Redfern fire
Firefighters did an excellent job at a 3rd Alarm fire involving a
three storey building at Redfern yesterday. The crew from 10 Redfern
arrived within three minutes of receiving the call, and immediately
commenced search and rescue as people were trapped on an upper level.
Four people were rescued and 13 Alexandria commenced first aid as
the victims were removed. Congratulations to officers and firefighters
from 10 Redfern, 13 Alexandria, 5 Newtown, 1 City of Sydney, 18 Glebe,
38 Pyrmont, 9 BA/Hazmat, 26 Mascot, and the Incident Management Team
who responded.
Station visits
This week I spent three days in the Northern Rivers area visiting
firefighters and discussing the challenges and issues impacting these
communities. In particular the issues are population growth, hazmat
issues on the Pacific Highway, and rescue response. My thanks to Chief
Supt Rob Lindsay, Supt Gary McKinnon, and all of the officers and
firefighters from 14 stations as far a field as Gloucester, Dorrigo,
Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and Tweed Heads for their warm welcome and
valuable discussions. I now have a far better grasp of current and
future service delivery needs and issues in the north of the state.
Climate Change Seminars
I?m pleased to see that many staff from Head Office and Greenacre
have now attended Climate Change Seminars. Deputy Commissioner Ken
Thompson, and Environmental Risk Officer Shannon Heathcote have put
many hours into preparing information and valuable insights into this
growing issue. It is important that we all work together and find
ways to refine our working practices and minimise our own carbon footprint.
The next session is for staff at Alexandria on 20-21 November; please
ensure you have your manager's permission to attend before sending
your RSVP to Maria James on 9265 2905 or maria.james@fire.nsw.gov.au.
The seminars will be rolled out across areas and zones in the New
Year.
It was also interesting to note some 28,000 Sydney-siders marched
in the annual Walk Against Warming march on Sunday 12 November to
show their support for action on climate change.
Biofuels - (Petrol E10)
The NSW Government has a green fuel initiative that promotes the
use of E10 Ethanol blended fuel in place of regular unleaded petrol.
On 1 October 2007 The Biofuel (Ethanol Content) Act 2007 and Regulation
2007 was introduced to ensure that at least 2% of the total volume
of petrol sold or delivered by primary wholesalers throughout NSW
contains ethanol. Outlets for Biofuel will become more widely available
following the introduction of the Act and users of NSWFB vehicles
should use Biofuels wherever it?s available. For more information
about purchasing Biofuels from government contract suppliers please
refer to In Orders 2007/06 Ethanol Fuel for Minor Fleet Vehicles.
In the case where Shell or BP cards have been issued Biofuels can
be purchased with unleaded fuel cards.
Injury Research
Each month, injuries due to body stressing, slips, trips and falls
make up more than 60% of all employee injuries. Over the past 5 years,
these types of injuries have increased by 26%. More recently, there
has also been a trend identified with injuries being caused while
moving around appliances.
The Health and Safety Branch, along with the NSWFB's insurers, Allianz,
are investigating these target areas more closely with the aim to
identify tasks that are frequently associated with these sorts of
injuries. The outcomes of the investigation will assist in evaluating
techniques, training and redesign where required in order to reduce
the number and severity of such injuries.
Budgewoi Fire Station
Last Friday I attended the official opening of the refurbishment
of 245 Budgewoi. The renovations and extensions have significantly
improved the amenities and facilities at the station, with a second
storey addition including a recreation room, training area, staff
facilities and change room. I also had the pleasure of presenting
Captain Bruce Simpson with the Second Clasp to his National medal
which recognises his long service and dedication to protecting life
and property. The event was also a time for us to remember one of
our fallen colleagues, retained firefighter Phillip Viles, who died
in the line of duty while involved in a search and rescue at a house
fire in 2004. For more information, see the intranet story.
Centenary of the Campsie Fire Brigade
On Saturday I attended the centenary celebration of the 52 Campsie
with Local Member for Canterbury, Linda Burney, Campsie firefighters
and members of the community. The event was an opportunity to thank
all the firefighters past and present who have served the Campsie
community since the Brigade was formed in October 1907. For more information,
see the intranet story.
New Class 2 pumper for Yenda Fire Station
Last Saturday, the Mayor of Griffith City Council, Councillor Dino
Zappacosta officially handed over the keys to a new Class 2 pumper
to Captain Ken Brasington of 512 Yenda. For more information, see
the intranet story.
Two new Inspectors for NSWFB
On Tuesday 6 November it was my pleasure to present Inspectors Murray
West and Rob Jansen with their white helmets and epaulettes. Both
Inspector West and Inspector Jansen have been with the NSWFB since
1985 and their skills and experience are a major asset to the Brigades.
For more information, see the intranet story.
Pride of Workmanship Award
Congratulations to 59 Eastwood C Platoon for being awarded the Pride
of Workmanship Award by the Rotary Club of Eastwood on Tuesday 30
October. The award was presented to C Platoon for their dedication
and commitment to the NSWFB and the local community. It is gratifying
to see this community recognition of the NSWFB.
Bodybuilding champion
Congratulations to firefighter Luke Schembri from 67 Northmead who
won the International Federation of Bodybuilding?s Australian heavy
weight title at the end of October. Luke?s commitment and dedication
to the sport for the last four years is admirable. We wish Luke all
the best in the sport and in future competitions.
Regional Operations Newsletter
The October edition of the Regional Operations Newsletter is now
available online. For more information, see the intranet story.
RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true that moves are being
made to have the NSWFB supply a primary rescue unit in the Wyong district
to support the VRA and that a dual response will occur in the future?
Response: No. The State Rescue Board has recently adopted
draft service delivery standards which District Rescue Committees
will be asked to report on. There has been no suggestion that the
Wyong VRA is unable to meet these standards and it is important that
the NSWFB works harmoniously and cooperatively with other emergency
services.
Rumour: Is it true that a performance
review is being undertaken into the workings of the Ambulance Service,
and that the terms now include all three fulltime rescue services
and will now look at which rescue service is in the best position
to carry out land rescue?
Response: It is correct that a performance review into all
aspects of the Ambulance Service of NSW has recently been initiated.
However the terms of reference do not mention other services nor do
they specifically mention the rescue role. The NSWFB has been invited
to meet with the review team.
Rumour: Is it true that the NSWFB pays the Salvation
Army $20/head for meals at the fireground, that's $20 per person they
feed?
Response: While we usually use the Salvation Army
to provide meals at the fireground for major incidents, the amount
paid varies and is in line with that charged by major commercial contractors.
The provision of fireground meals is under urgent review. Part of
the review process will be incorporation of the latest information
on firefighter hydration and nutrition needs.
INCIDENTS
Firefighters from Albury respond to train fire
EVENTS
ComSafe trains Chinese specialists in confined spaces
Harden Rescue Exercise
Pink Ribbon Day
Art donation for Training College
Bathurst 1000
Firefighters from 306 Grafton brief the RFS on NSWFB's hazmat capabilities
Firefighters from 257 Coffs Harbour launch new retained recruitment
campaign
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 to the intranet, please contact Public
Affairs Officers: (West) 9265 2613, (South) 9265 2802 or
(North) 9265 2631