain and mop up the blaze resources to battle the blaze if the fire at Bungendore that had impacted the started to encroach on a village. Kings Highway. No life or property was lost in the areas where Strike Team Charlie was deployed.

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 bushfire feature

Arsonists put on notice

FRNSW has joined forces ince 1 October 2012, Strike Force Commissioner Greg Mullins said with the NSW Police Tronto police officers have charged people who deliberately light bushfires nearly 40 people in relation made firefighters’ job harder. “The fire Force and the NSW Rural Sto deliberately-lit bushfires services can’t fight arson on their own Fire Service to crack down and grassfires. More than 20 of those – they need the help of the community. on arsonists. More than were juveniles. It’s often local residents who are the 35% of bushfires each Together, the agencies are trialling first to notice suspicious behaviour a new system designed to predict arson of potential arsonists. Firefighters year are believed to be trends. The Arson Trends Analysis System should encourage people in their caused by arson. uses mapping technology to examine all communities to report anything fires to better determine if an arsonist suspicious by calling Crime Stoppers is at work in a community. on 1800 333 000. nEND

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Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Marrickville FIRE Incident

Furniture factory up in flames 20 NOV 15:30

Numerous 000 calls received at 1530 hrs on Tuesday 20 November instigated the first response to a factory alight at Rich Street, Marrickville.

irst arriving crews were faced SO McFarlane realised that relay Flaming runoff, contaminated by with a fierce fire fuelled by pumping from Victoria Rd would be unknown chemicals washed from a heavily-stocked furniture necessary due to the location of the fire the factory, flowed into a stormwater Ffactory. It was a dangerous and the need to deploy aerial appliances drain adjacent to the site. Hazmat fire due to the presence of unknown to stop the fire from spreading to the was tasked with monitoring that chemicals which produced sporadic adjacent factories, and escalated the situation and later treated the drain to explosions, and the instability of the response to a 5th Alarm neutralise any residual chemicals. old complex with wall collapses an Arriving resources had a logistical The timber-framed 25 x 25m iron imminent threat. challenge in accessing and staging at clad factory was destroyed during Incident Commander what was a heavily congested site, in the the blaze but firefighters stopped Superintendent Greg O’Connor said: densely populated suburb of Marrickville. the fire from entering the main “The first arriving crews did a fantastic The factory alight was sandwiched part of the furniture factory and a job in isolating and knocking down between two other factory units and two food distribution warehouse which the intense fire which could easily cul-de-sacs, Rich St and Brompton St. contained a considerable amount have spread further and damaged Large volumes of smoke blanketed of cooking oils and fats. In total, surrounding properties. With three the area due to the high fire load of 14 stations as well as specialist or four pumpers at work and two hardwood timber and polyurethane appliances attended along with ladder platforms around 500-600L per lacquers used by the furniture business. an IMT. second of water was being pumped The large smoke plume spread across The stop message was sent at onto the fire. The initial size-up a densely populated area and Hazmat 1740 hrs but a fire duty remained in is critical in getting the required continually monitored the toxicity levels attendance for much of the next day. resources to the site to properly deal of the smoke until it dissipated. Local The cause of the fire was determined with the incident and SO McFarlane residents were advised but no further to be accidental, having started in did everything right in setting this up evacuations were required. electrical wires that were part of the for a smooth operation.” factory spray booth. nEND

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Something old, something new Story and photos courtesy Museum of Fire staff and research team.

CO2 Tenders past … of compressed CO2. Installed at … and present ith the imminent arrival of a Headquarters in 1939, it also carried ydney firefighters have been busy new CO2 Tender, we thought limited breathing apparatus and training for the delivery of a brand it timely to revisit the history heat‑resistant clothing for specialised new appliance – the CO2 (carbon of an appliance type believed operations. dioxide) Tender – the only one W By 1965 the Board of Fire S to be unique to FRNSW over a period of of its kind in Australia. The Tender is almost 80 years. Commissioners decided a replacement stationed at Pyrmont Fire Station and will Back in the mid-1930s, the Sydney was necessary, and purchased a Ford be responded across the GSA, the area County Council (electricity distributor Thames Trader chassis, similar to those identified as having the greatest need for much of Sydney) came up with the being used as pumpers in that era. When for this type of specialised novel idea of putting small substations the Ford entered service vehicle. underground instead of in ground level in early 1966, the Dodge “Having a CO2 Tender cabinets or up on poles. Concerns about was kept as a spare CO2 Tenders mitigates a lot of risk for the possibility of fires led to discussions until withdrawn with are essential us,” said City of Sydney with NSWFB personnel about protection mechanical problems Station Officer Craig systems. Carbon dioxide was determined in 1974. for fighting Mashman. “They are to be the best solution, but the expense The third generation subterranean fires essential for fighting of fitting every chamber with a suitable CO2 Tender with new subterranean fires where system was considered excessive. The bodywork was built in access is minimal and NSWFB suggested a special mobile 1984 on an International high-risk situations such as unit carrying sufficient CO2 on board 610A chassis. In 2002, the bodywork was underground electrical kiosks, basement to deal with any outbreak in the largest transferred to a Mitsubishi chassis. This fires, substations and ships’ hulls.” sized chambers. is still in service as an SEV but is expected The Tender is an Isuzu FRR 600 Thus was born the concept of the to be withdrawn when the new unit enters single cab design with automated CO2 Tender. A Dodge 3-ton chassis service. The fourth generation was built manual transmission, ABS brakes and was purchased in 1938 and fitted with on a new Isuzu chassis in 2002, and is anti-skid traction control. The body was bodywork and suitable equipment, currently in service at 38 Stn Pyrmont. manufactured by Mills Tui (Australia) including eight 50 lb cylinders Both the 1938 Dodge and 1966 Ford Pty Ltd who also built FRNSW’s last have been preserved at the Museum of Fire, and it is expected the Mitsubishi will join them shortly.

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 1966 Ford Thames CO2 Tender

New CO2 Tender 1936 Dodge CO2 Tender

CO2 Tender. When the new appliance is commissioned, the 2002 Tender will be New Appliances used as a Service Exchange Vehicle (SEV). Station Zone Type Make Model Commissioned “The current CO2 Tender will be used Eastwood MW2 Heavy Rescue Isuzu FVD1000 1/02/2013 as the SEV and will have some minor modifications to allow it to carry the foam City of Sydney ME1 Heavy Rescue Isuzu FVD1000 24/01/2013 generator,” said Assistant Director Fleet, Rydalmere MW2 Class 3 Pumper Scania P320 27/11/2012 Peter Fanning. “It will be used as a spare whenever the new one is being serviced.” The new vehicle carries 16 CO2 CO2 Tender Technical Specification cylinders (22 kilos per cylinder), four Cab/chassis Isuzu FRR 600 cab chassis, 4x2 configuration more than its current counterpart. The appliance will be crewed by two Crew capacity 2 firefighters firefighters and used predominately to Vehicle dimensions Overall length: 7,610mm extinguish subterranean electrical fires Overall width (including mirrors): 2,750mm using CO2 via one or both of two hose Overall height: 3180mm reels mounted on each side of the vehicle, Wheel base: 4360mm or by special hoses and connections that Turning circle (kerb to kerb): 13,900mm can flood an underground substation with Vehicle weights: Tare weight 6,650kg CO2. The hose reels are 60 metres long Gross vehicle mass (GVM): 11,000kg and can be operated independently. Engine Isuzu diesel The CO2 Tender carries a cache of specialist equipment including a high Engine performance 176 kW @ 2,400 rpm / Torque 706Nm @ 1,450rpm expansion foam generator and a positive Transmission 6 speed AMT with both automatic & clutchless manual operation modes pressure ventilation fan, plus additional Maximum speed Speed limited to 100-115km/h equipment that enables bulk CO2 supply. In addition, the appliance has been Fuel capacity 180 litres of diesel designed as a support appliance at major Electrical Vehicle electrical system 24V incidents and carries 40 CABA cylinders Batteries: (vehicle) 2 x 12V (180Ah) (comms) 1x 12V (17.2Ah) and a Stage 2 BA control board. nEND Alternator: Rapid power RP4i x 150Amps Body construction Integrated aluminium body with Monsoon roller shutters

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Getting the best people for the job

New FRNSW Physical Aptitude Test rolled out

Permanent and retained firefighter applicants for 2013 are undergoing the new version of the Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) as part of a staged roll-out of the testing developed by the University of Wollongong (UoW) Centre for Human and Applied Physiology in partnership with the FRNSW Health and Safety Branch.

ommissioner Greg Mullins said 15 critical and physically demanding measured during the simulations. The the revised PAT is the result of tasks of firefighting for further analysis. circuit recommended to make up the new firefighter expertise, response The survey elicited more than 1,000 FRNSW PAT consisted of: Cprofiling and science working responses.” — reduced visibility search together to develop one of the most The identified tasks were then — ladder raise and lower simulation valid physical employment standards simulated by 57 firefighters from 11 — single-sided jerrycan carry in the world. stations under the instruction of subject — single-sided jerrycan stair climb “The new PAT is an accurate reflection matter experts from Bushfire, Firefighter — motor vehicle rescue shears static holds of the demands of the job. Demands on Training, Hazmat and Rescue Sections. — repeat hose drag our firefighting skills are ever evolving. The simulations allowed UoW — simulated fire attack More and more often we are participating researchers to conduct physiological — simulated firefighter rescue. in response and recovery operations for monitoring on the participants and The new PAT was then piloted at long and complex incidents and these can determine which tasks were the most Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Blacktown, be local, national and even international, physically demanding. Analysis of the Campbelltown, Katoomba, Alexandria where our firefighters are working data resulted in the following tasks being and Sutherland. It was validated by 147 in challenging and often unfamiliar identified: firefighters, whose age and gender were environments. — ladder raise and lower reflective of the FRNSW workforce. “We needed to update and revise our — hazmat load carriage tasks “All firefighters who participated in the physical employment standards to better — team lifts up stairs pilot did so voluntarily, providing valuable reflect what we do as a fire and rescue — use of rescue shears input and benchmarks for the project, as service today and into the future, not what — bushfire fighting did all those who participated in the focus we did in the past. — fire attack groups and provided responses to the “The research that went into this — firefighter and victim rescue. survey,” said Commissioner Mullins. project was extensive, with focus groups The UoW researchers then developed conducted across the State and an a circuit of assessments to create organisation-wide survey identifying the same physical demands as those

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Villawood FIRE Incident

Brendan Mott, Team Leader Health and Fitness, said the project has been about better tailoring the PAT to reflect the needs of the FRNSW. “The science and research that has gone into this project has allowed us to better assess the cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength of potential recruits. It sets a robust and evidence- based standard which helps us in our duty of care to protect firefighters from illness and injury,” said Brendan. “Our community deserves the best and most capable people at the core of emergency response operations. This new PAT will ensure we choose the Firefighters work ‘tyrelessly’ right people for the job. We know that recruits who can complete the new PAT as New Year dawns will be physically capable of fulfilling the demanding roles that our firefighters are called upon to complete every day,” 01 JAN 00:30 Commissioner Mullins said. For more information on the PAT and to see a simulation, visit the FRNSW website. nEND

New Year’s Day 2013 got off to a spectacular start when more than 100 firefighters spent hours fighting a fire involving a storage warehouse and yard full of tyres at Miller Rd, Villawood.

hortly after 0030 hours, 000 The strategies and tactics employed calls were received reporting by the first arriving crews successfully large volumes of smoke stopped the fire spreading to adjacent Sissuing from a 50m x 30m exposures. As dawn approached, factory located between Miller Rd and firefighters finally managed to get the Sir Thomas Mitchell Rd. First arriving blaze under control. firefighters, who had originally been Crews remained at the scene responded to a report of a grass fire, the next day to monitor the site and found the factory containing a large continue knocking down the fire using quantity of tyres well alight. foam. Thick black smoke affected Subsequent Red messages nearby residents who were advised upgraded the response to a 12th to stay indoors and keep doors and Alarm, with two major water relays windows closed. An excavator was established. Crews from across brought in to dismantle the stack Sydney and an Incident Management of tyres and to help extinguish the Team including Commissioner Mullins flames fully. The compressed air worked through the early morning foam pumper was brought in the next hours to bring the fire under control. day and in combination with a ladder platform, enabled the fire to be finally extinguished. nEND

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS

Delroy Station Yenda Station

Unanderra Station Hornsby Station Cabramatta Station

Hornsby Station

Fire station upgrades

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 In 2012/13, the NSW Government continued its commitment to upgrading FRNSW facilities and equipment, providing capital funding to build a new station at Cabramatta and to complete major refurbishments at a number of other stations around the State, including Unanderra, Yenda, Tea Gardens, Delroy and Hornsby.

New fire station for Cabramatta Major upgrade for Unanderra Fire Major $1.25 million upgrade for abramatta’s new state-of-the- Station Hornsby Fire Station art $3.5 million fire station was nanderra Fire Station in the lso in February 2013, the new officially opened by the Minister Illawarra was next ‘cab off the $1.25 million major upgrade of Cfor Police and Emergency Services rank’, receiving a $700,000 major Hornsby Fire Station in Sydney’s Michael Gallacher and FRNSW Deputy Uupgrade in 2012, with the Minister Anorth was unveiled by Minister Commissioner Jim Smith last September. and Commissioner officially opening the Gallacher and Commissioner Mullins. Three times the size of its new-look station in October last year. The major NSW Government predecessor, the new station boasts The upgrade included new kitchen and investment saw Hornsby Fire Station, a double engine bay to house two fire bathroom facilities, improved personal built in the early 1970s, brought up to appliances, a large training room for protective equipment storage and a modern standards for the 33 firefighters on-site training and community events, specially-designed breathing apparatus based there. storage space for personal protective service and storage area. The upgrade included a first floor equipment and breathing apparatus Minister Gallacher said the upgrade addition with new accommodation, study maintenance, as well as a fitness room. provided a bigger and better base for areas and bathroom and storage facilities. Deputy Commissioner Smith told the 18 retained firefighters at Unanderra A new fire pole was also installed to gathered media at the official opening – a vital cog in the Illawarra’s fire and allow for faster response times to that the new station had been designed emergency response network. emergency calls. and built to meet the needs of a constantly On the ground floor a new kitchen, evolving and modern firefighting service. Yenda Fire Station upgrade office and watchroom facilities were Cabramatta Senior Firefighter Joseph enda Fire Station in the installed, as well as a specially-designed (Barry) O’Regan agreed, saying the Murrumbidgee also received a breathing apparatus service and new station is what you’d expect from a $160,000 upgrade in 2012, with storage area and a renovated training modern emergency service. Ythe official opening delayed until room and gym. “When you look at what we had before, November after Yenda and surrounding compared with what we have now, it’s an areas were devastated by a once-in-150- Delroy Fire Station receives incredible difference. We call it the ‘jewel year flood earlier in the year. major upgrade of the west’, we’re now a station other The upgrade included a new combined n March this year the newly refurbished firefighters aspire to come to and we’re training and mess room, uniform storage Delroy Fire Station was officially opened proud to have visitors. and bathroom facilities at the side of the by Commissioner Mullins and Dubbo “Our Zone Commander Steve Lyons building and a refurbishment of the main IState MP Troy Grant. put a huge amount of effort into ensuring station area, including a dedicated female The $840,000 major upgrade the design was compatible with our shower and change room. included new kitchen facilities, a new needs. A lot of forethought went into watchroom and Station Commander’s Major upgrade for Tea Gardens future expansion, it’s really all the little office, and an improved training room Fire Station things that make a big difference in and personal protective equipment increasing the amenity of the place, like n February this year Minister storage. The upgrade also extended to having control of the street lights when Gallacher and the Commissioner new facilities for the Area and Zone office, leaving the engine bay, it all saves time,” celebrated the completion of a major and male and female bathroom facilities said Senior FF O’Regan. I$830,000 upgrade of Tea Gardens Fire and locker rooms. nEND Station on the mid North Coast. The upgrade included a new watch room, training rooms and a new Station Commander’s office, new toilets and change rooms for men and women, plus improved personal protective equipment storage and new equipment such as computers.

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Broadway

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 FIRE stopsCrane fire Incident Sydney traffic

27 NOV 09:40 At approximately 0940 hrs on Tuesday morning 27 November, inner city fire crews were called to a crane fire at a building site in Broadway. Firefighters were confronted on arrival with a serious fire involving diesel fuel at the top of a 65-metre tower crane.

inutes before the first arriving Due to the timely efforts of the By the end of the day, damaged crew, 18 Glebe, sent the Red site safety delegate, crane driver and hoarding on Wattle Street was message, Inspector Nick Inspector Ferrante, evacuations had secured, as well as cladding on MFerrante who was passing by, begun from the building site and there an industrial lift shaft which was alerted FireComms to the incident and were no injuries. Firefighters evacuated impacted by the collapsed crane. commenced evacuations. He then started 100 workers from the building site and A joint multi-services briefing held to stockpile extinguishers for the coming another 100 people from surrounding by the Police Commander determined response and ascended the crane with businesses and homes. The crane driver’s that all rescue staff should be DCP extinguishers to assist the crane actions in moving the crane arm away withdrawn overnight for safety driver still in the cabin and to try to knock from the street may well have saved many reasons with recovery operations down the flames before it spread. A crane lives. to resume the next day, Wednesday driver and a second worker in the cabin Inspector Reilly reported: “Things 28 November, at first light. evacuated soon after firefighters arrived could have been an awful lot worse This was a very unusual incident. as the fire spread from the engine to because the University of Technology While FRNSW has responded in engulf the cabin. The crane was carrying is right behind with a large number of recent times to several mobile crane 1,000 litres of diesel. students and pedestrian traffic, not to collapses involving rescue scenarios, The IMT arrived quickly led by Incident mention vehicles; we were very lucky not the added elements of a significant Controller Inspector Mark Reilly, from to have serious injuries.” fire at considerable height in unstable City of Sydney whose first concern Broadway was closed for about circumstances on a central city site was the safety of firefighters and the 5 hours while operations continued. posed a unique set of challenges for public, construction workers on-site Meantime, firefighters continued to responders. and emergency response workers. He monitor the situation from a ladder “It was a fast-paced and dynamic immediately set up an exclusion zone platform. Fire crews using the operation,” said Incident Controller of 1 km and tasked Police to close thermal imaging camera capacity Inspector Mark Reilly. “We had a fire surrounding roads. Fire crews setting up of the 44m aerial appliance took crew and police rescue crew in a for fire attack were quickly withdrawn temperature readings of the burning precarious position when the boom when the fire started to destabilise the engine compartment which showed a went. It was a very brave effort to crane’s structural integrity. The crane considerable drop in temperature from ascend to that height; but given the arm, which the operator had moved away 1,000º to 60º, showing that the fuel had fast growth of the fire, they were from public areas, crashed down onto the been consumed and the fire was in the unable to extinguish it at that time. construction site below while Inspector process of self extinguishing. All withdrew safely to the ground and Ferrante was climbing up to ensure the FRNSW USAR resources were deployed continued to assist in the firefighting safety of the crane driver. to secure the crane, check for further operations.” nEND movement during the afternoon and liaise with police and local structural engineers on how best to stabilise the area.

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS New recruitment approach bolsters Dungog ranks

Just 12 months ago, Dungog Fire Station was in dire straits. Retained firefighter numbers at the Hunter Valley station were at a crisis point, with just five members on the books, one of whom was on maternity leave.

“ he overtime we had to pay to keep preliminary screening of potential the station on line was killing candidates. He started doorknocking at us,” Metropolitan North 3 Zone hotels, the local shopping centre, the TCommander Greg Windeatt said. council works depot, banks, schools and “Retained firefighter staffing levels have other places of work, talking to people been a chronic problem at Dungog for about Dungog Fire Station’s situation and several years – it has been a long time the need to support it.” since the station has had a full house An open recruitment night was held – but we had reached a point where we at the station where potential candidates needed to take desperate actions.” could meet the retained crew members Those desperate actions have proved and collect an application form. Those to be a blueprint for success in retained forms were then followed up. firefighter recruitment for the station “The clincher was we had an SO which is now almost at full complement. doing country relief at the time, Station Like many towns in country NSW, Officer Matty Bramall, to help out. He is Dungog’s changing an ex-retained firefighter and Dungog’s blueprint demographics have been understands what it is like for retained firefighter a big contributing factor These desperate to go through this process,” to retained workforce Superintendent Windeatt recruitment success shortages. With a population actions have said. “He did the back end of about 2,500, the Dungog proved to of the consultant’s work. community has been He contacted the applicants crippled by the gradual be a blueprint and helped them through it Be proactive in targeting shutdown of its major for success all, keeping them in the loop employers – the local timber with what was happening and canvassing mill and dairy industry. and giving them face-to-face potential applicants “There is very support and assistance. little permanent work in the town,” Zone management also brought in a Superintendent Windeatt said. “People of doctor and nurse from a Maitland medical Enlist a medical provider working age who live in Dungog basically centre for the day to conduct all the for a day to conduct health have to travel out of town – whether it is to candidates’ medical tests at the fire station. checks for all applicants work in the mining industry or at a major “There have always been long delays centre – so the pool of potential recruits who in getting applicants to see their GP for at a central location are available through the day is very small.” a medical so we took control of it and Following urgent talks with FRNSW’s brought the mountain to them. That Have someone available Area and Regional Commanders, the was a big breakthrough in saving time,” zone hired a recruitment company which Superintendent Windeatt said. “Zone office at the station as a had assisted at other regional stations staff members Deb Gorman and Felicity face‑to‑face contact for facing the same predicament of retained Harnden also put in an enormous effort on applicants to help them firefighter shortages. the administration side of the application “That was a big breakthrough,” process. It truly was a team effort. through the process. Superintendent Windeatt said. “The “It has been a really good success consultant knew the criteria we needed story and the costs involved have definitely candidates to meet and got to work been worth it. Finally, Dungog will soon canvassing the town and conducting reach its full complement for the first time in many years.” nEND 16

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS

3rd annual Sydney Classic Antiqu&e Truck Show 2013

8am to 3pm Farmeuseement rides and displays Museum of Fire, Penrith

ADMISSION: Adults $15 (includes up to three children under 16 free with paying adult) Concession $10 (excludes free child entry) Open to Heavy Commercial & Specialised Vehicles over 30 years (pre entry required) EXHIBITORS ONLY: Saturday arrival and setup, club run and night function. More details available with entry form. Free overnight camping facilities, breakfast, tea & coffee, hospitality tent.

Contact details: [email protected] | (02) 4731 3000 | www.museumoffire.com.au

Retained firefighting in Bowral – an engaging activity

It’s official – Bowral Fire Station aptain John Arnot and his crew’s safety talks, hydrant inspection and Pre has the most engaging crew! outstanding achievements Ed and Fire Ed school visits. were recognised when the then “Bowral is a diverse community For the past two years, Station CAssistant Commissioner Jim of over 20,000 with many people 234 Bowral has held the State Smith presented Station 234 with the migrating from Sydney,” said Captain record for conducting the FRNSW Directors’ Award for Excellence in Arnot. “We view this as an opportunity most community engagement Community Safety for 2010/11. to target previously untargeted groups In 2011/12, the 12 Bowral firefighters including those with disabilities and activities – 2087 in total. responded to 482 calls and conducted a the hearing-impaired. There are also a staggering 901 community engagement significant number of elderly people in FRNSW community engagement activities. Captain Arnot attributes these our community, therefore many of our champions 2011/12 outstanding results to the enthusiasm and activities are SABRE-related.” professionalism of his crew. “We have been “Our bar is set high and conducting SABRE for over we all strive to maintain four years and we have a a certain standard,” he Planning and spreadsheet that is updated said. “It’s important how organisation monthly,” he said. “Every 901 we present and conduct person needing a smoke play a large role Bowral ourselves; a professional alarm battery replacement manner is mandatory. We is listed and we generally take pride in what we do, call those elderly clients in and having a clean station and a gleaming the evening when we know they will be fire appliance is part of that ethic. We home so we can book them in.” have an obligation to the people of NSW To deliver this extraordinary level 541 and a level of accountability.” of community service, Captain Arnot Bankstown “We try to educate people where and believes it’s important to involve as many whenever we can and it’s not difficult to people in the station activities as possible. engage members of the community in a “I believe we need to encourage progress fire safety discussion,” said Captain Arnot. and reward achievement,” he said. “You may have to initially chat about the “While community involvement brings 504 weather, but eventually you get around its own rewards, everyone needs to feel to fire safety. If a child shows interest in a appreciated, even if it’s as simple as a Busby fire engine, you can use the opportunity to ‘thankyou’.” talk to him or her about what to do in the Captain Arnot believes that the crew event of a fire – things like that.” from Station 234 can continue to maintain Captain Arnot believes that planning these high standards, whatever the future and organisation also play a large role in may bring. “We might need to change 500 the success of community engagement direction a little bit to keep things ticking Mt Druitt activities. These are planned weekly and over, but we’re up for the challenge,” the details pinned on the station notice he said. nEND Numbers indicate how many community safety, board. Activities include SABRE, senior preparedness and engagement activities were carried out during the year. 17

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS

hanks largely to the exceptional efforts of Firefighter Nicole Sutton, on 13 October 2012, TMaitland Fire Station hosted what may have been one of the world’s Maitland’s Biggest Fire Station Open Days! Well over 600 visitors passed through the station doors and $6000 (the top fundraising tally in NSW) was raised for the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation (MDF). Mega MDF had invited thousands of Australian firefighters to raise funds by participating in a Fill the Boot Relay. Firefighters ran, cycled, walked or flew from station to station, passing on a Open Day firefighter’s boot to symbolise fundraising efforts. Many stations organised fundraisers and Firefighter Sutton suggested that Maitland hold a Mega Open Day, volunteering to coordinate the event. Station 374 prepared for a busy time ahead. “Most of us know that if Nicole is on a mission, you either help, get out of the way or get run down,” said fellow FRNSW Open Day provides firefighters with Firefighter Mark Goffett. “She even put her Senior Firefighter studies on hold to a great opportunity to interact with local work on the project.” “It did take a huge amount of communities, so why just have one Open Day planning,” Nicole admitted, “but the when you can have two – one of them MEGA? support I received was fantastic. Over 20 permanent, retained and retired firefighters volunteered to help, along with family and friends. Some of the retained firefighters were at the station from 6.30am to set up and Retained Firefighter Wayne Chapman spent the previous night building two very solid wooden access ramps for wheelchairs, strollers and those with limited mobility.” The event was widely advertised and firefighters had been expecting a great deal of community interest, but no-one anticipated the sheer volume of people that would flood into the station between the advertised hours of 10am and 2pm.

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 “People were lining up at the doors from Storm Troopers aka Nicole’s cousin donations (direct to MDF), and on Open 9am,” said Firefighter Goffett. “We were Firefighter Simon Melmeth and friends Day heaps of people made donations. staggered by the number of visitors – in from the 501st Legion, (resplendent in We also made a huge amount from selling fact, we gave up counting heads in the authentic Star Wars costumes) who were sausages and chocolates.” end. For most of the day it was difficult lending support to the MDF fundraising. For her part in the Relay, Nicole cycled to get from the front to the rear of the “We were absolutely overwhelmed from her home in Morpeth to Maitland fire station,” he said, “and it by the amazing response,” station where she crammed the official was standing room only said Nicole. “It was bedlam Relay Gumboot (size 12!) and a charity in the engine bays!” Over 600 visitors and all the media was tin into her backpack. Nicole then rode Appliances had there – radio, TV, and to Lambton Fire Station, collected their been moved out of the turned up and newspapers. I was the charity tin and continued on to Hamilton engine bays which were $6000 was raised go-to girl,” she laughed. Fire Station where she delivered the boot bursting with fire safety “If I saw stuff missing in time for the next leg of its journey. She displays, historical or something needing then cycled home – a round trip of 80 kms! information and non- attention, I was able to get Not surprisingly, Nicole has already stop audiovisuals showcasing FRNSW that sorted. Everyone was flat out but it started planning for a bigger and better specialist operations. The fire trucks was fantastic.” Open Day this year. “We had such a (both vintage and state-of-the art) were And how did they raise $6,000? great result, and now we have a better on display in the rear yard where visitors “It was a combination of things,” said understanding of what we need and watched alternating hazmat scenarios Nicole. “Collection tins were left with how things run,” she said. “I’m certainly and kitchen fat fire simulations. Also local businesses who also contributed, looking forward to doing it all again!” causing a spectacle were the Star Wars firefighters registered for online nEND

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For moFroer imnfoorrem inatfoiornm, avtiisoitn t,h veis Fitu tnhde’ sF wunedb’si twee abtsite at http:h//trtwp:f/u/nrwdfund

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Lane Cove FIRE Incident

Homeowners on alert as park ignites

05 DEC 14:00

n Wednesday 5 December southwesterly that was blowing. A tactical the initial calls, but a lot of work just after 1400 hours, FRNSW backburn was quickly commenced to was still required to ensure full responded to a bushfire in the create a firebreak between properties extinguishment. A backburn was put OLane Cove National Park. The on Magdela Rd and the main fire front. in place by FRNSW and NPWS along fire was located away from the major Crews from stations 23, 37 and 66 were Pittwater Rd which was completed public area of the National Park on put in place with hoselines behind the by 2230 hours. NPWS spent most of the North Ryde side of Pittwater Rd. properties to ensure they were adequately the following day mopping up and With numerous 000 calls, response protected. blacking out. was quickly escalated to a 2nd Alarm. Residents were contacted and One of the biggest risks from Temperatures were in the low 30s, a told to follow their Bush Fire Survival this fire included smoke blowing stiff southwesterly wind was blowing, Plan for a Watch and Act alert level if across Epping Highway and the M2 and humidity was low – perfect they had one prepared. Some chose to motorway, and drivers were warned ingredients for a serious fire. temporarily leave with their pets. Others over the radio to put on headlights and First arriving crews tried to access who decided to stay were advised to keep slow down due to the loss of visibility. the bush area behind North Ryde RSL off their roofs and remain inside with FRNSW Assistant Commissioner Club, which was later used as the their windows closed. Jim Hamilton praised the work of incident control point and staging area At the peak of the incident, crews firefighters in containing the blaze. for arriving crews. There were reports were faced with a fire covering around “With the support of our National of smoke plumes from the other 10 hectares. To bring this under control, Parks and Wildlife Service colleagues, side of the river towards Lane Cove FRNSW appliances were assisted by five firefighters were able to contain the West and 61 Station was deployed Category 9 appliances from the National blaze within a couple of hours with no to the eastern side to monitor and Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and loss of property. It was an outstanding investigate. Thankfully, this proved to three water bombing aircraft. The aircraft effort,” he said. be smoke carrying across the water included the sky crane Malcolm which The crews who responded to this and there were no spot fires. had been brought out to Australia to incident were 66 Rhodes, 61 Lane On arrival, Duty Commander boost aerial firefighting resources for the Cove, 23 Gladesville, 17 Drummoyne, MW2 increased the response first 2012/13 bushfire season. 59 Eastwood, 37 Gordon, 12 Balmain, to a 3rd Alarm, and then to a 4th The fire was well contained and 58 Beecroft, 52 Campsie, 38 Pyrmont, Alarm due to the possible threat to brought under control in the early 65 Rydalmere and 19 Silverwater. properties downwind from the strong evening around 1800, six hours after nEND

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS

Some of the feedback on Facebook:

Retained Facebook ad Facebook message a big Rob:

The best ad for RFFs yet. Now get it on the TV! ‘hit’ Facebook message Ellen: Last year the Media Ministerial and Communications Unit (MMCU) produced two 60-second video recruitment I’ve just been lucky enough to receive advertisements designed to attract retained firefighters. a retained position and can’t wait The ads were launched via the official FRNSW Facebook page to complete the training and begin in February, attracting more than 10,000 views in three days. assisting in the community. It’s all I’ve wanted for a long time and hope many others consider joining!

ilmed on location in 2012 with media platforms. This made the whole Facebook message 338 Jindabyne, the ads feature campaign extremely cost effective – retained firefighters Marten well below the expense of mainstream David: F‘Marty’ Whittington and Lucy advertising. Shumack. In the ads, both Marty and When the ads were launched on Been in 3 years so far. Lucy talk about how rewarding and Facebook in February, the uptake was Absolutely love the job! satisfying being a retained firefighter immediate with ‘hits’ averaging 50 Facebook message is, how they manage their professional to 100 per minute. Within three days lives to meet their commitments as both clips exceeded 10,000 views with Josh: retained firefighters, and the benefits the ‘register your interest to become of the training provided by FRNSW. a retained firefighter’ link on the I did it for 5 years and loved every The ads were produced completely FRNSW website accessed more than minute of it. I even went over to in-house by MMCU and designed 1,000 times over the same period. America and worked in a volunteer for distribution via FRNSW’s social nEND station over there for 3 months. Had the time of my life. Made www.facebook.com/frnsw some lifelong friends. DON’T LEAVE FIRE SAFETY TO CHANCE Do a Home Fire Safety Audit now at www.HomeFireSafetyAudit.com.au

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS

Rozelle HAZMAt Incident

Cement truck fuels hazmat incident

12 NOV 12:11

t 1211 hrs on Monday 12 Using the air-operated diaphragm November, crews from 12 pump so as not to create an ignition Balmain and 13 Alexandria source, the first fuel tank was easily AHeavy Hazmat were called to an decanted. However due to the overturned cement truck on Somerville position of the truck, the second fuel Rd, beneath Anzac Bridge in Rozelle. tank proved to be more challenging. The truck had toppled over when Because the truck had come to rest negotiating a bend and had come to rest on its side, the filler cap of the other on its side on the footpath near a wire fuel tank was inaccessible. Quick- fence. thinking firefighters improvised by The first arriving crew was 12 attaching a length of garden hose Balmain and SO Chris Ross as OIC to the pump hose and accessed the quickly appraised the situation. After remaining fuel in the tank through the checking on the driver’s welfare, Heavy drain plug. Hazmat 13 was also called as a large It is estimated that firefighters quantity of fuel was leaking from the stopped around 300 litres of diesel truck’s diesel tanks. The crew from fuel from entering the Harbour Balmain bunded the drain to stop the and returned around 150 litres fuel entering Sydney Harbour, applied of salvaged fuel to the trucking sphagsorb to the area and then set company. 12 Balmain remained in about decanting the truck’s fuel tanks attendance until around 1600 hrs with the assistance of Hazmat officers. while a recovery vehicle salvaged the truck. nEND

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Building relationships Did you know that the FRNSW with the media – Media Team is very active why bother? on Facebook and Twitter? 22,535 Facebook Likes (as at 26/4/13)

Love them or hate, journalists and the media outlets they work for 8,435 are an important tool in communicating with the public that we serve, Twitter followers; more than whether it’s getting safety messages out or simply showcasing the 3,003 tweets posted to date breadth of fire and emergency services FRNSW delivers. Get online and start following us today

he media operate on a 24-hour “We have built an excellent rapport Fitches identified inaccurate reporting news cycle and the thirst for with our local media over the past few of information as the main challenge in information has been heightened years. We directly text or call the local Batemans Bay. Teven further with the growth paper – The Bay Post – to let them know “On a few occasions we’ve found that of social media tools like Facebook and of incidents we’re responding to so they a journalist – generally a new journalist Twitter. Journalists want information and can attend, or contact them after the to the area – has embellished the truth they want it now – and if FRNSW doesn’t fill incident and provide the details. or misquoted a FRNSW spokesperson. the information vacuum, someone else will. “The spotlight of the media helps I’ve found the best way to deal with this is FRNSW’s Media Team actively us demonstrate our roles and how we to speak directly to the editor or a senior seeks out opportunities to promote support the local community. Great reporter, provide the correct version of the organisation and the work of its media coverage also makes firefighters events and ask that they speak to the firefighters and staff. However, having a seem more approachable – people are reporter. This approach works for me relationship with a local journalist can more likely to drop in to the station and because the local media need stories make all the difference in getting a story ask questions if they see us in the media as much as we want the coverage, so out there. regularly and feel like they know us,” said it encourages a collaborative, mutually Station Officer Ian Walters from Station Officer Phil Eberle. beneficial relationship,” Station Officer Nowra Fire Station said he had built The Deputy Captain at Batemans Bay Eberle said. and maintained relationships with the Fire Station, Alan Fitches, agrees. “The Station Officer Walters said confidence local media by organising interviews at local paper supports us when we need in front of the camera could also be incidents, keeping in regular contact with to get safety messages out and all of the a challenge. key journalists and updating them on local media outlets are generally good at “In a media interview, you do need to incidents attended by local firefighters. reporting information accurately. We also feel at ease in front of the camera and “Maintaining a good relationship with want to organise a regular radio segment deliver the information in a clear logical the local media means that there are so that we have even more regular contact way. It’s also important to ‘stay on track’ regular articles in the local paper and with the media and the community.” – deliver the facts about the incident or opportunities for TV interviews, which Superintendent Steve Hirst, who safety message – and not get drawn in means exposure for FRNSW’s public recently took up the position of Zone to commenting on issues outside of my safety messages and our role in the Commander Regional North 3, said scope or authority. This gets easier with community. establishing relationships with the local practice and feedback from colleagues.” “We have a monthly spot on the local media was vital. “When I took up my If you have a story that you think community radio station, which is a great post in Tamworth, I sent out letters of deserves some media attention, tell the way of sharing the latest community introduction to our local media outlets Media Team about using the ‘Tell your safety campaign messages and providing so that they knew who I was and had my media team what’s happening’ link on the reminders – for example, about the need contact details on hand. I let them know intranet (located in the Media Toolkit). for fire permits and the importance of directly about any newsworthy incidents If you need further advice on dealing calling Triple Zero in an emergency.” or stories. with the media in your area, or would The permanent and retained “I find that by having a good like some training in delivering media firefighters at Batemans Bay Fire Station relationship with journalists, we tend interviews, call the FRNSW Media Team have both worked hard to develop and to get a ‘heads up’ about the questions on 9265 2907 or email [email protected]. maintain relationships with their local they want to ask during an interview gov.au And to see what media coverage media outlets. In recent months, this has and therefore I’m not blindsided FRNSW is receiving, you can now read the resulted in articles in nearly all of the local mid‑interview.” daily media summary on the intranet (see papers and a couple of radio interviews. Dealing with the media does, however, the link in the Commissioner’s section in come with some challenges. Station the top right hand corner of the Intranet Officer Eberle and Deputy Captain homepage). nEND

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS

City of Sydney meets Schäfflertanz

The tradition of the Schäfflertanz Schäfflertanz dates back to the year 1517 when Munich was recovering from the plague. Almost half of the city’s 20,000 inhabitants had succumbed and even after the plague abated, people were still afraid to leave their homes despite the urging of doctors and officials. On 3 December 2012 City of Sydney firefighters were more than A cooper (barrel maker) a little bemused when they opened the station doors to a group proposed an amusing of Bavarian firefighters. The visitors (who also happened to be spectacle to encourage people dancers) carried fir-tree branches, were colourfully dressed, and back onto the streets, and accompanied by a rousing German band. Schäfflertanz had arrived! other coopers and even the butchers got into the act. Cheerful music was played he firefighters had traded Mark Reay said that he was delighted and the coopers danced to turnout gear for traditional to meet fellow musicians and dancers prove that the air was again Schäfflertanz dress: feathered and hoped one day to pay a reciprocal caps, red velvet jackets, breeches, visit with the FRNSW Precision Drill pure. At the end of the dance, T the butcher’s apprentices white stockings and brilliantly polished and Marching Band. black leather shoes – straight from Then it was time to dance! In the old jumped into the fish fountain the pages of a Grimm’s fairy tale. Their engine bay at City of Sydney Fire Station, at Marienplatz and thus iconic photos of quaint Bavarian villages the audience assembled, the German and the legendary Black Forest added band began to play, and the dancers proved that the water was safe to the magic. holding fir arches aloft performed as well. Soon the streets were Back in the real world, City of Sydney the 495-year-old Coopers’ dance. Not once again a lively place filled firefighters conducted a tour of their fire something you see every day, especially with people. station and the visitors inspected FRNSW as this medieval dance is only performed appliances and equipment and shared every seven years. The finale, which In memory of these events, the stories about firefighting in Bavaria with ended amid much cheering and applause, Coopers’ dance is re‑enacted a little help from interpreters. Inspector decreed that the air was pure, the water Wayne Buxton welcomed everyone to was safe, and the plague purged. All in a every seven years. the station and FRNSW Band Leader day’s work! nEND

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 MOVEMENT AT THE STATIONS 456 Stn Temora Firefighting in ‘the friendliest town in NSW’

Station 456 is situated in the Riverina area of NSW, 418 kilometres south-west of Sydney. Temora has a unique claim to fame; the town of 5,000 residents having been declared “the friendliest in NSW” in recent media reports.

riginally a small pastoral street without running into someone you commercial kitchen. “We recently handed settlement, in 1869 the population know. That’s one of the great things about its running over to the museum,” said swelled to 20,000 following the living in a country town. Captain Matthews, “but we still like to Odiscovery of gold by a fencing “As country firefighters, we attend the keep our hand in on special days.” contractor with the apt name of usual range of incidents,” said Captain The crew’s culinary efforts have Goldspink. In 1880, at the height of the Matthews. “We’re on a main road from resulted in $250,000 being raised and gold rush, Temora had 58 hotels and Yass to Griffith so we get quite a few truck distributed among 30 local charities over a multitude of fire-prone makeshift and vehicle MVAs as well as structure the past 10 years. In addition, firefighters dwellings erected from timber, canvas fires, AFAs, grass fires and bushfires. We have purchased and installed more and bark. This situation resulted in many also provide fire protection during the than 600 smoke alarms in the homes of fires attributable to accidents, arson, Annual Air Show at the Aviation Museum.” pensioners and people with disabilities misfortune and murder. The Air Show, which features local using funds raised through the kiosk. The first Temora Volunteer Fire and visiting historic aircraft, attracts up It might be a surprise to learn that Brigade, formed in 1881, was taken over to 12,000 people to the town. “An event Station 456 is not the only fire station in by the Board of Fire Commissioners in this size requires a significant amount Temora. In 2010, a second fire station 1910. Temora Fire Station of planning,” said Captain was built at the Rural Museum. “The celebrated its Centenary Matthews, “especially when new station, which firefighters helped in 2010, and while the you consider the huge influx construct, houses a huge and diverse face of firefighting A real sense of people and aircraft. We range of memorabilia which includes may have changed in of pride in have worked closely with basically, anything and everything relating 103 years, modern other local agencies (the to firefighting,” said Captain Matthews, a firefighters remain just contributing NSW Police Force, NSW keen historian. “Most of the display comes as dedicated. “The desire to the safety of SES, Ambulance Service of from Temora, but the Museum of Fire in to help the community the community NSW and RFS) to formulate Penrith also kindly donated articles that through service is every a Local Emergency reflect the history of the brigade.” bit as real today as it was Management Plan. It’s Temora is steeped in history, so what one hundred years ago,” important that we are well better place for a keen historian to gather said Peter Speirs, Mayor of Temora. prepared for any emergency. Our own material? Captain Matthews AFSM has Temora Captain Greg Matthews AFSM FRNSW training drills and multi-agency written a book, The History of the Temora affirms his crew are committed. “They are training exercises are an integral part of Fire Brigade: A collection of stories, an incredibly keen and eager group,” he this preparedness,” he said. photos, newspaper articles and records of said. “We responded to over 120 calls last The Aviation Museum has enabled the Temora Fire Brigade 1881 - 2010. year, and there is a real sense of pride the crew from Station 456 to spread the The book contains fascinating in knowing you have contributed to the fire safety message as well as fundraise photographs, detailed incidents and safety of your crew, and the safety of your through the operation of the museum’s vibrant oral histories which provide a community. My two sons are members of food kiosk which, according to Captain wonderful hundred-year journey from our brigade, and there is a waiting list of Matthews, began as “one barbecue and a “fractious horses” to modern firefighting. people wanting to join. I think that says a pie warmer under a tarp!” Captain Matthews has donated all lot about us.” “The original kiosk was built by proceeds from the book towards the The 18 crew members of Station Temora firefighters who did the ordering, upkeep of the firefighting collection at the 456 are actively involved in community catering and cooking,” he explained. Rural Museum. activities. “Most of us grew up here,” “Our barbeques and sandwiches were Copies of The History of the Temora said Captain Matthews, “and there is legendary!” Fire Brigade can be obtained by emailing a wonderful sense of camaraderie. It’s From its humble origins, the Aviation the author: [email protected]. virtually impossible to walk down the Museum Canteen has now become a fully gov.au nEND

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Staff profile SF Bronnie Mackintosh

Bronnie Mackintosh has been a FRNSW firefighter for just over 10 years. For the first six years she was stationed as an operational firefighter on the Northern Beaches, gaining her Rescue accreditation while working at Narrabeen Fire Station. After a two-year stint as a Rescue operator, she moved into the Operational Communications Section. Bronnie then moved into the training college in Alexandria where she instructed Recruits for two years then last October joined the Technical Rescue Training section.

What I love most about my job… particular, I’ll never forget the amazing City for 2011 and being a part of the 9/11 “ efinitely the variety in what I get survival of a woman who was pinned in memorial; “Playing and commemorating to do keeps me really involved her bed by a thirty-tonne gumtree that in New York really brought home to me and challenged; learning, fell through her roof during a storm. what it means to be part of the firefighter teaching, travelling around the Miraculously she was sleeping on her family – from cruising up the Hudson as D husband’s side of the bed because he part of the Fire Paddle (www.firepaddle.org) State sharing information and facilitating learning. I really enjoy training out in the was away, and the tree fell parallel to crew and boarding the NYC fire boat, country and hearing the experiences of her so that only the length of her arm to playing alongside and against other the men and women who live and work was pinned underneath it. Despite rain, female firefighters, and culminating with on the land. I also love the range of skills darkness and structural instability, they marching down 5th Avenue alongside I get the chance to develop including got her out using the hydraulic rescue comrades from around the world as technical, administrative and teaching tools to spread a section of the tree part of the 9/11 commemorations – an skills. The professional development away. I still remember the incredible amazing experience!” opportunities that FRNSW offers, such calm and humour of that woman during Passing it forward… as emergency management courses and the extrication, the lateral thinking of mentoring and spreading the word technical ropes training, are excellent. the Rescue crew and the coordination “One of the best things about working between our Station Officer and the A few years ago, Bronnie worked at in this organisation is the variety of paramedic.” a development camp for teenage girls sections you are able to work in, the in Washington, USA, called Camp Blaze. An active spirit… scope to broaden your career options It is run by female firefighters from and to specialise. Doing Rescue greatly Bronnie is not one to lay around on throughout the country who volunteer enhanced my skills as a firefighter and her days off, in fact, it is hard to imagine their time to fundraise and run a fire- provided opportunities to assist the how she manages to pack in all those training camp for young women. The community in a range of situations. The extra activities. She describes her great participants are school leavers who are jobs were always varied and usually passions outside work as property interested in emergency service careers. required some lateral development and adventure In their week at the camp, they get to thinking to resolve. travelling, her recent experience many aspects of firefighting “Working The variety snowboarding trip to Lake including live fire training, physical in Operational Tahoe clearly falls in the aptitude testing, vertical rescue, fire Communications, where keeps me really latter category. science and extinguishing mediums. If they receive Triple Zero involved and She’s a regular starter you are interested you can check it out at calls and coordinate challenged on plenty of FRNSW www.campblaze.com the dispatch for fire and sporting teams too, most Mentoring is such an important and rescue emergencies recently soccer, rugby, necessary process across all professional across NSW, was dragon boating, touch fields and one she sees “we are only really really interesting work too. You get to football and mixed netball. beginning to develop in our organisation”. see how all the different sections of She has represented Police and Fire Last year, Bronnie, along with the organisation work together in an Games at state, national and international four other female firefighters and emergency. You assist those on the events for the last ten years, and behind administration staff, represented fireground by arranging resources and the scenes, was heavily involved with FRNSW at the Women and Firefighting feel like you’re at the centre of the large the establishment of a FRNSW women’s Association’s Conference 2012 (WAFA), in coordinated incidents like the Olympics rugby team; “a mix of experienced Adelaide: “I’d been to other conferences and World Youth Day.” and first time players representing the before but this time it was amazing to FRNSW in local tournaments as well as in see the growth in numbers and progress An incident I’ll never forget… New York”. in training, management and culture “Like most people, I tend to remember She says the last three World throughout the different services. The the big or protracted incidents the most Police and Fire Games were the most guest speakers and workshops were but don’t like to recount the gory ones. In memorable, especially being in New York varied and informative and we all came away inspired and proud.”

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 How people I work with would describe me: — brutally honest — organised chaos — fun to travel with — a good teacher — and finally, one I heard recently was: “She’s like a guy on the fireground!”, she laughs; “whatever that means!”

At the conference, Bronnie was elected to be part of the WAFA board, and she says she is “looking forward to being a conduit between the Association and anyone, male and female, who is interested in women in firefighting”. Last August, Bronnie made her screen debut during National Skills Week, agreeing to be interviewed to showcase the wide range of training opportunities and variety of interesting career pathways that FRNSW offers. The episode, which featured a number of firefighters, screened on the Aurora Channel broadcast on Foxtel and Austar as well as digital free-to-air channel TV4ME. It was made at no cost to FRNSW and may also be used in upcoming recruitment campaigns. As Bronnie says, “Being part of projects like that is really just another mode of education. If telling people about what I do means we get more applicants who are better informed, then we benefit from a bigger pool to choose the very best firefighters from. I am happy to be part of that.” On being a firefighter and the future “To be a firefighter – in the many and varied roles it requires, you need to be someone who likes the variety of work, enjoys physical work and pushing your limits, likes to be part of a team, that has initiative and likes to contribute to the community.. There’s a pretty rigorous physical requirement to get in and you need to be strong, a lot of the equipment that we use is heavy and cumbersome and requires technique and endurance. A happy disposition and good sense of humour is vital too because you work in close proximity with a lot of different people. “I think in future our community engagement work is going to be interesting as we focus efforts more on prevention and preparedness. Firefighters may see less fires as we educate people on avoiding risks but we will probably also see more natural disasters in which we will be involved in helping.” nEND

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Fire investigation How other countries are doing it A two-month trip learning first-hand how other countries conduct fire investigation and research has SO Morgan Cook excited to share with FRNSW colleagues some interesting techniques and a renewed passion to build our partnerships with research organisations such as CSIRO and universities.

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 O Cook visited five countries outcomes and the next logical step for us “Another thing to take away from the including Sweden, Hong Kong, is to do the same. visit to Sweden was the efficiency of using mainland China, Canada and “A great example is how the SP smaller scale model burns for research, Sthe USA as part of his Churchill Technical Research Institute in Borås, initial testing on a smaller scale would Fellowship trip to study the latest Sweden is directly involved in investigation determine whether a concept was valid advances in fire investigation techniques, and research into major fire events and therefore whether the expense of fire research and community safety. as well as research into various fire needing to conduct full scale model burns SO Cook, Research Officer in the Fire phenomena and safety measures. While was necessary. Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU), visiting the Institute I was directly involved “The facilities in China were to say was awarded the Fellowship. A likely in the research and testing of an air the least inspiring. From the six-storey, deciding factor in Morgan getting the extraction system for an underground full scale fire test atrium at the State Key Fellowship was the research work he railway station in Stockholm – which had Laboratory of Fire Science (Hefei), to a undertook into the tragic Quakers Hill only one evacuation route for commuters. scale model of a complete five-storey Nursing Home fire in November 2011 The project used a quarter-scale model building, it was easy to see how the facility which claimed 21 lives. This research of the station and simulated a train fire maintains its ranking as a major global advocated the need for sprinkler systems to determine smoke movement and player in the field of fire science. to be made mandatory in all aged care measure heat. “The recurring theme at every facility I facilities in NSW. The NSW Government “Air curtains were tested to see what visited in each country was that increased adopted this recommendation and under impact they had on reducing smoke and collaboration between fire services and Planning Minister Brad Hazzard, the heat in the evacuation route such as those research facilities leads to improved fire policy is currently being implemented used by Sweden to reduce smoke and investigation tools and techniques which across NSW with a phase-in period of heat in evacuation routes in underground produce scientifically sound results that approximately four years. railway stations. About 40 tests later, are more defendable in court. We need “We reconstructed two full-scale researchers determined the concept to apply more science and research to models of the rooms involved in the fire in of installing air curtains was valid and what we do as fire investigators if we are what we call ‘build it and burn it’ projects. this has now been put out to tender to to keep up with the rest of the world and The results were conclusive and validated manufacturers. keep our firefighters and communities the need for a greater focus on the “This is the sort of testing and safe.” nEND science behind fire research. research we could be doing in conjunction “Other international fire services work with research organisations here closely with research organisations and like CSIRO and universities at our scientists to focus on evidence-based Londonderry facility.

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Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 DOWN HISTORY LANE The way it was… the Coachman

Story and photos courtesy Museum of Fire staff and research team

In modern times, every firefighter in FRNSW is expected to qualify as firefighter, driver and pump operator. However, it wasn’t always the case.

hen the Metropolitan Fire attending to hydrants etc, and this could The requirement to assist with a Brigade was formed in 1884, very well be attended to by coachmen. steam fire engine is significant, for unlike the coachman was a specialist They could also assist the steam men modern brigade drivers, the coachman Wposition; although he was also besides attending to their horses. was not a pump operator. The driver’s job required to qualify as a firefighter. Joseph Thus, at a fire, a coachman would now was to get the engine and crew safely to Stanchell was one such coachman. be required: the fire; then to detach the horses and He was formerly a member of the old … unless specifically ordered remove them to a safe place; and finally Insurance Companies Fire Brigade and otherwise, to attend their horses, attend to assist with tasks outside the building a farrier by profession. He joined the to hydrants, assist with engines … and when required. It was the steam-man’s Metropolitan Fire Brigade as a coachman generally make themselves useful outside. job to get the pump to work – and he had on 1 July 1884 and subsequently served With the establishment of this to be a First Class Fireman. at both Headquarters and George Street special class, a coachman would only What happened to Joseph Stanchell? West, fire stations. be permitted to transfer to the ranks of Well, he collided with a horse-drawn taxi From 1899, however, things changed firefighters if it was considered to be of at the corner of Bathurst and George for Joseph and his fellow coachmen – direct benefit to the brigade. Streets while responding to a fire in they became even more specialised. The competencies required for each January 1895. The Coroner cleared him They became a special class of firemen rank of coachman were as follows. of any fault; however, six months later with their own rank structure; and Third Class: To be able to drive any he had another accident while delivering became less involved in firefighting. appliance with a pair of horses and be a steamer from George Street West Superintendent Alfred Webb noted that, proficient in brigade knots; to Headquarters. On this occasion a while it made sense for coachmen to Second Class: To have had charge of cart driver was killed. Once again the ‘double-up’ as firemen when the brigade a stable, and to have a good knowledge of Coroner found that he was not at fault; was small, the increase in personnel had the care and management of horses; also however, the Board decided it was time rendered that practice inappropriate. In a good knowledge of the streets of Sydney. to find Joseph another position. He fact, such ‘doubling-up’ was hindering the First Class: To be competent to drive was appointed as Brigade Farrier and brigade’s efficiency: 2, 3, or 4 horses and to be able to fasten a Veterinary Officer, a position which he It has happened at several fires within shoe properly, and be able to assist with a held until his death in 1916. He was the last few months that coachmen could steam fire engine. honoured by the Board with a firefighter’s not be found when they were required. funeral. nEND There is always plenty of outside work to do at a fire such as pulling on the hose,

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Northern NSW storm event

Water, water everywhere…

BETWEEN 28 JAN 00:00-16:00 After causing widespread havoc along the Queensland coast, in late January ex-tropical cyclone Oswald moved south into NSW, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and extensive flooding.

RNSW received nearly 300 appliances and personnel had to be emergency calls for weather- positioned on either side of the river. related incidents in the 16 hours At 391 Murwillumbah, a fallen tree Ffrom midnight to 4pm on Monday at the rear of the fire station cut off 300 28 January. These included 197 AFAs, 51 power, hampering operations. Emergency calls trees down including 27 which brought A FRNSW Strike Team comprising down power lines, 18 reports of wires crews from Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, arcing, 9 requests for help with flooding, Macksville and Kempsey deployed to 3 building collapses, 3 requests for help Grafton to assist local firefighters as with storm damage and 11 other requests flooding intensified, but thankfully the 51 to assist the public. river did not breach the levy banks. Most calls for assistance were The Fire Air 1 helicopter was also sent Trees down in northern NSW, particularly in the to Grafton to assist with operations. Richmond/Tweed area. Banora and Tweed On Tuesday 29 January, the heavy Heads firefighters were called to Tweed rain moved south into the Hunter, Heads District Hospital late on Monday Sydney and Illawarra areas, resulting morning due to some roofing that had in further extensive flooding and 18 come loose because of the strong winds. numerous requests for assistance. 10 young patients and 15 staff were The combination of bad weather Reports of wires arcing evacuated from the hospital’s Intensive and high traffic as people returned Care Unit. from holidays and the long weekend Firefighter response was often contributed to a number of MVAs. This hampered by the severe weather included a multiple vehicle accident conditions, debris on roads and major on the F3’s Mooney Mooney Bridge 3 road closures. The Bellinger River cut which FRNSW and other emergency Building collapses the town of Bellingen in half so fire services attended. nEND

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Claymore FIRE Incident

Tragedy strikes at Claymore house fire

5 MAR 14:30

hortly before 1430 hours on The crews were confronted with a Surrounding townhouses were Tuesday 5 March this year, difficult scene. The top floor of a two-level quickly evacuated and the mother FRNSW received 000 calls townhouse was fully involved in fire and and surviving daughter, together Sreporting a townhouse fire at the distraught mother was pleading with with a Highway Patrol officer who Duterreau Way, Claymore. Station firefighters to try and save her four-year- had attempted entry prior to FRNSW Officer Newcomb from 92 St Andrews old daughter trapped on the top floor. arrival, were transported to hospital D Platoon sent a radio message en Earlier, the mother, who was downstairs suffering smoke inhalation. route that large volumes of smoke at the time of the fire, smelt smoke from 92’s Ladder Platform and could be seen in the distance and upstairs and was able to rescue one of 88 Campbelltown’s Tanker also called for a third station to be her daughters from an upstairs bedroom. responded to the incident. Fire crews responded. Police also advised that However she was unable to reach her worked extremely hard in harrowing they had information from a Highway second daughter in an adjacent room due conditions, containing the blaze Patrol officer on scene that a young to the dense smoke and ferocity of the fire within about half an hour to the one child was trapped in an upstairs room which had already taken hold of the roof townhouse which was part of a four and despite his efforts, the child could void. Several other neighbours had also townhouse complex. Fire and Police not be reached. The crew from 92 unsuccessfully attempted to enter and investigators prepared a report for the arrived on scene within eight minutes rescue the girl by way of the back door. Coroner on the cause of the tragic fire. of the initial call with the crew from Two firefighters from 92 with SCBA nEND 88 Campbelltown less than a minute attempted second floor entry but were behind them and 87 Rosemeadow beaten back by the collapsing roof and shortly after. intense heat and flames. Sadly the young girl perished in the blaze.

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 DOWN HISTORY LANE

Fire Brigade items heritage listed Story and photos courtesy Museum of Fire staff and research team

On Monday 25 February 2013, the Hon Robyn Parker MP, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, attended the Museum of Fire, Penrith to formally announce the listing of five NSWFB heritage items on the State Heritage Register. These listings are the result of an ongoing process of assessment and ensure that they will be properly maintained for future generations. The items listed were as follows.

An 1869 horse-drawn manual man and horse were subsequently following extensive fundraising activities. fire engine placed at Newtown. The ladders were The WFA was established by the Board his manually-pumped engine used at the 1901 Anthony Hordern fire of Fire Commissioners in 1940 to enable was built by the Shand Mason in Haymarket, at which five people women to assist in the war effort. Initially, Company of London, in 1869. were tragically killed (at the time it members were recruited from the WANS At the time of its manufacture, was Sydney’s largest fire, destroying and were restricted to the 30-45 year T five highrise buildings). They served at age bracket, but eventually the WFA was Sydney’s fire protection consisted of the Insurance Companies Fire Brigade Newtown, Circular Quay, Headquarters, opened to the general public of all ages. (formed 1851), as well as two independent Darlinghurst and Newcastle. The FRNSW heritage fleet volunteer companies (formed 1854 The 1909 headquarters switchboard and 1855). It was handed over to the The FRNSW heritage fleet consists of Metropolitan Fire Brigade in 1884 by the This large and impressive switchboard a range of hand-drawn, horse-drawn and Insurance Brigade. was wholly built by a firefighter Principal motorised fire engines, spanning almost Electrician, Edward Smith – in 1909 to every decade from the 1840s till the An 1898 set of horse-drawn receive telephone calls and monitor 1980s. It includes hose carts, pumpers, curricle ladders automatic fire alarms. Withdrawn from ladders, and specialised vehicles such as Number 4, 50-foot (15.25m) curricle service in 1969, it remained as a standby a mobile canteen, carbon dioxide tender, ladders were ordered in 1897 from the facility at headquarters until 1979. bushfire tanker, salvage appliance and Shand Mason Company by Sydney’s hydraulic aerial appliances. A 1942 Ford mobile canteen Metropolitan Fire Brigade (1884‑1909) The Museum is currently assessing for use at Newtown Fire Station. The mobile canteen saw service from the heritage significance of other items Following the arrival of the ladders, 1944 until 1974. It was presented to the owned by FRNSW.nEND the Newtown firefighters were given a NSW Fire Brigades by the Women’s Fire course of instruction, and an additional Auxiliary (WFA) during World War 2,

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 DOWN HISTORY LANE ‘Briton’ – end of an era

Station Officer Malvern sat down at his desk and began to write his report to Head Coachman Jim Jones concerning Briton – Canterbury Brigade’s horse. Briton had been found in a helpless state in his stable that morning. Malvern wrote: ‘He appeared to lose all use of his hindquarters and was struggling for fifteen minutes before getting onto his feet … I might report that this is the second attack of its kind recently’.

t was 1924 and Briton had become the Firefighters and their horses were last of his kind in Sydney metropolitan very close. The ‘neddies’, as they were fire stations. Horses would continue then called, were admired by their Ito serve in country stations for firefighters; and they were very sensitive another three years; but in Sydney, to any criticism or ill-treatment of there were no replacement horses for their horses. Briton. A motorised hose carriage was It was 14 years since Head immediately despatched to Canterbury, Coachman Jones had selected Briton while Head Coachman Jones examined as a four-year‑old. He recalled Briton’s Briton. “Rheumatism!” he reported, “I ‘touchiness’, considered an asset in a fire recommend that Briton be pensioned brigade horse: “You can’t train a sluggish off as he will not be any further use for horse … and old Briton was one of the Brigade work”. The Board decided to bright youngsters in the beginner’s class defer the matter to give Briton time to at his first station”, Jones noted. recover; but three weeks later, he was Chief Officer Jackson placed an article Story and photos courtesy Museum once again found helpless in his stall. This in the Daily Guardian, which caught the of Fire staff and research team time, Jones recommended euthanasia eye of a country property owner. She – and the Board of Fire Commissioners kindly offered to put Briton out to pasture; agreed. but first, Briton had one more duty to Chief Officer Frank Jackson became perform. He was brought to Headquarters indignant when he heard of it. He refused to pose for photographs with some of the to entertain the thought for, like Briton, he old coachmen who had driven him during was one of the Old Brigade. He insisted: his 14 years of service. Then, on 6 January ‘I will endeavour to find a home for this 1925, he was taken to Central Station. His horse, rather than see him butchered!’ destination? Green pastures at Camden! nEND

In search of photos NNeeede dh ehlepl?p? HR/HPaRy/Proalyl rHoelll pHdeelpsdkesk Phone: (02) 9265 3900 , or Phone: (02) 9265 3900 , or Email: HR.Payroll@@re.nsw.gov.au he Museum of Fire is Email: HR.Payroll@@re.nsw.gov.au currently researching the first four fire stations to be IT SIeTr vSiecrev Dices Dkesk built by the Fire Brigades Phone: (02) 9265 3900 , or T Phone: (02) 9265 3900 , or Board: Stanmore (originally Email: ServiceDesk@@re.nsw.gov.au Marrickville), City of Sydney Email: ServiceDesk@@re.nsw.gov.au (originally Central), George Street West and Circular Quay. At this PropPreorptierst Hieesl pHdeelpsdkesk Phone: (02) 9742 7557 , or stage, we have been unable to find Phone: (02) 9742 7557 , or Email: PropertyHelpDesk@@re.nsw.gov.au a photograph showing the full Email: PropertyHelpDesk@@re.nsw.gov.au façade of the George Street West Station. If you have one, or know of one, could you contact the Museum at [email protected] nEND

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Southern NSW storm event

Mini tornadoes batter NSW coast

19 & 20 FEB

The weekend 19 and 20 RNSW crews responded to more firefighters from 235 Station were on February saw a significant than 1,500 calls for assistance standby ready to assist Ambulance as high winds and torrential rain paramedics with medical emergencies response from FRNSW Fbuffeted the coast and brought if required with an appliance equipped after a major storm system down trees and powerlines and caused with a defibrillator and crewed by triggered “mini tornadoes” major damage to roofs and buildings. firefighters trained in first aid as the that hit hundreds of homes With the majority of damage caused town had become isolated due to overnight on Saturday, FRNSW crews floodwaters. in Sydney, Kiama and and communications centres received A large section of roof at Malabar Shellharbour in the south more than 550 calls for assistance alone RSL Club was ripped off and landed while places like Kempsey, between 8:30pm on Saturday night and on Victoria Street on Saturday night. Taree and Grafton in the 6am on Sunday morning. FRNSW crews secured the remaining At least 50 fire appliances were sent roof structure and cleared the debris north, and other parts of to support NSW SES operations in various from the road, while Hazmat crews the State were battered by parts of the State. Most incidents involved were deployed to clear asbestos from gale force winds and heavy dislodged trees, wires, roofs and other a number of nearby streets. flooding rain. structures, as well as some building fires. Inspector Greg Houston, the Strike FRNSW crews also assisted the SES Team Leader deployed to Maroubra/ with flood evacuations, doorknocks and Chifley said, “It’s like a mini tornado clearing storm damage on Sunday. has torn through the joint. It has come Kiama firefighters responded to an off the water and made an arc across early morning callout to find their engine the suburb bringing down garage bay no longer had a roof, and debris roofs, trees and electrical wires, had to be cleared before the appliances and destroying people’s properties.” could be used to respond. At Bowraville, nEND

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 The 12th World Firefighters Games were held in Sydney from 19-28 October 2012. The Games were open to both permanent and retained firefighters, admin and trades staff, as well as their direct family members. FRNSW staff and their families participated in a variety of events. The following gallery of photos records various FRNSW personnel demonstrating their prowess in a range of sports and events at the Games.

12 th World Firefighters

Games36 Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Commissioner Mullins demonstrates his Karate skill

Legendary performer Diesel gets the party started

Games 37 Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Award winning country singer, FRNSW Precision Drill and Marching team Commissioner Mullins declares Firefighter Dan Murphy turn heads at the WFF Opening the WFF Games Officially “Open”! World Firefighters Games

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 39

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 ‘Hats off’ to our firies

These are some of the many messages of thanks and appreciation that we get for our work in serving and protecting the community.

Acting Premier Andrew Stoner, C Bear Quoted in the Daily Examiner, Grafton late January 2013 (in response to an incident at a “Thumbs up to Deputy Captain Dave “The bushfires that have raged across Darling Point unit block in February) Woods, Fire Fighter Mick Brooks and the State over the past two weeks “Hats off to the NSW emergency crew. the rest of the dedicated staff at the have been some of the worst we have Always doing a fine job.” Yamba Fire Station for teaching the seen in recent years. I applaud our younger generation fire safety skills firefighters for their hard work and K Paterson, Balgowlah Heights that might one day save their lives.” professionalism in helping us avoid “I just wanted to say a heart-felt what could quite easily have been a thanks to our wonderful firefighters. T Hadfield, Coonabarabran disaster. Thanks to our firefighters, Recently my neighbour called (after recent bushfires including from the Rural Fire Service. emergency services as there was a in the Coonabarabran area) NSW Fire and Rescue, Forests NSW strong smell of smoke in and around “The efforts of emergency services and the National Parks and Wildlife her home. Two fire engines from the especially the VRA, NSW Fire & Service, as well as other emergency Manly Fire Station were on site within Rescue, NSW Rural Fire Service and services personnel and police, five minutes, and all the officers were the SES went above and beyond the a potentially tragic disaster has professional and thorough. We are call of duty on many occasions and been averted. I also want to thank so lucky to have such great people in should be acknowledged.” the families and employers of the our community whom we can call on thousands of firefighters deployed over in such a situation. So to those guys, the last two weeks for their support of L Nicholson, Aberdare thank you so much, you all do such a their efforts. Although the bushfires “I would like to convey my special fantastic job for our community.” have now eased as a result of cooler thanks to all those involved in fighting weather and milder winds, there are the fire we experienced in Aberdare still more than 140 bushfires ongoing R and M Gleeson, Narrabri on January 18. So to all the RFS, NSW across NSW. While there is still more “We would like to thank the Rural Fire Fire Brigades, the helicopter crew and work to do in order to bring these fires Service firefighters, the Narrabri NSW the police I want to say thank you so under control, we need to give credit to Fire and Rescue firefighters and all much. I was also very thankful for the our firefighters for their heroic efforts our neighbours and other individuals messages I received by phone keeping over the past two weeks.” who helped fight the bushfire which us up to date on the situation. They did threatened our home last Wednesday a wonderful job. “ T Neale, Illawarra afternoon. Your help was very much appreciated.” “Last night at around midnight the J Putra, Auburn wires that connect our house to “I would like to say thank you to the the street shorted out, rang the fire firefighters who attended my home brigade the guys from Corrimal 269 on Thursday night. Thankfully we turned up I must take my hat off to were spared anything serious. They them they conducted themselves in were there in minutes and were a professional matter but the way professional and caring. A smoke they waited with us for the electricity alarm warned us smoke was pouring company to make sure all was safe through the back area of our home. So was outstanding they could have just please check your fire alarms—one left but a huge big thanks to those day it might be you.” guys and well done.”

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013 Deaths and retirements

Farewell and enjoy ‘you’ time Vale: With gratitude for service to the people of NSW

Name Station Date Retired Name Station Date

RetF W Cross Temora 5 Oct 12 QF Warren Perry Seven Hills Nov 12 RetF P Fuge Orange 15 Oct 12 Firefighter Frank Gough Campbelltown Nov 12 SF J Karimanovic Concord 26 Oct 12 Capt Malcolm Bee Wentworth Falls Nov 12 Capt R Tinker Parkes 31 Oct 12 RetF Barry Neilson Forbes Nov 12 SF S Greenshields Shellharbour Hazmat 2 Nov 12 SF Gordon Regan Alexandria & E District Nov 12 SF P Salt MW3 ZO 2 Nov 12 SF Ted Horrigan Darlinghurst & Mascot Nov 12 SF S Dewling Redfern 2 Nov 12 RetF Paul Abbott Nowra & Berry Dec 12 SF J Bray Lakemba 3 Nov 12 RetFGeorge Marriott-Statham Katoomba Dec 12 SO P Johnston Newcastle Communication Centre 16 Nov 12 Capt David Harris Moss Vale Dec 12 SF A Hillard Cardiff 16 Nov 12 RetF Garnett Humphries Wollongong Dec 12 RetF S Whitfield Kingscliff 30 Nov 12 SO Gerald Rothwell Crows Nest & B District Jan 13 RetF P Barber Moama 30 Nov 12 SF Rob Derwin Crows Nest & Forestville Jan 13 SF A Cox Cranebrook 30 Nov 12 Capt Des Fairfull AFSM Lismore Jan 13 SF M Cameron Botany 30 Nov 12 Capt Richard Harris Leura Jan 13 SO P Little CEDU, Community Safety Directorate 30 Nov 12 SO Alan Cox Dunheved Jan 13 QF K Hackett Hamlyn Terrace 30 Nov 12 RetF Neil Hampshire Bombala Jan 13 SF N Loveday Shellharbour Hazmat 6 Dec 12 Capt Keith Harvey Hillston Jan 13 Capt D Crane Dungog 7 Dec 12 RetF Neville Winn South West Rocks Jan 13 SF D Whiteside Wollongong 7 Dec 12 District Officer George Pascoe D District Jan 13 RetF P Mason Toronto 7 Dec 12 SO Robert Symonds B District Feb 13 CSupt G Parkes Education and Training 14 Dec 12 SF M Prendergast Gladesville 14 Dec 12 QF S Newton Leichhardt 14 Dec 12 RetF K Mahoney Seven Hills 19 Dec 12 RetF M Dowell Cootamundra 21 Dec 12 RetF D Shepherd Woolgoolga 21 Dec 12 SF E Sobiesiak Schofields 24 Dec 12 RetF D Brooks Scarborough 1 Jan 13 SF L Love Katoomba 2 Jan 13 RetF P Wild Branxton Greta 15 Jan 13 SO K Doherty MW3 Zone Office 25 Jan 13 RetF C Kitch Wellington 25 Jan 13

Fire & Rescue News : May 2013