COMMISH’S CORNER

Friday 22 August 2008 Number 445 
The Rumour Mill No (02) 9265 2627

CURRENT NATIONAL SECURITY ALERT LEVEL : MEDIUM

ICAC Public Inquiry

As you are aware, the ICAC Public Inquiry has commenced. It is expected to continue for at least a further week.  During this time NSWFB evidence will be presented. In the interests of due process, the NSWFB is restricted from providing comment outside the Inquiry until the matter is finalised. I regret any distress this Inquiry might be causing. If you have concerns that you would like to talk through, please contact the Employee Assistance Program on 1300 361 008. The service is confidential, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free of charge.

 

Award negotiation

The NSWFB and the Fire Brigades Employees’ Union (FBEU) have been in wage negotiations since September 2007 both directly and with assistance from the NSW Industrial Relations Commission in conciliation proceedings. As agreement has not yet been reached, the matter is scheduled for Special Case arbitration before a Full Bench of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission commencing on Monday 25 August 2008 . 

 

Building collapse in Bundeena

On behalf of the NSWFB I’d like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dimitri Da Silva who tragically died in a building collapse at his home in Bundeena on Tuesday 12 August. The NSWFB has offered its support to Mr Da Silva’s family and to his fellow CFU members through the NSWFB’s Chaplain and other support services. Mr Da Silva joined the CFU program in October 2005 and was a very proactive member.  He was one of 57 CFU members in the Bundeena area.  Dimitri and the CFU team worked actively in their street all-year-round reducing fire fuel and landscaping their street to help minimise the risk of ember attack. Zone Commander MS2, Supt Chris Shapter, 80 Bundeena, SF Mark Wilson from Recruit Training, the Rescue pump from 33 Engadine and USAR1 responded to the incident along with other emergency service crews.  All emergency services worked extremely well together in what was a very stressful and complex incident.

 

New tanker contract

I am pleased to announce that we recently secured a new contract for the supply of the Class 1 tankers. The specialised appliances can be driven on sealed and unsealed roads and are designed to provide fire fighting support at structure fires, hazmat and rescue incidents, bush and grass fires. Around 30 vehicles, valued at more than $300 000 each will be ordered over the next three years. The first of the new vehicles is expected to be delivered in early 2009, with the majority to be installed in regional areas.

 

Australian and New Zealand firefighters return from the US

On Wednesday, Assistant Commissioner Jim Hamilton welcomed home and congratulated the efforts of Insp Mark Reilly and Insp Bob McGowan during their six week deployment in Northern California in the United States .  Insp Reilly and Insp McGowan were attached to an Incident Management Team as Task Force Leaders dealing with the many risks associated with the urban/bushland interface.  Insp Reilly and Insp McGowan were two of 44 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand who travelled to Northern California  to provide critical support to the teams of firefighters from the US fighting the devastating wild fires across the country. Insp Reilly and Insp McGowan will provide a detailed account of their deployment on the intranet in the coming weeks.

 

Community Safety Plan launched

Last week the Community Safety Directorate unveiled its road map for the future, with the launch of the Community Safety Plan 2008 – 2011. In 26 objectives the Community Safety Plan broadly outlines the Community Safety’s vision: To help firefighters prevent fire and other emergencies by preparing communities. The Brigades will also use the plan as a guiding document to continue its important work in community education and fire reduction and assist firefighters in communicating important fire safety messages and reducing fire risks within communities.

 

Non-operational staff join Inspectors Promotional Program (IPP)

For the first time non-operational staff have taken part in the NSWFB’s IPP, attending the two‑week Applied Management course, conducted by Charles Sturt University . Five staff members from Human Resources, Health and Safety, Fleet Management and the MS2 Zone Office took part in the course which covers Management Skills and Concepts, Managing People, Managing Operations and Change, and Managing Financial Information. This initiative provides non‑operational staff with a unique development opportunity and enables operational and non‑operational staff to gain a better understanding of each others roles. Positions on future IPP courses will be advertised in NSWFB In Orders and I encourage all non-operational staff to consider taking up this opportunity.

 

New Human Resource and Payroll System Implementation

Recently the NSWFB contracted SAP to design and implement a new human resource and payroll system to replace our outdated payroll system, Stargarden. A project team has been established, including expertise from within NSWFB teaming up with experts from SAP to ensure the delivery of a better system for NSWFB requirements. Phase 1 of the SAP system will be implemented in early 2009. A second phase will be implemented at a later date. For further information see the intranet story.

 

New series of Metropolitan Crash Unit

The NSW Police Force has commenced filming a second series of the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit in Sydney . Filming is being conducted until the 12 September. All fatal or serious injury crashes that occur in the area between the Royal National Park and Picton in the South, Mount Victoria in the West and Doyalson on the Central Coast will be attended by the Crash Unit and film crew. The film crew is escorted at all crime scenes by a Police Filming Supervisor (a Sergeant) to safeguard the interests of all external agencies. Any firefighter featured (for example filmed speaking to Crash Unit officers) will need to provide written consent before being identified in the series. If any firefighter has any concerns or queries regarding this filming please contact NSWFB Multimedia Officer Bronwyn Hilton, PACSU, on 9265 2904 who will liaise with NSW Police during production.

 

Randwick unit fire

I would like to congratulate FF Jason Vineburg from the PDU on his courageous efforts at a Randwick unit fire on Saturday 9 August.  At approximately 0400hrs off-duty FF Jason Vineburg was woken up by screams coming from the unit block next door.  He saw flames coming from the second level of the block and immediately ran next door.  FF Vineburg found a woman standing on the front lawn and it was reported there was another woman still inside.  Without PPE or BA, FF Vineburg used a 1kg dry chemical extinguisher from his unit to knock down the fire and move it away from the front door of the unit so he could rescue the other woman.  FF Vineburg entered the unit and rescued the woman from the intense fire and provided first aid until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived.  Within minutes fire crews from 39 Randwick and 11 Woollahra responded and quickly contained and extinguished the fire. The two females and FF Vineburg were treated for minor smoke inhalation.   

 

Truck accident on the North Coast

On Tuesday 12 August at 0725 hours, 288 Evans Head responded to a road accident on the Pacific Highway Broadwater, near the Richmond River , involving two B‑Double semi trailers. On arrival firefighters found that the road accident involved three B‑Double semi trailers with undetermined loads, with a small diesel spill on the highway. Tragically two of the drivers were deceased with the third being treated by NSW Ambulance personnel. The Pacific Highway was blocked in both directions with traffic being managed by Police. The accident occurred outside Broadwater Public School , which was closed for the day due to the accident. Crews from 316 Goonellabah, 211 Ballina, 362 Lismore and 240 Brunswick Heads also attended. Insp Chris Fabri, Duty Commander Northern Rivers, attended as Incident Controller, appointing SO Ian Grimwood from 316 Goonellabah as Operations Officer, relieving SO Garry Barton from 362 Lismore as Hazmat Officer, SO Brian Aubusson Senior Instructor and Deputy Captain David Alexander from 240 Brunswick Heads as Safety Officers. Crews from the RFS and SES were also on scene. Firefighters donned splash suits to clean up leaks from four 200 litre drums containing Ferric Chloride and to assist with the body retrieval. The Stop message was finally sent at 1646 hours, some nine hours after the initial call. Some crews remained on scene to render the area safe. Insp Fabri praised firefighters for their professionalism under arduous conditions, and all agencies involved in the operation for their cooperation.

 

3rd Alarm factory fire in Newtown

At 0051 hours on Monday 18 August 5 Newtown and 18 Glebe responded to a building fire in Bucknell Lane in Newtown . Firefighters arrived on scene to find smoke issuing from a factory complex, and a 2nd Alarm was called in at 0101 hours. The fire was in the rear of a two level brick and tile building approximately 50m x 30m. Firefighters mounted an aggressive fire attack however due to the ferocity of the blaze, firefighters had difficulty locating the seat of the fire. With the fire upgraded to a 3rd Alarm, additional crews from 10 Redfern, 13  Alexandria , 1 COS Rescue, 22 Leichhardt, 28 Marrickville, 21 Kogarah and 12 Balmain attended the fire, which was brought under control around 0312 hours. Insp Glen Moran, Duty Commander Inner West and Insp Craig Wright, Duty Commander City also attended. The rear of the building sustained severe damage from the fire with some heat and smoke damage to the upper floor, however firefighters were able to contain the fire and prevent it spreading to adjoining premises. The fire was extinguished using two pumps, one aerial appliance and four 38mm lines of hose.

Two fatal fires reinforce winter fire dangers

Unfortunately, the weekend of 15-17 August resulted in two fatal fires – one in Yagoona and one in Wyong – reminding us all of the increased fire danger during the winter months. Firefighters from 19 Silverwater, 85 Chester Hill, 55 Guildford, 30 Lidcombe, 15 Burwood Rescue, 9 Hazmat, 49 Cabramatta were called to a house fire in Yagoona at 2300 hours on Friday 15 August, and on arrival crews found the rear of the house well alight. Firefighters quickly mounted an aggressive fire attack and search and rescue. An elderly woman was rescued from the blaze and was transported to hospital in a critical condition. Upon further search and rescue, firefighters discovered a deceased elderly man inside the house. Then on Sunday 17 August, firefighters from 505 Wyong and 228 Berkley Vale attended a unit fire in Wyong. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze quickly and rescue the occupant of the house. Tragically, the man was unable to be saved despite the efforts of firefighters who performed CPR on the man for about 15 minutes, until Ambulance officers arrived on scene. I encourage all firefighters to continue to promote key fire safety messages around smoke alarms, escape plans and winter fire safety so that we can avoid any further tragedies this winter.

 

RUMOUR MILL

 

Rumour: Is it true that the NSWFB is going to commence the installation of mobile phones into metropolitan pumpers, or is it going to continue to run the non-financial expectation that officers will use their mobile phones when direct verbal communications is required between sections of the Brigades?  

 

Response: It is the intention to install mobile phones into metropolitan pumpers.

 

INCIDENTS

House fires in Urunga

NSWFB join Emergency Services for Newcastle rescue drill

Marine 1 performs medical assistance at Harbour incident - 6/8/08

EVENTS

Smoke alarm deliveries to all NSW stations

Appointment of new Zone Commander for RW2

Team Excalibur sets off on the 2008 Variety Bash
NSWFB join in the City to Surf  

NSWFB involvement in World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08)           


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