COMMISSIONER'S BUSINESS
Auditor General Rescue Report
On Wednesday the Auditor General, Mr Bob Sendt, released a Performance Audit Report entitled "Coordination of Rescue Services: State Rescue Board of New South Wales." There was some media speculation that the report highlighted deficiencies in NSW counter terrorism preparedness. However, the Auditor General has made it clear that the audit did not look at counter terrorism arrangements, and that the SRB is responsible for single-incident rescue responses. In media interviews the Acting Minister, Mr David Campbell, Commissioner Phil Koperberg, who is Chair of the SRB, and I reiterated this. I also explained to the media the difference between Urban Search & Rescue, and day-to-day rescue. The SRB has welcomed the report and will consider the Audit findings in detail. The full report is available at: http://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/perfaud-rep/Year-2005-2006/Rescue-July2005/rescue-contents.html
OPERATIONAL UPDATE
CARS update
Thank you to everyone using the CARS reporting system. Since the changes to CARS on 1 July, 1616 individual reports have been recorded, reporting 5428 hours spent on community activities. CARS provides information that helps us understand and address local community needs, meaning we are better able to fulfil our core role.
The most commonly reported activity is SABRE with 579 activities reported since 1 July. Hydrant inspections and exercises/drills also rank high. However, there are many reports in the “other activity” category. Unfortunately the details captured in the “other activity” category areas cannot be readily identified at Zone and Region level, so if you enter activities such as SABRE, Fire Ed or Exercise/Drill into “other activity”, your report won't be correctly recorded for your station. Make your report count by entering it under a specific activity type.
If you have any questions contact your Community Risk Management Officer.
Ferry incident
An incident on a Sydney Harbour passenger ferry yesterday demonstrated the value of well-rehearsed procedures. At around 10.30am the ferry crew noticed smoke in the engine compartment and emergency procedures were immediately implemented. Fire crews from 24 Manly, 69 Dee Why and 25 Mosman responded to Manly wharf to meet the ferry and 3 The Rocks responded on board the fire tug Shirley Smith to shadow the passenger ferry. A Jet Cat also shadowed the passenger ferry in case an evacuation was required. Upon the ferry's arrival at Manly wharf, the Manly crew boarded the vessel but found no sign of fire. The ferry crew and NSWFB officers and firefighters followed established procedures that meant the incident was dealt with professionally and efficiently. Read the full story on the intranet . Well done to all involved.
This incident and two recent fires on vessels in the harbour have highlighted the need for a fast-attack firefighting vessel. Planning is well advanced for the NSWFB to acquire its first purpose-built fast-attack vessel.
Other incidents
If you haven't read about the incident in Coffs Harbour where 13 people were evacuated from a hotel fire, or the Surry Hills fire where firefighters faced issues with a narrow street, see the intranet .
Bushfire training exercise
A major training exercise was held today in the Campbelltown area. The aim of the training was to improve the NSWFB's service delivery in firefighting at the urban bushland interface, which is becoming known as the “I Zone”. The activities were organised as part of a cooperative venture between Region West and the Bushfire/Natural Hazards Section. A key deliverable of the pilot project is improved risk management planning for I Zone incidents in urban communities. The day consisted of advanced aircraft familiarisation for 88 Campbelltown crew (Fire Air 1), bucketing operations (Fire Air 1), using large portable dams, deployment of NSWFB vehicles on the urban interface at Ruse and Airds, fly over by Fire Air 1 of deployed pumpers and an urban interface presentation for 92 St Andrews and 88 Campbelltown stations. Incidentally, congratulations to newly promoted Superintendent Gerry Byrne, the new manager of the Bushfire/Natural Hazards Section.
NEWS IN BRIEF
CFU training day
Last Sunday more than 600 Region North CFU volunteers attended a training day at St Ives showground. There were eight activities set down for the day including hose and hydrant drills and portable pump operations by the NSWFB; first aid from St John Ambulance; weather conditions and bush care from NPWS; and evacuation procedures from the NSW Police. The State Emergency Service explained their role during natural disasters and the Rural Fire Service gave talks on map reading and hazard reduction burns. For more details, see the story on the intranet (insert link).
CFU training days in the Regions are proving very successful and taking a lot of pressure off stations which would normally do individual training sessions. The last two training days in Region North have attracted over 1300 volunteers out of approximately 1700 registered in the region. Similar attendances have been experienced in Regions South and West. Thanks to everyone involved.
Tenterfield SABRE day
On Sunday 3 July 457 Tenterfield held a very successful SABRE Day. Under the direction of Captain Jim Flynn, the Tenterfield crew visited 54 homes identified by the local Meals on Wheels coordinator. Ten new smoke alarms and 70 batteries were fitted, provided by Tenterfield Lions Club. This is a great example of firefighters getting behind a vital safety initiative and provides a model for other stations. For more details on this story, see the intranet .
Kitchen fire safety message reaching the community
Last Friday I launched the kitchen fire safety campaign and that evening firefighters from 15 Burwood found that the campaign was already having results.
At about 6.20 pm 15 Burwood D Platoon attended a fire in a Strathfield home. Upon arrival the crew found an oil-filled pot well alight. The pot had been covered by towels which had been dampened but they had also started to catch alight. The crew extinguished the fire and took the pot outside.
The woman who lived in the house said that when she discovered the fire she was about to throw water on it but remembered hearing on the radio that day that you should never put water on a fat fire, so she used the towels instead. Her efforts certainly saved the home. There was damage to the wall and ceiling of the kitchen, but the crew arrived in time to prevent flashover.
This serves as a reminder that NSWFB safety campaigns are reaching the community. If your station hasn't yet issued the kitchen fire safety media release to your local media, you can find it on the intranet .
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: Stephen Norris (West) 9265 2612, Michelle Halloran (South) 9265 2802 or Natalie Laharnar (North) 9265 2631
Cut off for submissions is 10:00am Thursday