LIFT-OUT: PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY - FOR RESIDENTS BUSH FIREbulletinVOLUME 37 NO 1/2015 THE JOURNAL OF THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE

Interaction for action SPECIAL FOCUS ON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

IN THIS ISSUE: HONOURINGTHE COMMISSIONER THE AUSTRALIAN ON COMMUNITY FIRE SERVICE ENGAGEMENT RECIPIENTS 2015 TRAINING CALENDAR

CLIFF DRIVE FIRE A DAY WITH A RART TEAM BUSH FIREbulletinbulletin //// xxxxxx 11 BUSH FIRE RESILIENCE IN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES EUMUNGERIE BRIGADE TURNS 70 BUSH FIREbulletinbulletin //// xxxxxx 11 Contents

06 14 26 42 52

01 FOREWORD 27 LIFT OUT 27 Prepare your Property - for residents 02 IN FOCUS 31 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 04 INCIDENTS 31 Quick Tips: When providing property 4 S44s, Total Fire Bans, fires, explosions protection advice and storms 34 Mission Possible: 2014 ACEFA Conference 6 A horrible day 36 If I could achieve one thing... 8 Cliff edge Cliff Drive, Katoomba fire 40 Awards for building resilience 10 Working well together Greens Rd, 42 Turnaround : Bush Fire Awareness in Warrimoo fire remote Aboriginal Communities 12 A day in the life of the Rapid Aerial 46 Open Day 2014: Know your bush fire risk Response Team 32 GENERAL NEWS 14 FEATURE 32 Get ready on Get Ready Weekend 14 Heat, stress, firefighting and its effect on your body 52 BRIGADE IN PROFILE 52 Eumungerie 18 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 18 Interaction for action 54 TRAINING 20 Firefighters forging connections 54 NSW RFS State Training Calendar 2015 24 Snowy Mountains high 26 Quick Tips: Handing out Bush Fire Survival Plans

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2 BUSH FIREbulletin // CONTENTS Foreword As a community based volunteer organisation, our people are out in communities across the state every day. And whether you realise it or not, you’re performing a critical role in engaging with the community. This edition of the Bush Fire Bulletin celebrates the importance of community engagement and how it can help influence people in making better informed decisions and being more resilient in the event of disaster. We don’t have to cast our minds back too far to realise the effect a bush fire can have on a community. In recent years we have seen devastating fires in NSW such as in the Blue Mountains, Coonabarabran and Port Stephens, where homes have been destroyed. And we should never forget the tragic impact of 2009 Black Saturday bush fires in Victoria where 173 people died. One of the consistent messages to come out of disasters like these is the need for all of us, emergency services and communities, to work more closely and cooperatively. Gone are the days of emergency services being the experts, trying to dictate what people should do. It’s true that there is no one single ‘community’ – indeed, community is a complex mix of people from different backgrounds, beliefs and levels of understanding. That means there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach that will work for all. Ideally, we need to have a solid understanding of our local communities, the issues and experiences, and develop responses which are tailored. These days the Service employs a more collaborative approach such as the development of Community Protection Plans, where locals play a key role in identifying areas and assets at risk, and identifying ways of protecting them. This approach empowers people to make informed decisions and builds resilience in the community. A recent example of this from the Snowy Mountains in the Cooma- Monaro District has been featured in this issue. There’s no doubt that truly engaging with people in bush fire prone areas can be labour intensive, and the tangible results may take some time to see, as opposed to quick activities like pamphlets, brochures and one-off-displays. These more meaningful connections are more effective in the long run and are now just as IN THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE important as the old adage of “putting the wet stuff on the hot stuff”. Featured in this issue of the Bush Fire Bulletin are some of the very successful programs which are making inroads in the area of community engagement. The Bush Fire Resilience for Aboriginal Communities program has recently won an WE VALUE award for State Government sector in the NSW Resilient Australia Awards. At the National Resilient Australia Awards it was Highly Commended. A wrap up of its community and environment achievements over the past two years is included here. Open Day continues to be a high profile and successful event and this year the support, friendship and camaraderie Service introduced Get Ready weekend to further encourage people to prepare their homes for the fire season. knowledge and learning Community engagement is NSW RFS core business - just as important as our operational response, our information and warnings, and mitigation works. integrity and trust I set everyone this simple challenge – raise the issue of community engagement in your brigade. Start a conversation about how you can work together with your one team, many players and one purpose community. And keep at it. Regards adaptability and resourcefulness mutual respect Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, AFSM

@RFSCommissioner

facebook.com/rfscommissioner

BUSH FIREbulletin // FOREWORD 1 infocus

Spelling bee Corner Country inundated with rain

On International Volunteer Day, 5 December 2014, school students Barrier Range Brigade member Ruth Sandow lives on Pimpara Lake at the Warrimoo Public School decided it was time to make a Station in Corner Country 200 km north of Broken Hill, she took this statement. Staff and students gathered on the school oval to spell photo on 10 January 2015: “Two years ago properties across the north the words ‘Thank You’ while a NSW RFS helicopter flew overheard west of the State were confronted with a series of wildfires as dry and snapped some photos. The gesture was in recognition of the lightning storms passed over the Unincorporated Area. During that support provided by emergency services during the Greens Rd, period tens of thousands of hectares of grazing land was burned. In Warrimoo fire in November 2014. Warrimoo Brigade members some places the fire heat was intense and perennial grasses were were in attendance to liaise between the school and the Firebird 200 destroyed, their butts burned deep into the soil. Recovery has been helicopter. On returning to their classrooms, students exchanged extremely slow with no real useful rain across these parts since that high fives with the crew and echoed their appreciation for all the time. Until, that is, this week (January 2015), when exceptional rain fell. volunteers efforts. Photo by Ben Shepherd With some properties receiving up to 250mm across burned ground finally regeneration is guaranteed.”

Lunds Plantation Fire Heavyweight champion

On January 3 2015 more than 100 firefighters, supported by five The firefighting Air-Cranes Ichabod and Gypsy Lady returned to aircraft, were working on a fire in Lunds Plantation in Bago State Sydney on 4 October 2014 on board the massive Antonov An-124. Forest, five kilometres north of Talbingo near Tumut. The fire burnt The Antonov An-124 is the heaviest of heavy weight cargo lifters more than 100 hectares on the first day. NSW RFS crews worked and has multiple winches, overhead cranes and the ability to load with Forest Corporation and National Parks and Wildlife Service and unload from the front and the rear. It has a maximum payload to control the fire for a further two days. The fire was declared out of 120,000kgs and can ‘kneel’ to allow drive, roll and lift on/off. The on 12 January 2015 after burning 640ha of plantation. Photo by Air-Cranes are dismantled for transportation but crews work around Andrew Roberts the clock to reassemble the helicopters on the tarmac within 24 hours of arrival. Australia contracted six Air-Cranes for the 2014/15 bush fire season in NSW, Victoria, SA and WA. The NSW RFS contracted Air-Cranes were deployed over 17 days in November and December 2014 there were also sent to assist in SA and Victoria. Photo by Top Notch

2 BUSH FIREbulletin // INFOCUS Assistance in South Australia

In the first two weeks of January, while fire activity was quiet in NSW, NSW RFS members were busy in Victoria and South Australia. Between 3-6 January 91 firefighters were deployed to assist with bring bush fires under control in Victoria and from 3-9 January a further 414 firefighters and 49 specialists assisted in the damaging South Australian fires. The Service coordinated multi-agency personnel from Fire & Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife and Ambulance NSW as well as providing NSW RFS Strike Teams and two aviation personnel. Significant resources accompanied the firefighters including linescan aircraft, waterbombing aircraft, liaison officers, incident management teams and fire trucks. NSW RFS members began leaving South Australia on 9 January after good rain helped bring fires under control. Ten days later a further five NSW RFS Building Impact Analysis specialists flew to South Australia to conduct detailed damage assessments and surveys. ABOVE RIGHT: NSW Ambulance paramedics on the fireground with NSW RFS crews 8 January 2015. Photo courtesy of Ambulance NSW. ABOVE LEFT: Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons welcomed back the troops at Sydney Airport on 8 January. Photo by Ben Shepherd

Welcome home “I felt like I had won the lotto!”

NSW RFS firefighters returning from out-of-area deployments This six-year-old South Australian boy touched the heart of dozens in South Australia were surprised to find a special message on of firefighters when he donated his birthday cake to the firefighting their boarding passes. Qantas staff had added messages such as: effort. Jackson Newman had his birthday party cancelled when his Selfless firefighters, Our heroes, Benevolent firefighters to the family were forced to evacuate their home due to the bush fires in boarding passes. On 3 January the majority of commercial flights the area. Six NSW RFS crews from the Cumberland area in western between the two states were fully booked due to the Christmas Sydney, who were working with SA Country Fire Service, decided break. Qantas, was able to assist at extremely short notice with to visit Jackson and not only thank him, but wish him a happy the charter of a 737 aircraft and crew to transport 120 personnel birthday. “Little Jackson made me cry yesterday morning when I saw from Sydney to Adelaide. Qantas and Virgin Australia continued the cake!” wrote Michael El Khoury from Horsley Park Brigade on to provide assistance in the coming days providing a significant Facebook, “After meeting him and seeing his smile, I felt like I won number of seats to assist in the transport of changeover crews. the lotto!!!” Photo courtesy of Michael El Khoury

BUSH FIREbulletin // INFOCUS 3 November 2014 S44s, Total Fire Bans, fires, explosions and storms

The hot weather throughout An explosion at a pyrotechnics access areas. Thankfully there November led to three facility on Condobolin Rd were no reported property section 44s, nine Total Fire Bogan Gate on the same day losses as a result of this fire. Bans declarations, multiple also caused a fire in nearby (see page 10) requests for farmers to cease scrub. (see page 6) harvesting and an increased There was also significant level of fire activity. Earlier in November a section levels of activity throughout 44 was declared in the Region North. Many fires The warm weather was also Blue Mountains prompted occurred in remote areas accompanied by significant by the Cliff Drive Fire and which saw NSW RFS levels of lightning and NSW unfortunately one property firefighters working closely RFS provided strike teams was lost. (see page 8) with NPWS and FRNSW. One to assist NSW SES in areas of the Riverina’s most iconic around Sydney due to the Firefighters also worked in hot pubs, the Conargo Hotel, impact of storms. and difficult conditions with a was sadly destroyed by fire. fire burning around Warrimoo During the month there NSW RFS crews responded and Blaxland in the Blue were a number of new fire but when they arrived the pub Mountains where a second outbreaks including one in was already lost to the blaze. the Parkes area – the Peak section 44 was declared. Nine Hill Tullamore Road fire – that helicopters, including one Air- In Late November most burnt out more than 2,200 Crane, assisted. Firefighters welcome rain was hectares of grass and scrub in worked to strengthen experienced across many a single afternoon. containment lines and RAFT areas of NSW which provided (see next page) were deployed into hard to respite for members.

4 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS The blaze appeared to have Further fire crews were rushed job in bad conditions - putting in been ignited by a front end to the area and multiple aircraft a lot of hours to contain the fire. were deployed to the location. loader constructing drainage There were three storage The fire was erratic and systems in a grass paddock. In sheds destroyed and the (! spreading quickly and proved challenging conditions, the fire laundry in one of the houses difficult to contain at first. spread quickly into the nearby threatened caught fire however grass, croplands and undulating A cease harvest request was this was quickly brought under scrub country. issued by the NSW RFS on control by units protecting the Weather conditions that day the recommendation of Group property. Officers and staff within the were intense with 44 degrees Three houses came under District to prevent any further recorded at Parkes Airport threat as the fire spread back ignitions. at 1452hrs, a low 18 percent into the grassland area but Tullamore fire relative humidity and winds A large number of resources were successfully protected At 1130hrs on Sunday 23 from the north west which were dedicated to the fire with as the fire was extinguished November, Tullamore Brigade then swung around to the 100 firefighters, 17 appliances, close by. The occupants were reported a fire approximately south west at 78kph. The area six heavy plant operators, evacuated to nearby Trundle. 10km east of Tullamore on the five fixed wing bombers, one where the fire started is used An Air Attack Supervisor (AAS) Peak Hill Tullamore Road. Helitak (helicopter) and one predominately for grazing and arrived during the afternoon Firebird (helicopter) battling the The Fire Danger Rating for that cropping and there had been and with so many aircraft blaze until it was contained. day was Severe and the Forbes no recent fire activity or hazard working this role was invaluable Fire Control Centre was stood reduction in the area. The fire NSW RFS Mid-Lachlan Valley for safety and coordination. up and staffed by the Duty had the potential to increase in Superintendent Ken Neville said At 1600hrs a section 44 Officer and the On Call Officer. size rapidly. volunteers did a “magnificent” declaration was made due to the potential of the fire to quickly spread to a size where significant out of area resources might be required. The fire was brought under control by late afternoon however crews continued working throughout Sunday night to strengthen fire breaks and conduct back burns to make the area safe as possible. Cooler weather conditions over the following days assisted in bringing the fire completely under control which was declared out on 26 November 2014 after burning 2,200ha. Losses included 100ha of unharvested oats, three storage sheds, 70km of fencing and hundreds of hectares of stock feed. There were no injuries or loss of life.

OPPOSITE: Some of the houses that came under direct attack of the Tullamore fire. Photo by Troy Porter

LEFT: One of the storage sheds destroyed. Photo by Scott Baker

BELOW: Trees in this area were actually bent and frozen horizontal due to the force of the fire travelling through the area. Photo by Troy Porter

BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 5 (! A horrible day

Sunday 23 November, 2014, was a busy day for NSW RFS crews across many areas including the Lower Central West Plains, with three fires burning under Severe fire danger conditions throughout the afternoon, all of which reached Watch & Act alert status. As well as contending with these three fires, crews were dealing with 20 lightning ignitions and other incidents in conditions so hot that a local cease harvest request was issued to landholders so as to further assist in minimising any further potential ignitions. Incident Controller, Mid Lachlan Valley District Manager Superintendent Ken Neville, recalls it was a “horrible day”. “There was a Total Fire Ban, a Severe Fire Danger Rating, temperatures at Parkes Airport reached 43.9 degrees with nine per cent humidity and NW to SW winds gusting to 78kph,” Superintendent Neville said. A section 44 declaration was made at the request of the local Mid Lachlan Team Bush Fire Management Committee who were concerned about the potential of the fire becoming extremely fire in a short period of time due to the conditions. (See page 5) With evening approaching and two of the three Watch and Act fires downgraded to Advice alert status, it seemed the day’s workload may have finally been starting to ease back just a little. That is until reports came through of an explosion at the Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics storage facility west of Parkes. Matt Sun reports.

6 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS Blast rocks Bogan Gate

At 1713hrs, a large blast rocked it was observed from a the small township of Bogan distance overnight.” Gate with such force that Around 2200hrs, the area was several residents in Parkes, deemed safe enough to allow 40km away, felt the aftershock. residents to return to their Approximately 4.5 tonnes of homes and to reopen the prepared fireworks stored rail line. in one bunker had gone off simultaneously. (see left) Monday 24 November NSW RFS and Fire & Rescue NSW crews arrived to find thick The exploding fireworks had pink smoke issuing from the destroyed the bunker in which exploded bunker. The first NSW they were stored but, aside RFS Group Officer on scene from some minor damage to ABOVE: South Bogan Gate Brigade worked with FRNSW to contain the was astonished to find some nearby structures, had not initial fire and the subsequent fires caused by burning debris. Photo by very stunned bright pink cattle significantly impacted any other Barbara Reeves and courtesy of Parkes Champion Post in the vicinity. storage facilities. Eight people were evacuated This meant the day’s from nearby homes as a firefighting effort was able to precautionary measure. focus on containing the fire burning in the nearby wooded Nothing remained of the area previously used as a firing storage shed itself however range. nearby buildings were untouched. Debris and Given the potential risk to fireworks casings were strewn ground crews from unexploded for about 100 metres. ordnance, the task of creating containment lines was left to The event became a HAZMAT waterbombing aircraft dropping incident with both FRNSW and retardant on the perimeter of NSW RFS working together to the restricted area. contain the blaze. NSW RFS State Air Desk arranged for a Firefighters on the ground specialist FRNSW HAZMAT were tasked with mopping up team from Sydney to be quickly and blacking out the edge of the fire, in areas that had been transported to the scene. ABOVE: This is the site of the explosion it also shows the many spot declared safe. Burning debris from the fires started within the exclusion zone that crews eventually had to explosion soon became Crews were reminded about contend with. Photo by Jeff Oliver firefighters’main concern. the danger of unexploded Embers from the explosion ordnance likely to be present on ignited a fire on a nearby the former army firing range. timbered hill which had By 1400hrs crews were previously been used as controlling the fire and several an Army live fire range and hours later it was contained. possibly still contained unexploded ordnance. Tuesday 25 November The event was also declared A horrible day With no active fire, the incident a fire incident and a 1.5km was downgraded to Patrol at exclusion zone was established 0833hrs. Over the course of due to the presence of several days, however, crews unexploded fireworks and repeatedly returned to the possible unexploded ordnance. fireground to douse minor flare As a result, the railway line ups in timber. south of Condobolin Rd was closed. NSW RFS fixed-wing aircraft Sunday 30 November ABOVE: The fireworks storage facility was obliterated by the explosion remained on duty throughout The fire was officially declared and impact of the blast on the surrounding area was extensive. Photo by Jeff Oliver the afternoon to prevent the out at 1838hrs, one week and grass fire from spreading, 87 minutes after it began with however they could not be a bang. used and ground crews could Fortunately, the favourable not access the area. wind direction on the first ”We had a fire in the range evening of the fire and beside the hill but we use of aircraft to establish were basically unable to do containment lines resulted anything with it because of in the fire burning only 20 the exclusion zone,” Mid hectares. Lachlan Valley District Manager The cause of the fire is yet to Superintendent Ken Neville be formally determined. said. “Fortunately at the time the OPPOSITE: Moments after the winds were blowing in our explosion of the Bogan Gate favour from the south and the fireworks storage, pink clouds area to the north west of the of smoke billowed into the fire had been burnt two years atmosphere. Photo by Jonathan ABOVE: This photo shows the proximity of the explosion (lower left) previously. McDonald and courtesy of Parkes to the wooded area. The burnt area and red brown retardant line are “The fire wasn’t posing any Champion Post clearly visible in the forest. Inside these lines was a no go area due to immediate threat and therefore unexploded ordnance. Photo by Jeff Oliver

BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 7 (! Cliff edge Cliff Drive, Katoomba fire The conditions leading into 1 November 2014 were not favourable. October had broken records for its unseasonably hot weather and 25 October was Australia’s warmest October day ever. A Total Fire Ban was declared for 1 November in five fire weather districts, including the Greater Sydney region. A fire on and below the famous cliffs near Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, threatened homes in early November 2014. It was the first of two significant fires to impact the Blue Mountains in November, just weeks after the community marked the destructive October 2013 fires. After igniting early on Saturday 1 November 2014 morning, the Cliff Drive fire was contained quickly by ground and air crews, however under very challenging wind conditions in treacherous terrain crews found it difficult to deal with all pockets of fire and hours later the fire took another run.. One house was lost and while the size of the fire was relatively small at 20 hectares, its proximity to so many homes kept firefighters and residents alert throughout. Over the next 10 days fireifighters were challenged by implementing strategies in the area due to the fire being in one of the most rugged areas of the District, access challenges (the fire was against a 300 metre escarpment with cliffs in excess of 100 metres and with only foot access) and difficult weather conditions. Madeleine Atkins reports.

4 November 2014: The Air-Crane releasing retardant drops on the Cliff Drive fire . Aircraft was the only way to access parts of the fire. Photos by Rod Walker 8 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS Saturday 1 November High winds in the area limited A significant public liaison would put RAFT at risk – they the use of aircraft. campaign was underway. required at least 30 minutes for A fire began near Cliff Drive at Thousands of people were Cahills Lookout in Katoomba at By 1900hrs the fire had been extraction. The Air-Crane was around 0820hrs. downgraded to Watch and Act looking for updates through grounded. alert status, crews however social media (short videos from NSW was experiencing heat Local tourist centres were continued to remain vigilant the aircraft were viewed tens of wave conditions with strong briefed on forecast conditions. and closely monitor any further thousands of times). Information winds predicted for later in the If the fire breached containment potential threat to property. The points were set up in the main day and temperatures forecast to lines, patrons would need to fire had continued to spread along street in Katoomba, The Cultural shelter in place. exceed 34 degrees in all areas. Centre Shopping Centre and on The Bureau of Meteorology had the valley floor which would prove Cliff Drive. The State Emergency At 1300hrs crews were also issued a high wind warning challenging for crews. Service (SES) assisted with requested to return to their for many areas of NSW. From Katoomba, Commissioner door knocking efforts. Two vehicles and all aircraft were Given these conditions, a large Shane Fitzsimmons provided an grounded. Crews waited for the update on the state’s active fires community meetings were number of resources were sent storm to pass. to the community and media held at the Katoomba RSL and to the area to quickly contain the Katoomba North Public School. By nightfall containment lines fire before the bad fire weather through a livestreamed press Cliff edge conference. Thousands tuned in. were completed, but hot spots set in. Ten appliances and nearly The fire had spread to 17ha and were detected, including some 50 firefighters were on the “We’ve got a very serious aircraft were working hard to ground before 1000hrs. In the fire that has burnt in rugged quash the fire in the valley. in inaccessible areas. skies above, three helicopters country,” the Commissioner Thursday 6 November and the Air-Crane were said. “This fire is not going to be Monday 3 November operating. contained tomorrow.” Even before the sun had risen, On Thursday morning at around 0830hrs the Cliff Drive fire While the fire on the top of “It’s burning in some very crews detected active fire on the escarpment was quickly difficult country. Fortunately, we the north flank on the cliff edge. was declared contained. With contained, crews were unable to have got some more favourable Throughout the day, ground worsening fire weather predicted prevent the blaze from dropping weather ahead over the coming crews and aircraft attacked the later in the week, efforts were over the escarpment and burning days, but it’s going to be a top edge of Peckmans Plateau focussed on keeping it that way into inaccessible bushland. long night for firefighters and and Megalong Valley. by bolstering containment lines. it’s going to be a long night for “It has burnt along the Three RAFT crews were National Parks and Wildlife the communities to the south, escarpment under some homes deployed onto the valley floor. Service deployed heavy plant in that area, but thankfully we south-west of Katoomba.” to reinforce containment lines haven’t seen any homes under Crews did work through the Community Liaison Officers at Farnells and Stuarts Roads. threat,” Inspector Ben Shepherd night, with more than a hundred visited Cliff Drive residences, Ground crews used handheld told the media. firefighters protecting properties the surrounding area, and the infrared cameras to identify Katoomba train station and “But given today’s weather we and mopping up the fire edge hotspots. Aircraft were deployed are trying to get this fire out as to prevent flare ups. Due to tourist destinations. to patrol inaccessible edges but quickly as possible.” the proximity of the cliff face, were impaired by poor visibility. lighting towers were deployed Tuesday 4 November The fire had been identified as and a special safety warning was At 1500hrs no hotspots were suspicious and fire investigators Crews prepared for the fire to issued at 2000hrs – no crews detected. had been assigned. reach the containment lines. If were to work within ten metres the fire continued to spread up Friday 7 November By 1600hrs an s44 declaration of a cliff edge or in an area with a the Megalong Creek it did have had occurred. Houses in Crews continued to patrol and slope greater than ten degrees. the potential to reach properties Cliff Drive, Brougham Street, heavy plant was deployed again. That day, the Service had been in Nelson and Stuarts Roads in Essendene Road and Moss Temporary stabilisation works managing 72 bush or grass Katoomba. Firefighters were Street were under ember attack. were completed on handtool fires across the state with 37 sent to prepare residents and NSW RFS and FRNSW crews in lines. The Six Foot Track was the area focussed on property uncontained and a total of 600 properties in the vicinity. firefighters in the field. reopened. protection. Out-of-area crews Containment lines at Peckmans Public Liaison Officers and SES from Cumberland and Macarthur Sunday 2 November Plateau Lookout were bolstered were called in to assist. with handtools and retardant letterboxed the area, warning residents of the dangers posed Around 1740hrs an Emergency Weather conditions eased drops. Warning was issued for this overnight and the Bureau of by falling trees in the aftermath area, the fire was moving quickly Meteorology predicted a cooler Wednesday 5 November of fire. day with gentle winds. and was uncontrolled with a On Wednesday morning, fire Thursday 13 November number of homes coming under The fire continued to burn was detected on the cliff top ember attack. At least two spot uncontained on the valley floor. near Peckmans Trail. The risk After five days of patrolling and fires had been ignited in the By 1030hrs, 95 firefighters and of re-ignition was still existed, 12 days after ignition, the Cliff gusty winds. There were now eight aircraft were working to with adverse weather and an Drive fire was declared out on about 120 NSW RFS firefighters contain the fire. Remote Area unfavourable wind change Thursday 13 November. The s44 on the ground with support from Firefighting Teams cut on the way. The Bureau of declaration had been revoked a further 60 FRNSW personnel. handtool lines and mopped Meteorology issued a severe on 10 November. The fire had It was around this time that up edges, alternating with storm warning for the Blue destroyed one house, damaged a house on Cliff Drive was the aircraft bucketting in the Mountains, with winds expected others and burnt through 20 destroyed by fire. Megalong Valley. to reach 70kph. A severe storm hectares.

LEFT: Late on Saturday 1 November a house on Cliff Drive was engulfed in flames. Photo courtesy of SBS. RIGHT: Crews worked through the night on 1 November to mop up the fire edge and protect property. Photo courtesy of Channel 7.

BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 9 Working well together Greens Rd, Warrimoo fire

A fire located in a difficult-to-reach location near houses in Warrimoo in Lower Blue Mountains, had the community and firefighters concerned. (! Matt Sun reports.

Friday 14 November, 2014 were quickly dispatched, along the back veranda of a Florabella was devised as the fire with an aircraft fitted with the Street home, which gave him made its way to the south of About 1330hrs a Triple Zero latest surveillance camera an excellent view of the fire Florabella Street. (000) call reported a smoke technology and the Air-Crane. throughout the afternoon. From “There was the potential sighting in the vicinity of the his vantage point Deputy Group Greens Road fire trail, near NSW RFS Inspector Rob for it to make a run towards Captain Allan watched aircraft the Great Western Highway at Vinzenz said winds started Florabella Street but fortunately repeatedly making targeted Warrimoo, Blue Mountains. picking up as the first crews there was an area to the east were responding. waterbombing runs despite the of the fire which was hazard Both the NSW RFS and Fire challenges posed by nearby reduced 18 months ago,” and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) “The initial reports were that power lines. responded crews. Firefighters crews could smell smoke but Allan said. soon reported a fire burning in couldn’t sight the fire, as at the “I’m standing there watching “We were going to do what difficult to access bushland, time it was down out of the the Air-Crane zipping in and out. we did during the 2001 Mount near power lines between the way in inaccessible bush land,” The work all the aircraft did, the Hall fire and backburn from fire trail and Florabella Street. Inspector Vinzenz said. air package from the Air Attack Greens Road, around Florabella Supervisor, was absolutely top and then along the highway to The alert level for the Greens “Given the weather and the notch,” Allan said. Road fire was upgraded to winds, we started responding Bridge St. Watch and Act due to its more units, as did Fire Rescue, “Air knocked it down a bit but “We got the okay but then location, the level of fire activity as well as getting intel aircraft for the first few hours, given a weather warning about and its proximity to homes. early on to get up there and the area was inaccessible on a southerly change came have a look.” foot, it was a bit of a case of through, which pretty much Additional NSW RFS and hurry up and wait.” FRNSW crews, as well as Division Commander Deputy knocked that containment National Parks and Wildlife Group Captain Duncan Allan Deputy Group Captain Allan strategy on its head.” At this Service (NPWS) resources set up his command post on said a containment strategy time a significant focus was

10 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS placed on tasking aircraft to Around 1700hrs the Great and that had the potential to There were a number of minor work on the northern side of Western Highway was closed run back to the highway,” flare ups detected within the fire to limit the potential to traffic in both directions and Allan said. containment lines during the impact to the north under train services were halted. Both “Macarthur, Southern day but all were quickly dealt forecast southerly wind thoroughfares were reopened Highlands and National with. conditions. at 1800hrs. Parks RAFT went in there on At 2048hrs the fire was While not under direct threat With conditions easing as Saturday morning and they declared contained. from the fire, two local schools evening approached, attention did a massive job down there, - Warrimoo Public School and turned to the southerly change along with the air assets. Monday 17 November Blaxland School –implemented expected to reach Warrimoo “There was also a lot of work Fifty firefighters spent the day their standard lockdown about 2100hrs. procedure. Crews were done in terms of containment. mopping up and blacking out, a assigned to attend the schools Warrimoo and Valley Heights One of the local National Parks task which would continue for as a further precautionary residents, particularly those in guys came up with the idea to the next eight days that the fire measure. There were no Greens Road, Russell Avenue, establish a dozer trail line. remained at Patrol. evacuations. Coolabah Road and Angophora “In very difficult areas it took “Those days were all about Place, were warned to expect a significant effort but we did consolidate, consolidate, Parents were given supervised increased levels of smoke and access to Warrimoo Public that along with NPWS RAFT consolidate,” Deputy Group burning embers when the and we stopped the fire from Captain Allan said. School and remaining students 60kph gusts came through. travelled home on their regular going further south.” “Conditions were still very dry afternoon school bus, which At 2127hrs the change arrived By mid-afternoon, fire activity and there were a number of was escorted along its usual at the fireground, resulting in an was relatively low but residents small flare ups on subsequent route by a fire truck. increase in fire activity. were still concerned about the days. Ground crews used North westerly winds picked “As the change moved through fire, which remained at Watch recently donated handheld up, pushing the fire in a south it started pushing the fire and Act. thermal imaging cameras easterly direction towards towards Florabella Street and Smoke from backburning had to identify and deal with Blaxland, blowing heavy smoke Greens Road, it jumped the trail produced a large amount of hotspots.” and embers towards Baden in a few spots but we managed smoke which by mid-afternoon Place, Bridge Road, Boynton to round it up on the western had travelled some distance, Tuesday 25 November Street and Bourke Street. side of the Greens Road trail,” causing concern amongst At 1000hrs the fire was “We started putting crews in Deputy Group Captain residents in other Blue officially declared out, after place at locations we thought Allan said. Mountains areas. burning 126.19 hectares. No the fire might get to, pre- homes were lost. At 2247hrs the winds began An information point was set emptive placements for some to ease and as a result, the fire “Everything worked extremely and defensive for others,” up at the Blaxland supermarket was regraded to Watch and Act well because of the good Inspector Vinzenz said. so firefighters could provide at 2312hrs. residents with the latest relationship between the NSW At 1530hrs the alert level was Multiple crews remained information and answer any RFS, FRNSW, NPWS, NSW raised to Emergency Warning overnight to deal with flare-ups questions. Police and NSW Ambulance, and an Emergency Alert not to mention our air attack and to undertake backburning At 1604hrs the fire was message was sent to phones in as conditions allowed. people too,” Mr Allan said. the area. downgraded to Advice, due to the low level of fire activity. “I had direct conversations with By this time there were Saturday 15 November all services and they were all approximately 250 firefighters While weather conditions were Sunday 16 November well and truly entrenched with from NSW RFS, FRNSW and somewhat calmer on day two, us,” Deputy Group Captain NPWS on the fireground. Light rain fell on the fireground Saturday presented crews with overnight but did not Allan said. “There was a lot of concern a number of challenges. significantly impact fire activity. “It was a very good example from residents but fortunately More than 260 firefighters of what we can do with at no stage were any homes Throughout the day NSW RFS, aided by eight aircraft (including coordinated firefighting, from directly impacted. There was FRNSW and NPWS firefighters the ground up to the Incident the potential for them to be the Air-Crane) continued to continued strengthening Management Team level, we all impacted, but fortunately we construct containment lines containment lines. NSW RFS had a great amount of resources and deal with flare ups. and NPWS RAFT again worked worked very well together.” available,” Deputy Group “We had a bit of an overnight on hot spots in difficult to Captain Allan said. slop over near the creek access areas.

OPPOSITE: NSW RFS waterbombing aircraft filling up at Glenbrook Lagoon, 14 November 2014. Photo by Leanne Murray. ABOVE LEFT: The township of Warrimoo see from above. Photo by Mark Fitzsimmons. ABOVE RIGHT: Wentworth Falls Brigade putting in a backburn at the end of Greens Road overnight on 14 November 2014. Photo by Matthew Cooper

BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 11 A day in the life of the Rapid Aerial Response Team

Rapid Aerial Response Teams (RART) were deployed 22 times between October and December 2014 proving their value in nipping fires in the bud before trucks can arrive or providing vital reconnaissance information. RART teams across the State were on standby a total of 28 times in the period. RART attended 15 fires that were under 10ha in size on arrival, 14 of these were kept to 10ha or smaller – 93 percent success rate. On 23 November 2014 three RART teams were stood up - RART 1 at Casino, RART 2 at Tamworth and RART 3 at Bankstown. Each RART covers an area of approximately 110km radius from their base which represents a 30 minute flight time. RART 3, comprising a crew of four volunteers from the Macarthur Zone, Tony Mizzi, John Pisani, Vaughan Butler and Marten Sweeney (DC), was on standby at Bankstown Airport on 23 November. Here Macarthur RAFT Deputy Captain Marten Sweeney provides an overview of a productive day on duty.

12 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 23 November 2014 The fire was contained within received a new tasking to a strike most likely and was 20 minutes after insertion smoke sighting 6km north of burning very well uphill at about Today Tony Mizzi, John Pisani, and the aircraft applied close Colo in Hawkesbury. We were 2ha. We identified three good Vaughan Butler and myself to 40 buckets of water to the airborne at 1745hrs and by the dams which were 3km west attended Bankstown Airport as fire during the deployment. time we were at Richmond and suitable for waterbombing RART 3 from 0900hrs. The crew was extracted by we could see a good smoke aircraft tomorrow if needed. the Rapid Aerial Response Team Shortly after arrival we were column toward the north. This fire became known as the ‘hover entry’ at approximately advised we may have a call 1320hrs. We had to be skids down Pierces Valley fire. and to get on with our aircraft The crew worked well and at Bankstown by 1930hrs On our run home we came briefing and load preparation according to NSW RFS back over the fire. It had more “ASAP”. the operation went smoothly. The aircraft refuelled shortly rules. There was not enough than doubled in size and was We were subsequently called after insertion and again on daylight to insert the team at least 5ha and was starting to crown as it made the peak. to Tallyan Point, Basin View, departure with the crew on however RART 3 undertook near Sussex Inlet and departed reconnaissance of the fire The ambient air temperature board. Crew arrived back at Bankstown at 0955hrs. The fire and provided a SitRep, photos out there was 40 degrees. To Bankstown at approximately call came from Shoalhaven Fire and identified water sources be honest it was like flying in a Control Centre to a report of a 1450hrs for lunch and restock. in the area which we relayed clothes dryer! We were back at smoke sighting. By 1730hrs we started to to Hawkesbury Fire Control Bankstown by 1845hrs and on After about half an hour’s flight pack up our radios when we Centre. This fire was a lightning the way home by 1900hrs. we contacted Shoalhaven on approach and were advised we were entering the zone and were given updated details, local ground crew channels and call signs. When overhead at around 1030hrs we contacted Tallyan Fire Divisional Command who requested the support of the crew and aircraft in accessing and suppressing the fire. Wind at this stage, was nil, flame height low with approximately 5ha burning in light timbered scrub/ forest behind mangroves but there were concerns a wind change could threaten property nearby. Local resources already on hand consisted of three Cat 1 crews and a Group Officer although there was no truck access and crews had to walk in on foot. We elected to ‘hover exit’ adjacent to the water edge close to the fire, as there was nowhere close by to land. Hover exit involves disembarking out the door of the helicopter while it maintains a low hover. This manoeuvre is undertaken when there is not enough flat ground to land the aircraft. (see right) Our aircraft was Helitack 201. Once we had been dropped off with our equipment Helitack 201 returned and began water bucketing support at approximately 1050hrs. Initial air attack was focussed on the south eastern edge to mop up the remaining fire edge burning towards property, although it was still some distance away. Our team secured the eastern edge using rake hoes and a blower and OPPOSITE PAGE: This is the Tallyan Point Fire looking from the south. The crew were inserted right on worked down to the water’s the edge of the lake near the mangroves. The image was taken on an ipad which RART teams are using. edge to the north while local The information overlay shows the team location, time and in which direction the picture is taken. Photo crews worked on the remaining by Marten Sweeney edges. We directed bucketing ABOVE: A sequence of photos from the ‘hover exit’ executed by RART 3 on the Tallyan Point Fire. Hover on fallen logs in conjunction exit involves disembarking out the door of the helicopter while it maintains a low hover. This manoeuvre with local crews who also used is undertaken when there is not enough flat ground to land the aircraft. Photos by Marten Sweeney Helitack 201 to bucket hot spots and timber.

BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 13 Heat, stress, firefighting and its effect on your body The internal structural firefighting environment

By Matthew Reeves, Learning and Development Officer

14 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE Firefighters undertaking a firefighter to shed body heat, Symptoms and treatment of heat related illness: heat exhaustion internal structural firefighting causing an increase in core are required to work efficiently body temperature. Symptoms Treatment and effectively in thermal This example of the “second Heavy sweating Move to a cool place and lie environments that are in law of thermodynamics” down excess of normal body core Pale skin (where heat flows from the temperature, i.e. a range of Remove excess clothing hotter object to the cooler Fast and weak pulse 36.5°C to 37.5°C. As a result of object until equilibrium is Small sips of cool fluids working in such environments, established) also means that Breathing fast and shallow firefighters often experience Radial cooling and/or firefighters PPC can become significant changes in their Heat cramps sponge bath heat soaked. An issue with PPC physiology and heat-related being heat soaked is that when Dizziness and fainting Cool packs under armpits, illnesses may occur. groin or back of the neck to a firefighter has inadequate Headache Without intervention, fires rest between rotations their reduce body heat in modern structures where PPC upon re-immersion Nausea and vomiting If these symptom persists high energy (synthetic) fuels into the interior heated seek urgent medical advice are common, can exceed environment takes less time 1,000°C at or near ceiling to reach its maximum energy Heat, height and over 800°C at absorption load and therefore Symptoms of heat related illness: heat stroke approximately 1m above floor the firefighter will likely Symptom Treatment level. (http://newscience. experience an increase in body ul.com/wp-content/uploads/ temperature much more quickly Sudden rise in body Call Triple Zero (000) sites/30/2014/04/Analysis_ than they did during their first temperature immediately of_Changing_Residential_ entry into the environment. Fire_Dynamics_and_Its_ Red hot dry skin (sweating has Remove excess clothing These environmental factors Implications_on_Firefighter_ stopped) Radial cooling or cool by any and the necessary risk controls Operational_Timeframes.pdf) means possible for firefighters working in Rapid pulse In NSW RFS Advanced interior fire environments leads Rapid shallow breathing Cool packs under armpits, stress, Structural Firefighting (ASF) to an increased risk in heat- groin or back of the neck to training environments, where related illnesses. Intense thirst reduce body heat conditions are controlled by Headache Small sips of cool fluids if fuel load and appropriate water Effects on our body conscious application, temperatures Dry swollen tongue measured 3m away from the “It is important that a person’s body temperature stays in the Nausea and vomiting seat of the fire and 1.5m off the DO NOT GIVE ASPRIN OR floor, average over 50°C. range of 36.1°C and 37.8°C. Dizziness If the body temperature rises PARACETAMOL The body’s response to such above this, a person may Confusion, poor coordination environments and its ability to develop heat-related illness” or slurred speech firefighting handle an increased metabolic If unconscious lay in (http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/ recovery position and heat load depends on a number environment/factsheets/Pages/ Aggressive or bizarre perform CPR if needed of environmental factors, such heat-related-illness.aspx). behaviour as air temperature, radiant heat The first stage of heat stress Loss of consciousness and humidity and individual is heat exhaustion and if the factors such as the level of body temperature continues to Seizures or coma physical activity, fitness levels, increase to over 40.5°C then anxiety levels, hydration state the onset of heat stroke can and the condition of protective occur. clothing and equipment. High thermal conditions All of these factors individually combined with strenuous affect the body’s physiology workloads in stressful and when these factors are environments can lead to combined there may be an rapid core body temperature adverse effect and significant increases. Not only can high physiological strain may be temperatures influence body induced. temperature; “…. during Our modern PPC is designed dynamic exercise, metabolic to provide a high standard rate increases rapidly by 5-15 of protection from high fold with 70-90% of metabolic temperatures, radiant heat rate released as heat.....” (Cisar, and flame, however with this Craig J. Professor, Accute protection comes a number of Physiological Responses risks that must be identified to Heat Stress). This can and controlled. The layering theoretically increase core effect of our current structural temperature by about 1°C fire PPC provides protection every five minutes, therefore from radiant heat by absorbing the failure to regulate your body energy; however this layering temperature within the stated effect also limits the ability of safe limits may be fatal.

OPPOSITE: Rest and re-hydration after extinguishment is vital to reduce the risk of heat related illness. Photo by Richard J Thorek RIGHT: Arduous workloads and stressful environments increase core body temperatures. Photo by Matthew Reeves

BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE 15 ABOVE: Structural firefighting can expose firefighters to environments in excess of normal body core temperature causing significant changes in their physiology. Photo by Richard J Thorek

How to prevent heat-related check for signs of excessive PPC without a flash hood. the hazard creating harm must fatigue or heat-related illness. This is because in an open be made in consultation with illness They should also ensure environment radiant, convected the IC, crew and other relevant Realising the potential that where required, BA or conducted heat may not emergency services present. health effects of extended teams ‘dress down’ between be as higher risk as ambient Introducing one risk control BA (Breathing Apparatus) rotations to assist with fatigue temperatures. A combination measure could introduce operations on firefighters management and the cooling bush fire and structural PPC another risk. So think through in conditions where high of firefighters. could help manage the risk your options and the possible environmental temperatures are of heat-related illness and consequences before you present, Incident Controllers BA operators can give consideration to their own excessive fatigue. make a final decision, then and BA operators should be continue your risk assessment aware of a number of options health by ensuring that they Each item of PPC is designed utilise the relevant IMSAFE to protect firefighters from a using dynamic risk assessment available, to reduce the risk of principles. Be certain of the heat-related illness. principles (Illness, Medication, particular hazard, therefore Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, if the relevant hazard is not environment and associated Incident controllers can Expertise) on an on-going present nor likely to occur, hazards, consider the consider strategies and basis and communicate with the risk is low. Consider the advantages and disadvantages whether or not they have the IC about rest periods and example of a vehicle fire in an and where possible and safe sufficient resources (including workload. open environment on a day of to do so, learn how effective human) to implement the your risk control measures are Crews should also consider the 35°C where the IC has decided required tactics safely. that BA is required due to the by using them in a controlled Decisions could be made on level of PPC required, based environment such as training. on the conditions being toxic smoke hazard. In this case resting teams for longer periods wearing BA with bush fire PPC to allow for rehabilitation and faced. For internal structural The impact of heat on the body firefighting, structural PPC will protect the user from the must be monitored regardless re-hydration. This does not toxic atmosphere. necessarily mean that more BA including pants, jacket, gloves, of the activity. BA operations qualified members are required flash hood and helmet must be By knocking the fire down from are only one facet of our work but it may however mean that worn with BA as they will help a distance and isolating the as firefighters and heat-related the time from extinguishment protect you from the known radiant heat risk, not only will illness can affect everyone. to overhaul takes longer. and potential hazards. the crew have achieved the Look for the signs and treat task, they will have managed accordingly, but prevention is BA support teams should If BA operations are necessary the environmental hazard always the best cure. ensure that the BA control area in a non-structural environment (high ambient temperature), is set up in a clean, shady area such as in an open environment managed the hazard of radiant and that sufficient drinking like a tip/refuse fire a BA PPC Review heat and mitigated the risk of water is available. The BACO operator in consultation with A review of Bush Fire Personal heat-related illness. (Breathing Apparatus Control the IC may choose to wear Protective Clothing is currently Officer) should also monitor bush fire PPC or a combination Any decision to control a risk underway. Structural PPC will the work load of teams and of bush fire and structural and reduce the likelihood of be reviewed later in 2015.

16 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE Structural PPC is layered to protect the wearer. This can also trap heat in. Dress down to cool down whenever possible. Photo by Tony Longa

BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE 17 Interaction for action This issue of the Bush Fire Bulletin has a special focus on Community Engagement in NSW RFS.

As Commissioner Fitzsimmons says: “Community engagement is core business.” It falls not just to people with specialist training but to every firefighter who interacts with the community; every interaction is an opportunity to save a life.

This issue highlights a range of the great work being done by NSW RFS members across the State to connect with their local community and empower them to Prepare.Act.Survive. Every NSW district has a staff member with community engagement expertise. Many brigades have a position, elected annually, to develop a community engagement strategy and coordinate activities and others have Community Engagement Committees.

To support the many community safety volunteers within brigades is the NSW RFS Community Engagement Team. They provide technical advice, training, support and advocacy, developing and supporting grants, research and policy, influencing the state and national agenda and developing partnerships among the emergency services and other sectors.

Here, Manager Community Engagement, Sunara Fernando, points out the key principles behind community engagement at the Service.

What is Community Community engagement is Engagement? Put simply it is the process of stakeholders interaction for action. working together to build Engaging a community in how resilience through collaborative it can prepare for, respond to action, shared capacity building and recover from emergencies and the development of strong is more likely to result in relationships built on mutual decisions and outcomes the trust and respect. community is confident about and will act upon, and this A changing approach to in turn will support the work of emergency management emergency management organisations. Across the board, emergency management agencies are The foundation of the work moving toward the community of the NSW RFS Community development approach, which Engagement unit is the focuses on active engagement National Strategy for Disaster with and empowerment of the Resilience: Community community. Engagement Framework. It a must-read document Some of the key elements of for those working with community engagement are: communities, providing 1. Working with communities guidance for effective in partnership, building community engagement on existing networks, across the emergency resources and strengths, management sector and uses identifying and supporting Photo by Anthony Clark the definition: the development of

18 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

E OS RP U P

Participation Consultation Building connected Sharing information, networks and questions or positions relationships, to obtain ideas, C ownership and feedback, knowledge O trust through active or an understanding N involvement of objectives and T E

expectations X

T

Information Sharing information Collaboration

between communities Partnering with and agencies to communities to support come to a mutual action, including understanding. developing alternatives

Everyone is informed and identifying a and able to take preferred solution responsibility for Empowerment decisions and Individuals and

actions communities have capacity to

understand risk and

T accept responsibility

X

E and implement

T

N initiatives

O

P

C

U

R

P

O

S

E

P S R Community Engagement Model E I N L P C

I for Emergency Management from National Strategy for Disaster Resilience

community leaders and bring existing know-how emergency. For example, ABOVE: The Community empowering the community to the process and build a collaborative approach Engagement Model for to exercise choice and take partnerships and networks. incorporating community Emergency Management responsibility. experience works for is circular to show that one 3. Effective engagement planning; a command-and- engagement approach is not 2. Engagement as core across the emergency control approach providing necessarily better than any other, business, embedding management spectrum and that different approaches engagement within the clear information for the Effective community community is likely to be are legitimate depending on culture and practice of the purpose and context of a engagement should be part necessary; and relief and organisations requiring particular situation. of day-to-day business in the recovery are most effective sustained resourcing, prevention, preparedness, The model makes clear that commitment and cross- when led by an empowered for all types of engagement response and recovery community. sectoral partnerships, as well phases of emergency it is essential to be guided as new ways of measuring management. Communities 5. Trust and relationships by community engagement principles, to understand and evaluating success. This need to be engaged before, Effective engagement is includes developing and complex and requires a the broader context of the during and after major engagement, and have a clear embedding new ways of emergency events. long-term commitment doing things that enhance to build and maintain purpose for engaging the arrangements with the 4. Interaction not just community in the first place. relationships and trust with Good engagement practice relies not-for-profit sector and the information the community. on choosing the right approach community more broadly Provision of information has a useful role but is or combination of approaches and building their capacity for engagement in different rarely effective in isolation and capability to undertake situations. community engagement from more interactive activities. Sustainable strategies. Different engagement requires types of engagement substantial resources, and levels of community requires time to identify involvement are required and develop different skills, for different phases of an

BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 19 Firefighters forging

By Brydie Burrows, connections Community Engagement Coordinator

There is nothing like smoke in “What members don’t day. Whatever their motivation, people can take to prepare for the air to get people listening to realise is that they’re doing it, people in the vicinity of a bush fire. their local firefighters. they’re effectively engaging hazard reduction burn, or the On the day: Have you ever been at a hazard the community everyday smoke from a burn, are a reduction and find you spend and they’re doing it well,” captive audience. It’s a great idea to set up an he said, “Whether it’s called information point close to the as much time talking with Before the burn: community members as you do community engagement or fire burn to give people a chance lighting up? Or been cleaning awareness, it’s an important Keep your message concise to ask questions. It can be part of our role as firefighters.” up the local fire trails and find and easy to understand. People as simple or elaborate as you campers, cyclists, fishermen want to know why the burn is choose. A hazard reduction and residents in the area are Hazard reduction being done, how many homes burn undertaken this year in very interested in what you’re Hazard reduction burns provide will be protected, how much Warragamba is a great example up to? a valuable opportunity to smoke should be expected, of a brigade thinking ahead general health and safety and about the impact their burn These everyday operational connect with local community road access advice and where would have on the community. activities are also valuable members. they can find out more. opportunities to connect For some residents their For example, earlier this year with community members. primary concern will be If it’s a particularly large or high NSW RFS was assisting Deputy Captain of the avoiding the washing getting profile burn, target the wider National Parks and Wildlife Chittaway Brigade and Fire ‘smoked out’, for others it community. Local shops, social Service with a large burn to be Mitigation Officer for the might be a worry about a media, community centres located in the same area where Lakes Team, Matt Horwood family member with asthma and, if relevant, local media the devastating Christmas Day calls it ‘operational community or it could be about the risk can all be used to explain why fires took place in 2001. Around engagement’. posed by the flames on the it’s happening and what action 30 homes and businesses were

20 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT What members don’t realise is that they’re engaging the community everyday and they’re doing it well...

Firefighters forging

ABOVE AND RIGHT: A hazard reduction burn on the Central Coast provides an opportunity to talk with residents in the area about bush connections fire safety. Photo by Justin Wilson

destroyed on 25 December rural community through broad • Why we were there and why Incident Response 2001 and the scars still run distribution of information in we were burning When you encounter deep in this community. the lead-up. In coordination • Wind direction and likely with National Parks and the community members at Deputy Captain Matt Gould, smoke impacts Southern Highlands District incidents, whether they’re Silverdale Brigade, recalls the Office we ensured that • What assets we were landholders at bush or grass lead up. pamphlets were put in the protecting fires, or people affected by car fires or structure fires; you “The people likely to see local shops, and numerous • We also explained the burn plumes of smoke on the day posts were put on our local would reduce the risk; it can be assured you won’t be of this burn were those same community Facebook page.” would not remove the risk. met with someone sporting residents affected by the 2001 a relaxed attitude to fire. Your “By the time we were ready bush fire,” Matt said, “We “Overall, people were very words will have an impact, to burn, awareness in the knew the smoke would bring receptive to what we were you just have to choose them community was quite high, back memories of that day 13 doing. I believe the positive carefully. but we still organised for the years ago and potentially stir reaction was due to people Southern Highlands FACT Members’ report they have to up some strong emotions. genuinely feeling a part of (Fire Awareness Community the process through involving use their common sense when Therefore we were expecting Team) to bring the community them early and taking the time trying to engage people directly a lot of interest in the burn and engagement trailer into the on the day to be available to affected by fire, sometimes we felt it was our responsibility centre of Warragamba during answer people’s questions,” he they won’t be in the right to keep the community the burn to provide information said, “Some call it community headspace to heed advice, informed throughout. and talk to any concerned engagement, we call it part and others are desperate for “We decided the best bet was people. The job of the FACT and parcel of running a hazard information and want to know to communicate with our semi- team was to explain: reduction burn.” how they can do better.

BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 21 Often people are receptive to to change that behaviour. Rolf Poole, Deputy Fire Control their property should be seized. entering into conversations This may be as simple as Officer in Gosford who acted It is valuable to have a discussion with members when fires are responding to a pile burn and as a Public Liaison Officer about what they plan to do with in the ‘patrol’ stage or after the then explaining the rules around during the October 2013 fires their family and animals in the fire has safely passed them by. pile burns and the fines for not in the Blue Mountains said he event of a bush fire. Conversation starters like: “that following these. This is also a is very interested in the role of The consequences of not was a close call today, have prime time to point out risks firefighters on the ground. obtaining a permit during the you thought about slashing the around the property, how it Bush Fire Danger Period can be boundaries of your paddock?” “They are also doing might have gone wrong if the serious and potentially draining or “there’s a lot of dense bush community liaison, “ he said, fire had gotten out of control on resources. Matt Horwood right around your property, it’s “They might be in the truck and talk about preparedness and focusing on putting out the said his brigade recently had a good idea to move your gas and planning. cylinders and firewood away fire but inevitably they will get an example of a landowner from the home.” Matt Horwood says this a knock on the window by a inadvertently causing mild engagement is second nature frightened resident asking them panic after failing to contact his Stuart O’Keefe, Fire Mitigation to members and influencing what to do. In those moments neighbours and his local NSW Officer for the Lakes Team people’s behaviour happens the firefighters are community RFS about a burn. said it’s also important to point “on every occasion”. engagement volunteers by “The M1 Pacific motorway out the impact on the whole default.” community of not attending “Most people have good cuts straight through this LGA to the bush fire safety of your intentions and are not out “For this reason the NSW RFS and people on the motorway home. to upset the fire service supplies fire trucks with the are from all over the State, or authorities,” Matt said, tools such as the Community many of whom panic at the “We explain to people that if “they’ve just fallen short Engagement key message sight of smoke,” Matt said, they manage their vegetation somewhere. In fact most cards which include key talking “We got a call to a small fire properly it will give firefighters a people are apologetic for having points and the Smartphone on the M1, north of the twin better chance of getting to the caused a fuss. For whatever apps so they can check the service stations, around seven seat of a fire and are more likely reasons they’re just not familiar Alert status and tell people kilometres from where this to be able to stop the fire from with the rules, and it’s our job what is being advised. In this gentleman was burning off. spreading onto their property to explain the rules and why the way we develop consistent Three brigades from the north and their neighbours,” he said. rules are in place.” messaging which is an and south were called and we When explaining the important element of keeping all thoroughly searched the area “It’s important to understand importance of this engagement the community safe.” and couldn’t find the burn. Eight the resident’s intent, no matter to newer members Matt Triple Zero (000) calls had been what you say or do, you need to Horwood tells them it’s like logged, so we knew there was listen to their rationale and what Issuing permits “fighting a future fire without a fire somewhere. they were hoping to achieve Landholders who have actually having to fight that “Eventually we tracked it …It’s important to explain requested a permit to burn are fire.” He explains that by down to this man’s property. what our responsibilities as a usually taking the threat of bush taking the time to have the We made him aware of his fire service are and persuade or grass fire seriously. Each conversation weeks of work obligations and explained that if people that it’s in their best brigade has a Permit Issuing fighting a bush fire that’s the NSW RFS had known about interest to follow the rules. Officer specifically trained for escaped from a landowner’s his burn the search area could the job. property could be avoided. have been instantly narrowed Remember that if the incident During an emergency When a member is visiting down and callers to Triple Zero is caused by someone’s Even while fighting a fire, a property to issue a permit (000) could have been placated. behaviour, it may happen members can be called upon to the opportunity to talk to the We also let him know about the again unless steps are taken be community ‘engagers’. landholder about the fire risks on requirement to follow council

ABOVE: Hazard reduction burns are better received if the local ABOVE: Minutes matter in a fire and SWS signs helps firefighters community understand why the burn is happening and have prior identify Static Water Supply locations when the chips are down. warning of smoke impacts. Photo by Justin Wilson

22 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT rules, even though the burn “Street meetings don’t work Geoff believes each brigade Geoff recalls a recent incident was happening just outside of well in our area,” Geoff admits. needs someone to drive where the PIP was put to the Bush Fire Danger period. “We have learnt that what does community engagement good use. The man was apologetic work is door-knocking people at before fires. His brigade “We attended a grass fire and didn’t understand the their homes and walking around has seen benefits in pairing recently and en-route to the implications of smoke on the their properties talking about older members with younger incident the crew leader was busy motorway. On leaving potential risks. We learnt this members so local knowledge able to tell members about the man’s property we were the hard way. can be shared between what we should expect on confident we wouldn’t have a generations. repeat performance and that he “We recently attended a fire arrival due to our pre-incident had leant some serious lessons burning in a pine plantation that Key hazards Geoff and his planning,” he said, “He told about responsible burning and was heading directly for homes fellow members point out to us there were was a house on how to be better prepared for in the Spring Glen area. We landowners include: the property as well as two bush fire.” thought we had done a good sheds, a 200 kilo gas bottle, job engaging the community in • Access to the property for power lines coming in from fire trucks Pre-Incident Planning (PIP) this area by handing out Bush road and over house, where the Fire Survival Plans and talking • Stored petrol and gas Static Water Supplies were and A Pre-Incident Planning (PIP) to people particularly at Open that there was a tank on the document can be as detailed, Day. During the fire we door- • Long grass growing around eastern side of building. This or simple, as required. In knocked the homes close by sheds and out-buildings information puts us at a distinct order to develop a useful PIP to advise residents of the fire • Grass clippings advantage.” brigades need to talk to their activity and talk to them about Geoff suggests brigades set local community members and their plans. • Hay bales and hay bales understand their circumstances treated with preservatives aside time on the weekend to – in other words, engage with “Eighty percent of the residents (can let off cyanide if they door knock residents. From their community. we spoke to hadn’t even given do burn). his experience taking the time the prospect of bush fire any to get to know people, pays Geoff Selwood, president of thought,” Geoff recalls, “Most Geoff and his team also dividends when it really counts. the Clifton Grove-Ophir Brigade had no means of moving their pay particular attention to As NSW RFS firefighters we and District Technical Officer of livestock, which is telling, given discovering Static Water have specialised knowledge the Canobolas Zone, said that their animals were like family to Supplies (SWS) people may and nothing beats sharing that brigade members often have them.” have on their property including knowledge by taking the time information from the public dams, water tanks or pools – stored it in their heads! This lead to a re-think in the to maximise every opportunity way the brigade communicated and if a fire truck can access we have to talk to people. Take “So writing it down is really with people in their area - they them. If they are accessible, the time to talk to locals in your valuable,” he said, “It’s a two- knew they had to visit people a SWS sign at the property community. You certainly don’t way street; we provide bush in their homes and provide entrance will help firefighters. need to be at a street meeting, fire preparation information tailored advice. Throughout the course of their crewing a stand at a community to the public and in return we day or handing out Bush Fire gather important information “Our members get a clear community engagement to Survival Plans to make a real about their property and assets. picture of the community and inform the PIP, Geoff and his difference to people’s lives. This means we know what’s conditions and at the same brigade discovered a number You never know, that extra five out there before we arrive at an time it gives us a chance to of disabled people living in the minutes you take to chat to incident. Spending time to pre- change the level of risk at area. They then helped the someone at the next incident plan and get to know people people’s property by simply by residents and their carers to is so useful when you’re faced pointing out what owners need formulate an appropriate Bush you attend could save their life. with a fire in the area. to do,” Geoff said. Fire Survival Plan.

ABOVE: Hazard Reduction burn at Kariong in 2014. Letting residents ABOVE: Effective pre-incident planning includes visiting people know about the likelihood of smoke in the area before the HR burn in their homes and providing tailored advice can alleviate fears and reduce unnecessary calls to Triple Zero (000). Photo by Rolf Poole.

BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 23 Snowy Mountains high Developing a Community Protection Plan in a remote mountain village

The Kosciuszko North Complex fire approaching the town of Cabramurra in 2003. To be able to advise people on how a fire may impact their property it helps to understand the fire history and relate that to how future possible fire may impact the locality.

24 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The remote township of Cabramurra, within the Kosciusko National Park, has recently begun developing a Community Protection Plan involving both the local Customer Service Centre staff and Community Engagement staff from NSW RFS Headquarters. Community Engagement Coordinator, Terry

(! Jackson and Community Protection Plan Officer, Andrew Nicholls explain the unique approach that was taken for this unique community.

Cabramurra is an isolated progress allowing them time from the Scheme and the • identifying important or village of about 100 people to prepare the township and influx of day trippers seeking a ‘at-risk’ facilities such as located within the Koscuizsko for emergency services to wilderness experience, means schools, hospitals, nursing Developing a Community Protection Plan National Park. Sitting at 1,500m provide the right resources. that pre-season bush fire homes and child care centres Cabramurra is the highest When the town of Cabramurra planning is vital. • community engagement altitude town in NSW. One hour was surrounded by the fire it The Community Protection and education about bush away from the closest NSW was successfully defended Planning process in Cabramurra fire, how fires burn and what RFS brigade, surrounded by thanks to well-planned efforts in a remote mountain village began in early 2014 after the the public can do to better Alpine forests, the town is rated of Snowy Hydro Ltd employees town was identified as high prepare themselves and their at high risk in the local Bush Fire and their families in the village risk in the local Bush Fire Risk houses. Risk Management Plan. and the NSW RFS. Management Plan. Andrew The people in a community In terms of being trapped by Today the scars of those fires Nicholls from Customer play a vital part in developing bush fire in Cabramurra, the remain on the landscape. The Service Centre has led the a Community Protection occurrence may be rare and intensity of the fire saw alpine project. Plan. Community meetings the summer in this area is gums entirely burned but still Community Protection Plans and workshops help explain short, yet a going bush fire standing even 11 years later. could be hugely intense and are an important tool used the process, and give local the options for evacuating are Snowy Hydro Ltd own by the NSW RFS to help the community members a say limited. Mountain roads in the and operate all the Snowy community better understand in prioritising work. But the area could be easily blocked Mountains Scheme assets, the bush fire risk in their area real connection comes when by fallen trees or inundated by including the village of and how to prepare for it. people get that ‘light bulb smoke or debris produced by a Cabramurra which is largely Community Protection Plans moment’ on how fires behave. bush fire. populated by employees of cover things such as: When they start to understand the Scheme. Many of the how fires burn, how embers • the level of bush fire threat to In the summer of 2002/3 a residents are either part-time create spot fires ahead of the a community, such as a town large bush fire moved through or short-term residents and are fire and how people can get or village the Koscuizsko National Park. also charged with protecting caught by fire, that’s when they After four and half years of the Snowy Hydro Mountains • options available to the become very engaged. drought the National Park was community prior to and Scheme world heritage assets. In a community protection rich with dry fuel and when during the impact of bush fire a fire took off in Victoria, it In summer the Cabramurra area planning meeting in November subsequently burned 330,000 also attracts a growing number • access to the area, as well as 2014, NSW RFS, Coordinator, hectares in the Park, part of of outdoors enthusiasts ways people can leave in the Terry Jackson, met with a fire complex covering 1.7 – fishers, bushwalkers, event of a bush fire Snowy Hydro Ltd staff. While million hectares and burning international tourists and • the current and proposed emergency plans and risk across three states. The motor-tourers. The combination works, such as community management was in place, residents and firefighters of an industrial workforce, engagement and hazard the unique dangers posed by in Cabramurra had at least large value assets that control reduction, to help deal with a bush fire were discussed 10 days notice of the fire’s the hydro electricity generated the bush fire risk and clarified. The draft Bush (CONTINUED ON PAGE 32)

LEFT: A basic architectural design of all the buildings in the town to cater for effects from the winter snow added several benefits to managing property hazards for bush fire protection. For example buildings do not have guttering, the angle of roof pitch is very steep and resists embers and ash settling on roofs, and the roofing iron is continuous from top to bottom with no gaps. The landscaped area around the houses complex is minimal and consists mainly of well maintained lawns, paths and featured rock walls.

BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 25 PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY BUSH FIRE SAFETY

BUSH FIRE SURVIVAL PLAN THE FOLLOWING IS A BUSH FIRE BULLETIN LIFTOUT. IT CAN BE USED AS A HANDOUT OR A POSTER AT COMMUNITY EVENTS. Quick Tips Handing out Bush Fire Survival Plans

Photo by Adam Streichler

importance we place on 1 The BFSP comes with a 3 Add extras 6 What if? conversation attached Other relevant NSW RFS their safety, such that we You can never have too Ask questions and find out resources can help make are willing to spend more many ‘What ifs’. In your more about the person you the Bush Fire Survival Plan time with them. conversations with home more useful. Depending on owners, get very specific are handing the Bush Fire 5 Encourage home owners the area, you could include about different possible Survival Plan to. Listen to to have a chat their needs. Target your Fact Sheets, Property Talking about bush fire scenarios such as fires advice and conversation Preparation Checklists or safety among the family at different times of day, toward their needs and life brochures from the Farm and amongst neighbours types of fires, locations of situation. Firewise program. is good way to increase family members, timing awareness and capacity. etc Emphasise the need to 2 Knock, don’t drop 4 Ask for more time Invite home owners to consider the specific need Letter-box drops are an After handing over the talk about their Bush Fire and circumstances of the efficient way to distribute Bush Fire Survival Plan, Survival Plan with others. household and each of the Bush Fire Survival Plans it’s a good idea to ask for Useful questions are: “If individuals in it. across a large area and in a a follow-up conversation. This could be a home visit there is only one thing you short time frame. The take- do this summer to prepare which could include advice up of the Bush Fire Survival for bush fire, what would it about property protection. Plan can be significantly be?” or “What you will do increased if you knock on By offering to meet the if a bush fire threatens the door and spend one residents again, we are your home?” minute with a resident. also highlighting the

26 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY BUSH FIRE SAFETY

Photo by Adam Streichler Are you prepared to Prepare your property 1 Cut back any overhanging trees or shrubs and dispose of cuttings keep your family safe? 5 appropriately. 2 Check the condition of your roof and replace any damaged or missing tiles. 3 Non-combustible fences are the most effective at withstanding 2 the intense heat generated by a bush fire. 1 4 Clean leaves from the roof, gutters and downpipes and fit quality metal leaf guards. 5 Plant trees and shrubs that are less likely to ignite due to their low oil content. 8 6 If you have a water tank, dam or swimming pool, consider 3 installing a Static Water Supply sign (SWS). 4 7 Have a non-combustible doormat. 9 8 Install metal flywire or solid screens to the outside windows and 14 doors. 6 9 Check the condition of external walls, cladding and seal any gaps. 10 Remove and store any flammable items away from the house. 11 15 11 Ensure you have a hose which is long enough to reach every part 12 of the home. 12 Make sure the pressure relief valves on LPG cylinders face outwards (so flame is not directed towards the house). 7 13 Keep garden mulch away from the house and keep grass short. 13 14 Store wood piles well away from the house and keep covered. 15 Enclose underfloor areas. A well prepared 10 home is more likely to survive a bush fire even if you leave early. Are you prepared to Prepare your property 1 Cut back any overhanging trees or shrubs and dispose of cuttings keep your family safe? 5 appropriately. 2 Check the condition of your roof and replace any damaged or missing tiles. 3 Non-combustible fences are the most effective at withstanding 2 the intense heat generated by a bush fire. 1 4 Clean leaves from the roof, gutters and downpipes and fit quality metal leaf guards. 5 Plant trees and shrubs that are less likely to ignite due to their low oil content. 8 6 If you have a water tank, dam or swimming pool, consider 3 installing a Static Water Supply sign (SWS). 4 7 Have a non-combustible doormat. 9 8 Install metal flywire or solid screens to the outside windows and 14 doors. 6 9 Check the condition of external walls, cladding and seal any gaps. 10 Remove and store any flammable items away from the house. 11 15 11 Ensure you have a hose which is long enough to reach every part 12 of the home. 12 Make sure the pressure relief valves on LPG cylinders face outwards (so flame is not directed towards the house). 7 13 Keep garden mulch away from the house and keep grass short. 13 14 Store wood piles well away from the house and keep covered. 15 Enclose underfloor areas. A well prepared 10 home is more likely to survive a bush fire even if you leave early. BUSH FIRE AND YOUR HOME BUSH FIRE SAFETY

Regardless of your decision to Leave Early or Stay and Defend, you still need to prepare your property against the threat of a bush fire and ember attack.

A well prepared home: Is more likely to survive a bush fire. Even if your plan is to Leave Early, the more you prepare your home, the more likely it will survive bush fire and/or ember attack. Can be easier for you and firefighters to defend. Is less likely to put your neighbours’ properties at risk. Will give you more protection if a fire threatens suddenly and you cannot leave and have to take shelter.

Property preparation checklist: Complete a Bush Fire Survival Plan. Keep lawns short and gardens well maintained, removing things like mulch away from your property. Trim any trees or shrubs that are close to your property. Remove dead leaves from the roof, gutters and downpipes. Clean up fallen leaves, twigs and debris around the property. Install metal gutter guards. Check the condition of your roof and replace any damaged or missing tiles. Install fine metal mesh screens on windows and doors. Fit seals around doors and windows to eliminate gaps. If you have a water tank, dam or swimming pool It is your contact your local brigade to have a responsibility Static Water Supply (SWS) sign installed. to prepare your Install a fire sprinkler system to your roof and gutters. property for Check your home and contents insurance is adequate and up-to-date. bush fires.

For further property preparation tips refer to the Australian Bush Fire Standard AS3959.

Download and complete your BUSH FIRE SURVIVAL PLAN today BUSH FIRE SURVIVAL PLAN at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or ‘MyFirePlan’ app for smartphones and tablets.

© State of New South Wales through the NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE 2015. 30 BUSH FIREbulletin // LIFTOUT BUSH FIRE AND YOUR HOME BUSH FIRE SAFETY BUSH FIRE SURVIVAL PLAN

Regardless of your decision to Leave Early or Stay and Defend, you still need to prepare your property against the threat of a bush fire and ember attack. A well prepared home: Quick Tips Is more likely to survive a bush fire. Even if your plan is to Leave Early, the more you prepare your home, When providing property protection advice the more likely it will survive bush fire and/or ember attack. Can be easier for you and firefighters to defend. Is less likely to put your neighbours’ properties at risk. Will give you more protection if a fire threatens suddenly and you cannot leave and have to take shelter.

Property preparation checklist: Complete a Bush Fire Survival Plan. Keep lawns short and gardens well maintained, removing things like mulch away from your property. Trim any trees or shrubs that are close to your property. Remove dead leaves from the roof, gutters and downpipes. Clean up fallen leaves, twigs and debris around the property. Install metal gutter guards. Check the condition of your roof and replace any damaged or missing tiles. Install fine metal mesh screens on windows and doors. Photo by Anthony Clark Fit seals around doors and windows to eliminate gaps. to work out the likely If you have a water tank, dam or swimming pool It is your 1 Learn about the fire 4 Identify Static Water 7 Manage the risk intensity of the fire impact, contact your local brigade to have a history in the area Supply Help homeowners work responsibility likely direction the fire will Static Water Supply (SWS) sign installed. Identify the bush fire Explain to homeowners out how to manage the to prepare your history which will tell you approach and if there will that swimming pools, risks around their home. Install a fire sprinkler system to your roof and gutters. the frequency of fires, be direct flame, radiant dams, tanks and ponds can By managing the fire heat or ember attack or a Check your home and contents insurance is adequate property for when previous fire or be used by firefighters or hazards identified it is hazard reduction occurred combination of these. themselves to fight fires. possible to lower the risk and up-to-date. bush fires. and the common fire 3 What are the hazards? of the property being approach direction. 5 What is the exposure damaged as a result of Identify the flammable Also check the local area threat? bush fire impact. The hazards and features on Check the condition of out- for topographical features four main options for or around the buildings. buildings and neighbouring For further property preparation tips refer to such as up or down slope. managing hazards around As each hazard is identified property. Are they an the Australian Bush Fire Standard AS3959. Check the local bush fire the property are: a) remove it is important that the exposure fire threat? fuel species to understand resident knows what the the hazard altogether, b) Download and complete your the type of embers that hazard is. Homeowners 6 What is the overall risk alter or change the hazard, would be produced by a fire c) protect the hazard and d) BUSH FIRE SURVIVAL PLAN today will benefit from having the category? BUSH FIRE in the area. hazard pointed out and also A basic fire assessment manage the hazard. SURVIVAL at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or ‘MyFirePlan’ app PLAN an explanation on why it is tool can be used to for smartphones and tablets. 2 What is the threat? establish a risk rating for Identify the fuel types, a hazard and how it needs each individual property. structure and loadings near to be managed in the event to or adjoining the property of a fire.

© State of New South Wales through the NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE 2015. BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 31 Snowy Mountains high (FROM PAGE 25)

Fire Risk Map was adjusted live in the town and another according to the discussion group who live in the town with – this included listing assets, families. The roles and history egress options, communication of the major stakeholders systems, media outlets, water needed to be understood and points and fire path and history. their impact on the general The NSW RFS also met with community needed to be staff at Cabramurra Public considered in the planning School including an explanation process. of the school’s exposures to Researching the fire history and bush fire and the tasks that geography of the Cabramurra would easily enhance the area also assisted in the school’s capacity to withstand planning and engagement a bush fire. Discussion points process. Knowledge about included where embers geographical location and could lodge, maintenance surrounding features, weather of vegetation adjoining the patterns, fuel type and buildings, understanding structures, as well as the fire how to isolate the large LPG history, paths and regimes gas cylinder and the use of are important elements of the sprinklers for dampening down CPP planning and discussion. ABOVE: The unique building design and several days preparation vegetation when preparing Information gained from time enabled sound defence and safety of the town. Photo courtesy of for an approaching fire front. the inspection of the built Snowy Hydro Naturally, preparations also assets and the identification included identifying logical of hazards also adds to the evacuation procedures depth of the discussion and for school students and the generation of a shared and establishing notification relevant CPP. protocols for the parents. To conduct any meeting in a The next steps in the community setting requires development of the a range of facilitation skills so Community Protection Plan will that maximum value is gained be a forum for stakeholders in from the interaction. The recreation in the high country capacity to identify the issues, such as local Shires, NPWS, assess the venue dynamics, Roads & Maritime Service, understand community NSW Ambulance Service interactions and be aware and Selwyn Snowfields. of people factors, such as Throughout the discussions it body language, all directly was identified a coordinated benefit the planning process approach to the dissemination and the engagement of the of bush fire information to participants. tourists in the area was Additional to these skills is required. It is highly likely something called instinct - far that, as part of the CPP, a joint more unfathomable, yet critical arrangement between RFS, ABOVE: Andrew Nicholls Community Protection Planner & NSP to the beneficial interaction NPWS and Snowy Hydro will Officer, Terry Jackson Coordinator Program Development Community between players – which lead to up-to-date fire safety Engagement, School Principal Denise Cherry, staff and students at comes through experience in and threat information being Cabramurra Primary School. Photo courtesy of Andrew Nicholls community engagement. posted on a noticeboard in the centre of the village. Community Engagement staff and volunteers also assist with developing a roadmap Including Community for CPP meetings. This can Engagement in the CPP process make the difference between a While the whole process community protection plan that of developing Community is on paper and a community Protection Plans is a matter protection plan that the of engaging with local community connects with, a communities, in Cabramurra plan that is easily understood, the inclusion of a specialised adds value to the locals and community engagement officer saves lives in the event of a was very helpful. bush fire emergency. Bringing together differing NSW RFS Community viewpoints and being able Engagement members can to include all approaches help capitalise on community is an important skill in meetings and glean the most the planning process. In out of any interaction between Cabramurra, stakeholders in members and the public the town come from a range authorities and land managers. of social and workplace related Any questions about the ABOVE: The first draft copy of the Bush Fire Survival Map presented at demographics including a process should be directed to the Cabramurra meeting number part-time or short- Andrew Nicholls, at the NSW term residents, stakeholders RFS Customer Service Centre from Snowy Hydro Ltd and on (02) 4472 0600. their contractors who do not

32 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT “The app is brilliant. It is really easy to navigate and the info is great.” Clint Pressley (Captain, Copacabana Brigade)

“An amazing resource for RFS volunteers.” Nicholas Wilde (Mudgee HQ Brigade)

THE FIREFIGHTERS’ POCKETBOOK IS NOW AN APP

Runs on Apple iOS, Google Android, and any other device Go-to reference guide for training and operations Includes calculators for fire behaviour, converting location to grid reference, and more Content regularly updated – the app checks for new information every time you open it Works when out of mobile coverage Get it now iPhone and iPad: tinyurl.com/nswrfsfpbios Android phones and tablets: tinyurl.com/nswrfsfpbandroid PC, Windows Phone, or any other device with a web browser: www.myrfs.nsw.gov.au/MyRfsContent/Pocketbook A printed version of the information Pocketbook app will be available in the very near future. Email: [email protected]

BUSH FIREbulletin // xxx 33 By Troy Gersback, Mission Community Engagement Coordinator

PossibleCommunity Engagement Conference exceeds expectations

On Thursday 22-Saturday 24 May the 2014 Australian Community Engagement and Fire Awareness (ACEFA) Conference was held at the Novotel Northbeach Wollongong. The 2014 ACEFA Conference was the 17th Conference held.

The event is designed to of I.D.E.A.S). The quality introduced the recently Once again, feedback from the bring together Community and breadth of the content produced One NSW RFS Conference was overwhelming Engagement practitioners presented met the approval Tool Kit. positive, with 91 percent from the NSW RFS and other of delegates rating the of the many community The 2014 also saw a number emergency services to share Conference overall Excellent engagement practitioners who of ‘firsts’ for the ACEFA knowledge, experiences and attended. or Very Good. best practice in engaging with Conference. For the first time Conference presentations are our communities to improve Over 380 delegates attended in 2014 the plenary sessions, available to download from community safety and assist to the 2014 Conference. Of these along with selected breakout the Community Engagement building community resilience. delegates, NSW RFS staff sessions, were streamed live, section on MyRFS. Videos of The conference is one of only (96 delegates) and volunteers enabling those who couldn’t the Conference presentations two such conferences held in (222 delegates) represented attend the Conference in can be viewed by visiting new. Australia and attracts interest 45 of 48 NSW RFS Districts, person to tune in from the livestream.com/nswrfs from around the country. including State Headquarters comfort of their own home. Even the Chief Officer from On behalf of the Conference The theme for the 2014 and Customer Service Centres. the South Australian Country Organising Team, thank you Conference was ‘Mission There were 65 delegates Fire Service (CFS) was to everyone who attended Possible’. Guided by the in attendance from the the Conference and who Master of Ceremonies, emergency, government and watching. A smartphone/tablet contributed to this amazing Brian Nankervis, delegates private sectors. application was also developed event. Planning for the 2016 were exposed to a variety for the 2014 Conference. The Accompanying the conference Conference is well underway, of presentations not only application enabled delegates itself was an exhibition where with a new venue currently from NSW RFS personnel to select sessions they wished being sought. Further details but from interstate agencies several fire management to attend in advance and create about the 2016 Conference will and private organisations. companies and NSW RFS a personalised Conference be released mid-2015. Of notable mention were units showcased their current program. The application also the presentations from our products and services. contained information about Good luck in your Community keynote speakers, Nigel Marsh The NSW RFS Corporate the presenters and enable Engagement endeavours (Co-Founder Earth Hour and Communications team, for delegates to make notes on throughout 2014/15 and we Founder Skinny Sydney) and example, assisted people each presentation for future look forward to seeing you Peter Kenyon (Director Bank with MyRFS questions and reference. in 2016.

“We both enjoyed the conference very much and thought it was the best yet.” “It was really fantastic in every way. Well done! You have all done a brilliant job. An innovative conference that made me think.” “Great experience, felt very privileged to have attended. It was very inspiring and gave a sense of pride in firefighting. Took away lots of ideas for improvements within my own brigade.” “This was my very first conference I have attended through the RFS. It totally exceeded all my expectations and would recommend others to attend future conferences.”

34 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Mission

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Nigel Marsh (Co-founder of Earth Hour) gave a Keynote Address; Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons in the audience; Along with the Conference was an Expo including suppliers and some NSW RFS department including, seen here, RAFT; CFA volunteer April Himmelreich spoke about her briagde’s success in using music to teach children bush fire safety; 380 delegates attended the conference; Brian Nankervis, of Rockwiz fame, was a funny and thoughtful MC; Former NSW RFS Commissioner Phil Koperberg spoke about the Blue Mountains Recovery Project; Volunteers from Warrandyte in Victoria presented their successful Be Ready Warrandyte project. Photos by Sharon Quandt

BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 35 If I could achieve one thing... Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons on his personal commitment to Community Engagement

The following is a precis path of fires and to protect This was certainly highlighted awful. The conditions were of the keynote speech the infrastructure, the homes in 2013. We had January which awful and as things would presented by Commissioner and the valuables of all those was an awful time particularly turn out we saw one fire take Shane Fitzsimmons at the affected. What we can say in up around Coonabarabran: off near Lithgow at the back 2014 Australian Community our industry, over a hundred 53 homes were destroyed in of the Blue Mountains, within Engagement and Fire years or more of learnings, one afternoon out of a total of about an hour or so another fire Awareness Conference. is that we are constantly 57 homes destroyed across started at the southern end of In NSW we have a long history exploring and seeking to do the state within a fortnight of the western side of the Blue of fires. No matter where you new things. intense activity. There were Mountains, and as we were choose in the State, at some more than 10,000 stock losses starting to respond to that, When I first became down around Bookham near almost an hour to the minute, time that place would have Commissioner I wanted to experienced a disastrous fire Yass and we had fires out we saw another fire start in the make sure that we, as an event. through the Central Ranges lower Blue Mountains. agency, were absolutely and and down near the South This January just past (2014) So we had a number of legitimately seeing community Coast. In September 2013 the concurrent fires. It was a marked 20 years since the engagement as core business. NSW RFS was dealing with 1994 fires. For NSW, and considerable challenge for In an organisation like ours we more than 1,000 significant everyone involved particularly for the fire industry, it was a fires across NSW and, as we watershed moment. It was the have had to make sure that our for those in the path of the fires. operational people understand moved into October, we had first time that we saw fires on more than 1,500 fires running What emerged out of this a grand scale getting national that they are in the business season for me was the need to of community engagement concurrently. The worst and international attention period was October 13-26 link all that we are doing in the as well. As a matter of fact, right across the globe. Then when we saw devastating and community engagement space. if I could achieve one thing, it there was February 2009: destructive fires across the Bush Fire Survival Plans are 173 people killed in Australia’s would be to get everyone to Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury supposed to be done well worst ever bush fire disaster realise that no matter the role and Lithgow regions, parts ahead of the fire. I have got in Victoria. It is fair to say that they have in our organisation of the Central Coast, Port to tell you that the research since the 1994 watershed they are a ‘community Stephens and down through shows there is nothing like fire event and the horrible events engager’. Community the Southern Highlands. In at the back door to motivate of the 2009 disaster in Victoria, engagement is central, it is part one afternoon we saw just people to say: ‘Wow I gotta the fire industry has sought to of the fire management jigsaw under 200 homes destroyed do something!’ It’s probably transform itself. puzzle. We need to continue at Winmalee in the lower Blue not the way we want it, but We have tried to increase the to highlight it and to invest Mountains. On that day, 17 there is a message in that. survivability of people in the accordingly. October 2013, the weather was Despite our best efforts, there

36 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT “...people want information, they want to be engaged with, they want to know what the latest is ...”

is still a massive proportion downloaded that month and in trouble. Within our own those will be interested in non- of the population who are we saw an extraordinary organisation we still find it traditional firefighting roles. going to wait until the threat is number of Bush Fire Survival difficult to consistently convey There is nothing like a lot of fire perceived to be real before they Plans being downloaded. The the difference between the around to energise people to do something. smartphone app was busy alert levels and between the want to make a difference and During that busy period in with 80,000 searches per hour different Fire Danger Ratings. join the organisation! back in January but during the the Blue Mountains in 2013, We do have to invest more in There is a nice quote from October fires it was just under 12,500 people attended public consistent messaging. Nelson Mandela: It always 220,000 searches per hour. meetings and calls to the Our history is evidence of seem impossible until it is Bush Fire Information Line hit So people want information, the fact that we do learn and done. they want to be engaged with, 46,544. change. Whilst there might be If we cast our minds back a they want to know what the The research is reinforcing that a very command and control little way we can see we have latest is so that they can be people want more Emergency authoritative arrangement done a hell of a lot. You’ve confident they are making the Alert and social media when it comes to fighting fires, done a hell of a lot. Your right decisions. messaging as well. We cannot it’s inversed when comes to communities are much better ignore the societal expectation This is the work of the everything else we do – such for the investment you have for information. We have got community engagers and it is as policy, development or made. Our challenge is to to do what we can to provide so critical. There are other sorts community engagement. keep going on with ‘mission access to the right information, of Community Engagement possible’ and seeking to make We have invested in making even if they are looking for it at initiatives going on in NSW a difference. the last minute. For our part, and the NSW RFS is getting sure that community we are already doing work recognition right across engagement gets profiled and treated equally in the brigade ABOVE: Commissioner Shane on this and we are shifting the country for wonderful, Fitzsimmons presented this access and visibility of the key innovative, positive programs structure. In the last few years speech at the 2014 Australian information that people are that are making a difference in I have seen our membership Community Engagement and Fire searching for in an emergency. local communities. numbers grow and, anecdotally Awareness Conference. at least, the growth is in The take up of electronic Yet consistent messaging non-traditional brigade roles. tools has outstripped all our is a challenge for the entire expectations. In January organisation. Engaging at the In fact, since March 2014 we of 2013 we saw our Fires outset and then delivering have processed over 6,500 Near Me application being clear warning and alerts new membership applications the number one free app when people find themselves and it appears that a number of

BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 37 Lightbars • Minibars • Beacons • Surface & Bracket Mount LEDs • Sirens & Speakers • HID & LED Scene Lighting • PPV Blowers

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BUSH FIREbulletin // xxx 39 Awards for building resilience

In 2014 the Resilient The National Resilient Australia was the NSW RFS and the Bill Duncan from the Kenthurst Awards were presented at Aboriginal Land Council of Brigade wrote: “We should Australia Awards has the National War Memorial NSW Bush Fire Resilience for all be very proud of our featured the NSW in Canberra on 24 November Aboriginal Communities (BRAC colleagues. I certainly am. 2014. Mt Wilson/ Mt Irvine II). This program is focussed The Awards were presented RFS with wins in Brigade won the Not-For- on improving the resilience of in front of Commissioners both the State and Profit section and the Bush remote Aboriginal communities and other senior officers Fire Resilience in Aboriginal across NSW. More information from all Services, including National awards. Communities (BRAC II) Project about BRAC is featured on the NSW Police Force. I think received a Highly Commended page 32. our Commissioner was very for State Government projects. BRAC II had been the pleased that his Service was Mt Wilson/ Mt Irvine had also State winner for the State the recipient of nearly half of all Government section which had won the State award for their awards presented on the day!” been presented in October. Community Engagement Plan. At the State level another two The brigade’s community NSW RFS programs were ABOVE: Kenthurst Brigade: engagement plan had been Highly Commended. One was (left): Chris and Sue Talbert, tested during the October the Community Engagement Ray and Jenny Hancock 2013 fires when these isolated Unit’s program to produce and Bill and Pat Duncan communities were forced to MyFirePlan: The Bush Fire From BRAC (back row): defend their towns against the Survival Plan app. The app is Insp Dave Curry and Paul Smith State Mine fire. Despite the a complement to the existing From Corporate Communications loss of some houses, sheds, Bush Fire Survival Plan and (right back row): Anthony Clark equipment and kilometres and Brydie Burrows encourages more people to be Mt Wilson/ Mt Irvine Brigade of fences, local residents prepared for bush fire giving and the brigade kept the (right front row): Kathleen Oakes them an alternate way to keep and Captain Beth Raines community safe. Their catchcry their plan close at hand. Far right: Commissioner is ‘Everyone has a role play in The second was the Kenthurst Shane Fitzsimmons. an emergency’ and during the Rural Fire Brigade’s Project: Photo by Ann-Marie Calilhanna, October 2013 fires two out of Firewise Rural Residents courtesy of MPES three residents were part of Property Protection Program the firefighting effort. which has trained nearly 600 Highly Commended in the local residents over the past State Government sector five years.

40 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT National Winner/ State Winner National Highly Commended/ State Winner Mt Wilson/ Mt Irvine NSW RFS and the Aboriginal Land Council of Community Engagement Plan NSW Bush Fire Resilience for Aboriginal Communities (BRAC II)

Community Safety Officer Kathleen Oakes, Captain Beth Raines and Region West Manager Paul Smith, BRAC II Project Officer Inspector Kim Gow from Mt Wilson/ Mt Irvine Brigade receiving the National David Curry and Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons at the State Resilient Australian award for the Not-For-Profit sector at the Resilient Australia Awards where they were winners of the NSW National War Memorial in Canberra, November 2014. State Government sector. The Mt Wilson/ Mt Irvine Community Engagement Plan involved BRAC II is run jointly by the NSW RFS and Aboriginal Lands Council neighbours working together in survival planning and asked the of NSW. It is featured on page 36 as well as in Bush Fire Bulletin community to assist in response to an emergency and recovery. Volume 35 No 1 page 36. Photo by Ann-Marie Calilhanna, courtesy of A full feature article on the Mt Wilson/ Mt Irvine Community MPES Engagement Plan appeared in the Bush Fire Bulletin Volume 36 No 2, page 20. Photo courtesy of Emergency Management Australia

State Highly Commended State Highly Commended MyFirePlan Kenthurst Rural Fire Brigade: Firewise Rural Residents Property Protection Program

Community Engagement Coordinator Brydie Burrows and The three couples who have been central to Kenthurst Firewise Rural Group Manager Corporate Communications Anthony Clark with Residents Property Protection Program since its inception in 2008 Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons at the State award ceremony. The Chris and Sue Talbert; Ray (“Biggles”) and Jenny Hancock and Bill MyFirePlan app is available through the Apple App store and Pat Duncan with Minister for Police and Emergency Services, the or Google Play by searching for Bush Fire Survival Plan or Hon. Stuart Ayres (far left). MyFirePlan. It was High Commended at the State Resilient Australia This project was features in the Bush Fire Bulletin Volume 33 No 3 Awards in the State Government sector. Photo by Ann-Marie page 42. Photo by Ann-Marie Calilhanna, courtesy of MPES Calilhanna, courtesy of MPES

BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 41 Turnaround A NSW RFS project working to protect remote Aboriginal communities from bush fire has not only won a major award it is also dramatically improving rapport between the NSW RFS and the Aboriginal community in rural areas.

42 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The NSW RFS Bush Fire reports were generated with Resilience in Aboriginal priority actions to mitigate bush Communities (BRAC) project fire and structure fire hazards to has been running since 2011. assist the Local Aboriginal Land After a successful first stage, Councils prioritise their works the NSW RFS again joined programs. forces with the State Aboriginal Although the Project dealt Land Council to launch BRAC primarily with the risk of bush II. The project was announced fire, it also took other types in late 2012 by the State of fires into account within Government in partnership Aboriginal communities and with the State Aboriginal Lands addressed such issues as illegal Council accompanied by a burning and household fires. grant of $600,000 provided by the Natural Disaster Resilience One of the aims of the Project Program for the employment was to seek involvement and of Aboriginal Liaison Officers advice from the local Aboriginal through the State Lands community on what they saw Council and a Project Officer as the hazards and risks to with the NSW RFS. their community and what they would like to see happen The Senior Project Officer for to lessen those risks. Over NSW RFS is Inspector David time the BRAC Project saw Curry who has been in the the development of a strong NSW RFS as staff member for partnership between the NSW four years and volunteer since RFS and the State Aboriginal 1978. Lands Council. “Over the past 18 months Through 2013/14 the aim of there has been a vast turn BRAC II has been to implement around in the attitudes of the the risk management plans Aboriginal communities and identified in the first stage. the NSW RFS staff towards In BRAC II has extended its each other,” he said, “It is very influence and impact including rewarding to see the rapport providing bush fire safety and between both entities growing firefighter training to Aboriginal and the success we have had communities, supporting in handing the ownership of related programs such as the fire resilience back to the Firesticks and training up communities involved.” Local Aboriginal Land Councils Thirty-four communities to be engaged in Bush Fire around NSW, which were Management Committees. once Aboriginal missions The Project is gaining and located just outside of momentum but it has been townships, had been identified a two-way street says Phil as being at risk from bush Duncan, Senior Policy and fire. Throughout 2011 the Research Officer with the NSW NSW RFS worked with these Aboriginal Lands Council. “I communities to create a report am happy to say that I think which outlined the risk and we are on a precipice of some possible treatments that would major major changes.” improve the communities’ resilience to the impact of bush “There has been a great shift fire. Detailed risk assessment in how we (Aboriginal people)

ABOVE: The Bellbrook Community Fire Unit in the Lower North Coast Zone, invited the NSW RFS to hold a Bush Firefighter course in November 2013. Photo by Vicky Kinna LEFT: Mid North Coast Community Safety Officer, Jamie Bertram and Craig Trindall, from the NSW Aboriginal Lands Council who are both Aboriginal, have been assisting the BRAC Project by liaising between the communities and the NSW RFS. Photo by David Curry

BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 43 Firesticks Bush Firefighter training in Bellbrook

In June 2014 a training for 30 Indigenous Rangers from the Firesticks Project of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW was conducted by the NSW RFS at Yarrawarra, North of Coffs Harbour. Concurrently, the Coffs Harbour and District Local Aboriginal Land Council offered a Cultural Awareness training to 12 local NSW RFS Community Safety Officers and State Mitigation Support Staff who operate in the North Coast and Northern Tablelands. By living side by side for a week, everyone got a better idea of what each agency and cultural group has to contend with in everyday life and workplaces. These two trainings have helped build a great relationship between the Rangers, who are Bush Firefighter training in Bellbrook: members of Aboriginal Communities across the north east of NSW, and the NSW RFS Participation from the Bellbrook community staff who service these areas. has been very high and in November 2013 Since June 2014, the BRAC II Project and Corporate & International Relations Unit have the NSW RFS Lower North Coast Zone held trained another 40 Indigenous people in Bush Firefighter at Kyogle (Githabul Rangers) a Bush Firefighter course for the Bellbrook and at Wagga Wagga (Local Land Services employees). Most of the recipients of this community. Here Wayne Leader is teaching training are from the Indigenous communities identified as part of the BRAC II Project. new members hose skills during a Bush This kind of training enhances the resilience of the communities by having a greater Firefighter course. Photo courtesy of number of people who have a greater knowledge of fire behaviour. Photo by David Curry Vicky Kinna

BFMC training at Headquarters Community Fire Unit in Bellbrook

Around 30 Local Aboriginal Land Councils gathered at NSW On NAIDOC Day on 25 September 2013 the Bellbrook Aboriginal RFS Headquarters in October 2014 for Bush Fire Management Community commissioned their Community Fire Unit (CFU). Committee training. The Commissioner addressed the group The CFU was part of the recommendations from the initial BRAC praising the participants for making the long trip to Sydney and inspection in 2012 as a way of protecting the community from acknowledging their commitment to the safety of their own the impact of fire. Here the community got together to helping to communities. Also attending were members of Fire and Rescue load the new firefighting gear into the CFU unit. Engagement and NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Commonwealth participation in the Bellbrook community is at an all time high. Government Infrastructure (Jervis Bay) and NSW Aboriginal Land Photo by Vicky Kinna Council. The training provided the Local Aboriginal Land Council members with a much greater understanding of the purpose of the BFMCs and the direct safety benefits of participating in their local BFMC. Photo by Jacqueline Murphy

44 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Bush Firefighter training in Bellbrook

... there is now a greater appreciation (among firefighters) that Aboriginal people manage the land and manage our cultural landscapes.

look at fire management,” ran a Bush Firefighter course however, because of better Of Aboriginal Affairs. This gives he said, “And there is now a at the Aboriginal Community communication and greater them the opportunity to show greater appreciation (among Centre in November 2013 for shared understanding, there what the NSW RFS can provide firefighters) that Aboriginal Bellbrook and the surrounding was a total of two callouts. the Aboriginal community, brigades. people manage the land Hazard reduction has been right across NSW, who partake and manage our cultural During the initial inspections identified as a requirement in in the Local Decision Making landscapes. I think that in 2012 it was identified the communities of Wilcannia process and gives the Services the capacity and desire of that Loftus Road Aboriginal and with consultation and access to other agencies who Aboriginal people to open their Community at Crescent Head communication from local NSW might also become involved. doors is now at another level. was in extreme risk status. RFS District staff, Aboriginal No longer do we want to sit BRAC II is also making a The BRAC Project, with the community members were back, we want to get in and be significant contribution to the help of the Lower North employed by the local shire a part of it.” Cultural Burning Project run by Coast Community Safety council to conduct this clean the Central Tablelands Local Some of the initiatives within Officer, Belinda Devine, has up and hazard reduction. This Land Services by providing put into action a large hazard BRAC II have included the was then funded by the BRAC training and fire protection for reduction within an Asset confirmation of Neighbourhood Project. low intensity cultural burns on Safer Places (NSPs) for each Protection Zone involving the Another sign of the increasing Aboriginal land. community, appropriate removal of undergrowth and a trust and confidence in the fire mitigation activities to substantial amount of fuel. This In October 2014 BRAC II NSW RFS and BRAC, the protect the community, the is a substantial jump forward was named the winner of the Senior Project Officer of the delivery of Community Fire in helping and engaging the State Government sector of BRAC Project, Dave Curry was Units (CFUs) with training for community who has agreed the NSW Resilient Australia invited to the Wagonga LALC community members and Local to maintain the APZ once the Awards. In November 2014 it meeting in April 2014 to explain Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) hazard reduction is complete. was Highly Commended in what the NSW RFS can do for representation on local BFMCs. the National Resilient Australia Namatjira Avenue Aboriginal their communities and how Awards. It was a recognition In 2013/14, 25 NSPs for the Community at Dareton has they can become involved in of the Project’s contribution 34 identified Indigenous had a history of regular grass the NSW RFS. to capacity building within communities were confirmed fires, however the relationship Hazard reductions have by Districts and all relevant with the NSW RFS has been Indigenous communities. taken place in the Walgett Districts have commenced tentative at best. Through “The Project is about giving community of Gingie using the work on the appropriate risk community meetings held Aboriginal people the SMSS crews to clear away fuel and hazard treatments. Any throughout 2013 and the near to dwellings. This was opportunity to be involved,” area that were rated as being ongoing work of Scott Connor, done in consultation with the Phil Duncan said, “Instead of at an elevated risk in the audit Community Safety Officer local North West Zone District waiting for ‘the big red truck’ to conducted in BRAC I has been for Lower Western Zone, the and the Walgett LALC, who arrive, they are able to combat prioritised and treated, with relationships are improving are now also attending BFMC that fire and when the trained the result that 90 percent were significantly. Hazard reduction meetings. The communities staff come along, we are all reduced. The remaining areas burns have been implemented have asked for training in Bush working together.” have planned works scheduled and community education Fire Awareness and these to be completed during the first regarding the lighting of “The relationships are in place sessions are being planned quarter of 2014/15. fires has been undertaken, now and you can’t put a price producing a dramatic effect by the Membership Services on that,” he said, “You have The needs of each of the on the rapport between the Officer from Coonamble. got guys walking down the Indigenous communities community and the Service. Wellington LALC has also street, or running into one determines the role that BRAC The LALC has attended the asked for Bush Fire Awareness another at a club and saying: plays so there have been a local Bush Fire Management training after meeting with the ‘How you going?’ Now, that variety of faces to the BRAC Committee meetings and BRAC Project. Water pressure, wouldn’t have happened Project. In 2013 Bellbrook are taking ownership of which had already been five years ago. It’s a great Community, west of Kempsey, the resilience for their identified as a problem, is being recognition of the RFS, but it is had a Community Fire Unit community. The capacity of rectified by the Wellington also a recognition of the Land commissioned with training local Aboriginal communities Shire Council and NSW Water Council and the local aboriginal provided by the NSW RFS. to mitigate their own risks is with the assistance of the land council networks. This led to six members of the revealed by the statistics. In BRAC Project. Together we can achieve, Aboriginal community joining the 2012/13 fire season there standing alone I think it’s a the local NSW RFS brigade. were 23 separate callouts The BRAC Project also now lot harder.” Consequently, Lower North by the local brigade into the sit on the Panel of Service Coast District of the NSW RFS community. The following year, Providers for the Department

BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 45 KnowOPEN DAY 2014: your

bush‘Know your Risk’ was the theme forfire the 2014 NSW RFS Open Day, whichrisk saw 336 brigades from across the State engage with their local community.

For the first time many brigades Services the Hon. Stuart Ayres Photo competition Risk’. Thank you to everyone were supplied with a Bush and our Commissioner Shane who entered, the quality of Fire Prone Land Map of their Fitzsimmons who were both The Community Engagement submissions this year was local area. The maps were to out and about on Open Day. Team once again held the great. Congratulations to the be a ‘talking point’ between popular Open Day photo Feedback about Open Day winners. We hope you enjoy members and the local residents competition. Photos were 2014 has been overwhelmingly your Bunnings Warehouse and it proved very successful. judged on the moment in time positive, with a number of vouchers. See the winner The aim was for residents to improvements to be taken on that best captured this year’s on the next page. make a personal connection to board for 2015. Open Day theme ‘Know Your the bush fire risk in their area by viewing their home on the map. “It was helpful,” reported one brigade, “as residents could see their house and the potential threats.” Another member wrote: “Due to the nature and topography of our area, all properties are bush fire prone and the old and new residents had no idea of how extensive this was and the potential impact a fire may have on their property.” The map of bush fire prone land was accompanied by an aerial photo of the area and was an excellent tool for entering into a discussion on risk and survival plans. Many brigades also offered a range of fun, interactive activities, such as fire truck and hose demonstrations, sausage sizzles, jumping castles, trash and treasure, live fire demonstrations and joint emergency service displays. A number of brigades had a special visit from Minister for Police and Emergency ABOVE: Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons visited the Berowra Brigade on Open Day. Photo by Adam Streichler

46 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Open Day photo competition

Competition Winner Dan O’Shea, Rouse Hill Brigade

Second prize Third prize Highly Commended Jennie Curtin, Kristie Barnes, Michelle Clarke, Blackheath Mt Victoria Brigade Currabubula Brigade Valley Heights Brigade

BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 47 Open Day at Menai Brigade Station. Photo by Melissa Baker

Liston Brigade, Sussex Inlet, Shoalhaven Northern Tablelands Another successful Open Day was held at Sussex Inlet With a shiny new station and Brigade this year with around three years since holding their 1,000 residents visiting their last Open Day event, Liston station. The brigade invited a Brigade excitedly opened their range of local organisations station doors to welcome their such as Lions Club, Red Cross, local community to this year’s Police, Ambulance, Marine Open Day. Rescue and the local Men’s Their Open Day was Shed to be a part of Open Day well attended and held in and to promote a cohesive conjunction with Liston community working together. Community Hall ‘trash and Residents checking the Local Bush Fire Prone Map at Berowra Brigade. With a range of activities and Photo by Adam Streichler treasure’ extravaganza across displays on offer for adults and the road from the Station. children, the brigade’s Bush Fire A jumping castle was a big Prone Land map and mapping hit with the children along activity competition was a with the interactive hose huge hit with over 90 residents demonstrations, which the participating in the competition children eagerly participated and around 200 residents taking in, rolling the 44 gallon drums a Bush Fire Survival Plan to complete. along the ground with the fire hose. One of the main attractions for both adults and children alike While the children were was the NSW RFS ‘smoke entertained with exciting house’ which gives people a activities, the adults were realistic idea of how dark, noisy engaged with the Brigade and chaotic it is to be caught in Bush Fire Prone Land Map the path of a fire. on display, which resulted in over 24 residents participating iPad competition Open Day at Regentville Brigade. Photo by Melissa Baker in the mapping activity competition and learning about In line with the ‘Know risk in their community. Your Risk’ theme, an iPad competition was In addition to the maps on launched at Open Day, with display, the NSW RFS website the aim to increase the and a range of smart phone community’s perception of applications were on show on risk. Congratulations to Liam a big screen. These allowed Gordon who is the winner of residents to see and learn the iPad competition after he more about what social media participated in the mapping platforms are available and how exercise at the Currabubula it will assist them to be better Brigade (Liverpool Range) prepared this fire season. Open Day.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services the Hon. Stuart Ayres visited several brigades in the Cumberland Zone on Open Day including Regentville Brigade. Photo by Melissa Baker 48 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PHOTO OPEN DAY OPEN COMPETITIONS 335 BRIGADES IN THE STATE PARTICIPATED NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 19% 62% 15% 4% 89 OPEN DAY SUBMITTED 335 LOCATIONS 10 29 38 247 11 SHOPPING CENTRE PARK/RESERVE OTHERS FIRE STATION fire control centres TOP FIVE OPEN DAY OPEN TOP FIVE ACTIVITIES

OPEN DAY SAUSAGE SIZZLE/BBQ RESOURCES STATIC DISPLAY BUMPER STICKERS BUMPER 68,000 FACT SHEETS 21,000 FIRE TRUCK DEMONSTRATION

FIRE HOSE DEMONSTRATION

KIDS ACTIVITIES

1,000 10,000 26,000 BUSH FIRE KIDS TATTOOS BALLOONS SURVIVAL PLANS

BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 49 Get ready on Get Ready Weekend The Prepare Act Survive public awareness has been expanded to include a State-wide event which helps people to prepare their homes (and their heads) for the bush fire season ahead.

Research suggests people are In the lead up to the event more likely to act when faced brigade members literally with an urgent situation - such flooded their brigade, personal as a bush fire closing in on their and community Facebook pages 5 back door! The purpose of Get with Get Ready messaging. Ready Weekend held on 18/19 This was made possible by a October 2014, was to encourage digital kit stuffed with ready- Get Social people to act now, not next to-post images, text graphics, week, or on a 30+ day, but on posts and tips. It made creating the weekend itself. a groundswell through social The goal? To create a sense of media simple. urgency to compel people to Through the social media Facebook is a great way to invite take immediate action to prepare campaign members encouraged themselves and their family in people in their communities to friends to your Get Ready event the event of a bush fire in their get outside and do simple jobs and don’t forget about Twitter and area. around their property and talk to Instagram too. The message was simple, yet their families about what they’d Use the hashtag #GetReadyWeekend and hard hitting, to compete against do if there was a fire near their encourage your followers to do the same. the myriad of organisations vying home. Make your event stand out by using the for people’s attention. Residents were also encouraged digital ‘Get Ready’ logo. There’s one for to connect with their neighbours Facebook and Instagram. This clear call to action resonated well with brigade members. when and where it suited them. Scott Dellar, Community Safety Whether that be while they’re Officer from Sutherland said: taking the bins out, over a “the Get Ready messaging BBQ or just a simple chat over the fence. Strong community Start the conversation well was really clear and easy to get before your event, tell guests behind. We had a clear sense of connections during emergencies what they can bring and don’t direction when communicating set people in great stead forget to remind everyone as the therefore encouraging people to big day approaches. Remember, with the community.” there’s strength in numbers. discuss their Bush Fire Survival Plan with neighbours was one Getting the word out of the key drivers of Get Ready What better way to amplify a Weekend. message quickly and effectively Get Ready Weekend also than social media? featured heavily on TV, radio,

50 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS Get ready

OPPOSITE PAGE: A feature of the Get Ready weekend initiative was the abundance of hands-on help to promote the event and make eye-catching displays including this Social Media Kit. LEFT: Belrose Bunnings. Photo by Pip Baume. RIGHT: Mark Blunden, Glenhaven Brigade at Castle Hill Bunnings Warehouse

press and online in the lead up learn about the simple things of themselves. However, once Engagement Trailer featuring to the weekend, and during they can do to get their property we engaged those people video and audio clips as well as a the weekend itself. High profile prepared for bush fire. in conversation they quickly relevant display for locals. features on Better Homes and Brydie Burrows had a chat realised they were in a bush As for the BBQ, well it was hard Gardens and Channel Seven’s to Steve Urquhart from the fire zone and our message was work, but it was mostly run by Sunrise program helped raise Camden West Brigade about relevant for them too. people wearing yellow, so it was the profile of the weekend, and his experience encouraging like a little army camping directly encouraged people to download Why was Get Ready the public to ‘get ready’ at at Bunnings front door. We had the Bush Fire Survival Plan or Weekend different? the Narellan Bunnings in the impact. get the free Myfireplan app for Macarthur area. It was new and a new approach! We had a lot of fun with their phone. The publicity around the members jumping into family Why was the Get Ready weekend in the media and photos with Batman and other Saturday 18-Sunday Weekend beneficial for your the lead time to plan were a superheroes without invitation. community? blessing. We knew it was going 19 October 2014 It was a real family fun day that to be a huge day and that made On Get Ready Weekend itself, People were targeted in a provided the perfect opportunity the event a bit different and numerous events occurred right nice way for the right reasons for discussion with our special. Our members were very around the State ranging from and this provided us with real community members. keen to be involved. interactive information sessions, opportunities to have meaningful street meetings, school visits, conversations. The busy Bunnings location How did the public respond family fun days and expos. When you walk the pavement attracted people from a broad to your message about the Bunnings also jumped on board or knock on doors you’re always area, indeed some people threat posed by bush fire in by providing seven stores in wondering: “I wonder how we may usually find difficult the Macarthur area? bush fire prone areas for the many people will get to speak to engage. It was personally People were generally shocked NSW RFS to hold major events to today?” Whereas having an rewarding seeing my team when we spoke to them and members were present at eye catching set up at Narellan enjoy speaking to community about ember attack and the 37 further stores in bush fire Bunnings was an opportunity to members on a subject they devastation that can be caused prone areas to offer property work with a captive audience. knew well, with a sense of so far from the fire front. We preparation tips. Some people approached us authority people could trust. were pleased with how many If people tuned into Nova FM people were in fact prepared, because they had specific How was your event made or Triple M, or if they follow the questions and wanted to chat, but most still believed that living to stand out and attract NSW RFS on social media on others were attracted by the in a residential suburb was the public? Saturday 18 October, they would sausage sizzle, balloons, bouncy totally safe and free from any have been encouraged to get castle or the chance to get a We had a new Cat One tanker impact of bush fire. I’m sure we down to their local Bunnings to branded ‘Get Ready’ polaroid on display, the Community changed a few beliefs that day!

BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 51 BRIGADE IN PROFILE 70th anniversary

Name of Brigade: Eumungerie What kind of community is Eumungerie was a thriving Who are some of the outstanding Year brigade formed: 1944 village in the early years, Eumungerie and what is its boasting shops, fuel depots, characters in the history of Current Captain: Brian Lesslie history? the brigade? Current President: Tim Parsley rural produce dealers and even its own police station. D/T/Z: Region West The Eumungerie Rural Fire The first Captain to take the Brigade will celebrate its 70th As with most other smaller helm was John Griffith with birthday in 2014. townships and villages, there Albert Reichelt as Senior The village of Eumungerie is has been a decline in local Deputy and Alan Thompson situated on the Newell Highway shops and services over the as Secretary/ Treasurer who remained in that position until (! 40km north of Dubbo and 27km years but there is still the south of Gilgandra. well-known Drover’s Dog 1965. The area is home to about Hotel, a very progressive Post Over the years the brigade 260 residents with many Office and recently campers has boasted of a number of travelling daily to the major have been welcomed at the dedicated executive and field centres for work. recreation grounds. officers each giving many years voluntary service. Eumungerie is said to be an Although Eumungerie Aboriginal word for a clump of is predominantly a rural Reg Cashel was the longest Quandong trees. The village community the area also is serving Captain who held that was surveyed and gazetted home to a great cross section position from 1951 to 1978 in 1903 with the help of Mr of people with a variety before his son John took over. Ewen McMillan, who was the of careers and interests The current Secretary/ manager of the saw mill that including furniture making and Treasurer, John MacKenzie took was contracted to supply the restoration, leather work and over the reins in 1974. Iron Bark sleepers for the then musical instrument making. He has served in many proposed railway line from The Eumungerie Bush Fire capacities over the years Dubbo to Coonamble. Brigade was formed as the including Group Captain (1985- Although passenger services result of the amalgamation 2007) during some pretty tricky have not run for many years, of the Maiala and Caledonia fire seasons. Who can forget it is still a very busy grain district brigades on 18 the 60,000 hectare loss of line today. November 1944. bushland when fire ravaged the

52 BUSH FIREbulletin // BRIGADE IN PROFILE 70th anniversary

Goonoo National Park in What types of incidents Since the construction of a Any final thoughts or comments 2007? He was also there at new bridge in 1997 that area you would like to add? the previous major outbreak does your brigade attend? has certainly improved - real in 1957. The brigade’s broad activities proof that better roads and Time brings changes and everything changes with time, John has been the well- include structure fires, motor conditions save lives. vehicle accidents and of One of the more unusual and so it must. The RFS is no deserved recipient of a exception. number of awards including course grass fires. In addition occurrences was in the 1960s the National Medal of Australia it is involved in a number when one hot day, one of the The days of having 44 gallon water-filled drums stacked on (NMO) in 1991, the 50 Year of community services mighty Garratt locomotives slip rails to be rolled onto any Long Service Medal in 2010, throughout the year. These pulling a big load of wheat one’s ute or truck to attend a the Order of Australia Medal can vary from attending from Coonamble began local market days to watering discharging burning embers fire along with knapsacks and (OAM) in 2007 and the Fire hessian bags have given way to Services Medal (FSM) in 2012. the village trees during through its smoke stack as drought times as well as it strained up some of the climbing on a shiny truck. These older members are of Community Education at the inclines enroute to Dubbo. As younger members take over course invaluable to a brigade local school. The result caused truckloads the reins and can just ring Fire in the rural areas as they have The fire shed is located within of farmers, landholders and Com when they require a new a great local knowledge of the storz fitting, a hose or maybe a the village boundary. village residents to join brigade people and property locations. volunteers as they raced new truck, spare a thought, it As with most other rural around putting out 13 fires wasn’t always that easy. brigades, many of our What vehicles do you have? before the train was stopped It was constant raffles, BBQs volunteers are farmers and at Troy Siding. That was a busy and dances to raise funds to The brigade has a Cat 1 and a others who need to work out- day with lots of discussion at establish and keep the brigades Cat 2 in its arsenal and boasts of-area during the week. the Drovers Dog that evening. running. a quick incident response Over the 70 years we have In January 2010 one of the Thank you to all the dedicated time as a number of members been called to many serious live close to the fire shed. It more devastating events Eumungerie volunteers and motor vehicle accidents on the community members for can also count on the other occurred when the 107-year- Newell Highway. A lot of the making it all happen over the brigades in the Orana District old Eumungerie School burned fatal MVAs were around the old down. Even though crews last 70 years. for support at short notice. Coolbaggie Creek Bridge, on a were quickly on the scene Any past members or indeed bend with narrow approaches Eumungerie is the most the original building could not anyone with a story to tell are northern of the 59 brigades about 5km south of the village. be saved. A lot of members invited to contact the Secretary in the Orana District. Orana Some members remember and their children had been John MacKenzie 6888 1021 or covers the local government one particularly testing day in educated at the school over the Captain Brian Lesslie on 6888 areas of Dubbo, Wellington and the 1970s, attending a fatal in years. The community rallied, 1013 or 0456627573. Narromine manned by about the morning only to be called raised funds and put a lot of Written by Leo deKroo, 1,500 volunteers and around out for another multiple in the pressure on the government to ex-President and long-time 900 active firefighters. afternoon. rebuild. Thankfully they have. brigade member

ABOVE: The Eumungerie School fire in January 2010. Photo by ABOVE: Some of the team with Secretary/Treasurer John MacKenzie, Daily Liberal Dubbo Senior Deputy Mandii Lesslie and Captain Brian Lesslie in front row. LEFT: All the pupils fitted into the truck at one of the Community Photo by Leo de Kroo Engagement sessions at the local school. Photo by Leo de Kroo

BUSH FIREbulletin // BRIGADE IN PROFILE 53 NSW RFS State Training Month Date Program Location Contact February 7 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Lake George RAFSO 10 -11 Multiagency Leadership Program Bankstown L&D-HQ 14-15 Community Liaison Officer Coffs Harbour CommEng 28-1/3 Working with Young People (Block 1) Region East Vol Rel March 6-8 Brigade Leadership (LDR - TAFE Riverina) Cumberland L&D-HQ 9-13 Command Control and Communication For ICMI Sutherland L&D-HQ 10- 1 Multiagency Leadership Program Cumberland L&D-HQ 21-22 Down the Wire Sydney RAFSO 21-22 Community Safety Facilitator Mittagon CommEng 20-22 Command Control and Communication Weekend 1 Lake Macquarie L&D-HQ 23-25 Logistics Officer Hornsby L&D-HQ 27-29 Command Control and Communication Weekend 2 Lake Macquarie L&D-HQ April 7-8 Multiagency Leadership Program Queanbeyan L&D-HQ 10 Crew Leader Leadership 1 day Workshop Region North L&D-HQ 11 Group Leader & CCO Assessment 1/2 day Workshops Region North L&D-HQ 11-12 Instructor Workshop - Operate in Remote Environments Sydney RAFSO 11-12 Community Safety Facilitator Katoomba CommEng 13-15 Planning Officer Cumberland L&D-HQ 14-15 Working with Young People (Block 2) Region East Vol Rel 17-19 Operate in Remote Environments - Course Cooma RAFSO 18-19 Advanced Structural Firefighting Trainee Instructor Workshop Mogo L&D-HQ 20-24 Incident Management Workshop For ICMI Sutherland L&D-HQ 21-23 Prescribed Burn Planner Coffs Harbour ComPlan 28-29 Safety Advisor Training Hornsby L&D-HQ 28-29 Working with Young People (Block 3) Region East Vol Rel 30-3/5 Monitor Brigade Safety (SAF - TAFE Riverina) Cumberland L&D-HQ May 2-3 VF Instructor Workshop Tamworth L&D-HQ 8-10 Operate in Remote Environments - Course Cataract RAFSO 12-13 Multiagency Leadership Program Tweed Heads L&D-HQ 15 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Taree Aviation 16 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Taree Aviation 16 Operate in Remote Environments - Assessment Lake George RAFSO 17-24 Advanced Structural Firefighting Instructor Training South Australia L&D-HQ 16-17 Community Liaison Officer Forbes CommEng 19-21 Perscribed Burn Planner Batemans Bay ComPlan 22-24 Logistics Officer Grafton L&D-HQ 23-24 Remote Area First Aid Sydney RAFSO 25-29 Incident Management Workshop Armidale L&D-HQ 29-31 Aviation Radio Operator Murwillumbah Aviation 29-31 Air Base Operator Murwillumbah Aviation 29 Crew Leader Leadership 1 day Workshop Region East L&D-HQ 30 Group Leader & CCO Assessment 1/2 day Workshops Region East L&D-HQ 30 Operate in Remote Environments - Assessment Sydney RAFSO

54 BUSH FIREbulletin // TRAINING CALENDAR NSW RFS State Training Calendar Month Date Program Location Contact June 2-3 Multiagency Leadership Program Armidale L&D-HQ 12-14 Advanced Structural Firefighting Lake Macquarie L&D-HQ 12-14 Command Control and Communication weekend 1 Armidale L&D-HQ 12-14 Aviation Radio Operator Nowra Aviation 12-14 Air Base Operator Nowra Aviation 12-14 Planning Officer Grafton L&D-HQ 19-21 Advanced Structural Firefighting Mogo L&D-HQ 19-21 Command Control and Communication weekend 2 Armidale L&D-HQ 20-21 Remote Area First Aid Goulburn RAFSO 20-21 Community Safety Facilitator Mudgee CommEng 20-21 BAO Instructor workshop Murwillumbah L&D-HQ 26-28 Advanced Structural Firefighting ACT ESA L&D-HQ 26 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Nowra L&D-HQ 27 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Nowra L&D-HQ 27-28 BAO Instructor Workshop Westleigh L&D-HQ 27-28 VF Instructor Workshop Casino L&D-HQ 29-3/7 Fire Behaviour Analysis RFQ HQ CommPlan July 7-8 Multiagency Leadership Program TBA L&D-HQ 11-12 Community Safety Facilitator Wagga Wagga CommEng 11-12 Safety Advisor Training Armidale L&D-HQ 13-14 Safety Advisor Training Orange L&D-HQ 17-19 Advanced Structural Firefighting Mogo L&D-HQ 17-19 Command Control and Communication weekend 1 Orange L&D-HQ 17 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Forbes Aviation 18 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Forbes Aviation 18-19 VF Instructor workshop Dubbo L&D-HQ 20-22 Planning Officer Orange L&D-HQ 25-26 Command Control and Communication weekend 2 Orange L&D-HQ 25-26 VF Instructor Workshop Wauchope L&D-HQ 25-26 VF Instructor Workshop Young L&D-HQ 24-26 Aviation Radio Operator Inverell Aviation 24-26 Air Base Operator Inverell Aviation 28-29 Plant Supervisor Armidale RAFSO 30-31 Plant Operations Manager Armidale RAFSO 31-2/8 Logistics Officer Orange L&D-HQ August 1-2 BAO Instructor Workshop Wagga Wagga L&D-HQ 1-2 Community Safety Facilitator Maitland CommEng 7-9 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Full Course Sydney RAFSO 7 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop The Hills Aviation 7 Crew Leader Leadership 1 day Workshop Region South L&D-HQ 8 Group Leader & CCO Assessment 1/2 day Workshops Region South L&D-HQ 8 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop The Hills Aviation 8-9 VF Instructor Workshop Wagga Wagga L&D-HQ 10-14 Incident Management Workshop Orange L&D-HQ 11-12 Multi-agency Leadership Program TBA TBA

BUSH FIREbulletin // TRAINING CALENDAR 55 NSW RFS State Training Calendar 2015

Month Date Program Location Contact August 11-12 Plant Supervisor Maitland RAFSO 13-14 Plant Operations Manager Maitland L&D-HQ 14 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Young Aviation 15 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Young Aviation 15-16 VF Instructors Workshop Hawkesbury L&D-HQ 22-23 BAO Instructor Workshop Orange L&D-HQ 22-23 Community Liaison Officer Mittagong CommEng 25-26 Plant Supervisor Orange RAFSO 27-28 Plant Operations Manager Orange RAFSO 28-30 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Full Course Sydney RAFSO 28-30 Advanced Structural Firefighting Orange L&D-HQ 28 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Gunnedah Aviation 29 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Gunnedah Aviation 29-30 BAO Instructor Workshop Gloucester L&D-HQ September 5 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Casino RAFSO 5 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Glenbrook RAFSO 6 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Tamworth RAFSO 6 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Glenbrook RAFSO 8-9 Plant Supervisor Queanbeyan RAFSO 8-9 Multiagency Leadership Program TBA L&D-HQ 10 -11 Plant Operations Manager Queanbeyan RAFSO 11-13 Advanced Structural Firefighting ACT ESA L&D-HQ 11-13 Aviation Radio Operator Bathurst Aviation 11-13 Air Base Operator Bathurst Aviation 12 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Taree RAFSO 12 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Cataract RAFSO 12-13 VF Instructor Workshop Yass L&D-HQ 13 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Hornsby RAFSO 13 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Cataract RAFSO 18 Crew Leader Leadership 1 day Workshop Lower Hunter L&D-HQ 19 Group Leader & CCO Assessment 1/2 day Workshops Lower Hunter L&D-HQ 19 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Mudgee RAFSO 19 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Glenbrook RAFSO 19-20 BAO Instructor workshop Mogo L&D-HQ 20 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Tumut RAFSO 20 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Glenbrook RAFSO 23-25 Logistics Officer Wagga Wagga L&D-HQ 25-27 Planning Officer Wagga Wagga L&D-HQ 25 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Goulburn/Crookwell Aviation 26 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Goulburn/Crookwell Aviation 26 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Lake George RAFSO 27 Helicopter Insertion Techniques - Recertification Mogo RAFSO October 9 -11 Command Control & Communication Weekend 1 Queanbeyan L&D-HQ 10 -11 Safety Advisor Yass L&D-HQ 10 -11 Down The Wire Technician Sydney RAFSO 10 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Comma Aviation 11 Aviation Communication and Evaluation Workshop Comma Aviation 13-14 Multiagency Leadership Program TBA L&D-HQ 16-18 Command Control & Communication Weekend 2 Queanbeyan L&D-HQ 17 Rapid Aerial Response Team - Crew Leader Taree RAFSO 18 Rapid Aerial Response Team - Dispatcher Taree RAFSO 24 Rapid Aerial Response Team - Crew Leader Camden RAFSO 25 Rapid Aerial Response Team - Dispatcher Camden RAFSO 26-30 Incident Management Workshop Queanbeyan L&D-HQ 31 Rapid Aerial Response Team - Crew Leader Lake George RAFSO November 1 Rapid Aerial Response Team - Dispatcher Lake George RAFSO 10 -11 Multiagency Leadership Program TBA L&D-HQ

1. Dates and details for local level training are available from your Dates and locations may change subject to venue availability. Programs Brigade Training Officer and/or DTZ Membership Services Officer may be postponed and/or cancelled subject to nomination numbers 2. Nominations for state level courses can be submitted online via SAP and demand. LSO. Nominations are subject to approval at the local and regional level before they are received by L&D HQ Contacts 3. Nominations close four weeks prior to the scheduled start date L&D-HQ - Debbie Byrnes 02 8741 5134 of the course Aviation - A/Supt Sam Crothers 02 8741 5237 4. Dates and locations may change subject to venue availability Remote Area Firefighting and Specialised Operations (RAFSO) 5. Programs may be postponed or cancelled subject to nomination - Brett Hagan 02 8867 7916 numbers Community Engagement (CommEng) - Supt Terry Jackson 02 8741 5419 Community Planning (CommPlan) - Andrew Jones 02 8741 4931 NB: Command Control and Communication courses are split over two weekends at the same location. Participants are required to attend both weekends of the course.

5656 BUSH BUSH FIREbulletin FIREbulletin // //TRAINING GENERAL CALENDAR NEWS Bush Fire Bulletin Survey

About you How would you prefer to receive communication about the NSW RFS? Are you a: ■ Email ■ Volunteer ■ Website ■ Volunteer and staff ■ MyRFS ■ Staff ■ Social media ■ Member of the general public ■ Post What is your primary location? Would you prefer to receive more or less ■ Regional NSW - North information from the NSW RFS? ■ Regional NSW - South ■ More ■ Less ■ Same ■ Regional NSW - West How do you rate the quality of information ■ Regional NSW - East from the NSW RFS? ■ Sydney ■ Excellent ■ Good ■ Could be improved For NSW RFS volunteers: Do you consider online communication Are you a: more effective than printed material? ■ Junior member ■ Yes ■ No ■ Bush Firefighter? Would you read the Bush Fire Bulletin if it ■ Officebearer in the Brigade? were presented as an online magazine or website? ■ ■ ■ Group Captain?  Yes No ■ Community Safety Officer? For the Bush Fire Bulletin, what kind of information interests you? ■ Other: Choose all those that apply. How often do you attend NSW RFS events, ■ Incidents meetings or training sessions? ■ ■ More than once a week Operational Liftouts with ‘how to’ information ■ ■ Once a week Messages from the Commissioner ■ ■ Once a month Good news – successful programs ■ ■ Several times a year Profiles of specific brigades and volunteers ■ ■ Once a year History ■ Awards and Events ■ Training information Communications from the NSW RFS ■ Community Engagement tips for volunteers ■ Fire Safety messages for the general public How do you currently source news about the NSW RFS? (Please select all that apply) ■ Information suitable for children ■ Your local brigade ■ Innovations and research in firefighting ■ Your local Fire Control Centre ■ Other – please indicate or make suggestions: ■ Bush Fire Bulletin ■ MyRFS ■ Ebulletin ■ NSW RFS Intranet ■ Facebook ■ The general media # BUSH FIRE BULLETIN SIGN UP TO RECEIVE BUSH FIRE BULLETIN DIRECT TO YOUR HOME OR UPDATE YOUR DETAILS

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NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE

15 Carter Street Lidcombe NSW 2141 Locked Bag 17 Granville NSW 2142 Tel: 02 8741 5555 Fax: 02 8741 5550 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

ISSN: 1033-7598

Publisher NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE Produced Corporate Communications Editor Jacqueline Murphy PP255003/08075 Graphic Design & Art/Production Coordinator Letra Printed on Monza Gloss; FSC (CoC), ISO 14001, IPPC, ECF environmental accreditation Cover photo Open Day 2014 at the Berowra Rural Fire Brigade. Photo by Adam Streichler

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