LIFT-OUT: GUIDE TO THE NEW NSW RFS CONSTITUTION BUSH FIREbulletinVOLUME 40 NO 1/2018 THE JOURNAL OF THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE

Community unites for Tathra Deployments to Canada, Gallipoli and the United States Fires in electric vehicles

A long hot summer, a bone dry winter Contents

1 FOREWORD

2 IN FOCUS

INCIDENTS 4 A long drawn out season 8 With Tathra under threat a community unites 24 Not what we expected

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 30 ACEFA conference 2018 32 Public liaison critical during hazard reductions 38 Choosing the right message to keep people safe

GENERAL NEWS 16 Region North Exercise 18 Gallipoli deployment 2018 42 New infrastructure out west 50 Donations fund hot fre training equipment

RESEARCH 36 Research gives insight into community bushfre response

FEATURES 12 Canadian deployment 22 Fire incidents involving electric and hybrid motor vehicles 25 New NSW RFS Brigade Constitution takes effect 34 Technology for predicting fre behaviour

MEMBERS’ SERVICES 40 At your service: the NSW RFS library

LIFTOUT 26–27 New NSW RFS Constitution membership classifcations

AWARDS 43 Australian Fire Service Medals 2018 46 Young members’ excellence recognised 48 St Florians Day Awards

VALE 51 Father Peter McGrath

52 OUR BULLETIN HISTORY

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There has been considerable attention recently on challenging and destructive bush fres such as those which affected communities like Tathra and around south-western Sydney. These fres were diffcult to contain, and were particularly challenging given how late in the season they occurred. It’s worth remembering though that these events across March and April, were just two of more than 14,000 bush and grass fres our members have dealt with across the 2017/18season. The state’s north saw fre activity in August and September, and while there was somewhat of a reprieve during October and November, serious fres were experienced in areas such as the Hunter, Northern Tablelands and western Sydney by Christmas. In the early parts of this year, the challenge continued thanks to lightning causing around 500 new fres across the ranges. The late conclusion to the fre season – which saw a total of 22 days of total fre ban and more than 70 homes destroyed – shows how we, just like the community, can’t be complacent about the threat of fre. While the loss of property is a tragedy for those affected, it’s worth refecting once again on a very important statistic – that is, there was no loss of human life. It’s important to recognise that this includes no loss of frefghters. I’m always reminded of the danger that our people face, never more so than when I attended the recent National Volunteer Memorial service held in Canberra on 1 May. A new memorial wall was unveiled at the ceremony, featuring the names of more than 70 NSW RFS volunteers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. You can read more about the memorial in this edition of the Bulletin. You will also fnd in this issue a feature on the new Brigade Constitution, which is now in effect for all brigades. This is a big step forward for the Service and, most critically, it provides a greater level of certainty and IN THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE protection for our members. The Constitution allows brigades to maintain their identity, and create brigade rules and standing orders, to ensure the brigade operates effectively and within the requirements of today’s WE VALUE legislative environment. As we send off our members to assist with the devastating fres in the United States and Canada this month, we can look back with pride at the community and environment unprecedented deployment of front-line frefghters to British Columbia in 2017. The article in this issue highlights the fascinating differences in support, friendship and camaraderie frefghting in these locations compared with Australia. The 2018/19 season is starting early. Whatever role you perform in your knowledge and learning brigade, stay safe and thank you all for your continued service with the NSW RFS. integrity and trust Regards, one team, many players and one purpose adaptability and resourcefulness mutual respect Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM NSW RFS Commissioner

facebook.com/rfscommissioner @RFSCommissioner infocus

Reduced traffc speed trial to keep members safe New Research Hub to focus on bush fre risk

From September this year there will be a twelve-month trial of The University of Wollongong will house a new $4 million a speed limit around emergency vehicles on NSW roads. The Bushfre Risk Management Research Hub, which is part of a fve- Minister for Emergency Services, Troy Grant, announced in year research partnership between the university and the Offce of April that the 40 km/h reduced speed limit will apply on roads Environment and Heritage. when emergency services vehicles have their red and blue lights Minister for Emergency Services, Troy Grant, welcomed the fashing at emergency incidents. partnership and the Hub’s specialised focus on NSW bush fres. The NSW Rural Fire Service Association has been actively “This Hub brings together academic expertise and practical pursuing this initiative and the NSW RFS has worked with knowledge from our frefghters to develop ways we can mitigate other emergency services and the NSW government to develop bush fres in the future,” Mr Grant said. this initiative. The trial follows similar laws that have been introduced in Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia. “What works for one area may not work for another, so it’s great The reduced speed limit is designed to ensure the safety of NSW that this research will look at local solutions across the state,” Mr RFS members and other emergency services personnel who are Grant said. responding to emergencies. An operational brief released on 7 June contains further details and can be viewed on MyRFS.

Black Hawks to be used by NSW RFS

The NSW RFS will take delivery of two Black Hawk helicopters for use The NSW Government confrmed the transfer as part of the State during emergency operations. Budget in June, with $6.5 million allocated to converting the aircraft The Commonwealth Government has agreed to the transfer of the into frefghting resources. aircraft once they are withdrawn from military service. The aircraft The Black Hawks have a cruising speed of 270 km/h and are expected will be transferred from the Defence Department to the NSW to be operational for the NSW RFS over the next two years. Government, through the NSW RFS. The task profle of these aircraft will be consistent with the current Once refurbished, they’ll be used in a range of emergency operations primary and secondary roles of RFS owned helitak aircraft. including bush fres, foods and other disasters. They will also be used for RAFT and RART operations.

2 BUSH FIREbulletin // INFOCUS Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards

The 2018 Rotary Districts & Clubs of NSW and ACT Emergency Zone has had a huge portfolio of roles with the NSW RFS for over Services Community Awards were announced on 1 June. These 30 years. NSW RFS member Lachland Sutherland proudly received awards recognise and acknowledge the selfess community service of the inaugural Dorothy Hennessy OAM Emergency Services Youth NSW and ACT emergency service personnel. Scholarship Award. Commissioner Fitzsimmons said this is “a wonderful way to celebrate Congratulations to all nominees for their extraordinary work. There and recognise emergency services personnel, both salaried and were four NSW RFS fnalists, including long-serving Kearsley Rural volunteer, who have been nominated by their communities and peers Fire Service Captain, Les Goldie, Donald Anderson, who holds multiple in recognition of extraordinary service”. roles in the Central Coast Region, and Deputy Captain of Engadine NSW RFS Inspector Glenn Byrnes was awarded Overall Offcer of the Brigade, Deborah Sharp, who has been an inspiration to many and Year Serving in a Paid Capacity. Inspector Byrnes of the Lower Hunter flled multiple roles.

National Emergency Services Memorial Deployment to United States and Canada, August 2018

The new Emergency Services Memorial Wall was unveiled at the The NSW RFS has joined interstate colleagues on a six-week National Memorial Service in May. Held at the Lake Burley Griffn deployment to assist frefghters in the United States. California National Emergency Services Memorial in Canberra, the memorial and the west coast have been most affected with six lives lost and service honours the commitment and ultimate sacrifce of fre and over 500 properties destroyed. emergency service personnel who have died in the line of duty. The Australasian National Resource Sharing Centre organised The wall records the names of over 400 men and women who the deployment of 188 Australian and New Zealand personnel. have lost their lives in protecting their communities. There are 74 The contingent included divisional commanders, heavy plant NSW RFS members whose names are memorialised on the wall. supervisors, air base managers, safety offcers and sector leaders, who are assisting thousands of US frefghters. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre has also requested assistance from Australian fre fghters who will join those already deployed from Mexico and the United States. Canada is experiencing signifcant fre activity with six priority fres burning in Ontario at the time of the request.

BUSH FIREbulletin // INFOCUS 3 A long, drawn out

Bush fires challenged Rural Fire Brigades throughout the state well into the autumn of 2018.

The 2017/18 season was a long drawn out season commencing in August and still going in April. Some of our members were deployed to Canada in July, then fres started in the north of the state in August and September. There was somewhat of a reprieve in late October and November, but by Christmas Day in the Hunter, Northern tablelands and western Sydney the fres were numerous and they didn’t stop, especially in January and February. In late January/early February, 500 plus fres on the ranges started with lightning. In November between 20 – 30 fres started in the Mid Murray zone due to a large storm that passed through the region. They were all relatively hard work to contain this fre The new year brought as the warm, dry and windy small, but forty frefghters by Christmas Day assisted chased lightning strikes over continued low humidity and conditions persisted. Storm by the VLAT Nancy Bird. On an eleven -hour period. hot temperatures with 40 plus activity with dry lightning Christmas Eve there were still degrees over the frst weekend started dozens of fres across Firefghters continued work 37 fres burning across the right up to Christmas with a state with 17 not contained of 2018. TOBANs declared for NSW through the week, with fre burning near Mulgoa on and 350 crew working Sydney and Greater Hunter some light rain eventually 23 December. Crews put in across the fre grounds. areas continued on Monday 8 assisting frefghting efforts.

4 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS season

Main image: 14 April 2018 Moorebank Avenue fre attended by the Galston Rural Fire Brigade. Photo: David Aslin. Lower left: The Bannaby Road fre near Taralga in early January. Photo Ned Dawson. Right: Sir Bertram Stephens Drive, Royal National Park. Photo: Sharon Quandt.

started in rugged inaccessible terrain in the Putty State Forest and which burned approximately 4800 hectares. As well as bush and grass fres, our members responded to other emergencies, such as the structure fre in Harrington which was contained before it spread to neighbouring A Harvest Safety Alert was was one of two during January under strong southerly winds businesses. NSW RFS and issued Friday 12 January for that went to Emergency spotted over and went back to FRNSW attended a truck the Mid Murray Zone, before Warning (EW), with concern EW Sunday afternoon. Crews crash on the M1 motorway another warm weekend for communities to the north were assisted at this fre by at Cooranbong near Morriset continued. The Masonite of Newcastle Airport, including aircraft including the VLAT. on 15 January. One of the Road, Tomago fre started on Campvale. This fre went back This weekend also saw the vehicles caught fre and Saturday 13 January. This fre to advice overnight however start of the TJ ’s fre which spread to nearby bushland.

BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 5 The M1 was closed for some Across this weekend a the Blue Mountains/Wollemi time, affecting travel for number of fres kept crews National Parks, the Greater motorists. This fre saw a busy, including the Long Gully Hunter, Mudgee and Lithgow unique and complex response Road fre, Bannaby east of areas. The 695 Fire started with a FRNSW CAFS unit Taralga. DC10 Nancy Bird 14 February in the Singleton supported by NSW RFS bulk assisted fre fghters with LGA in the Wollemi National water tankers attacking the retardant drops and heavy plant Park, with a National Parks and truck fre while the aircrane established containment lines. Wildlife frefghter seriously supported ground crews Over the fnal week of January, injured in a tree fall incident. to attack the bush fre. storm activity and lightning was It reached Emergency responsible for dozens of new Warning (EW) status on 14 The Dipper Rd, Dandry fre in ignitions, particularly around February. It was contained the Pilliga kicked off around Over the final week Thursday 18 January. Fire fghters worked to protect of January, storm isolated rural properties as the Newell Highway was cut near activity and lightning Narrabri. Crews were assisted was responsible in their efforts by frebombing aircraft. NSW RFS crews did for dozens of new not leave the fre ground until 31 January, by which time ignitions, particularly the extensive fre had burnt around the Blue approximately 59,760 hectares. Saturday 20 January saw an Mountains/Wollemi outbreak of fre on Sir Bertram National Parks, the Stevens Drive in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney. Greater Hunter, Burning more than 2190 hectares, the fre produced a Mudgee and large amount of smoke visible across southern parts of Lithgow areas. Sydney, Wollongong and the south coast and the alert status went to Emergency Warning. Following the park’s closure, a multi-agency response saw crews working to have the park reopened in time for the Australia Day long weekend.

Top: Table Top RFB in the Southern Border region. Bottom: The Moorebank Avenue fre, Holsworthy. Photo by Rachel Wildman 6 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS south coastal town of Tathra. NSW RFS members and other services and residents fought furious and erratic fres. A report about the emergency response to the Tathra fres has been delivered to the Minister with 12 recommendations. You can read more about the Tathra fres in the by the end of February with An evacuation centre was set areas of fre activity in the following pages. the assistance of heavy plant up at the Orange showground. inaccessible terrain in the and frebombing aircraft. The fre burnt out 1671 following days. The fre burnt On 14 April, a fre started hectares of bushland, however 4133 hectares of bush. on Moorebank Avenue, The fre at Mt Canobolas to no homes were lost. Holsworthy. It crossed the west of Orange on 10 An Emergency Warning was The Bobbiwaa Creek Mt Heathcote Road and quickly February threatened property released for a grass fre near Kaputar fre, between Bingara and a communications Mulwala 28 February with spread towards Alfords Point, and Narrabri, which started VLAT Nancy Bird assisting. Bardon Ridge and Menai tower. The air tankers and 15 February was contained heavy plant helped construct by 22 February with Remote In March, the loss of 65 houses threatening the urban fringe containment lines around vital Area Fire Fighters dropped and 35 cabins and caravans suburbs of Sydney. It was communication infrastructure. in to extinguish small was a blow to the small far an extraordinary effort by ground crews, marine units and frebombing aircraft to bring this complex fre under control. Given the location near Holsworthy Army Base, Lucas Heights nuclear facility and high density suburbs, controlling this fre was a complex task. Crews saved six facilities, 877 homes and four outbuildings. Five homes were damaged and a cubby house was destroyed. The fre was contained on 17 April. Challenging fres continued throughout April. Extensive smoke and dust storms affected a large area of the lower western border during a grassfre at Boomanoomana. The Bush Fire Danger Period ended on 30 April. After one of the driest winters on record and a busy, long and drawn out season. Top: The Dipper Rd, Dandry fre in the Narrabri LGA January 2018 Above: A haystack fre BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 7 With Tathra under threat As the residents of Tathra gradually move into the rebuilding phase after the traumatic period of demolition and sifting through rubble, the town’s resilience is on show, albeit with an emotional backdrop.

Above: Cheryl of Seaspray Images was travelling along the Tathra Road towards Tathra to go fshing, but decided to stop at Wallagoot Lane turnoff and return home when she saw this smoke plume.

8 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS a community unites

The lingering smell of smoke The State government has All brigades in the Bega Valley had fnally begun to dissipate, provided $10 million for were utilised including strike and the population of the Far asbestos removal and cleanup, teams from Eurobodalla and South coastal town of Tathra the large not for proft support Shoalhaven. This was the began to rally. The regular town organisations have given frst major incident for the meetings, the fundraisers, the practical support, the Bega Operations Support Group support from outside—both Valley Shire Council’s Mayoral who did an extraordinary job in formal and informal—have Appeal Fund as of early July extreme conditions. contributed enormously raised nearly $1.3million. The to keeping the community Sunday 18 March saw informed and together. Federal Government donated numerous fres around the $250,000 providing mental state, 18 of those burning in the health and trauma support into Bega Valley, two of which— the months ahead. Mayor Kristy Kerison’s Lane and Frogs McBain and the distribution Hollow—were very serious committee have been incidents. A fre started in the overseeing the disbursement area of Tarraganda, east of of funds to residents. Bega, about midday. It crossed the Bega River pushed by Communities from around strong and gusty northwesterly Tathra and far beyond have winds. With estimated 80–90 raised funds and collected km/h winds, the embers hurled clothes and household items to across the town and onto the help those who have lost their beach. The apparent random homes. The Tathra Ladies Golf destruction of homes dotted donated $3000 to the Tathra across the town resulted Rural Fire Brigade to help the from embers raining down on Brigade build its capability for gardens and homes. Trees, future incidents and Merimbula gardens, decks, leaf-littered Imlay ladies bowlers presented gutters burst into spot fres a cheque for $2,500. The with fre fghters scrambling Brigade will purchase a much from one fre to another. needed new generator to use This was a challenging fre, during major power outages. not for its size or terrain, but because of its erratic behaviour The qualities of the community fuelled by shifting wind gusts. were evident during the fre and the days afterwards. The fre was sporadic and A local Tathra Bakery gave spread out across the entire free breakfast to residents town of Tathra. It did not have and continues to raise funds; one continuous edge, so crews the local supermarket gave were spread out. Winds were changeable, turning fanks into groceries, the surf club was fre heads. a supportive drop-in centre providing aid to residents. As the day progressed, a A local coffee cart business southerly change pushed the provided unlimited free coffees fre in a northerly direction. for emergency workers and Southeasterly winds pushed locals. These are just a selection the fre in the evening towards of the many organisations and Dr George Road. individuals providing support. The local school was under threat as a gully to the The Incident Management northwest channelled the fre Team (IMT) operating out in its direction. The school of the Fire Control Centre grounds lost 120 trees which (FCC) brought together all had become unstable and some participating agencies—the shade sails and play equipment. NSW RFS, NPWS, Forestry In a small town the local school and FRNSW—to coordinate is a community hub and it was their resources strategically. a huge relief that it was saved. All agencies worked alongside The children were back at residents in extraordinary school on Tuesday 27 March, conditions to protect the which was incredibly important people and property in Reedy for helping families regain a Swamp, Vimy Ridge and Tathra. sense of security and normality.

BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 9 The Local Emergency in the evacuation centre, service workers was evident Operations Controller promising not to gloss over immediately, with hastily (LEOCON) opened a Local the details, and to keep them erected signs showing the Emergency Operations Centre informed as the intelligence heartfelt appreciation of (LEOC) in Bega to support the came in. Other organisations residents for the work they did IMT fre fghting efforts and provided a range of services, to save their town. coordinate support to affected check lists for uncontactable Later investigations found communities. The evacuation neighbours and family, food that electrical infrastructure centre was established at the for domestic animals, blankets on Reedy Swamp Road was Bega Showground. and clothes for those who’d the likely cause of the fre. When we came on The NSW RFS Public Liaison escaped with very little. With media reporting from shift the others had Offcers were giving early and The thanks to the frefghters the streets before fres were frequent updates to those and other emergency out, and residents confned been on the go for 7 hours straight and were exhausted. We came on as the night shift. There were three people in the truck and the average age of the people in that truck was just under 70.” Richard Gallimore Tathra RFB

Reproduced wih permission of ABC South East

Top: The entire coastal town of Tathra was shrouded in smoke. Photo by Caleb Keeney, Timberline Helicopters. Above: Western Sydney community group ‘Sydney Youth Connect’ travelled to Tathra to help feed the Tathra community in the days after the fre. Photo by Big4 Tathra Beach Holiday Park.

10 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS to the emergency shelter, it Euan Ferguson led the recovery was crucial that the Building operations, coordinating They said it… Impact Assessment (BIA) assistance agencies, keeping team got to work as soon residents informed, and Responses from the Tathra “I was wearing my ftbit that as possible. The BIA team reassuring them that they Rural Fire Brigade captain, day and for about an hour and a half my average heart beat were on the streets of Tathra would be cared for into the Adam Wiggins, and other members of the brigade was 149 beats per minute while crews still defended the months ahead. As the incident give heartbreaking insights and for half an hour of that it town, knowing that residents moved out of the “response” into what they faced as fre was 168 beats…you couldn’t phase a recovery centre was wanted confrmation as quickly rushed to their home town.* breathe, you couldn’t see set up at the Bega Civic Centre as possible whether their “I personally can’t do 2 foot in front of yourself… homes were still standing. As so those affected by fre could everything and I might not my lips were blistered, I had information became available, meet with representatives from even be able to do much, but burn marks in my ears where residents were ushered one various support agencies. collectively it all adds up.” the embers were landing. by one into a private room to Tathra bush fre recovery “I couldn’t sleep that night. learn the fate of their homes. Sally Gallimore, coordinator Euan Ferguson has Tathra Rural Fire Brigade I was so tired but my eyes Understandably frustrated handed over to Bega Valley wouldn’t shut they were residents were unable to Shire Council’s Leanne Barnes. that swollen… I feel a bit of enter their streets as fre Ms Barnes says she will “This was home and home responsibility… this is my fghters assessed hazards and work with the NSW Offce of was being threatened big patch… it’s hard not to feel mopped up smouldering and Emergency Management. time. I could see the fres like you’ve let ‘em down a bit. reigniting trees. By 21 March all coming towards our house, In the face of isolated but “Good mates lost houses and roads in the Tathra area were but I felt my frst duty was to distressing criticism about there was nothing you could go and fght the fres further reopened to residents and to emergency response do… I’m so immensely proud away from the house. The those with items still at holiday coordination, Former Federal of my guys. The pride I have whole time I knew my wife accommodation. Police Commissioner, Mick in my brigade is pretty high.” was left at home behind to There were 65 houses lost, Keelty was commissioned by try and protect our house.” Adam Wiggins, the government to undertake 48 damaged, and 35 caravans Captain, Tathra Rural an independent review into the Anthony Tailor or cabins destroyed, which is Fire Brigade heartbreaking for those who’ve emergency response to the lost their homes. More than Bega Valley fre. *Quotes reproduced with permission from ABC South East 1390 hectares were burnt. But The report has been handed given the ferocious conditions down and Commissioner it’s important to acknowledge Shane Fitzsimmons and District Manager, Region and the community. These the numbers of homes saved FRNSW Commissioner Paul South, John Cullen relationships were established and the most important fact Baxter have welcomed the commended the strong long before the fres began and that no lives were lost. Over twelve recommendations relationships among the are crucial for the community’s 800 houses were saved or and are working together to local council, Bush Fire recovery and resilience. untouched by fre. implement them. Management Committee

Above: Despite the fre’s intensity, 1390 hectares razed and the loss of 65 homes, thankfully there was no loss of human life. Photo by Andrea Olson.

BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS 11 Canadian Deployment Wildfres raged throughout the Canadian province of British Columbia during the summer of 2017.

Above: The extent of the fre is evident from the scale of the fre fghting aircraft in the sky. Photo by Rolf Poole. Top right: Nights were cool for fre fghters on the campground.

12 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE Rolf Poole, Grant Paisley and Chris Hunter write about their experiences during the Canadian deployment in 2017.

The NSW RFS and Emergency The remaining IMT members residents were required to Management Victoria, on were Australians from NSW evacuate and not return until behalf of the National Resource RFS, FRNSW, Tasmanian Fire the order is lifted. Some local Sharing Centre, jointly Service, Victorian CFA and residents had chosen to defy coordinated the deployment South Australian CFS. We soon the order and remain with their of Incident Management earnt the nickname “Team homes. Team (IMT) personnel and United Nations”. for the frst time frefghting As the PLO my role was to personnel to British Columbia Camp Life keep up to date with the (BC), Canada. IMT personnel fre status, engage with included public liaison offcers, Our team was based at communities and feed situation fre behaviour analysts, the Puntzi Tanker Base at reports to the regional offce aviation specialists, logistics a Forestry Fire Camp. The for inclusion in fre updates. offcers, and a large number Australian contingent stayed The target audiences were the of frefghting resources. at several camps including ranchers and the indigenous Personnel comprised: NSW Williams Lake, One-Hundred First Nations communities who RFS (90), Fire & Rescue Mile House, Puntzi, Alexis were determined to remain in NSW (5), National Parks and Creek and Cache Creek, among their communities. The focus Wildlife Service (35), Forestry others. Shared accommodation was to provide them with Corporation of NSW (4), was large tents with stretcher regular updates so they could ACT RFS (45), QFES (6), and bed cots, or two person tents make informed decisions and NT(1). NSW RFS Assistant for individuals. During the have clear trigger points for Commissioner, Steve Yorke deployment temperatures action, as well as to engage AFSM, was pre-deployed ranged from -2 degrees C to 36 them as part of the operation. to British Columbia to assist degrees on some days. Chief Irwin Charlie-Boy and with logistical arrangements There’s a great camaraderie Councillors Otis and Percy ahead of the main deployment. at fre camp, with a culture A total of fve deployments of swapping service badges, Guichon from the Tsi-Del Del were coordinated from July to pins, fags or any form of First Nations Community at September 2017. memorabilia and many come Redstone were among the key stakeholders who facilitated When the call came for prepared with items to swap. assistance, a State Operations We were often questioned the fow of communication. team assisted by Remote Area about the types of fres we The neighbouring indigenous Firefghting and Specialised get and how they compare to community of Ulkatcho Operations (RAFSO) and northern hemisphere wildfres. at Anahim Lake was also Membership Coordination Canadians are also fascinated engaged as a high priority. Unit worked quickly to fnalise with Australian animals that With signifcant aboriginal personnel suitable for the roles can kill you. Occasionally heritage sites as well as built requested by Canadian Fire there would be a very serious infrastructure, we needed authorities. Personnel were comparison of grizzly bears, community knowledge to chosen from those who had black bears and the elusive identify the assets needing previously expressed interest Australian drop bear. protection. and had passed tests necessary The First Nations’ concerns for overseas deployment. The Engaging with local communities included the wildfre threat to State Logistics Team and MCU community-managed logging were critical to the success of My frst deployment was to each deployment. Puntzi as a Public Liaison Offcer operations and infrastructure (PLO). The Chilcotin Plateau is as well as the employment a picturesque mixture of steep of local frefghting teams Incident Management mountainous terrain, First as part of the operation. BC Inspector Rolf Poole Nations Reserves and forestry does not engage volunteer The initial deployment to BC operations, as well as isolated fre fghters as does NSW, consisted of two multi-agency ranches and log cabin holiday with many small communities IMTs and a number of single accommodation. Communities relying on frefghting as a resources who were deployed are remote, several hours source of income. Another where needed. drive away from major towns, First Nation concern was the with poor or no mobile phone At the Chilcotin Fire Centre, traditional mushroom foraging service. When we arrived, the by the Ulkatcho and Tsi-Del a few hours west of Williams landscape was extremely dry. Lake in BC, I met with the rest Del communities, which would The Puntzi IMT managed a usually occur after a wildfre. of the IMT I’d be working with complex of fve fres, some in for the next 14 days. inaccessible terrain and others It was a unique and rewarding The Incident Controller, Plans threatening small communities experience to work with the Chief, Operations Chief and and ranches. Many parts of the indigenous communities and Logistics Chief were from Nova Chilcotin Plateau were under gain a greater appreciation for Scotia and New Brunswick. an evacuation order, meaning their culture.

BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE 13 A local fre fghter was demonstrating how to feel for heat underground and shoved his arm down a hole up to his shoulder. The Aussie fre fghters all yelled “you I had been paired up with mobile carting of water. In at a different tempo due to an Incident Controller from BC there is a complex lake the time it takes to establish a would never do BC, Bruce Doerkson, and system and despite the dry control line or “guard” and then that in Australia!” our collaborative objective vegetation, water is never far establish kilometres of hose was to formulate prescribed away. Australian crews utilise and relay pumps. back burning operations and a variety of fre appliances to At Van-Jam the Unit Crews containment strategies. We carry water to the fre ground, were available only during Operations dedicated the frst few days whereas the BC crews utilise a 12-hour daylight shift. to creating strategic control the lake systems and run hose For the second rotation I was With no crews available for lines or “guards”, utilising lays with buoy walls (portable deployed to the Van-Jam Fire night operations, strategic strike teams of heavy plant dams) nicknamed “pumpkins”. Centre in Vanderhoof, an hour backburning had to be machinery under the guidance With hose lays often running north of Prince George and conducted during the warmest of the heavy plant manager for several kilometres, the set was tasked as Operations and windiest part of the day. Gordon Clarkeson. Gord’s up can take a number of days Chief. There were ten fres in experience managing the to prepare. At Fire 837, backburning was the surrounding area with three implemented with ground machinery meant that we Australian vegetation ignites uncontained. ignition crews, commencing could concentrate on broad more readily and burns at an anchor point and working The Big Bend Creek Fire strategies and he could at a faster rate of spread. for several kilometres along dirt 837 had escaped its original provide feedback on what was Vegetation in BC burns more roads and constructed guards. containment lines from the realistically achievable within intensely, but fres are slower The ignition patterns were previous weeks and presented the timeframes. to reach the canopy and crown. guided and directed from the the biggest threat in the area. Operations in BC had In general terms, in BC there is observation aircraft. While comparatively small signifcant differences to those more time to establish control compared with others burning in eastern Australia. Operating lines and prepare hose lays. Backburning and prescribed in BC, it was burning high value in a dry continent, Australian Implementing operational burning is not as common timber assets. frefghting has adapted to strategies and tactics can be in BC as it is in Australia

Below left: A lot of time was spent laying out kilometres of hose to siphon water from local rivers and lakes. Top right: Vegetation in BC burns more intensely, but fres are slower to reach the canopy.

14 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURES for a variety of reasons, so creek, then patrol each day experienced ignition crews literally digging up the fre. At were in demand. We were the end of each day you had fortunate to have the local to disconnect every hose to Titans & Rhino Unit Crews prevent water freezing inside who had previous experience the hose overnight. The terrain conducting ground ignition. was super steep and on our second deployment we put At the end of the second in a line from 1600m to the two-week rotation, effective snowline at 2200m. suppression strategies had been implemented on the Big Across much of BC a native Bend Creek Fire 837. At the pine beetle is killing many of time of my handover the fre the trees, up to 80 percent operation was progressing in some places. The beetle into the demobilisation and would normally be controlled rehabilitation phases. by a winter cold snap—a The challenging experience sharp drop in temperature to certainly left me with a sense minus 40 degrees Celsius— of achievement and was truly but there hasn’t been such rewarding. a cold snap for several years so the beetle damage is extensive. The dead Fire fghters’ perspectives vegetation has contributed to Grant Paisley, Arcadia Brigade, the worst ever fre conditions Hornsby / Ku-ring-gai District in Canada. refected on his experience as The frefghting “appliances” a member of the Australian are hundreds of large pickup Remote Area crews. utes hired from all over Canada The deployment was hard but and the USA. The vehicles are rewarding, and as agreed in our equipped with a portable radio vegetation, with quiet out and flling kilometres of deployment shift guidelines that is mounted to a piece of trickling fre behaviour like hose and later recovering, then wooden board with a magnetic we worked 12 hours a day in NSW coastal heathlands. redeploying it. aerial. The “bread board” radio for 12 days straight. The fre Alternatively, if the fres got is gaffer taped to the dash. At times, Chris comments, camps we stayed at had up to into the dry pine plantations, 500 frefghters and towards The pick-up truck holds four we’d fll a pickup truck with crowning fres were impossible the end of the deployment fre fghters, hoses, pumps 40 to 50 hoses to be deployed temperatures dropped to minus and polaski tools thrown in the to fght from the ground so and used with pumps and buoy fve degrees overnight. back. During our deployment they use many more aircraft. walls. The landscape was sometimes The challenges for Canadian we drove over 5,000km. steep and rugged, but there The Canadians do minimal frefghters are very different The professionalism and depth was also undulating land and backburning. At times it’s quite from Australia. The fre of training we NSW RFS crews hard to light fres and get them moderate slopes. smoulders for days or even receive prepared us very well going if conditions aren’t right weeks in the duff layer which for our time in Canada. It was Unlike the NSW RFS, which and the fres were patchy and consists of matted roots and wonderful working with local has a permanent off-road ineffective. plant material and can be up to crews. The fres affected a feet that is truck or tanker The Australian frefghters one metre deep. When there is large number of Canadians and based, in BC there were worked in Australian teams, but a hot, dry day the smouldering they appreciated our help. We many seasonal or contract mixed with Canadian, Mexican duff layer can result in the were even shouted a beer in a frefghters employed by the or New Zealand frefghters in re-ignition of the pine trees pub by some locals. and the fre takes off again. On BC wildfre service. They use camp at night. Chris said he one occasion a local fre fghter Chris Hunter from Ku-ring-gai more portable equipment and missed a proper bed as they was demonstrating how to Brigade was deployed to the aircraft with far fewer off-road bunked down in two-person feel for heat underground and Elephant Hill fre for two two- vehicles. There are a lot of tents, sleeping on the ground shoved his arm down a hole up week blocks and was part of people on foot, ferried around with a foam mattress and an Australian team led by a sleeping bag. to his shoulder. The Aussie fre on hired pickup trucks. local divisional commander. He fghters all yelled “you would The Australians were treated never do that in Australia!” found the frefghting activities The Canadians use long hose to different wildlife as well very different from those in The good news is there is lines whereas in Australia as different equipment and Australia in terms of vegetation, plenty of water, so basically you’d drive tankers down a frefghting strategies, with equipment and strategies. you set up containment with fve-kilometre fre trail and use deer and chipmunks common kilometres of 38mm hose As Grant noted, fres behave that as your control line. In BC and a bear sighting in the pulling water from a river or differently in the Canadian a lot of time was spent laying distance.

BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURES 15 Region North Exercise The New England town of Glen Innes hosted the Region North Exercise in April.

The Glen Innes Showground is a picturesque crucial opportunity to practice made-up volunteer “victims”, the theory. Scenario staff practical pumping, Essential venue for the base camp, with plenty of room explain and show crews how to Energy electrical, basic skills, for people to pitch their tents and roll out their deal with a particular incident, vehicle maintenance, pump then give them time to practice maintenance, heavy plant swags under the poplar trees. their response. and aircraft engagement, a gas scenario, CT, a frst aid Divisional commanders Forty-nine appliances rolled fre-related exercises. The situation, extinguishers and a rotate their assigned strike in on Friday afternoon and scenarios typify the situations protect and preserve scene. teams through each scenario overall 363 personnel attended. that brigades would encounter before releasing them to the As well as providing a As well as Region North under normal operations. They next division. The twelve range of incident practice, brigades, crews, appliances provide supervised learning scenarios at the Region North a regional exercise provides and supporting personnel environments and comprise an were invited from Region East instructional element then the exercises included: a motor an opportunity for Incident and from Queensland Fire & vehicle accident replete with Management Teams (IMT), Emergency Services. Through the Border Liaison Committee, a number of interstate New South Wales and Queensland border brigades have a history of cooperative exercises. Nine trucks travelled across the border from Queensland. The Region North exercise has been held in the New England town since 2003. The variety of facilities available for scenarios is one reason why Glen Innes has proven such a successful location. Scenario Marshalls set up and supervise the activities around Glen Innes at the airport, the NSW Agricultural Research and Advisory Station and other local areas. Regional exercises are held to teach and refresh members’ knowledge and to practice basic frefghting procedures by simulating a range of

Above and right: Forty-nine appliances and 363 personnel attended the Region North Exercise. All photos by Sharon Quandt. 16 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS catering and communications awards are given in a number of units to practice the categories with this year Thora REGION NORTH EXERCISE AWARD WINNERS management and coordination 1 taking out the Overall Best The Thora 1 Crew from the : of a large scale operation. Outstanding Crew Member Performing Crew. Mid North Coast were awarded Zac Andrews, Northern Rivers The IMT operated from the Alan Brinkworth Perpetual The Organising Committee Outstanding Support the Northern Tablelands Trophy for Best Performing and Incident Management Person: Hannah Birkenhead, Fire Control Centre in Glen Team worked with districts Crew (below). At the Northern Tablelands Innes. Strike Team Leaders to facilitate a challenging, presentation ceremony held commanded strike teams invaluable and enjoyable early Sunday afternoon a range Best Presented Truck: of up to fve appliances, a weekend. The crews rolled out of prizes were awarded. Wingen 1, Glenugie 1, Woodlea 51 QFES, Thora 1, Kundle Moto communications operator and of the base camp on Sunday, TJ (Tony Jarrett) Award for 2, Tucabia 2 command vehicle. waved off by the enthusiastic Best Strike Team Leader: The healthy spirit of competition cheers of the catering squad in Mark Bagnall, Northern Appreciation Plaques spurs on the brigades and the grandstand. Tablelands were presented to: NSW Police, Ambulance NSW and Best Crew Leader: Todd Fred Brown GAAM (Retired) Travers, Mid North Coast for their hard work and Committee Encouragement commitment to the Regional Award: Will Ambrose, Far Exercise over many years. North Coast Committee Encouragement Award: Kevin Mason, New England

BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 17 Gallipoli 2018

Deployment The ANZAC Memorial at Chunuk Bair

The Department of Veterans For Australians and New They had an important job to various sites and locations on Affairs contracted the NSW Zealanders, too, 25 April—the do, and as the NSW RFS does, the peninsula which included RFS to provide up to 30 anniversary of the landings the volunteers undertook a Anzac Cove, Beach Cemetery, volunteers to participate in now known as ANZAC range of roles to help things Shrapnel Valley, Mimosa Oto activities supporting Anzac Day Day—is considered a defning go smoothly and safely. Park and the Southern Entrance 2018 commemorations at the moment in their history. They supported visitors and and Lone Pine. Gallipoli Campaign Historical Australian and New Zealand Security at the sites is the Site in the Republic of Turkey. In response to the request for offcers at the memorial responsibility of the Turkish Specifcally, the activities were support from the Department service, welcoming and authorities who provide to support the Dawn Service of Veterans Affairs, the guiding visitors and helping considerable military, and the Australian Memorial NSW RFS put out a call with coach registration. Jandarma, police and Service at Lone Pine. for Expressions of Interest (EOI). The EOI was designed The teams were tasked with medical assistance to the The Gallipoli Peninsula, known to identify appropriately monitoring and assisting those commemorations each year. as Gelibolu, was the site of qualifed members with the visitors to the site who were Each of the teams had at least the Battle of Gallipoli, or the one member with Critical life experience to be able high risk or who had high Dardanelles Campaign between Incident Support Service to cope in outdoor remote needs or with limited mobility 17 February 1915 and 9 January (CISS) training. As a prelude environments overnight and in case they became unwell 1916. The Allies launched a to the tasks at the site, the be able to successfully engage or needed help. They handed naval attack followed by an out information packs at site rather jet-lagged members amphibious landing on the with visitors of all ages and all were treated to a full day tour walks of life. entrances, and assisted with peninsula. With the naval attack visitor movements to, on and of the ancient cities of Troy repelled after eight months’ For those members fortunate around the Gallipoli Peninsula and Assos. And, after their fghting and enormous casualty enough to be chosen during the commemorative duties were completed at the rates on both side, the land from EOI, this was a very period. The role for those commemorative sites, the campaign was abandoned and special deployment for a deployed was a practical one, teams enjoyed a tour of the the invasion force withdrawn host of reasons: they were one that was very much about island of Bozcaada before to Egypt. representing the NSW RFS; serving the needs of the visitors fying back home. The campaign was the only representing their country; rather than attending the The deployment could not major Ottoman victory of the commemorating fallen service themselves. The teams have gone ahead without war and in Turkey is regarded soldiers; working with the were on site working from the the fnancial support of as a defning moment welcoming Turkish people and evening of the 24th through Mastercom, a silver sponsor of in the nation’s history. assisting the community. to the afternoon of 25 April at the deployment team.

18 BUSH FIREbulletin // NEWS Walking past the trenches was the time I really connected with Gallipoli. After over 100 years the marks of war are still evident. In many ways it’s similar to walking through a fre ground after a fre is out. The scars and history is still there but the noise and fear is gone. Thomas Hogg

In the words of Brian Graham died so needlessly. . . such a (“BJ”), the Gallipoli Team waste”. Co-ordinator, “this incredible team sets the bar very high, Some of the members took it will be diffcult to replicate time out to visit the graves of the camaraderie, spirit, love their relatives. Gay Willis had and support that this team promised her grandmother that displayed throughout the one day she would honour her deployment.” ancestors there, so she was Gallipoli has a special place grateful for “the opportunity for Australians, especially so to honour and farewell” her for those with relatives who forebears at Gallipoli. fought there, some of whom She says that with “so many are buried there. unidentifed soldiers, I found For the members who were it overwhelming, I felt as if deployed, it was an emotional all those poor souls were still experience. Donna Brotherson there watching us”. recalled an offcial reminding them that wherever they Brigade members often talk walked around Lone Pine they about their brigade as their Gay Willis says of the group Jet-lagged they might have were walking over the bodies other family, often enough that who went to Gallipoli, you are been, and long hours spent of our soldiers. it can feel clichéd. But it is true “working with people you have fulflling their tasks, but to She said “just below you are and those relationships are known for only a couple of hear their comments you can all of those young men—sons, built on the camaraderie and days, but everyone’s training tell that doing the job brought brothers, lovers, friends, who teamwork that grows when kicks in and it’s like we’d been this diverse group of members never stood a chance and you work side by side. doing it together forever”. together.

Top right: ANZAC Day commemoration at Lone Pine. NSW RFS volunteers wearing red shirts in the foreground. Below right: The NSW RFS Gallipoli Deployment team 2018 BUSH FIREbulletin // NEWS 19 A frequent comment was the They said it… “...as an ex serving Australian thanks given to the Turkish “That frst day, standing at Army Medic, visiting the grave people, who continue to Beach Cemetery was truly of John Simpson Kirkpatrick welcome Australian and New life changing…This was a and standing in the footsteps Zealand visitors year after stunningly beautiful location of the ANZAC diggers in the year. One member of the remains of the original Australian group comments that she and then you turn and look was “humbled by the love and at the headstones, so many trenches at The Nek stood out kindness the Turkish people headstones of young men as two of the most poignant show in caretaking such who were really just kids… I moments. I never imagined hallowed ground”. have struggled over the last when I joined the RFS nearly To represent your Lesley Smith acknowledged month to reconcile the sheer 15 years ago that it would one country, the “the openness and warmth of beauty with the sheer horror day take me to the other side the Turkish people who had and tragedy that occurred on of the world to take part in NSW RFS and experienced such great losses that very spot.” commemorating what is such a of their own”. Donna Brotherson signifcant event in our country’s pay my respect to history. I’m truly proud and “Finding Reg Duke’s grave those fallen, what a Above: ANZAC and Turkish grateful to have been involved trenches recreated in the nearby was pretty special to me in what will hopefully become a great honour.” town of Eceabat. then giving his nephew some long legacy of RFS involvement sprigs of rosemary from the in ANZAC commemorations at Condy Kwan two planted at either end of Gallipoli.” the headstone and a photo as Ryan Clarkson MASTERCOM was the Silver well when I got home made Sponsor of NSW RFS Gallipoli “I found some graves from Deployment 2018 me feel pretty honoured to have had this opportunity. Pop’s regiment and could Lest we forget.” only imagine the heartbreak Wayne Connors he must have gone through.” [Kylie’s grandfather survived and returned to settle in Victoria.] Kylie Ledger

20 BUSH FIREbulletin // NEWS BUSH FIREbulletin // SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS 21 Fire incidents involving electric There are more electric and petrol/electric hybrid vehicles on our roads, which will see a rise in the likelihood that NSW RFS members will need to safely manage incidents in which they’re involved.

Electric vehicles are now If there is a likelihood that with only a small “Hybrid” Hazards being sold in Australia from people may be trapped and/ badge to differentiate the manufacturers as diverse as or injured, immediately tell electric version from the petrol Always assume that all high- Tesla, Holden, Volvo, Toyota FIRECOM that rescue, police version (in the same way that voltage components of an and Mitsubishi. and ambulance services are LPG-powered vehicles have electric or hybrid vehicle are required, while providing frst only a small red diamond on live. Some manufacturers The increase in numbers of aid and assistance wherever the number plate). Therefore, advise that when fre is LPG-fuelled cars on our roads involved, consider the entire necessary. frefghters must not assume over the last decade has seen vehicle to be live. Never that vehicles at an incident frefghters adjust incident attempt to breach a high- only have traditional petrol or size-ups to consider whether Characteristics of electric voltage battery casing. Do not diesel engines. “routine” car fre calls may in vehicles touch orange, yellow or blue fact be gas fres with Boiling Electric vehicles run silently. cables. Electric vehicles may be Liquid Expanding Vapour The absence of traditional powered solely by a large Fires in electric vehicles Explosion (BLEVE) risk. engine sound does not battery, or by a combination may be in the vehicle body indicate that the vehicle’s In the same way, frefghters of a petrol engine and battery. impacting the battery or in the systems are not running. need to understand the Either way, the battery battery itself. Both NiMH and characteristics, hazards and remains a common feature. Every electric and hybrid Li-Ion batteries affected by fre frefghting considerations vehicle model differs in battery can produce toxic smoke and Vehicles may contain two associated with electric size and location, the running fumes. Breathing apparatus batteries: a low voltage 12v vehicles to ensure that safe of high voltage cables, and the should be worn; if not lead-acid battery similar to and effective frefghting is location of battery isolation available, frefghters should those found in traditionally- carried out. points. Firefghters should stay well clear of the vehicle. fuelled vehicles to power familiarise themselves with This article will not cover the auxiliary systems and a large Electric battery systems run emergency response guides to generic safety and frefghting high-voltage DC battery on Direct Current (DC). DC various vehicles, available on considerations common to (between 270v–400v) to current cannot be detected by manufacturers’ websites. all motor vehicle incidents power the drivetrain. High- AC current detectors (such as (such as scene safety and voltage batteries can be High-voltage batteries may modiewarks), so do not rely on hose/branch use), but will nickel metal hydride (NiMH) require extensive cooling to be detector readings. focus on the factors that or lithium ion (Li-Ion) types. rendered safe from potential Electric vehicle fres may occur frefghters must be aware Firefghters may be unable reignition; manufacturers when the vehicle is charging of when dealing with electric to identify electric and hybrid agree that water is a suitable and connected to an AC vehicles. Remember, the vehicles on sight. Many extinguishing and cooling charge point. These fres are NSW RFS role at vehicle vehicles have visually similar agent, but large volumes may to be managed as per other incidents is fre protection. bodies (eg Toyota Camry) be required for some time. fres involving electricity.

22 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE and hybrid motor vehicles By Inspector Dan Meijer, NSW RFS Operational Doctrine and Standards

High voltage FIRECOM. Electric vehicle vehicle and conduct defensive fres require substantial frefghting, allowing the batteries affected volumes of water to cool battery to burn out while batteries for some time. protecting exposures. P2 by fre can emit masks and similar devices do toxic smoke and Rescue not provide protection against toxic fumes. fumes. Full PPC Immobilise and disable the Example of badging that identifes vehicle if possible. Rolled Water should be applied to a hybrid petrol/electric vehicle. and breathing canvas hose lengths can be the battery well after the fre appears to be extinguished. Overhaul apparatus should used as improvised wheel chocks. If possible, put the This may require up to 10,000 Ensure vehicle is completely litres of water. In particular, vehicle into “Park” and if immobilised. Use a thermal be worn for Li-Ion batteries may reignite if applicable, turn off vehicle imaging camera (TIC) to not suffciently cooled. There frefghting. power at the “Stop/Start” identify hotspots and evaluate must be no fre or smoke in the button. battery temperature trends. battery for at least one hour SRS airbags and seatbelt Suppression before a vehicle is handed over Use tools with insulated tensioning devices may retain to a recovery service. handles, and always assume the The accepted frefghting current for some time even A damaged NiMH battery presence of an electrical risk. technique to extinguish an after a battery is isolated. that has its case breached electric vehicle fre is to use Ensure batteries are may emit a caustic alkaline a fast aggressive offensive suffciently cooled before solution. This is extremely Approach and Arrival attack to extinguish fre in the handing vehicles over to unlikely to occur, but if it vehicle body, to reduce fre recovery personnel and warn Consider wind direction to does, advise FIRECOM of keep vehicles and frefghters impact on the high voltage them of potential reignition. battery. Hazmat presence and request clear of toxic smoke from attendance of FRNSW. vehicle fres. High voltage batteries affected Conclusion Positive-pressure ventilation As soon as you identify that by fre can emit toxic smoke Given that it is not clear when and fumes. Full PPC and fans and water streams can an electric vehicle is involved be used to direct smoke approaching a vehicle on with fre, immediately locate breathing apparatus should be fre what fuel type it uses, worn for frefghting. away from frefghters, a water supply. If hydrants other emergency crews and members should always be are not available, immediately If breathing apparatus is not bystanders. ready to encounter electric or request the attendance available, frefghters should alternative fuel vehicles and of additional tankers from stay clear of the affected proceed accordingly.

BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURE 23 NOT WHAT WE EXPECTED Crews confronted a fre in a shipping container with little knowledge of its dangerous contents.

By Andrew Macdonald, Group Captain, Macarthur Zone

Around midday on 7 May, three Among the crews were two to open the end doors of the container didn’t need to be RFS crews with Cat 1 tankers CABA -qualifed RFS members shipping container. It was manually emptied to ensure fre were mopping up a roadside who quickly donned breathing fortunate that the doors were at extinguishment. grassfre in south west Sydney apparatus and commenced the opposite end of where the There is no doubt that valuable when a local resident notifed direct attack. The other two main fre was seated, which was information from a neighbour them of a burning shipping brigades ensured an adequate primarily outside the container. and some luck led to a far container on a nearby property. water supply was established. When these doors were opened safer outcome than may Electricity to the shipping crews were confronted with have otherwise resulted. Just The crews arrived on scene container was identifed and numerous boxes and drums about three minutes later to fnd something else to add to the isolated at the main residence. of loaded shotgun shells and long list of unknown hazards a 12 -metre shipping container Crews considered, but ultimately a number of large drums of we all potentially face when and surrounding area alight. rejected, the idea of using a gunpowder. attending structural fres. The property owner was not quick cut saw to gain access to A CAFS (Compressed Air at home, but a concerned the shipping container, given it Foam System) tanker was neighbour provided some helpful was unknown what hazardous requested from FRNSW. This intelligence when he mentioned or dangerous items were inside. specialised tanker carries that the shipping container The shipping container had 9,500 litres of water which can Top left: The shipping container might contain live ammunition. rusted through in places which be automatically mixed with and surrounding items ablaze. Based on this information the allowed frefghters some limited foam. Crews flled the shipping Bottom left: NSW RFS incident controller requested access to reduce the intensity container with foam, ultimately frefghters gain entry to the the attendance of Fire & Rescue of the fre burning within the cooling and suffocating the fre. container. Right: A drum NSW (FRNSW) for the provision container. In consultation with The added advantage of this displaying just a portion of the of technical advice. FRNSW a decision was made strategy was that the shipping shipping container’s contents.

24 BUSH FIREbulletin // INCIDENTS New NSW RFS Brigade Constitution takes effect

From 1 July 2018, the new NSW RFS constitution automatically covers all brigades.

The new brigade constitution follows one of the most extensive consultation processes in the Service’s Glen Elgin Brigade, in the Northern history, and more recently road Tablelands, conduct their testing with brigades to ensure AGM in the open air. Photo by it will work. Bronwyn Waters, District Coordinator Every brigade needs a constitution and the new The new constitution refects Is this just more administration for What is new? constitution will help streamline those changes and helps the sake of it? the management of brigades, ensure that brigades are Here are some of the issues This change to the constitution while also ensuring the brigade operating within the law. It covered in the new constitution: has actually come about can customise it to maintain helps protect members if because of listening to • Simplifed membership something goes wrong by, their local identity and rules. members’ feedback across the categories for example, providing clarity To assess whether your brigade state and through extensive • Requirements for safety about membership. In an wants to make any changes, consultation. training extreme circumstance, it may you’ll fnd the information you become critical in the event Brigades want the autonomy • Establishing quorums which need on MyRFS or from your somebody is injured, to seek to make brigade rules that suit suit the brigade, and the district offce. clarity on whether they were their circumstances. It’s also use of technology to attend Here are a few quick Q & As to volunteering at the time. because we want to ensure meetings get you started. that all members are legally • Providing fnancial guidance The new constitution also protected. and protection, such as provides more scope for Why does my brigade need a new volunteers to manage the having a common fnancial What is the easiest way for us to year across the state to meet constitution? way they run their brigades. implement the new constitution? For instance, a small far government requirements In the 20 years since the western brigade might have The easiest way is to do NSW RFS was established different features and needs nothing. The new constitution But what if the new constitution the Service and its members’ from a brigade with a larger automatically came into effect doesn’t suit us? Can we change it roles and responsibilities have membership base. on 1 July 2018. and what kinds of things can we changed signifcantly, as have change? the laws under which we So while a brigade constitution This gives brigades a safety operate – such as tax deductible may seem like a necessary but net—if anything goes wrong, There is a standard constitution donations, work health and not frequently used document, the new constitution will apply. that automatically applies to all safety, and compensation in it is one of the most important brigades, but individual brigades case of accidents. documents for a brigade. continued page 28

BUSH FIREbulletin // CONSTITUTION 25 NSW RFS New Constitution

26 BUSH FIREbulletin // CONSTITUTION Member Classifications

BUSH FIREbulletin // CONSTITUTION 27 < Continued from page 25 and decide on the quorum for members are encouraged to on any brigade rules for your also have lots of opportunities AGMs. In the new constitution, think through the brigade’s constitution, they need to be to create Brigade Rules and the default number is 15 percent needs and create brigade rules reviewed by the district. Standing Orders that suit them. of members, but you can make so the constitution will best suit it more if your brigade chooses. your individual brigade’s needs. Submit the constitution and There are 17 areas in the brigade rules to be posted on constitution where your brigade The terms of offce and voting of feld or administrative MyRFS, so that they’re in a can customise the constitution How do we go about reviewing the offcers can be varied. Brigades place where all members can using Brigade Rules, ranging constitution? What does it involve? have various procedures for refer to them. from voting processes to who nomination of offcers and Make a brigade rule by holding can vote for roles in the brigade. Remember if you need to establish different voting a brigade meeting. Advise In addition, you can also create methods (frst past the post/ members at least 21 days prior assistance, there are templates, Brigade Standing Orders. These secret ballot or show of hands/ to the meeting of the motion information packs and videos can cover basic rules about the who can vote). Again, there is to make a brigade rule. Vote available on MyRFS or from running and maintenance of the a default, one year for every on the brigade rule, 75 percent your district offce that can station, or rules about attending position, but members might of ordinary members at the guide you in your discussions. training sessions. vote to change this duration. meeting have to agree for the https://www.myrfs.nsw.gov.au/ brigade rule to be adopted. Your brigade can decide on The thing to stress is that it’s InfoAbout/BrigadeManagement/ criteria for life membership your constitution, so brigade After your brigade has voted NewBrigadeConstitution.aspx

22-23 SEPTEMBER 2018 4 SIMPLE STEPS TO PREPARE FOR BUSH FIRE

Know what you and your family will do if bush Keep the key contact numbers and websites fire threatens your home. on hand, such as: Have a plan. Emergency Triple Zero (000) Bush Fire Information Line: 1. DISCUSS 4. KEEP 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737) NSW Rural Fire Service Website: Get your home ready for bush fire season. rfs.nsw.gov.au Fire Danger Ratings: rfs.nsw.gov.au/fdr Check www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan for the 5 actions to make your home safer. ‘Fires Near Me’ Free smartphone app Local radio, TV and newspapers 2. PREPARE facebook.com/nswrfs twitter.com/nswrfs Be mindful of the bush fire alert levels. You will find these on the NSW RFS website, on the radio and in the ‘Fires Near Me’ app. 3. KNOW

www.rfs.nsw.gov.au 28 BUSH FIREbulletin // VOLUNTEERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT YOUR HEALTH MATTERS AT THE NSW RFS

Over the past 10 months the NSW RFS has been implementing a health promotion program called Your Health Matters (YHM) to provide health support and education for members.

You might have seen the YHM The YHM program supports with stress, guides to sun safety Quarterly Packs, which contain NSW RFS members in achieving and dealing with back, knee, posters and information, or and maintaining optimal health neck and shoulder pain. have attended face to face and ftness for their roles so The focuses of the YHM Plan presentations or undertaken they are able to provide world 2018–19, which you might health checks or utilised online standard community-based fre have seen on myRFS, include platforms. and emergency services. healthy eating and support for The Your Health Matters Some of the areas of health and catering brigades, increased other initiatives via our online (YHM) program is providing wellbeing that the YHM program communication of IMSAFER, platforms and MyRFS at free 20-minute face to face or have focused on include, keeping and the Mental Health Plan https://bit.ly/2KidQsR. online health checks to all of our hydrated, dealing with sleep 2018–2023. Any questions or queries please members across the state. issues, monitoring your sugar Look out for the YHM Packs contact our Wellbeing Specialist intake, recognising and coping delivered to your Brigade and [email protected].

ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES SUGAR: 8 TIPS TO HELP MANAGE STRESS

Published April, 2018 THE BITTER TRUTH Published April, 2018

1 Take breaks from the stressors 6 Sleep Whether it’s a holiday, a walk out of the office or 7+ hours of sleep a night is essential for recovery. The World Health switching off the emails for an hour, it is essential we Non-pharmocological sleep therapy simply involves Organisation recommends On average, give ourselves time to recover from stress. getting into a routine, getting up at the same time every consuming less than* Australians eat^ OVER A LIFETIME THIS EQUALS day, and ensuring that your limbs cool off as bed time 2 Keep things in perspective gets close. Letting your limbs cool off prepares your Even when facing very painful events, try to consider body for sleep, so make sure you don’t exercise or have the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a a hot bath close to bedtime. 2.6 TONNE long-term perspective. Try to avoid blowing the event of out of proportion. 7 Make connections SUGAR Good relationships with close family members, friends 3 Move or others are important. Accepting help and support Humans are designed to be active. Movement stimulates from those who care about you and can listen to you TEASPOONS6 2 TEASPOONS0 strengthens your resilience. Per day Per day the brain and body and is essential for good health. (ABOUT THE WEIGHT OF A MALE HIPPO) Getting active is energising and needs to be a part of every day. 8 Accept that change is a part of living Certain goals may no longer be attainable as a result of 4 Smile and laugh adverse situations. Accepting circumstances that can’t Our brains are interconnected with our emotions and be changed can help you focus on circumstances that facial expressions. Don’t be afraid to smile or laugh as you can alter. this can help relieve some of that tension and improve the situation. * Maximum intake of 12 teaspoons (50 grams) per day. Based on WHAT IS STRESS? updated World Health Organisation

5 Make space Simply put anything that stops you from guidelines released in March 2015 Spend some time away from technology. Create a for adults and children to reduce being relaxed, makes your blood boil, their daily intake of free sugars to Aim for 10g or technology free room in your house. Take time out in heart beat fast or gives you a fright. less than 10% of their total energy less of sugar your favourite scenic spot. intake. A further reduction to per 100g serving. below 5% or roughly 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day would provide NUMBERS YOU NSW RFS CISS Beyond Blue Black Dog Lifeline Sane Australia additional health benefits. SHOULD KNOW and Chaplaincy 1300 22 4636 Institute 13 11 14 1800 187 263 ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics 2012 1800 049 933 9382 4530

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To find out more about Your Health Matters, log into MyRFS and go towww.myrfs.nsw.gov.au/InfoAbout/SafetyandWelfare/YourHealthMatters.aspx To find out more about Your Health Matters, log on to MyRFS and go towww.myrfs.nsw.gov.au/InfoAbout/SafetyandWelfare/YourHealthMatters.aspx

BUSH FIREbulletin // MEMBER’S HEALTH 29 ACEFA CONFERENCE 2018 For the frst time the Australian Community Engagement and Fire Awareness Conference was hosted at Coffs Harbour, in Region North. Almost 450 delegates attended, including members of external agencies such as FRNSW, VRA, NSW SES, Tasmania Fire Service, CFA, CFS, QFES and Fire and Emergency NZ.

The theme of this year’s with indigenous people, elders, dances, to experiencing a Wajaarr Rangers in Bruxner conference was “Our People, traditional owners, Local cultural burn, to Mark Ella’s Park Flora Reserve and learnt Our Community” with a focus Aboriginal Land Councils, and address on the fnal afternoon about cool burn techniques and on developing NSW RFS NSW RFS members. of the conference (above right), traditional practices. indigenous leaders generously members and giving them A number of attendees at gave their time and knowledge. SCHOOL COMMUNITIES the tools to engage with the ACEFA commented how Indigenous fre practitioner and communities they protect. welcoming it was feeling The NSW RFS recognise flmmaker Victor Steffensen The conference was focussed the presence of indigenous how important children are from North Queensland on identifying the complex members across the entire to starting and continuing (below) presented so that factors that infuence our conference. From the the conversation about delegates could learn about the communities’ responses to opening night when Uncle bush fre preparations and key features of cultural burning bush fre, identifying those who Mark Flanders addressed the community resilience. The knowledge and the differences are most at risk and creating delegates with a Welcome NSW Government has that distinguish it from the initiatives that resonate with to Country and introduced acknowledged this in the western understanding of fre. them more deeply to drive the local Gumbaynggirr Mob school curriculum; years 5 positive behavioural change. who performed a smoking Some delegates attended the and 6 now must study the We often see the signs ceremony and spectacular cultural burn led by Darrunda impact of bush fre on people, of a resilient community when a major fre threatens. This resilience is in part a result of our volunteers keeping engaged with their communities to ensure they are prepared to face the inevitable fre when it comes. This year’s conference focussed on engaging with specifc at-risk communities and saw the launch of the frst research-led strategies for engaging indigenous, school and farming communities. INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES The indigenous engagement strategy aims to deliver a program of activities and supporting resources that reduce the risk of fre and other emergencies on indigenous communities. These will be developed and implemented in collaboration and partnership

30 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT places and the environment. and minimising their impact preparedness and resilience Pappinbarra community’s The schools community on farming communities. is an effective approach to experience of bush fre and engagement strategy aims to Assistant Commissioner Jason community engagement. The rebuilding. deliver a program of activities Heffernan introduced the Rural NSW RFS are partnered with With every major fre, there and supporting resources for Liaison Offcer (RLO) program the Foundation for Regional are opportunities to learn and school communities. These will that is designed to ensure and Rural Renewal, the Offce improve and Josh Whittaker be developed and implemented farmers’ voices are heard on of Emergency Management from the BNHCRC provided in collaboration and in fregrounds. David Curry, the and the University of Sydney information from their research partnership with teachers, RLO at the Barradine fres to develop a new Get Ready about the last fre season students, education authorities, explained how and why this Program that takes advantage professional associations and program works in practice. and supports the unique (which you can read about NSW RFS members. RLOs were deployed to strengths of each community elsewhere in this issue of the Bulletin). In many respects The Project Firestorm numerous fres across the and turns them into better state this season and received preparedness outcomes. the NSW RFS are leading the workshop at the conference way, both in our research-led gave members the opportunity positive feedback from the As well as looking at affected communities. engagement strategies and our to design Project Firestorm engagement strategies with public awareness campaigns. schools’ engagement Farming communities are these three communities, there resources aligned to teacher also very well connected, were sessions covering topics The conference also heard and student requirements. and experience high rates such as understanding risky about the community‘s of volunteering; both are behaviour in the community, changing expectations FARMING COMMUNITIES key indicators of community the National Fire Danger for information during Using local knowledge resilience. Empowering farming Rating system, planning for emergencies. People are more during rural fres is crucial communities to identify how spontaneous volunteers, and connected than ever, which to effectively fghting fres they can best develop their Lisa McLeod explaining the brings both benefts and risks should those communications platforms fail. The importance of feld liaison and people to people communications were discussed during sessions as well as the convening of a panel of Incident Controllers and Public Liaison Offcers from the past fre season. This is a focus area for the service at the moment and lessons learnt will feature in updated training resources being released for next season. Those who were able to attend the ACEFA conference and have the opportunity to expand knowledge and build networks will have found information and strategies to take back to their own brigade or unit that will help you create more meaningful and effective interactions with your community.

BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 31 Public liaison critical during hazard reductions

Community consultation is an essential component of a successful hazard reduction. By Adam Streichler, Senior Operational Communications Offcer

32 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Before the Jessica Gardens the HR, Channel 9 visited the Northern Beaches Rural Fire which increased the amount Hazard Reduction (HR) fre ground and reported on Districts, in association with of smoke in the air and this operation took place, the how crucial HR burns are for Fire & Rescue NSW and the caused an increase in the need Hornsby/Ku-ring-ai Rural Fire protecting the community and National Parks and Wildlife to ensure a strong community Brigade communicated with also featured the large joint Service came together to engagement presence,” said undertake a 109ha hazard local schools and aged care operation between all agencies Inspector Rolf Poole, District reduction in St Ives. facilities, and undertook a social involved in the HR burn. Coordinator for Hornsby / Ku- media campaign to ensure that The Jessica Gardens Hazard ring-gai Rural Fire District. residents were aware of the On Saturday 26 May 2018, Reduction was critical to “It was essential for Adam upcoming operations. During Hornsby / Ku-ring-gai and providing protection to over and his team on the day to be 220 properties as well as to visible, engaging and open to all essential electricity and road dialogue with the community, infrastructure. The HR included particularly because of the a large community interface and bushland adjacent to Mona increased activity with two HRs Vale Road, so it was essential occurring in close proximity. that a public liaison function The team found that the was included in the Incident community were incredibly Management Team structure. positive and supportive of our efforts and further appreciated Senior Deputy Captain Adam the opportunity to stop and Streichler of Westleigh Brigade talk with dedicated community was appointed Public Liaison liaisons,” Inspector Poole said. Offcer, reporting directly to the Incident Controller, and In hazard reductions, as well coordinating the community as community liaison, there is and media liaison functions planning around environmental across the fre ground. issues as well. For example, “A Public Liaison Plan for prior to a burn at St Ives the burn was established recently the public wants prior to the day, which to know that the HR will be highlighted community managed in accordance with assets, potential locations for environmental guidelines. static information points and An environmental assessment resource requirements and we is one of the frst steps in the implemented that, alongside planning process for prescribed Community Field Liaison Offcers who were mobile burns. NSW RFS works closely across the HR throughout the with other agencies and land day,” Adam said. managers prior to burning to ensure the environmental “It was essential that the matters are taken into account. community supported the Prior to a recent burn at St efforts of our crews to Ives a number of monitored undertake this important hazard possum boxes were relocated reduction, sometimes the only before the start of the burn and way to frm up their support is were returned at a later date. to be visible and available to the community during these Indigenous heritage sites were large interface burns. identifed and protected. Creek line riparian vegetation zones “In establishing a community were excluded from burning. liaison team, particularly for a Low to moderate burning hazard reduction where there techniques were employed to are legitimate community facilitate a patchy mosaic burn, concerns relating to the providing fauna with corridors protection of the environment, so they could relocate. smoke impact and other Prescribed burning operations factors, the liaison offcers need to be outgoing, willing to take months of planning and answer the tough questions we thank the community for and most importantly be a doing its part. positive representative of the Hornsby / Ku-ring-gai District Service” he said. hope to include the public “National Parks were liaison function for all large undertaking the Sphinx hazard reductions in future Hazard Reduction in North due to the success of recent Turramurra on the same day efforts and feedback from the [as the Jessica Gardens HR], community. Above: Public liaison is crucial when hazard reduction activities occur close to built up areas and infrastructure. BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS 33 Technology for predicting

The Fire Behaviour Analysis unit has been using two new technologies over Analysis unit has started using ensemble predictions of fre the past fre season to improve the monitoring and forecasting of going fres. behaviour. Rather than trying to make a best estimate of fre The frst is imagery from fres or hot ground. For large fres are not visible, particularly spread, an ensemble takes a the Himawari-8 satellite. fres, enough heat is released surface fres in forests. There large number (typically 25-100) Operational since 2015, this to make the location of the fre is also a tendency for the of predictions and combines new generation weather glow brightly in the satellite smoke column to glow in the them together to estimate satellite gathers images of images. The pixels of these images, exaggerating the size where a fre is mostly likely the entire continent every images are relatively large, 2 of a fre. Finally, hot ground in to spread but also where it ten minutes, compared x 2 km, but fres smaller than the western parts of the state might spread given the right to hourly images for the this can be seen as the heat can often reach temperatures conditions. Each prediction previous satellite. Himawari–8 they release can raise the that make it appear as though within the ensemble differs is operated by the Japan temperature of the pixel above the whole state is on fre, slightly from all the others in Meteorological Agency. Data is that of the surrounding pixels. with the fre signal lost in the terms of the fre location, the provided to the NSW Rural Fire weather forecast used, and Fire band images are useful for background heat. Service (RFS) via the Bureau of the fuels burned, to take into locating fres and monitoring The NSW RFS is working Meteorology just 15 minutes account the fact that there are their behaviour. For remote with university partners at after collection, allowing near- always uncertainties about fres it has often been possible the Bushfre and Natural real time monitoring of fres these important inputs into the to locate fres that are distant Hazards Cooperative Research and smoke columns. fre spread prediction. from tracks or land marks by Centre to develop methods The NSW RFS make use of two their signature in the satellite to improve the information Because many individual kinds of images. The frst are image. For major fres the we get from the Himawari-8 predictions are required for an visible light images, like a lower images have been used to images, including reducing ensemble, this method is used resolution aerial photograph track the intensity of fres as the fre detection resolution only for computer simulations with 1 km pixels, which allow they escalate and moderate to 500 metres and better made using the Phoenix fre us to track smoke plumes during the course of the day, distinguishing hot ground from simulator. from bush fres and prescribed or to track the effect of a wind going fres. The Phoenix fre prediction tool burns, as well as tracking the change as it moves across the works by analysing relevant movement of storms and cold fre ground. Ensemble fre prediction data such as point of fre fronts. The second are the There are of course some ignition, weather conditions, so-called “fre band” images To better understand the limitations too. The large pixel topography and start time to which are sensitive to heat potential for new fres to size means that some small make predictions of fre spread. released by things such as spread, the Fire Behaviour

34 BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURES It also takes into account Fire Behaviour Analysis, Over the past fre season over known exactly, or “breakout moisture content, fuel load and usually within fve minutes 500,000 automated predictions scenarios” used when a fre vegetation types drawn from of the fre being logged. This were made. which is behind containment state-wide fuel maps. Phoenix allows a quick appraisal of The Fire Behaviour Analysis lines has the potential to spot also predicts fying embers the potential of the fre and unit can also make ensemble out of control but the location which can start spot fres ahead assists the Supervisor to triage predictions for use by Incident of the breakout can only be of fre fronts. incidents and assign them to anticipated approximately. Fire Behaviour Analysts for Management Teams, which As soon as a fre incident is more in-depth predictions. are provided with interpretation Please contact the Fire reported, a quick ensemble With manual predictions taking of probabilistic outputs. These Behaviour Analysis team if you’d prediction for the next 24 hours around an hour to complete, include “gridded ignitions” like more information on fre is made and displayed in a and dozens of fres starting which vary the location of the prediction products for Incident web page for the Supervisor on a busy day, triage is vital. fre when its location is not Management Teams.

Below: A Himawari-8 fre band image of NSW showing areas of active fre, coloured yellow and red. Cooler cloud tops and smoke plumes show up as light-grey. Left: The result of an ensemble fre prediction for a newly reported fre. Red areas are predicted to burn in all simulations while orange and yellow areas are less likely to burn. The prediction does not take into account suppression efforts. Screenshots supplied by Stuart Matthews.

By Stuart Matthews, fre behaviour Senior Fire Behaviour Analyst

BUSH FIREbulletin // FEATURES 35 Research gives insight into community bushfre response By Dr Josh Whittaker, Bushfre and Natural Hazards CRC and the University of Wollongong and Dr Mel Taylor, Bushfre and Natural Hazards CRC and Macquarie University.

In January and February 2017, New South Wales faced some of the worst Participants expressed a preference for highly bushfre conditions ever forecast for the state, including Catastrophic fre localised information. Survey danger ratings for many communities. respondents most often identifed the “Fires Near Me” smartphone application and During this time, a number The Carwoola fre destroyed THE FIRES website as their most useful of large and damaging fres 11 houses around 20km south The Currandooley fre was information source. occurred, but fortunately no east of Canberra. It was caused human lives were lost during caused by a bird making by sparks coming from a metal “Fires Near Me” was seen the worst of the conditions. contact with a high voltage cutting wheel, and burnt under as easy to understand (88 Following the fres, the New powerline and landing in dry Severe fre danger conditions. per cent), useful (82 per cent) South Wales Rural Fire Service grass. Under Severe fre danger and suffciently localised (76 (NSW RFS) commissioned conditions, the fre destroyed a The research involved interviews per cent). Two-thirds felt the the Bushfre and Natural house, sheds and two vehicles. (113) with affected residents, information was up-to-date. Hazards CRC (BNHCRC) Around 200 sheep and cattle and an online survey completed Interviewees commonly to conduct research into were lost. by 549 people threatened or expressed strong support and a community preparedness and affected by bushfres throughout high degree of satisfaction with the responses by affected The Sir Ivan fre ignited from NSW in 2017. the “Fires Near Me”. lightning strikes near Leadville, communities. Landline telephone warnings and burnt under Catastrophic The research involved WHAT THE RESEARCH FOUND were more often seen as fre danger conditions, interviews with people useful when compared to Information and warnings affected by the Currandooley, destroying 35 houses, over SMS warnings, (78 and 67 per Sir Ivan and Carwoola fres, 50,000 hectares of land and A majority of survey cent), up to date (72 and 66 and an online survey of many agricultural assets such respondents found warnings per cent) and timely (68 and residents in bushfre risk areas as livestock, fences, pasture easy to understand, up-to-date 66 per cent). Nevertheless, throughout NSW. and machinery. and useful. survey respondents most

36 BUSH FIREbulletin // RESEARCH often identifed SMS as their When asked what they would Most interviewees affected by before getting ready to defend preferred mode for delivery do next time they received a the Currandooley and Carwoola themselves or confrm the of warnings. Limited mobile message about Catastrophic fres praised the efforts of need to leave. This behaviour phone coverage, particularly in fre danger, 12 per cent of frefghters and did not expect presents opportunities for the Sir Ivan and Currandooley survey respondents said they to receive personal frefghting emergency service personnel fres, meant that some people would leave before there is a support. Residents in Carwoola to meet people at a time when did not receive SMS warnings. fre and 24 per cent said they were particularly cognisant of they are seeking and receptive the limits of support from fre would wait until a fre started, to information and advice. Catastrophic Fire Danger agencies, a message that had warnings then leave. Twenty-seven per cent reported that they would been clearly communicated by While there is strong After the 2009 Black Saturday get ready to stay and defend, the local brigade over time. appreciation for the danger fres in Victoria, the fre while nearly a quarter said they Some interviewees affected of fres under Catastrophic danger warnings were revised would wait for a fre before by the Sir Ivan fre were more conditions, there is a need to nationally and “Catastrophic” deciding what to do. critical of the frefghting more clearly communicate the was introduced as the highest response. Criticisms were risks posed by fres burning Interviews with people level of fre danger. This was varied but centred on the under non-Catastrophic affected by the Carwoola and only the second time large perceived lack of frefghting in Currandooley fres suggest that conditions. Such messages population centres in NSW had the agricultural lands between some people underappreciate could be incorporated into been subject to Catastrophic Leadville and Cassilis. community education and fre danger ratings since their the risks to life and property on engagement resources, as well introduction. days that are not Catastrophic. Some saw the fre service as overly bureaucratic and risk as emergency warnings and Eighty-eight per cent of survey In contrast, some interviewees averse. These criticisms refect information. respondents considered affected by the Sir Ivan fre a mismatch in expectations There is a need to more clearly Catastrophic fre danger did not anticipate the size or and should be viewed in the warnings to be easy to severity of the fre, despite context of a large, destructive communicate the limits to understand, 83 per cent forewarning of the Catastrophic bushfre that burnt under response capacity. In addition found them timely and 78 per fre danger they would Catastrophic conditions, where to limitations due to resource cent found them useful. The experience. Many felt that they there was limited operational constraints, which are generally research shows that some were prepared to respond to capacity or opportunity to well-understood by the public, people may underestimate the smaller fres, which were more deal with such fres due to there is potential for enhanced risks to life and property if the common in the area. dangerous conditions. communication about the fre danger is not Catastrophic. Public expectations Conclusion dangers large and fast-moving Receipt of an offcial warning of fre services fres pose to frefghters and This research is now being that it can be too dangerous for about Catastrophic fre danger used by the NSW RFS to put It is generally well understood direct attack on the fre front. prompted survey respondents that there are resource in place new processes to to discuss the threat with constraints during major better liaise with communities Find out more about this family, friends or neighbours fres (e.g. “there are not during major fre events, as research at: bnhcrc.com.au/ (63 per cent) and look for enough fre trucks for every well as to further strengthen its publications/2017nswbushfres information about bushfres in property”). However, there approach to public information their area (62 per cent). is less appreciation of the through websites, smartphone Equal proportions began operational constraints of large applications and face-to-face preparing to defend or leave and dangerous fres, and that communication. Left: The aftermath of the Sir Ivan (39 per cent) and a smaller often it can be too dangerous The research confrms the fre in February 2017. proportion (12 per cent) left for for frefghters to directly attack tendency for people to wait Bottom: An aerial shot of the a place of safety. the fre front. and observe the fre directly Sir Ivan bush fre.

BUSH FIREbulletin // RESEARCH 37 Choosing the right message to keep people safe The way the NSW RFS educates and engages the community on fre safety has changed over the years to a modern, research-based approach of raising awareness and changing behaviour.

The NSW RFS has seen the research and the insights from advertising by the Service, Then, following the fres value in public awareness people who have lived through which has seen a huge shift of 2013, research was campaigns for many decades – bush fres. in the levels of planning and conducted in areas like the even from the days of the Bush The NSW RFS commenced preparation in the community. Blue Mountains, Southern Fire Council. Over the past its frst signifcant and modern Highlands, Coonabarabran and century, fre safety messages Research at the end of the public awareness campaign Port Stephens. One of the key featured characters like campaign found that while the in 2009, following the Black highlights of this research was Smoky the Koala and war-time majority of people knew they Saturday bush fres in Victoria. that while people appreciated messages of defending the should have a bush fre plan, With the introduction of new the risk of fre to the area in nation from the threat of fre. bush fre danger ratings, alert most would put it off, thinking which they lived, they didn’t Today, fre safety campaigns levels, and the development a fre wouldn’t happen to them. personalise the risk of fre. have become more of the new Bush Fire Survival It was from this insight that Through the personalisation of sophisticated and targeted – Plan, there was a need to the “Planning to make a plan fre, the “I Am Fire” campaign moving from general messages quickly communicate these is not a plan” campaign was was developed. about the general risk of fre changes to the community. developed. The campaign Now, the campaign has across the landscape, to using It started a new approach to commenced in 2012. concluded – and since the

38 BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Left: Graph showing overall percentage of increase of number of people with a Bush Fire Survival Plan in place since March 2010. Bottom: Advertising posters over the last century.

inception of targeted public minority – now, you’re in the of improving the quality The campaign will be awareness campaigns over the minority if you haven’t planned. of people’s planning and supported by specialist preparation. community engagement past decade, people’s level of “However, we know the job tools, including an updated bush fre planning has risen isn’t done yet. We know that if “If the majority of people have MyFirePlan.com.au website, from around 30 percent in 2010 you scratch the surface, people at least thought about what to and will tie in with this year’s to 69 percent in early 2018. often haven’t thought through do, let’s get them to question Get Ready Weekend on 22 “We’ve now hit a turning point their plan properly, such as whether they’ve really thought and 23 September. in the way we communicate when they’ll leave, what they’ll it through”. fre risk to the community,” take, or what they’ll do with From September, you can explains Anthony Clark, animals. That’s the big focus expect to see the new Director of Corporate moving forward”. campaign on television, social Communications. A new campaign is in media, in newspapers, on “A decade ago, if you had development for the 2018–19 radio and outdoors – asking thought about what to do fre season and beyond, the question “How Fireproof Is during a fre, you were in the focusing on the concept Your Plan?”.

BUSH FIREbulletin // COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 39 At your service…

In the centre of the NSW Rural Fire Service headquarters sits our very own library, which holds over 10,000 books, reports, DVDs and journals, and all are available for you to use. The library is staffed by a full-time librarian who builds and maintains the library collection and is there to assist you with your library queries.

The collection has grown over WHO USES THE LIBRARY? Some requests are straight subscriptions to online journals, digital magazines and eBooks. the years from focusing on Our number of users have forward, but others require However, physical books are still our bush fre history, training grown as well. We now our librarian to research very popular and our collection resources and incidents to have over 2,000 registered across numerous sources to of books is growing. To assist now providing members with borrowers. NSW RFS provide reference material to users to get information easily, a broad range of resources. members are not our only answer users’ queries. In the the library built a new website in There is material readily library users. More and more last year the library had over 2014. The website is accessible available on mental health and people are learning about 3,000 requests for information to the public, so there is no need physical wellbeing, leadership the library and we actively including topics such as: the to log on to MyRFS to use it. and management, ecology and promote it to the public. The effects of smoke on agricultural businesses; decision making The website is a one-stop site meteorology, mapping, adult library now receives requests under stress; emergency for fnding items in our online education and emergency externally from both individuals services exercise planning; catalogue, requesting loans, management. and organisations, such as government departments, offce and building design; looking at online magazines and As a member of the NSW RFS, education centres ranging weather and climate change; keeping up to date on what’s you can borrow from the library from universities, secondary and national and international new to borrow in the library. On free of charge. The library pays schools, primary schools right fre incidents. The library also the website you will also fnd the postage, and includes reply through to childcare centres. helps with information for links to useful websites for topics paid envelopes, to send books The librarian is regularly brigades who are celebrating such as inquiries and coronial or articles across the country contacted by researchers anniversaries. inquests, fre and emergency to meet the loan requests from working with emergency sites, and the NCC Construction our members. Each month the services nationally and THE NSW RFS LIBRARY ONLINE Codes, among others. library loans out on average 65 internationally, and members Increasingly, people look for and The library website is books and provides even more of the public interested in bush read information online and the http://nswrfs.intersearch.com. journal articles. fre information. library has adapted to this with au/

40 BUSH FIREbulletin // MEMBER SERVICES The NSW RFS library

THE BUSH FIRE BULLETIN this is done, all libraries Australasia; and the text book our members to fnd relevant across Australia will be able Kirk’s Fire Investigation. We titles. These lists are found ON TROVE AND “LIBRARIES to view what is held in the also have eBooks that don’t near the top of the library AUSTRALIA” NSW RFS Library collection. focus on fre. These include website, and include: An exciting initiative occurred The NSW RFS collection is Managing Projects, Emotional • health and ftness collection in 2016 when the National unique, and is considered the Intelligence 2.0, Professional • women and success Library of Australia digitised largest collection of bush fre Writing and Michael Mosley’s • writing reports and business the entire collection of the resources internationally, so bestsellers The Fast Diet and documents NSW RFS magazine, the Bush each item is being entered into Fast Exercise. • learning and development Fire Bulletin, which has been the database individually. Our digital magazines published since 1952. It is one subscription to “Flipster”, as WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THE of the frst complete journals EBOOKS AND DIGITAL part of our health and safety LIBRARY? the National Library has chosen MAGAZINES initiative, gives access for all to digitise and it allows anyone members to fve magazines It is easy to become a member in the world to access our The library has two online online – Good Health, Men’s of the library, and once you journal articles online through collections that are available Fitness, Women’s Health & have joined, books and DVDs TROVE. The library website for members to use. Our Fitness, Popular Science and can be sent directly to your also provides a portal to eBook collection is small Australian Geographic. In the nominated postal address for a search the Bush Fire Bulletin but growing. It focuses on last 12 months, NSW RFS one-month loan. on TROVE so you can delve the same subjects as our members used the collection If no one else has requested through the contents of over 60 hardcopy collection; in fact over 1,600 times to read the the item, and you’d like to use years of our Bush Fire Bulletin. many of our eBooks are also magazines. it a little longer, the loan can be available to borrow as hardcopy renewed. You can also access TROVE books – you decide which It is easy to get access to through the National Library of format you prefer. Popular these online collections; simply A reply paid return address Australia’s website by visiting titles in our eBook collection email or phone the library and label is included with the books http://nla.gov.au include Stephen Pyne’s we will send you a password- or, to save on postage, you can The NSW RFS library is Burning Bush: A Fire History of embedded link to use on your repackage the items and return working on another major Australia; the latest edition of computer. them to your nearest district project to share our resources Essential Bushfre Safety Tips; Because certain topics in our offce for them to post back to by entering our collection Flammable Australia published library are asked for regularly, the library. records into the “Libraries by CSIRO; our most borrowed the librarian has compiled We’d love to welcome you as a Australia” database. Once book Incident Management in online lists to make it easy for member of our library.

BUSH FIREbulletin // MEMBER SERVICES 41 New infrastructure out west The NSW RFS is proud of the state-wide infrastructure program that provides the facilities that enable our brigades to do work to keep their communities safe.

Eighty-three percent of Mandurama, Spring Hill. And, the NSW RFS’s allocated in various stages of completion infrastructure funds are spent are Clifton Grove, Lidster, outside the Sydney basin. Moorbel, Wyangala, North Since 2012-13 across Region Bangaroo, Cumnock, Milburn West more than $28million Creek and Cumnock. has been invested into As well as providing much building projects improving needed facilities to our the infrastructure available to members, this construction our members. is an enormous boost to local In the Canobolas zone alone, economies. there have been 34 new Canobolas Zone has an projects: 21 new buildings and excellent relationship with We are also achieving While these extensions don’t 13 extensions where a meeting the local councils of Blayney, cost savings that allow a usually come with the fanfare room, toilet facilities and a Orange, Cabonne and Cowra 3B Station to be built for of a new station opening, kitchenette have been added to and by agreement, engaged an approximately $260,000 and a additional facilities, however an existing station. external project coordinator to 2B Station for $240,000. This modest, can play a large There were 20 new standard manage the process. Utilising has allowed us to upgrade role in a local community. design stations and a new State local contractors from the twice as many brigades Sometimes the greatest impact Mitigation shed. New stations Central West to undertake the from the available budget to communities can come with already opened are: Barryrennie, works in accordance with the allocation. increasing the amenities of Merriganowry, March, councils’ procurement policies, a small brigade shed, so that Borenore, Byng/ Emu Swamp, the outcome was the delivery A further 13 brigades had a brigade can provide food Springside, Cudal, State of a series of outstanding extensions in facilities to from a small kitchenette and Mitigation Shed in Orange, Red facilities for our volunteers. include meeting rooms, provide bathroom facilities at Hill, Wattamondara, Chaucer, kitchenettes and toilets. their meetings and welcome new members or conduct their training and brigade business in comfort. These 13 brigades are: Mullion Creek, North West, Rivers, Mount McDonald, Gooloogong, Kangaroo Flat, Lyndhurst, The Ponds, Kings Plains, Billimari, Neville and, in progress, are Wallis Islands and Yeoval. Superintendent David Hoadley of the Canobolas zone said “When we upgrade facilities for frefghting brigades it brings out more enthusiasm from volunteers towards the brigade – for example when Springside opened, membership increased by 24, which is a signifcant boost”.

42 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS AUSTRALIA DAY 2018 AFSMs CAPTAIN NEAL COOMBES North West Zone, Region West Captain Neal Coombes joined the Coonamble Headquarters Brigade on 18 December 1986, has served as the brigade Deputy Captain from 2003 to 2005, and in 2005 he was elected Senior Deputy Captain. He has also held other roles with the Coonamble Headquarters brigade including the role of Training Offcer and President and assisted with Coonamble FCC regularly. In 2011 Neal was made a Life Member due to his tireless dedication to the brigade and was Group Captain for the North West Zone 2006 to 2015.

FIREFIGHTER DAVID ROBERT CORDERY Hornsby - Region East Firefghter David Robert Cordery has been a member of the Australian Rural Fire Service for 60 years. His primary brigade has been Ku-ring-gai. He was a dual member, frst with Belrose, then with Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai Support Brigade. David was an active contributor to the shaping of the Ku-ring-gai Brigade structure and culture. He has held numerous roles including Captain, Fire Service President for 16 years, Senior Deputy Captain, Deputy Captain and Secretary. David was one of the primary leaders of the brigade that have guided its evolution from its community origin Medals in to the professionally trained brigade of today. 2018

The Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian fre service. The AFSM was GROUP CAPTAIN introduced in 1988 and replaced the Imperial MARK CHARLES HOSKINSON awards of the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for Bland/Temora, Gallantry and Queen’s Fire Service Medal for Region West Group Offcer Mark Hoskinson joined the Kikoira Brigade in July Distinguished Service. Congratulations to the 1979 and has demonstrated his leadership as Deputy Captain, thirteen AFSMs that have been awarded in 2018 Captain, Deputy Group Captain and Group Captain. for the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday honours Mark manages local and out of area crews, aircraft, heavy announcements. You can read the full citations on plant and provides timely reliable information to the Incident Management Team. Mark has excellent leadership skills and the NSW RFS website: continually demonstrates his professionalism, resilience and commitment to the Service by representing volunteers on the https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/ Senior Management Team and the Bland Temora Zone Bushfre general-news/australia-day-2018-australian-fre- Management Committee and by attending Senior Management service-medals Team meetings, Group Captain/Captains forums, annual group equipment inspections, brigade annual general meetings, pre and post season Captain’s meetings and after action review debriefngs.

BUSH FIREbulletin // AWARDS 43 FIREFIGHTER AND INSPECTOR GROUP CAPTAIN SENIOR DEPUTY CAPTAIN GROUP CAPTAIN MARK CHRISTOPHER MURPHY PAUL JAMES REARDON RONALD SMITH PETER JAMES WYKES Liverpool Range, South West Slopes Zone, Mid Coast, Region East Orana, Region West Region North Region West Deputy Captain Ronald (Ron) Group Offcer Peter James Inspector and Firefghter Mark Group Captain Paul Reardon Smith joined the Oakville Wykes joined the Euchareena Murphy offcially joined the has been an active member Bushfre Brigade in 1956. Brigade in 1976 and has

Gaspard Brigade (now part of of the NSW Rural Fire service The fre station was situation completed just over 41 years of

Wallabadah District Brigade) for 54 years since joining the on the Smith family farm service. in 1973 and was Captain of Bungendore Brigade in 1963. and the fre appliances were He held the position of Senior

Gaspard from 1989 –1995. He Paul has been Group Captain a farm truck which carried Deputy until October 2000 was Fire Control Offcer with for the past 14 years within a 1,000-gallon tank and a when he was elected Deputy the Quirindi Bush Fire District the South West Slopes Model T Ford which carried Group Captain for the Southern and today holds the position Zone at Boorowa and as knapsacks. He was a member district of Wellington Council of Deputy Fire Control Offcer Deputy Group Captain for the of the Windsor Civil Defence area. (and 2IC) for the Liverpool previous six years. (now SES) during the 1960s, in In 2009 and again in 2014 Peter Range Zone. Paul has worked in supervisory particular with the boat rescue was elected as a Group Captain

Mark donates hundreds of roles at numerous fres within crews. in the Orana Team, a position hours training volunteers in the South West Slopes and has In 1976 Ron joined the he still holds. He has had many all aspects of frefghting as undertaken leadership roles at Kenthurst Brigade and served appointments as the Divisional well as spending equivalent out of area incidents. as Deputy Captain 1980–1983 Commander on large fres and hours around the state and and 1990–1992, Senior Deputy Section 44 incidents. Paul has played a leadership interstate in various Incident Captain 1983–1986, Captain role in the development of Management roles. He 1986–1990, and President the South West Slopes Pre- continues to foster a close 1997–2000. In 1992 he was Incident Plan and has focused working relationship between elected Deputy Group Captain. RFS staff, volunteers and other on building strong relationships agencies with his continued between Local Government Though Ron retired from active support of the Liverpool and the NSW Rural Fire Service service with the Kenthurst Range Bush Fire Management while always encouraging the Brigade in 2003 and moved to Committee, Local Emergency best outcome for volunteer Hallidays Point, he joined the Management Committees and members. Diamond Beach Brigade and is NSW RFS/ RFSA Consultative currently a Deputy Captain. Committees. He was Deputy Group Captain for the Taree Manning Valley District 2007–2016. Ron has dedicated many years to the NSW Rural Fire Service.

The Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) is a circular copper-nickel medal. It is ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The obverse displays an image of the Queen superimposed over a seven-pointed star of fames. The reverse is inscribed with the words ‘Australian Fire Service Medal’, and ‘For Distinguished Service’ on a background of fames.

44 BUSH FIREbulletin // AWARDS QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY 2018 AFSMS

GROUP CAPTAIN GREGORY INGERSOLE OAM GROUP CAPTAIN GEOFFREY ANDREW Englinton Brigade, Englinton ERIC SHANKS, Burra Rural Fire Brigade, Burra After joining the Eglinton Brigade in Terramungamine Brigade, Dubbo Mr Andrew joined the Burra Rural Fire 1977, Mr Ingersole fulflled numerous Mr Shanks joined the Terramungamine Brigade in 1976 and has remained roles including Group Offcer, Chainsaw Brigade in 1965 and during his period an active member of the brigade. Operator, Instructor/Assessor and Fire of service with the brigade he has Holding various positions from 1996, Investigator. He has been Senior Deputy served as Captain (for 24 years), Deputy including Group Captain and Deputy Captain for many years. He has enjoyed Captain, Permit Offcer and President. Group Captain, he has demonstrated many hours restoring a 1920s Dennis fre Since 2009 he has been Group Captain leadership during frefghting operations, engine which now holds pride of place at and has managed many major incidents. training, support for administration the Eglinton Station and is used at many He is well respected by volunteers and of brigades, asset maintenance and community events around the Bathurst members of the community and as a leading strike teams. He has also spent district. He designed and built the Chifey member of the Senior Management many hours in-fight providing fre Community Engagement trailer and Team he provides valuable input on intelligence to station operations and other displays. He has also built a hot fre management and development across the local fre control centres. trailer, the frst of its kind in NSW, which the team. is used regularly for training. He was the As a Group Captain, Mr Andrew has founding member of the Chifey Cadet been a long-term member of the local Program and the then Bathurst Regional senior management team and has Training Committee and is currently the also given valuable input and advice Chair of the combined Chifey/Lithgow as a member of the State Consultative Training Committee. Committee on engineering matters and has served on the Rural Fire Service Association.

SENIOR DEPUTY CAPTAIN MARTIN GROUP CAPTAIN NEALE MUTTON CAPTAIN PETER SHEARER HARRISON Bolwarra-Largs Brigade, Bolwarra Wilton Brigade, Wilton Coonamble Headquarters Brigade, Mr Mutton has provided distinguished Mr Shearer has been a volunteer of the Coonamble service to the NSW Rural Fire Service for NSW Rural Fire Service for over 49 years, Mr Harrison joined the Coonamble over 40 years since joining the Bolwarra- joining the Wilton Brigade in 1968, and Headquarters Brigade in 1996 and Largs brigade as a volunteer fre fghter holding various leadership positions served as Deputy Captain 2009 –2013 in 1977. Between June 1982 and June including Deputy Captain, Senior Deputy and Senior Deputy Captain since August 1994 he was Captain and has also held Captain and Captain as well as attaining 2013. He is a current member of the the positions of Deputy Captain, Permit his Group Leader qualifcation. He has North West Zone District Training Team. Offcer and Brigade Training Offcer. served as a Divisional Commander and

He has regularly participated in out From 1995–2001 he undertook the Sector Leader in many local campaign of area and interstate deployments. position of Honorary Deputy Fire Control fres. His contributions are many including Offcer for the Maitland Fire Control He has also served on the local district assisting with the annual Roads and Centre, then continued in the same role in advisory committees including the Maritime Service appliance inspections a temporary capacity until 2003. In 2003 Group Offcer Election committee, for the Coonamble Shire and myriad he was elected as Deputy Group Captain, Health and Safety committee and the roles at the Fire Control Centre and with then, in 2004, Group Captain, a position District Training Committee. He was the organisation and running of Zone he still holds in the Lower Hunter Zone. instrumental in obtaining new equipment exercises. Mr Harrison’s dedication His experience and calm manner on the for the brigade, raising funds, donating and level of commitment to his local fre ground have seen him lead many his time, equipment and materials for community refects the values and strike teams and within the Lower the site preparation and erection of the standards of the NSW RFS. Hunter Zone he has been the divisional new brigade station started in 1992, and

commander for many S44 fres. While extended in 2004, and again in 2017.

Group Captain he has proactively He has mentored and encouraged local

engaged in mentoring and training of youth to become brigade members and

other group offcers and brigade leaders has championed women’s involvement in the Hunter area. in the brigade.

BUSH FIREbulletin // AWARDS 45 Young members’ excellence

The 2018 NSW RFS Young Leader Scholarship was awarded to Hannah Redman from Ridgeway Brigade (Lake George District). As part of her award, she completed an 11-day voyage on the STS Young Endeavour. This experience increases self awareness, develops teamwork and leadership skills and creates a strong sense of community responsibility among the members of the young crew.

Hannah had to learn new You need a lot of teamwork to There was a very strong feld of in Region South; Lachlan skills and take on signifcant be an effective frefghter applicants for the Scholarship. Sutherland from Gulgong responsibility as part of and … [I’ll be] bringing back the Tim Honner from Willow Brigade, Cudgegong District, her experience: “The most communication that I’ve learnt Tree Brigade in the Liverpool Region West and, from Region challenging part was defnitely and all the brand new things Range District was awarded East, Ivana Marinov from on the one day when we take to do with teamwork that I’ve runner-up. Patrick Rankmore Hillside Brigade, Hills District. over. I was nominated as from Curlewis Brigade, also in learnt from all the staffes During National Volunteer navigator for the youth crew. I especially… I’ll bring all that the Liverpool Range District, had to get the ship from point received a Highly Commended Week, Minister for Emergency back to the brigade.” A to point B … I had to map Award for his excellent Services, Troy Grant announced points out on the chart and go They sailed back in to application. In recognition for the winners of the 2017 NSW through the navigation plan to Sydney Harbour on 26 April. their efforts, Tim and Patrick Rural Fire Service and NSW get to those points.” Hannah was presented with attended the 2018 National State Emergency Services Cadet of the Year and Young Hannah said her experiences a certifcate by Lieutenant Volunteering Conference. Volunteer of the Year Awards. on the STS Young Endeavour Commander Mike Gough, The regional winners were will help her as a brigade Commanding Offcer of Daniel Purnell from Alphadale The event held at Parliament member. “There is so much the STS Young Endeavour, Brigade, Northern Rivers House, recognised the teamwork involved to make a and Executive Director of District in Region North; outstanding achievements ship run smoothly and it’s the Membership and Strategic Brendan Kingdom from Lake of Cadet of the Year Anthony same with a brigade. Services Bronwyn Jones PSM. Albert Brigade, Riverina District Coan, former student of the

46 BUSH FIREbulletin // AWARDS Carenne School, Bathurst, from the Gulgong Brigade, in NSW RFS Young Volunteer of Cudgegong District, received the Year Jack McQuellin (12–15 the inaugural Dorothy Hennessy years) from Riverina Highlands OAM Emergency Services Cadet Brigade, and Ash Morrow Youth Scholarship Award at (16–25 years) from North West the Awards Ceremony in May. Orange Brigade. Lachlan joined his local Brigade All of these young members as a junior member and has were recognised for now moved into a staff role demonstrating maturity and an with State Mitigation. This ability to work in a team while scholarship will allow Lachlan to also displaying enthusiasm, pursue opportunities which will initiative and commitment to the assist in furthering his career Service and their colleagues. within the NSW RFS. NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons stated that Applications for the Young “the effort and enthusiasm of Leader Scholarship are now young members in the RFS is open https://bit.ly/2yIx9Ld signifcant and these awards And information about Young acknowledge their hard work, Volunteer awards is available camaraderie and community on MyRFS: participation”. https://www.myrfs.nsw.gov. Each year Rotary presents au/InfoAbout/Membership/ Emergency Services Awards, YouthParticipationin including recognition of young theNSWRFS.aspx volunteers in the emergency services. Lachlan Sutherland

Left: NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons with, from left, Cadet of the Year Anthony Coan, NSW RFS Young Volunteers of the Year Jack McQuellin and Ash Morrow. Above: Lachlan Sutherland, from the Gulgong Brigade in the Cudgegong District. Below: Commanding Offcer of STS Young Endeavour Lieutenant Commander Mike Gough presents Hannah Redman the 2018 NSW RFS Young Leader Scholarship award.

The NSW Rural Fire Service has a wealth of young members volunteering and building up their recognised qualifcations and experience.

BUSH FIREbulletin // AWARDS 47 ST FLORIANS DAY BRAVERY & SERVICE AWARDS 2018

Each St Florian’s Day, the NSW RFS holds its annual internal bravery and service awards. Drawn from across the Service, recipients are presented with awards in recognition of outstanding bravery or service.

Despite the Commissioner’s the Shadow Minister for “today is about humble groups helped the Service become jokes about May the 4th being Emergency Services, are here of people being recognised for more effcient. Star Wars “may the force be their ‘extra service above self’”. showing that it’s a day for both The Commissioner reinforced with you” day as well as St sides of politics to demonstrate During the ceremony, the that it is very important to take Florian’s day, the importance of support for the crucial work Commissioner made everyone the occasion cannot be missed. small moments of time out of the NSW Rural Fire Service feel comfortable, stating to to say thanks given that the As Fiona Peacock, one of the volunteers. family members that while rest of the time members are recipients from the Cassilis Troy Grant, fresh from there are many uniforms and tirelessly giving their efforts Brigade said, “we had no idea completing the gruelling professional photographers in behind the scenes. And he how important this was until Kokoda Track, to raise money attendance, family is central to thanks families, knowing we got here. for charity, acknowledged this ceremony so they shouldn’t that without family support, All here know that St Florian’s that St Florian’s Day awards be afraid to come down the volunteering could not be day is an important day for are about the “service above front to take a photo of your sustained at brigade level. He the NSW RFS – from the self” that RFS members loved one getting an award. acknowledges that for the uniformed staff and members embody. He wants to offer There’s an extraordinary range families of RFS members there to the families proudly smiling support, he said, to show and diversity of recipients, are many empty seats at tables at their loved ones. that despite recent criticism from people who’ve attended at Christmas and summer Both the Minister for by some who speak from the the most gravely ill in times of holiday time. Receiving a St Emergency Services, Troy privileged position of hindsight duress to administrative units Florian’s Award is special. Grant, and Guy Zangari, the government knows that such as Procurement who’ve

48 BUSH FIREbulletin // AWARDS May 4 is St Florian’s Day, named after the patron saint of frefghters. It is also known as International Firefghters Day.

“ Today is about 2018 RECIPIENTS humble groups of people being Commissioner’s Commendation Commissioner’s Certifcate of Mudgee 1A for Service (Individual) Commendation (Individual) Cudgegong District, recognised for Region West Group Captain Brian Ayliffe AFSM Inspector William Britt their ‘extra service Cobargo Brigade, Far South Bland Temora Zone, Northern Rivers Zone Group Coast, Region South Region West Offcers and Brigades above self’.” Northern Rivers Zone, Deputy Captain Mr Lindsey Flynn Region North Bruce Davies NSW RFS Headquarters Jerrabomberra Creek, Pacifc Palms Lake George Zone, Mr Aaron Howard Rural Fire Brigade NSW RFS Headquarters Region South Mid Coast Zone, Mr Scott Hoy Region East Captain Stephen Garbutt NSW RFS Headquarters Wyrallah Brigade, Picton Rural Fire Brigade Northern Rivers Zone, Firefghter Rowena McGregor Southern Highlands Team, Region North Hydes Creek Brigade, Region East Mid North Coast Team, Firefghter Samuel Hatch Procurement Region North Tamworth Support Brigade, Accreditation Team Tamworth District, Firefghter John Sandland NSW RFS Headquarters Region North Tabourie Brigade, Shoalhaven, RFSA Workers Compensation Region South Captain Neil Percival (Chaplain) Working Group Broughton Vale/Berry Brigade, Rural Fire Service Association Shoalhaven, Region South Commissioner’s Certifcate of and NSW Rural Fire Service Firefghter Shirley Snowden Commendation (UNIT) Stoney Creek Brigade Tinonee Brigade, Castlereagh Zone Rural Fire Lake George Zone, Mid Coast Team, Region East Brigades and Cassilis Brigade Region South Castlereagh Zone & Liverpool Senior Deputy Captain Left: The recipients of 2018 St Range Zone, Region North Florians Day bravery and service Samuel Tout Commissioner’s Unit Citation Cudgegong Airbase Crew for Service awards pose with the Minister Murringo Brigade, for Emergency Services, Troy Aviation Support South West Slopes Zone, Northern Rivers Aviation Grant, and Commissioner Shane Region West Cudgegong District, Support Brigade Fitzsimmons on the front steps of Region West Northern Rivers Zone, Firefghter John Tucker NSW RFS Headquarters. Region North Tamworth Support Brigade, Down the Wire Technicians Above right: The Cudgegong Tamworth District, Airbase and Aviation Support Lake George Zone Rural Fire crew with their award and Region North Brigades and Group Offcers Commissioner Fitzsimmons.

The full citations are available on the NSW RFS website https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/ general-news/featured/st-forians-day-2018 BUSH FIREbulletin // AWARDS 49 Donations fund hot fre training equipment

Funds donated to brigades under the NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades Donations Fund (the DGR) have contributed equipment and infrastructure to support hot fre training. Last year, using the funds donated to the NSW RFS, the Brigades that want to receive DGR facilitated three Hot Fire tax deductible gifts/donations Training Centres–Lower Hunter, either have to be individually Bland Temora and Canobolas– endorsed by the ATO as a and two mobile 40 foot deductible gift recipient or container cells. Hot fre training participate in the NSW RFS and cells are used for the advanced Brigades Donations Fund. structural fre fghting course. There are two parts to the fund, The prior year thermal imaging one for donations made to cameras (TIC) were purchased, member brigades and the other one for each district. for donations made directly To complement these to NSW RFS. There is a DGR training tools, the Trustees committee which has oversight determined to fund fve thermal of the fund administration. mannequins, one for each DGR Details are explained in SS funded Hot Fire Training Centre. 2.1.14, should you wish further Thermal mannequins contain a detail, and an article was heat source internally, replicating published in the Bush Fire what may be encountered while Bulletin vol.38 no.2/2016. using a thermal imaging camera. The picture below right is what you would see through the TIC, regardless of smoke density or available light.

50 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS Vale Father Peter McGrath 1940-2018

Father Peter McGrath was remembered at a service at St Anthony in the Fields Catholic Church at Terrey Hills on 8 March. NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons spoke a few words, refecting on the signifcant role that Father Peter had played in the NSW RFS, but also to him and his family personally.

For more than 45 years, Father Commissioner Fitzsimmons Father Peter McGrath was Peter was one of the Service’s AFSM, along with the founder of the Passionist chaplains. Senior Chaplain Ian Superintendent Craig Geddes Family Group Movement which Spall writes: “Father Peter and Senior Chaplain Ian Spall, encouraged faith in action in local “ Though some have McGrath was a NSW RFS presented Father Peter’s family community. been there for 48 Chaplain before records were and colleagues with NSW RFS At his memorial service, a letter kept. He was part of the RFS medals and a service fag in years, they thanked since the 1970s. He was quite of gratitude and condolence recognition of his extraordinary was read from the men in the Peter for giving the character within his ministry, service and dedication to the famboyant, creative, relational, high security prison in Dallas Service. RFS members formed a them a reason to caring, boisterous. These are to whom he had ministered guard of honour at the memorial live and a faith that some of the words that go best and who asked him to set up a service. to describe him. Maybe out of “Family Group” for them some brought hope.” the box in style, but he was Father Peter was the popular years ago. “Though some have always loving. He could also be parish priest at St Anthony been there for 48 years, they described as open, honest and in the Fields for 18 years. He thanked Peter for giving them often vulnerable.” married and performed services a reason to live and a faith that Commissioner Fitzsimmons said for many members. brought hope.” Father Peter was recognised His infuence spread widely; he Father Peter McGrath was for his extraordinary generosity taught at North Sydney Teacher’s awarded an Order of Australia and care, his unique style College and the University of Medal in 2011 for service to the and approach, his openness, Technology, Sydney, and for community. sense of humour and candour, fve years Fr McGrath was a Father Peter will be missed by and most importantly, his ratings winner on radio station unwavering commitment to many in the community and 2SM where he was a regular serving others and seeking to certainly by many in the NSW commentator on social issues. make a real and meaningful Rural Fire Service. difference.

BUSH FIREbulletin // VALE 51 OUR BULLETIN HISTORY

BOY SCOUTS DISPLAY FIRE WARNING SIGNS. of the need to take care with fire. The Boy Scouts pictured above at Fire prevention is an integral part the Australian Boy Scouts Jamboree of the training of all Boy Scouts and held at Lansdowne, near Sydney, emphasis is placed on the danger of from 29th December, 1960, until 9th allowing bush fires to originate from

January, 1961, made good use of fire uncontrolled camp fires. warning signs issued by the Bush Fire Maximum precautions were taken Committee. with the assistance of the Board of Fire These signs served to remind those Commissioners of New South Wales, to attending the Jamboree from all guard against the outbreak of fire at parts of the Commonwealth and the Jamboree. overseas countries, as well as visitors, Q Vol. 4 No. 5, (1 March, 1961)

52 BUSH FIREbulletin // HISTORY The NSW RFS has Commissioner Shane Search place names, brigade view the article Fitzsimmons has praised the names, dates and fre -related You can print, download or joined forces with chance to make the Bush Fire topics such as ‘fre trails’. simply read online. the National Library Bulletin so accessible. How to search Bush Fire To initiate another search of Australia to digitise “The skill and dedication Bulletin On Trove return to the search box on of our volunteer service has the entire collection the Bush Fire Bulletin page on been recorded in the pages 1. Type in your search term the NSW RFS website. of the Bush Fire of the Bush Fire Bulletin, 2. Click ‘Go’ informing and bringing Or leave the search terms Bulletin dating back You will be taken to the to life the important work (“nla.obj -284283986” OR “nla. to September 1952. Bush Fire Bulletin’s archive our members undertake,’ on the National Library of obj -284265362”) in the search Commissioner Fitzsimmons Australia’s Trove website box to stay within the Bush All editions of the Bush Fire said. “I am very proud Fire Bulletin archive. Bulletin are available online that this history of the 3. A range of articles will be and are fully searchable, NSW RFS will be available offered for selection making this huge historical for all of Australia and the 4. Click on the green View archive easily accessible. world to see.” Online box on right to

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Publisher NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE Produced Corporate Communications Editor Belinda Lee PP255003/08075 Graphic Design & Art/Production Coordinator Nick Lockwood Printed on Monza Gloss; FSC (CoC), ISO 14001, IPPC, ECF environmental accreditation Cover photo This is the view Ingleside RFB crew saw from the cab of their tanker as they responded to the Moorebank Avenue fre, April 2018. Photo by RFS member Joshua Grainger