Commissioner

Vale: Deputy Commissioner John Benson AFSM

By now most would have heard the extremely sad news that retired Deputy Commissioner John Benson lost a long battle with illness on the 6th of June. John, as always, was determined and stoic throughout, amazing medical staff, friends and family as he fought through setback after setback. Although he survived a liver transplant his body finally could take no more following multiple complications.

John’s long and distinguished career saw him serve at many busy inner city stations, Albury and the Communications Centre. Following promotions, he was instrumental in revamping promotional programs, including the Station Officers and Inspectors promotional programs. John was also a driving force behind the preparations for our international urban search and rescue (USAR) classification with the United Nations.

We farewelled John in July 2012 following a distinguished career spanning almost four decades during which he saw and helped implement many positive changes. When we farewelled him, all of us hoped he would reap the rewards of an outstanding career during a long and happy retirement. Although the last 6 months have been hard, John squeezed a lot of adventures and happy times into the previous 3 years. We will farewell John on Tuesday 14 June at 12:00 hours at Parsons Funeral Directors in the Wollongong Chapel 34 Belmore Street Wollongong.

Learning from the Paris terrorist attacks

On Tuesday 31 May, representatives from NSW police, ambulance, health and the various NSW emergency services, including more than 40 FRNSW personnel, attended a talk by Brigadier General Philippe Boutinaud, Commander of the Paris Fire Brigade, about critical lessons learnt from the recent devastating Paris terrorist attacks. These talks were part of an Australia-wide knowledge-sharing series arranged by AFAC.

In January and November 2015, Paris suffered two series of terrorist attacks which involved a complex combination of coordinated actions – shootings, explosions and hostage taking – presenting a major challenge for the emergency services. Brigadier General Boutinaud in his talk outlined how frontline operational personnel from multiple agencies provided an integrated response to these attacks which occurred simultaneously across a large geographic area. Paris Fire Brigade played a crucial role as it provides emergency medical services as well as fire services, and therefore managed patient retrieval (sometimes under gunfire), triage and on-scene stabilisation prior to transport. The December 2014 Martin Place siege highlighted that Australia is not immune to this type of threat, and the Brigadier General’s address provided many timely insights and lessons for Australian emergency services.

Networking with other emergency services in the Asia-Pacific region

When you receive this issue of Commissioner’s Corner, I will be in Osaka, Japan. This week, as the Australian Director of the International Fire Chiefs’ Association of Asia (IFCAA) I will be attending, on behalf of AFAC, IFCAA’s bi-annual General Conference in Japan along with delegates from 13 other countries. The Conference provides a valuable forum for emergency services in our region to share knowledge, experience and innovation. Representatives from six countries – Japan, Iran, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Singapore and Japan – will present on their country’s capability and response to various natural disasters and emergencies. While there, delegates will also have the opportunity to visit the Osaka International Fire and Safety Exhibition, and to watch a joint major fire and rescue drill involving fire departments from across Japan.

Raising funds for motor neurone disease research

After the outstanding success of last year’s Firefighters Climb for MND, FRNSW is once again joining forces with Macquarie University to raise much-needed funding and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND). Last year FRNSW firefighters raised more than $180,000 to help continue research into this awful disease which currently has no known cause or cure.

Due to intense interest, this year the event has been opened to fire services around the world. On 23 October 2016, firefighters will climb the Sydney Tower Eye in full turnout gear, competing against each other for the fastest time to support a great cause. The Everyday Hero page www.firiesclimbformnd.org.au allows firefighters to create or join a team. They can then fundraise by getting sponsorship for doing the climb from their community, family and friends by sharing this page through Facebook, Twitter and email, and encouraging people to donate to their team.

To compete in the challenge, you must have an appropriate level of fitness (don’t under-estimate this or think you can do it without training), and it is recommended that everyone over 35 seeks medical advice first. Please answer the questionnaire before registering. As firies, we can and will help in finding a cure for this disease. I encourage you to register and take part in the 2016 Firefighters Climb for MND. For more information, see the intranet story and video (https://vimeo.com/169496787).

DC Jim Smith’s send-off

Last Friday night I attended the largest send-off that I have attended for some time. Hundreds of wellwishers including permanent and retained firefighters, senior officers from FRNSW, the RFS and SES, FBEU officials and officials from the SES Volunteers’ Association came to Blacktown Workers’ Club to thank and farewell Deputy Commissioner Jim Smith on his retirement. Jim’s family were there in force, including his Mum and Dad. A highlight (which Jim didn’t know about until it was shown) was a video message from his son who is working in Amsterdam. Jim spoke passionately about his three families: the Smiths, FRNSW and the SES, and about how fortunate he feels in having had so many opportunities to help others during his long and meritorious career.

Open Day – tell us what you think

With another successful Open Day behind us, now is the time to review and evaluate what went well and what needs improving. Every year Open Day gets bigger and better with more fire stations involved and an incredible amount of creativity and effort put in by the on-shift crews. Your thoughts on this year’s Open Day and recommendations for improvements are important to help us continue to build on this very successful community engagement event. I therefore ask all staff (both operational and non-operational) to complete a short online survey in order to have your say. For 2016 Open Day stories and photos from around the State, see the intranet story.

Strategic Operations Centre commences in pilot mode

Our new Strategic Operations Centre (SOC) at Alexandria has now commenced in pilot mode to establish ‘proof of concept’ and to formalise its functions. Following an agreement with the FBEU, the SOC will operate in a 6-8 week pilot phase to be reviewed regularly by a project team including FBEU representatives. At the conclusion of the pilot I anticipate the SOC will start full activation 24 hours a day. The powerful storm that hit NSW last weekend provided a useful initial test of the SOC’s capability and operation.

The SOC’s functions will include ‘reach back’ for remote and regional Incident Commanders where mobile communication and distance can delay the response of Duty Commanders. It will also provide vital intelligence for all Incident Commanders, while also fulfilling a 24/7 media and public information focal point including social media. If you have any questions, want to know more about the Centre, or would like to take your crews to visit the SOC and FireCom, contact Supt. Wayne Phillips by email.

Crews in action at Grafton Championships

On the weekend 28-29 May, I attended the Regional North 2 Firefighter Championships ably hosted by Grafton and South Grafton brigades. Competition in the eleven events was fiercely contested with 14 FRNSW brigades (eight in zone and six out of zone) and two RFS brigades in action. The eventual overall winner was Kootingal RFS with FRNSW Bega, Wyong and Kelso brigades taking out second, third and fourth places respectively. I congratulate all participating crews for their efforts, and I look forward to the North 3 Regional Championships in Tamworth 13-14 August, leading up to our State Championships in Wyong 27-29 October.

Captains embrace investment in leadership skills

Last month around 40 Captains and Deputy Captains from across NSW gathered at the Australian Institute of Police Management in Manly for the final part of FRNSW’s Captains’ Leadership Development Program. The program represents a significant investment in the development of our Retained officers. Captains and Deputy Captains are crucial to the delivery of fire, rescue and hazmat services to regional communities in NSW and I am pleased that we are enhancing their leadership skills through this first-rate program. The success of the program is thanks in no small part to the commitment of Regional South Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Ken Murphy and every one of the participants who gave up a great deal of their own time to improve their ability to lead their teams and serve their communities. For more information, see the intranet story.

Camden firefighters celebrate 100 years of service to the community

Last Saturday the Member for Camden Chris Patterson and the Camden Deputy Mayor Peter Sidgreaves joined me to celebrate the centenary of Camden’s first fire station. Also present were firefighters past and present and a range of community leaders and representatives. I also handed over the keys to a new Class 2 Mercedes pumper to Captain Daniel Cohen, and presented a Commissioner's Commendation to Eschol Park resident Craig Sawyer for his brave actions at a house fire in 2014.

Firefighters join forces to raise funds for burns units

For nine days between 9 May and 17 May, 100 firefighters from FRNSW and Queensland Fire & Emergency Services cycled more than 1,000 km from Sydney to Brisbane to raise money for the burns units at each state’s respective children’s hospitals. Conditions were often very challenging, with rain on the first day, strong headwinds on the second, temperature ranging from zero to 30 degrees, and climbs which exceeded 1,400 metres in some locations. The NSW contingent included both permanent firefighters and retained firefighters, and the inspirational Karl Madderom, a burns victim, who cycled the entire distance. Retired Deputy Commissioner Ken Thompson was also part of our contingent.

I congratulate all who participated and also those who supported them for their magnificent effort. NSW riders have so far raised more than $90,000 this year for the Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. If you want to help them reach their target of $100,000, donations can still be made at www.400in4.org. For more information, see the intranet story.

New parking arrangements at FRNSW Alexandria Site

Transition works started last week on the Alexandria site to establish a new temporary building facility over the Bourke Rd carpark (near Sydney Comms). All on-site parking is now restricted and a nearby carpark has been leased for staff. Any staff visiting Alexandria (including 13 Station, Operational Capability, the Communication Centre and Education & Training staff) should read the intranet news article for information on the new offsite carpark and how to access this.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week runs from 3-10 July this year with the theme being Songlines: The Living Narrative of Our Nation. These Songlines travel across all the different lands of this Country, telling stories of how everything came to be, from plants, animals and the formation of the lands that we walk upon today. They also hold the knowledge of the culture, customs, traditions and lore of its people.

FRNSW is hosting a number of NAIDOC Week activities. From 4-6 July, Head Office will hold a number of interactive events including an art day, where staff will be able to paint a range of boomerangs with their own Songlines that they will be able to take away with them. This year we encourage all staff to reach out to Aboriginal Services in their local communities and to explore their Songlines. If you find and learn something about your local community, please let us know so that we can share your experience.

Fire & Rescue News Autumn 2016 issue published

The latest issue of Fire & Rescue News will soon be delivered to fire stations and other FRNSW premises. This issue features the new Strategic Operations Centre, a focus on our USAR readiness, on bushfire hazard reduction activities and the lessons we can learn from the 2014 Melbourne Docklands highrise fire. Following almost five years of research, writing and picture editing, SO David Tai’s stunning pictorial history of our 21 Chief Officers / Commissioners, Leading from the front, is also finally revealed. The fourth issue of the Fire & Rescue Operations Journal analyses six recent incidents including the Kurnell tornado and the 4th Alarm Milperra car stacker fire, all of which provide opportunities for learning lessons by sharing experiences. A PDF version is available on the intranet and our website here www.fire.nsw.gov.au/frnews.

Congratulations to Class 2/2016

On 26 May I was joined by Member of the Legislative Council, Shayne Mallard, at the State Training College to congratulate and welcome 24 graduating firefighters. As always, our newest recruits are a group of outstanding individuals with a great diversity of backgrounds and experiences including former retained firefighters, a chef, a lifeguard, a registered nurse, a football referee and a number of tradespeople. One third of Class 2/2016 were women and some are also graduates of the IFARES program which assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to prepare to apply to become firefighters. During the ceremony I presented the Second Clasp to the National Medal to Acting Deputy Commissioner Jim Hamilton, the National Medal to Retained Firefighter Mark Aglio, and the Commissioner's Recruit Merit Award to Firefighter Alexandra Moulos who was formerly a retained firefighter at Thredbo. For more information, photos and video, see the intranet story.

Severe storm batters the NSW coastline

Last weekend a powerful East Coast low delivered heavy drenching rain and strong winds along the entire NSW coastline. First to be hit was the Far North Coast, with the storm continuing to wreak extensive damage right along the coast and adjacent hinterland as it tracked south.

FRNSW resources were heavily involved in storm operations over the weekend, responding to nearly 700 storm-related incidents and performing around 100 rescues in support of the SES and other emergency services. Many of these incidents involved FRNSW swiftwater rescue strike teams deployed on Friday 3 June to assist the SES in the Northern Rivers and Stroud areas.

As the bad weather moved south, swiftwater rescue strike teams were redeployed to Sydney, with one diverting to Nana Glen to assist in rescuing a man after his utility became caught in a flooded river. Two strike teams assisted with evacuations around Narrabeen Lake, while a swiftwater rescue team from 102 Regentville helped to evacuate patients from a nursing home in Canley Vale.

In all, FRNSW crews assisted at hundreds of storm-related incidents, including fallen trees, flooded premises, arcing powerlines and roof collapses. For a full report, see the intranet story.

8th Alarm Revesby fire

Just before 1600 hours on Wednesday 25 May, crews were called to reports of a factory fire on Fitzpatrick St at Revesby. Multiple 000 calls were received reporting the fire and crews reported large volumes of smoke en route. Initially a 3rd Alarm response was requested, however this was raised to a 5th Alarm immediately upon arrival.

Firefighters were confronted with a working fire in a large wrecking yard involving multiple crushed vehicles at the rear of a factory complex. Two workers had sustained extensive injuries and firefighters provided initial first aid until paramedics arrived. There were major fears that the fire would spread throughout the large industrial complex and surrounding factory units. As flames directly impacted the rear of the factory in Sector A and a factory in Sector C, the response was raised to a 6th Alarm. Several aerials, fixed monitors and handlines were deployed in an attempt to contain the fire.

Around 100 workers were safely evacuated from surrounding premises and a smoke alert was issued to nearby Bankstown airport. Local roads were closed to all traffic as an 8th Alarm was responded to provide additional crews needed for a water relay from surrounding mains. Hazmat crews placed booms across the adjoining water canal and monitored water run-off and air quality throughout the operation. I attended the incident and addressed a large media contingent during which I commented on the great work being done by all attending fire crews in containing such an intense and difficult fire.

It took crews just under three hours to suppress and contain the fire. An adjoining food storage facility and a fitness centre sustained damage but were saved from total destruction. A fire duty of two pumpers and an aerial appliance remained on scene throughout the night to extinguish hot spots. Firefighting operations continued throughout the next day as an excavator was brought in to break apart areas containing burning car tyres. Congratulations to all attending crews and the Incident Management Team for successfully containing the difficult fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

5th Alarm Marrickville furniture factory fire

At around 2142 hours on Monday 30 May numerous 000 calls were received to a factory fire in Rich Street at Marrickville. Due to the number of calls received, FireCom immediately dispatched a 2nd Alarm response.

Crews from 28 Marrickville and 5 Newtown were on scene within six minutes and immediately transmitted a Red message for a 4th Alarm as flames were through the roof and exposures were threatened. Within a few minutes the front wall collapsed, and the response was raised to a 5th Alarm with all crews withdrawing to defensive positions.

The factory was used for manufacturing custom-made wooden furniture and was full of large amounts of stored timber, paints, glues and lacquers. The flame height was reported at over 20 metres and the red glow was visible for many kilometres. Hazmat crews monitored water run-off into the nearby canal. They also monitored a major smoke plume that fortunately did not impact into the surrounding suburbs, however Air Services was alerted as the factory was located directly under one of the flight paths into nearby Sydney Airport.

A number of parked cars were destroyed as the front wall collapsed, bringing down powerlines. Another major challenge for crews was the multiple exposures including a theatre and art studio which shared a common wall with the furniture factory. Three aerials were deployed along with several ground monitors and numerous handlines. I attended the fire and was impressed that firefighters did an amazing job in preventing fire spread into the art studio and also an adjoining food supply factory.

A number of shift workers in the surrounding buildings were evacuated safely without any injuries. It took crews four hours to bring the fire under control and containing it to the building of origin. A fire duty was maintained overnight and investigations into the cause are still ongoing.

The furniture factory was a well-known family business that has been operating for more than 16 years. Although the business was totally destroyed by the fire, surrounding businesses were grateful for the outstanding work of firefighters that saved their premises. Well done to attending crews from 28 Marrickville, 5 Newtown, 22 Leichhardt, 18 Glebe, 13 Alexandria, 14 Ashfield, 26 Mascot, 29 Arncliffe, 10 Redfern, 1 City of Sydney, 85 Chester Hill, 38 Pyrmont, 21 Kogarah, and to the Incident Management Team who operated from one of the newly-commissioned mobile command centres.

5th Alarm factory fire at North St Marys

At 2145 hours on Friday 27 May, firefighters at Dunheved Fire Station heard a nearby explosion and within moments were responded to Kurrajong Street, North St Marys, following reports that a building was well alight. The crew from 78 Dunheved was on scene within four minutes, reported a working fire in a factory complex, and immediately called for a 3rd Alarm.

Shortly after arrival a wall partially collapsed and it became obvious that a row of five single-level factory units were involved. One of these units was an automotive workshop containing a large amount of flammable liquids and gas bottles. The response was immediately increased to a 5th Alarm.

Given the instability of the complex, collapse zones were established and defensive strategies employed. A gas main rupture added to the complexities of firefighting operations and a diffuser spray was deployed to extinguish the gas fire and contain the vapour cloud until the gas could later be isolated.

It appears that the fire started in a commercial laundry unit which also contained a chemical storage area. Hazmat crews were kept busy monitoring the water run-off and smoke plume. Fortunately the factory complex was located within an industrial area and no evacuations were required. Two aerial appliances and a ground monitor were successfully used together with several handlines to contain the fire in just 45 minutes.

A fire duty was maintained overnight to extinguish small flare-ups. No injuries were reported and the fire is being treated as suspicious with ongoing investigations being conducted by Police.

Given the high fuel loading of this incident, crews did a great job in quickly containing and extinguishing the blaze. Well done to the attending crews from 78 Dunheved, 77 St Marys, 32 Mount Druitt, 86 Penrith, 102 Regentville, 97 Huntingwood, 63 Blacktown, 85 Chester Hill, 98 Cranebrook, 96 Schofields, 27 Parramatta, and 47 Revesby.

Q: What do I have to wear under my structural firefighting trousers? Can I wear shorts?

A: Standards require that our firefighting ensemble be designed as a ‘stand alone’ garment, which is why it is thicker than the previous firefighting uniform over-trousers. Theoretically, you don’t need to wear anything under them, but this might prove to be uncomfortable! The minimum recommended clothing underneath the trousers is FRNSW-issued shorts, and you should also carry duty wear trousers with you in the appliance so that you can ‘dress down’ when in rehab – it is essential to enable metabolic heat to dissipate and the ensemble will make this difficult. At some incidents there have been problems (embarrassments) decontaminating, cooling and rehabilitating firefighters who were not wearing sufficient clothing underneath. Switched-on firefighters carry a spare pair of shorts in their PPE kit bag.