OPERATIONAL UPDATE
Response protocols
In late 2003, the NSWFB introduced Alarm Response Protocols (ARP) in major urban centres. Earlier this year, State Operations initiated a review of ARP to assess effectiveness, determine ways to enhance the operational performance and to avoid unnecessary over-response. A series of recommendations were approved by the Senior Operations Committee in June 2005. While many of the recommended changes require revision of the SOG and associated training, some measures can be implemented immediately. For details of these, see the story on the intranet .
West Ryde flooding
At 11.30am last Saturday 59 Eastwood were called to a burst 1200mm feeder main for the West Ryde pumping station, one of the main water supplies for the northern areas of Sydney. The broken main was releasing a torrent of water that was flooding local homes and roads. After seeing the extent of the damage, 42 Ryde and 66 Rhodes were also responded. LF Andrew Ticehurst joined Pol Air 3 in an aerial surveillance of the area to assist in planning the response.
Crews worked to stabilise power poles that had been undermined by the force of the water, helped local residents prepare for any further water, assisted with salvage, ensured the safety of people in the area and worked with NSW Police, SES, Energy Australia and Sydney Water in preventing injury and minimising any further damage.
Well done to all those involved. There are more details and photos on the intranet .
Oatley house fire
There was another tragic fire last weekend. An elderly man died after a fire in his Oatley home. Crews from 48 Mortdale and 34 Riverwood as well as Ambulance officers arrived to find the man being helped by neighbours who had called emergency services. Firefighters entered the house, turned off the stove and other appliances and then ventilated the home and assisted Ambulance officers with first aid. Ambulance officers transferred the man to St George Hospital. Unfortunately he died later that day. There are more details in the intranet story.
RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true that as a result of the new draft policy as produced by the union in consultation with the NSWFB that 72 Merrylands will become a permanent fire station and the firefighters there offered positions as firefighters within the permanent ranks as done previously with other stations?
Response: No it is not true. No discussions, planning or policy have been drafted specifically relating to 72 Merrylands. The Union and NSWFB have had preliminary discussions about future growth of the NSWFB, but have not jointly drafted a policy.
NEWS IN BRIEF
House burn
FIRU will burn four rooms of a house on a property outside Gulgong as part of research into the behaviour of fires and to provide training opportunities for NSWFB firefighters. Four separate fires will be lit and extinguished in two separate bedrooms, the kitchen and lounge room over two days – Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 August 2005.
The goals of the exercise include: track the behaviour of fire in different rooms, observe the operation of smoke alarms, test the hypothesis that modern furnishings burn more quickly, provide practical firefighting training and gather footage to use in Fire Investigation and other firefighting training. Researchers from CSIRO, the University of NSW and the University of Western Sydney, and representatives of the Police Forensics Group, will join the NSWFB for the exercise.
International exchange
On Wednesday 3 August, FF Dave Simms (better known as “Guv”) of BA Training at Alexandria flies out to Canada to commence a 12-month exchange with the Brampton Fire Department in Ontario. Arriving from Brampton is FF Chad Fiegehen who will commence orientation at the State Training College on 8 August. While in Canada, FF Simms will undertake a project studying bio-hazard detection. He told me that he is concerned about being sent back when they hear his Cockney, rather than Australian, accent.
I would like to wish FF Simms all the best for his exchange and look forward to hearing all about his experiences upon his return. I am sure all staff will show FF Fiegehen traditional NSWFB hospitality during his time with us.
Retirement Intentions Survey reminder
As I've mentioned before, the NSW Premier's Department is conducting a Retirement Intentions Survey across the NSW public sector of employees aged 45 years and over The survey results will inform policy on retention of older employees, and identify what the NSW Government as a whole, and the NSWFB in particular, can do to support your retirement decisions and make it easier for you to retire when you wish to. It is vital that future policy in this area be strongly informed by a practical knowledge of employee needs.
Please take a few minutes to preview and fill out the survey online or via a printed paper copy submitted in a reply-paid envelope. Contact the NSWFB Industrial Clerk on 9265 2903 for a copy.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Presentation to retired members
On Sunday I will present 23 retired members of the NSWFB with Long Service and Good Conduct Medals at City of Sydney Fire Station. Congratulations to all the recipients.
Bluey Day reminder
Bluey Day is on Saturday 13 August. Get behind firefighters taking part by making a donation to:
NSWFB Employees Credit Union
Bluey Day Account
Account #97944 (S1 Account)
BSB # 802825
Jeans for Genes Day
This year Australia's Jeans for Genes Day will be held next Friday 5 August. One in twenty children are born with some form of genetic fault. There are children with leukaemia, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis and many other disorders. The scientists at the are working to try to prevent these diseases before they occur in our children, or where that is not possible to develop better treatments.
Operational personnel can show their support by purchasing Jeans for Genes Day badges, T-shirts or making an online donation at the website listed below. Non-uniformed staff may like to support this cause by wearing jeans on the day and making a donation to the Jeans for Genes charity organisation. The money raised from Jeans for Genes Day goes towards the work of these scientists. You can visit the Children's Medical Research Institute at or go to to find out more ways you can contribute to this cause.
COMMISH'S CORNER
Commissioner's e-mail: Commissioner@fire.nsw.gov.au
Cora Sarmiento, Commish's PA: 9265 2930
PACSU: fax 9265 2882
Commish's Corner Rumour Mill: 9265 2627
To contribute a story, please contact Public Affairs Officers: (West) 9265 2613, (South) 9265 2802 or (North) 9265 2631
Cut off for submissions is 10:00am Thursday