June 2004

Commissioner: Greg Mullins AFSM

Editor: Jan Crombie-Brown

Manager Corporate Communications Capability: Peter Walker

Assistant Director Corporate Communications: Julie Delvecchio

Editorial Committee: Jan Crombie-Brown, Graham Dewsnap,Natalie Laharnar, Anne Pickles and Peter Walker

Front cover photo: Crews entering the hot cell during CFBTtraining by Grant Foster.

Design and layout: Gemma Metzker and Kerrie Hudson, QESU

Telephone: (02) 9265 2631 Facsimile: (02) 9265 2882

Internet: www.nswfb.nsw.gov.au

Send Letters to the Editor, articles and photos to:The Editor, Fire News, PO Box A249 SYDNEY SOUTH 1232

EMAIL: jan.crombiebrown@fire.nsw.gov.auphone: (02) 9265 2631

Fire News would like to thank all contributors for sendingmaterial, but due to space and time constraints it isimpossible to publish all items. Please do not let this deteryou from contributing in future editions.

The contents of Fire News are copyright and cannot bereproduced either in part or full without written permission.

Fire News reserves the right to edit articles and letters submittedfor publication.

ISSN 0047-990X

Contents

NSW Fire Brigades’ Open Day...............................................................................2

Back to basics - what is CFBT?..........................................................................10

Full steam ahead at Wellington .........................................................................12

CFBT Training in Armidale..................................................................................13

Region North CFBT.............................................................................................13

Dubbo hazmat incident......................................................................................14

Jamisontown factory fire ...................................................................................16

Newcastle University fire...................................................................................18

Dust Explosion at CSR Silos ...............................................................................19

Wetherill Park Plastics factory fire ...................................................................20

Annual Report wins gold ....................................................................................22

Medical Research Award for NSWFB doctors.....................................................22

Australian Fire Service Medals..........................................................................23

Anzac Day...........................................................................................................24

Australia’s best rescuers ...................................................................................26

What a site!........................................................................................................27

Bravery Awards ..................................................................................................28

Quit and Save – it’s never too late ...................................................................29

St Patrick’s Day New York style.........................................................................30

MOU with EnergyAustralia..................................................................................32

Captain Col Maslen goes for gold......................................................................32

Profile: Firefighter Craig Mashman ...................................................................33

Graduation .........................................................................................................34

Brewarinna CFU .................................................................................................36

At the top of the hill ..........................................................................................36

Harmony Day 2004.............................................................................................37

Clean Up Australia Day ......................................................................................37

Northern Sydney Community Fire Unit training day ..........................................38

Office Chair Derby.............................................................................................40

Zone North 7/3 Swansea Championships...........................................................41

Zone South 4 Corowa Championships................................................................42

Station profile: Nowra........................................................................................43

USAR 1 Semi Trailer ...........................................................................................44

Class 1 (4x4) Urban Pumpers.............................................................................46

Combined Emergency Services AFL ...................................................................47

Retirements .......................................................................................................48

You’ve got mail ..................................................................................................50

Vo l 8 No 2 June 2004

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Our annual New South Wales Fire Brigades’ Open Day is alwaysa big winner with families. It’s wonderful to see so many happyfaces as people, young and old, visit the fire stations and talkto us while kids clamour over the fire trucks, inspect theequipment and imagine what it’s like to be a firefighter. Someof our Open Day visitors marvel at the history that lies within thewalls of their local fire stations – such a pivotal part of thecommunity. Hopefully, all our visitors walk away wiser aboutfire safety, which is what the day is all about.

Fire prevention is an integral part of our role as a fire and rescueservice. Our own awareness programs, such as FireEd and

SABRE, the information we release through the media and events like Open Day allow us toreach many people with safety messages that can help them protect themselves and theirfamilies. Such education is a key facet of the NSWFB’s role, particularly in the winter months.As we saw so tragically early in June, this is the time of year when people can be most at riskfrom fire in their homes.

We therefore need to capture the community spirit of Open Day every day of the year. Each dayshould be like an open day at local fire stations, so that people can drop in to obtain adviceabout installing smoke alarms, help with developing a home escape plan and other potentiallylifesaving information. They’ll be greeted with the same friendly faces, and, work permitting,kids will still be able to climb over the trucks and learn more about the incredible work ofNSWFB firefighters.

Greg Mullins AFSM

While waiting for the lights to change at a busy intersection, I noticed a shiny red NSWFBappliance pull up on the left hand side of my vehicle. On the right hand side, a car carrying twoyoung children was also waiting. A little girl about five noticed the fire engine and excitedlymotioned to her brother. Both children, their faces shining with excitement, waved to thefirefighters, who much to the children’s delight, waved back. The lights turned green and we allwent our separate ways, but this delightful incident caused me to think about the great publicrelations job our firefighters do, and it provided tangible evidence of how well respected andtrusted they are within the community. It is therefore not surprising that our NSWFB Open Day,featured in this edition, was a roaring success. Apart from spreading the fire safety message,demonstrating firefighting skills and displaying appliances, firefighters, it seems, also excel inthe culinary arts, and the NSWFB Open Day barbecued sausage sandwiches were declared tobe “second to none.”

Jan Crombie-Brown

FROM THE EDITOR

FROM THE COMMISSIONER

NSW Fire Brigades’Open Day

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On Saturday 8 May 2004, fire stations across NSW openedtheir doors for the annual NSWFB Open Day. To the

delight of thousands of families, the sausages sizzled andkids got to climb over pumpers and inspect the equipment aswell as take away free CD-Roms, tattoos and balloons. OpenDay also gave firefighters the chance to talk directly tomembers of their local community about their role and tooffer them vital fire safety information.

Here’s how some fire stations celebrated the day.

UrallaUralla Fire Station had a bumper Open Day with many visitorscoming along to learn about the NSWFB. Local MP RichardTorbay, presided over the presentations which included thedonation of a defibrillator by Rotary and the presentation of theNational Medal to Retained Firefighter Wayne Howard.

MittagongThe people of Mittagong turned out en masse to support theNSWFB Open Day. The fire shed was dressed up as a house withfire education displays inside, and plenty of fun for the kids. Manykids were delighted to get truly ‘hands-on’ with fire extinguishers.Close to 400 visitors went through the station by 1pm.

Retained Firefighter Michelle Hatton was hugely impressed by thecommunity reaction on the day.

“The response for Open Day here was terrific… all the membershere had a ball! Wow!”

WollongongIf the record amount of sausages consumed by hungry visitors isany indication, Wollongong Fire Station’s Open Day was a hugesuccess.

Visitors of all ages inspected the appliances (the Bronto wasmost popular), looked over equipment, chatted with friendlyfirefighters, and sampled the gourmet barbecue fare.

MortdaleThe retained firefighters from Mortdale Fire Station had around300 people pass through the doors. They showed adults how touse fire extinguishers and put on face painting as an extraattraction for the kids.

Retained Firefighter Justine Denton declared the day a big success.

“We’ve had more people here than last year. Spreading the wordthrough the community has made a big difference,” she said.

TamworthTamworth Fire Station enjoyed a successful open day with 450people visiting the station. In fact, Open Day is so popular theyextended it by an extra two hours.

Not everyone was there to look at the shiny red fire engine - thestation also received several enquiries from locals and a coupleof RFS volunteer firefighters about retained recruitment.

Wagga WaggaOpen Day was a perfect opportunity for the people of WaggaWagga to meet their local firies. Displays with hoses andextinguishers were topped off with a number of vintage firevehicles, including a beautifully restored 1943 Mack Truck, onshow to the inquisitive crowd.

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Photo: Julie Delvecchio

Between 800 and 1000 people attended on a clear, crisp, sunny Waggaday. The traditional sausage sizzle kept the hundreds happy as theylearnt about fire prevention and safety from their local firefighters.

MaitlandOpen Day visitors to Maitland Fire Station were so eager theyarrived before the official 10am start time. Captain Paul Mayerscredits a rise in the number of visitors this year to publicityleading up to the event.

“Parents told us they planned their day around it because it’s atreat for the kids,” Captain Mayers said.

And the children didn’t just leave with a showbag, they also gotfire safety advice. As firefighters helped them apply their tattoosthey spoke to the children about the ‘get down low and go go go’and ‘stop, drop and roll’ messages on them.

Deputy Captain Paul Casey said he was impressed by how manyof the older primary school kids remembered the safetymessages from the Fire Ed program.

MarrickvilleThe firefighters from Marrickville Fire Station enlisted the help ofthe local SES volunteers to cook the sausages, leaving them freeto talk to visitors about the work they do and fire safety. Theyestimated 300 visitors through the station.

Batemans BayOpen Day in Batemans Bay was a real treat, especially for thekids. A strong turnout from the local community made this aspecial day for the town. The appearance of Bernie Cindershelped spread the fire safety message and brought big smiles tothe faces of the station’s visitors.

A real fire call, accompanied by the flashing lights and sirens of thetrucks, brought instant cheers from the kids (and a few grown-ups).

LeichhardtThere were lots of young children with their parents at LeichhardtFire Station. Firefighter Robin Weckert said she was surprised bythe sophistication of the questions from some youngsters, whowanted detail about specific pieces of equipment. The BrigadeKids CD-Rom was running at the station, and the kids got a kickout of playing it.

On the day, one parent was heard to remark: “A sausage on a rolland a fire truck - what more could a kid want?”

North Shore and Northern BeachesAnimals were an attraction at two fire stations on Sydney’s northshore. Crows Nest featured a demonstration by Ellie the FIRUarson-detection dog, which was a real crowd pleaser. Mosman hadthe Zoo-mobile with a snake and other animals from Taronga Zoo.

Zone Commander N2, Superintendent Brian Johnson, reported asteady stream of visitors through most north shore and northernbeaches fire stations, particularly Crows Nest, Mosman, NeutralBay, Narrabeen and Manly.

The EntranceFirefighters from The Entrance welcomed the opportunity to meetand greet members of the public, reinforce fire safety messagesand discuss fire brigade activities

Approximately 200 people visited the fire station to inspect thestatic displays and fire fighting equipment as well as sample oneof the gourmet sausages. Firefighter Chris Wallace declared OpenDay to be “a complete success.”

St AndrewsThis year Macarthur fire stations, including Campbelltown,Ingleburn and Macquarie Fields, joined forces for a combinedOpen Day which was held at St Andrews Fire Station. The 1000visitors inspected the fire appliances on display and were treatedto practical fire safety and rescue demonstrations, all of whichwere well received by the enthusiastic crowds.

Lakemba“A great day was had by all,” was the consensus of Lakembafirefighters. The “FIRE 000” balloons proved a very popular wayof spreading the fire safety message to many of the station’ssmaller visitors.

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Mortdale

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WollongongPhotos: Jan Crombie-Brown

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LakembaPhotos: David Weir

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St Andrews Photos: Peter Morthen

7

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Crows Nest

Manly

Photos for Crows Nest and Manly: Bob Dobson

RandwickPhotos: Bronwyn Hilton

Marrickville

Photo: Natalie Laharnar

Photo: Chris Atkins

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LeichhardtPhotos: Natalie Laharner

MittagongThe EntrancePhotos: Chris WallacePhotos: Michelle Hatton

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Beecroft Photos: Bronwyn Hilton

Back to basics - what is CFBT?

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CFBT or Compartment Fire Behaviour Training is thestudy of extreme fire behaviour using realistic

carbonaceous fire cells and props. Firefighters canobserve first hand how a fire grows and interacts withmany variables by observing the phenomenon in asafe and tested environment. Better still, they canpractice and prove the validity of gas coolingtechniques designed to combat the dangers offlashover, backdraft and fire gas explosions. The NSWFB has prepared a long term CFBT program based onthe knowledge gained by research and study in Sweden and theUK and liaison with a number of leading international FireBrigades and experts. The CFBT training, comprising threelevels, has been developed to equip every NSWFB firefighter witha greater understanding of fire behaviour. This understanding,combined with realistic training in proven and practicaltechniques, should enable firefighters to safely and efficientlyextinguish structural fires under varying conditions.

All NSWFB operational firefighters, including senior officers, willcomplete the program. Recruits receive CFBT as part of theirbasic firefighting training as do retained firefighters who attendas part of their skills maintenance. The key to CFBT is that ALLfirefighters are taught the same skills from the same resources.

There are currently 40 qualified CFBT Instructors across the State.All instructors have completed a five day course to ensure training

outcomes are the same regardless of where firefighters arestationed. This also ensures that instructors are equipped with theskills to provide a safe environment during realistic cell evolutions.

Training facilities which have CFBT cells in operation:

Albion Park – Split Demo Cell

Deniliquin – Split Demo Cell and Attack CellWellington – Flat Demo/Attack Hybrid CellArmidale - Flat Demo/Attack Hybrid CellVales Point - Flat Demo/Attack Hybrid Cell

StateTraining College - Split Demo Cell (in limited use)Shell Refinery (Clyde) - Flat Demo/Attack Hybrid Cell

(under review)

History of CFBT

In the mid 1980’s, trainers in the UK and Sweden began usingbasic steel shipping containers, loaded at one end with timber, toreplicate the production of flammable fire gases, with open andshut vents added to control air flow. Inside these ‘cells’, firefighterscould not only view the early stages of fire growth but examine firsthand the production of unburnt products of combustion combiningwith flammable gases given off by the timber.

Firefighters were able to witness the transformation of smoke toflame as pockets of unburnt fuel reached ignition. As the sessionprogressed, the firefighters would observe a ‘flashover’ in thefuel-loaded end of the cell, witnessing the sudden but sustainedtransition from a developing to a fully developed fire. During their

Commissioner Mullins practicesgas cooling techniques in thedemonstration cell while the other“trainees” await their turn.

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F e a t u r eT r a i n i n g

time in the cell, the firefighters crouched low as super heatedflammable gases billowed from the end of the cell, only inchesabove their helmets and as the temperatures increased, fingers offlame moved through the smoke.

Using their hose-line, firefighters directed short pulses of waterfog into these gases, lowering their temperature and causing anyflames to disappear. As they cooled, the layer of fire gases wouldcontract away from them, allowing firefighters to maintainvisibility. Under the watchful eye of an instructor, firefighterspracticed techniques, and were able to observe variances

between too much or too little water, becoming mindful of thesteam generated if they misdirected their pulse against thesuperheated linings of the cell. These were the skills that theywould take to their first fire call.

Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Finland and Denmarktrialled the techniques which spread to other parts of Europesuch as Holland and Spain. By the mid 1990’s, a number ofBritish Brigades were also training this way. Since then manyBrigades worldwide, have successfully incorporated CFBT aspart of their compulsory firefighter training.

NSWFB Fire Suppression and Research SectionCFBT course development, training of instructors, realistic testing of firefighting equipment and delivery of CFBT to firefighterswithin the greater Sydney area are all part of the role of the NSWFB Fire Suppression and Research Section which is based atTerrey Hills. Many firefighters who have completed their CFBT Level One would have met the current staff of Station Officer JohnMcDonough, Station Officer Guy Brisbourne, Station Officer Tim Brown and Station Officer Mark Riddell. The Section welcomesany feedback which can help make CFBT more effective.

Back row: Superintendent Ken Hayes, Superintendent Wayne Roberts,Chief Superintendent Paul Rugg, Acting Chief Superintendent Jim Smith, InspectorMal Cronstedt FESA (secondment from WA Fire Service), Commissioner Greg Mullins

Front row: Station Officer Tim Brown (CFBT instructor), Superintendent Mick Guymer,Superintendent Steve Davis, Superintendent Peter Murgatroyd, Acting SuperintendentGreg O’Connor

Senior Officers from Region South atthe Shell Refinery after completing thesix hour CFBT Level One course.

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CFBT is full steam ahead at the WellingtonTraining Centre. Permanent Officers and

Firefighters from Lithgow, Bathurst and Orangehave recently undertaken training at Wellington.The remaining firefighters from these stations, aswell as firefighters from Broken Hill and Dubbo willsoon undergo the training.

The regular Skill Maintenance training held atWellington for Retained Firefighters also focuses onCFBT.

During the weekends, firefighters undertake boththeory and practical components of the CFBTcourse as well as refreshing some basicfirefighting skills, such as ladders, hose handlingtechniques, and patient removal techniques.

CFBT has been enthusiastically received byfirefighters who maintain that it is the most excitingand realistic training they have undertaken.

Full steam aheadat WellingtonPhotos by Tony Lenthall

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CFBT Training in ArmidalePictures by Captain Grant Foster of Wyong.

Armidale firefighters were equallyenthusiastic about the CFBT training

which was held at the end of March. CaptainRoss Beckley from Toukley declared that,“the skills learnt over the weekend willprove invaluable.”

Left: Chris Frost demonstrating aBurn Box Display simulation.

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Region North CFBT

Region North DeputyRegional Commander Chief

Superintendent Roger Bucholtzand six of the Region’s ZoneCommanders were put throughtheir paces in CFBT training onWednesday 19 May 2004.

As part of the training, the officersreviewed fire behaviour and its relationto compartment fires, and were shownthe signs of impending flashover andbackdraft and how to apply gas coolingtechniques. Finally, they entered theattack cell where they were tested on

door entry and gas cooling techniqueswith final extinguishment beingcompleted by pencilling out.

Region North Principal Instructor,Inspector Darryl Dunbar, who conductedthe training with Station Officer JohnMcDonough at the Armidale TrainingCentre, said the officers handled thenew techniques well.

“They went through the training togain hands-on knowledge about thelatest techniques all operational staffare being taught,” Inspector Dunbarsaid.

Back row (left to right): Superintendent Brian Johnson, ChiefSuperintendent Roger Bucholtz, Superintendent Keith King,Inspector Darryl Dunbar and Superintendent Michael Johnson

Front row (left to right): Superintendent Geoff Barnes,Superintendent Garry McBain and Superintendent David Gray.

Crews entering the hot cell.

In the afternoon of Thursday18 March2004, a motor vehicle accident justnorth of Dubbo caused a major hazmat

incident that closed the Newell Highwayfor over three days. Nineteen NSWFBcrews, including specialist teams andappliances from Hazmat and StateOperations, attended the incident whichwas made more difficult by problems inidentifying the goods involved.

The collision occurred approximately threekilometres north of the Dubbo centralbusiness district and involved a southbounddouble-B semi-trailer and a southboundcar. The semi-trailer careered off the roadand the cabin to burst into flames.

The first crew on the scene indicatedthere was a truck carrying dangerousgoods, with fertilisers and foodstuffsalight, and requested firefighting supportand additional assistance from otheremergency services.

Fortunately, the truck driver escapedfrom the burning truck suffering onlyminor injuries, as did the occupants ofthe car who were all taken to Dubbo BaseHospital for treatment and later released.Staff at a function centre nearby wereevacuated to hospital for observation incase the smoke had harmed them. Theywere not able to return to the premisesuntil late Sunday afternoon, which threwthe wedding plans of a local couple intodisarray. Fortunately the couple wereable to find another location and from allreports the wedding went off without ahitch.

As the semi-trailer was totally involved infire, firefighters were unable to identifythe transport company or retrieve theload manifest to determine the type ofgoods being carried. The labels on thecontainers carrying the chemicals hadbeen also been destroyed by fire, makingit impossible to identify the load. ZoneCommander West 4, SuperintendentAndrew McLeod, arrived at 2.20 pm andassumed incident control. Firefighterprotection was revised from spillagesuits and breathing apparatus to fullyencapsulated suits with breathingapparatus.

Following Police registration checks, itwas discovered that the prime moverwas owned by a Queensland

Dubbo hazmatincidentPhotos by Paul Beylerian

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sub-contractor who worked for a majortransport company. After three hours ofinvestigations, the owner of the goodswas identified and information on theload, including materials safety datasheets, was delivered to the site.

While these investigations were takingplace, everyone involved in the incident,including vehicle occupants, the Police,emergency services, energy authority andmembers of the public weredecontaminated.

On Thursday evening specialisedequipment was flown in from Sydney bythe helicopter, FireAir 1. The aircraftreturned on Friday morning with Hazmatspecialists, including the NSWFB’sScientific Advisor, Paul Beylerian, whoprovided expert advice and guidance tooperational staff throughout the recoveryand decontamination process.

Incident action plans were implementedbased on information contained in thematerials safety data sheets underguidance of the Department ofEnvironment and Conservation. Later inthe morning, Station Officer Bob Allertonarrived in the Breathing ApparatusTraining semi trailer to provide on-site airset servicing and recharging of aircylinders. The semi-trailer also containedadditional fully encapsulated suits andspillage suits, making the incident sceneautonomous as far as breathingprotection and protective clothing wasconcerned.

On Friday afternoon FireAir 1 returnedwith a second Incident ManagementTeam enabling the recovery and

decontamination effort to continuearound-the-clock. A Technical SupportRescue Vehicle provided specialisedlighting, tents and other supportequipment. The Incident Control Vehiclefrom State Operations suppliedadditional communications andinformation support.

After four days of a very determined andarduous effort by all agencies, theNSWFB’s commitment concluded atapproximately 5 pm. Approximately 300tonnes of contaminated soil wasremoved from the site and theDepartment of Environment andConservation continued to monitor thesite for several weeks before the site wasrestored to its pre-incident state.

Support crewsfrom acrosswestern NSWattended theincident.

CoolahDubboDelroyGilgandraGulgongMudgeeNarromineParkes

Peak HillWarrenWellingtonOrangeMolongGunnedahCoonabarabranWest WyalongTemoraNarranderaLeeton

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At 8:21 am on Saturday 8 May, 2004 the NSWFBreceived the first of numerous 000 calls to a

factory fire in Patty’s Place at Jamisontown inSydney’s west.When fire crews from Penrith arrived within eight minutes of thecall they were confronted with a well-alight factory complexcontaining a large amount of packaging products,telecommunications equipment and several LP gas cylinders.Additional crews were called and it took 16 hours before theblaze was finally extinguished.

A 5th Alarm saw 85 firefighters from 12 surrounding firestations battling to contain the main fire, their efforts hamperedby several wall collapses and an unstable roof. Several aerialappliances were also used during the long operation to attackthe fire from above.

A large smoke plume was visible for several hours andfirefighters constantly monitored surrounding areas, including alocal indoor swimming centre, for health hazards. Hazmatcrews continued to monitor the water run-off in order tominimise pollution of local waterways.

The building and all its contents were totally destroyed and aninvestigation into the cause of the incident is currently taking place.

Jamisontownfactory firePhotos by Tim Pruyn and Kernin Lambert

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Kernin Lambert

Kernin LambertKernin Lambert

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Kernin Lambert

Kernin Lambert

Kernin Lambert

Kernin Lambert

On the morning of Monday 15 March 2004, NSWFBcrews from seven stations in the Newcastle areabattled a 3rd alarm structure fire at Newcastle

University. The fire, which started in a cafeteria in theShortlands Students Union building, spread to theceiling and quickly escalated.

When crews arrived they found the two top floor alight andcalled for assistance. Newcastle University securitypersonnel had evacuated the building, which containedrestaurants, shops and the student union’s office. Twokitchen staff suffering from smoke inhalation weretransported to hospital by NSW Ambulance.

“We attacked the fire from inside and out,” said IncidentController Chief Superintendent Bob Lewthwaite. “Ourefforts were most effective from the inside, although duringthe later stages of the operation, crews were forced towithdraw because of the danger of timber beamscollapsing.”

Crews worked throughout the afternoon to ensure that allhot spots were extinguished and the area made safe. Thefirst and second floors of the building were damaged byfire, heat and smoke and the ground floor was severelydamaged by water.

FIRU were called in to investigate the fire.

NewcastleUniversity firePhotos by Garry Luxton and Mike Pugh

NSWFB attendance:

Waratah

Wallsend

Hamilton

Lambton

New Lambton

Mayfield West

Newcastle

Newcastle Hazmat

OccupationalCommander North 3,Inspector Peter Smith

Zone CommanderNorth 3, ChiefSuperintendent BobLewthwaite

FIRU

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At 4.28am on Saturday 24April, crews from stations 18and 12 responded to reports

of an explosion at CSR plant atthe Glebe Island Terminal, JamesCraig Road Rozelle. The plantconsisted of a 5-storey concretebuilding and 30 silos, 14containing sugar and 16containing cement. On arrival,firefighters saw that most of thebuilding’s windows were smashedand a haze of dust or smoke wascoming out of the windows. Surveillance cameras in the site officeshowed that a small fire was burning in abag of sugar dust which had beenextracted through the processing system.The fire was extinguished using a finesoft water spray.

The Operational Commander, InspectorBuxton, upgraded the response to astructural 3rd alarm, which also broughtin crews from City of Sydney, The Rocks,Leichhardt, Pyrmont, Hazmat, anIncident Control Vehicle, and an IncidentManagement Team (IMT). With theseadditional resources, crews in breathingapparatus then checked approximately 1km of conveyor ducting above, below andaround the silos visually and with athermal imaging camera for further signsof fire. After naturally venting the areaabove, all silo inspection ports were alsoremoved and checked for any sign of fire.

The cause of the explosion wasinvestigated, and metal grinding insidethe conveyer was identified as thepossible ignition source. The blastoccurred in one of the belt-and-bucketconveyors, which have explosionarrestors attached to the side of theducting. If a dust explosion occurs, thearrestors help to dissipate the energy,while rotary valves prevent the blastpenetrating back through.

In this incident, the force of the blastpeeled open ducting up to the sixth level,left explosion arrestors hanging fromtheir mounts, lifted inspection ports, andcaused caramelisation (the charredcoating left after sugar burns) in Bin 3, a30-tonne holding chamber. The buildingalso received minor structural damage.

Dust explosions and silo fires are not verycommon, but when they do, they canproduce tremendous force. Poorhousekeeping can be a contributingfactor to dust explosions in anymanufacturing area. The initial actions ofthe first arriving appliances are crucial toensure the safety of all. The NSWFB’sStandard Operational Guidelines 8.2 and8.5 provide information on dealing withdust explosions and silo incidents.

Dust Explosion at CSR SilosGlebe Island Terminal, RozellePhotos by Brad Smith

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On Saturday 29 May, NSWFB crewsattended one of the largest fires in

Sydney so far this year. The fire, whichbegan in a Wetherill Park factorycontaining a large amount of storedplastics, quickly escalated into aspectacular 5th alarm factory fire fromwhich flames spread 15 metres into thenight sky. On arrival, crews found the main building, which housed a doorfittings manufacturing company, well alight. The fire had taken astrong hold of the centre section of the 50 metres x 200 metresconstruction factory. The building’s tilt-slab construction madeit highly vulnerable to collapse, posing great danger to crewsentering the factory.

The initial Incident Controller, Inspector Graham Chappell,adopted a firefighting strategy which aimed to cut off fire spreadinternally. The fire was burning in a very open area behind acentral office section and was extremely difficult for crews toaccess. In addition, the factory’s metal roof meant there wasminimal ventilation and a lot of under ceiling fire spread due tohigh level racking.

The fire quickly spread to the factory’s front section which hada very high fire load. Crews at the front of the building thenadopted a defensive firefighting strategy, operating outside thecollapse zone and attacking the fire with aerial appliances androof monitors, mainly concentrating on extinguishment.Meanwhile, crews at the rear maintained an aggressive attackwithin the building to prevent fire spreading there.

Fire crews used the ring mains and booster systems from twoadjoining factories to fight the fire as the installed system wasadjacent to the tilt slab panels. These panels eventuallycollapsed, confirming Safety Officer Inspector Lyon’s decision topull back crews from the front of the building. Crews remainedin the rear third of the factory and despite the intensity of theblaze, more than 30% of the building remained sound, andmillions of dollars worth of machinery was saved.

Wetherill Park Plastics Factory FirePhotos by Kernin Lambert

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NSWFB Attendance

Smithfield

Busby

Fairfield

Chester Hill

Guildford

Liverpool Rescue

Merrylands

Parramatta

Huntingwood

Cabramatta

Horningsea Park

Superintendent John Spiteri

Acting Superintendent West 1,John Spencer

Acting Regional Commander,Chief Superintendent MichaelHurley

BA/Hazmat Crews

Operational CommanderInspector Graham ChappelWest 1

Operational CommanderInspector Steve McGuinnessWest 6

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The NSWFB has been awarded ahighly-sought after AustralasianReporting Awards’ Gold Medal Award

for its 2002/03 Annual Report. On 13May 2004, NSWFB Commissioner GregMullins attended the AustralasianReporting Awards (ARA) Ceremony wherehe accepted the award. He wasaccompanied by members of the NSWFB’sannual report team and key contributors.

The annual report is a crucial part of theNSWFB’s communication with its majorstakeholders. It provides the opportunityto benchmark ourselves against otheragencies, to demonstrate accountability,and to publicly report on achievementsand progress against key performancemeasures.

Around 350 annual reports were enteredfor evaluation in various categories. TheNSWFB’s report was entered in Division 9(Miscellaneous Services), and thisdivision attracted the largest number ofentries. The NSWFB was the only NSWpublic sector agency to achieve a goldaward in 2004.

Australasian Reporting Awards are not givenfor fancy design or lavish printing. Reports arejudged on their effective communication and

accountability. The judging panel assessesexcellence in reporting in areas such asrelevance, reliability, reporting againstperformance indicators and disclosure.

The NSWFB’s report was commended as amodel report which set the higheststandard among public sector reports inNSW, and which demonstratedoutstanding design, organisation andeffective summary of complex information.

Annual Report wins gold

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At the Award ceremony left to right: Peter Walker,Gary Meers, Sarah Adams, Julie Delvecchio, Paul Johnston, Commissioner Greg Mullins, John Shaw, Carmel Donnelly, Mark Brown and Bob Murray.

Dr Catherine Field, NSWFB Assisting Medical Officer, recentlyreceived the Australasian Faculty of Occupational Medicine’s

2004 Annual Ramazzini Prize for medical research. The Prize wasfor a new Hepatitis B vaccination protocol that enablesvaccination of firefighters to be completed in a third of the usualtime with 100% effectiveness. The old protocol took at least 6months and was only 95% effective.

Dr Field’s study was based on a new vaccination protocol

developed by Dr Maryanne Dawson, NSWFB Brigades MedicalOfficer, based on overseas research aimed at providing quick andeffective Hepatitis B immunity in special groups such as livertransplant patients. Dr Field was assisted by Barbara Matthews,NSWFB Occupational Health Nurse, who did the “jabbing” at theTraining College and assisted with follow-up of firefighters toensure that they had their blood tests on time.

The study is of significance to all health and emergency serviceworkers because theseoccupations face thehighest risk of Hepatitis Binfection from accidentalexposure to blood and bodyfluids.

Our doctors will continue tomonitor the effectivenessof the protocol over thenext few years as morefirefighters are added toour vaccination database.

Medical Research Award for NSWFB doctors

NSWFB OccupationalHealth nurse, BarbaraMatthews “vaccinates”Firefighter Colin Rice.

Dr Catherine Field(seated) and DrMaryanne Dawson

Captain Kevin MuldoonCaptain Muldoon has been a retained(part-time) firefighter with the NSWFB for40 years, spending most of that time asCaptain of the Goonellabah Fire Station.He has been actively involved inpromoting fire safety messagesthroughout the community, and has beena driving force behind the GoonellabahFire Brigade’s participation in firefighterchampionships.

Kevin has often volunteered his time insupport of other communities in distress,and has left his own area to renderassistance during major emergenciessuch as bushfires and the recoveryefforts after the Sydney hailstorm.

“Captain Muldoon has given 110%throughout his career and is deserving ofthis recognition,” said NSWFBCommissioner Greg Mullins.

Inspector David HoldenInspector Holden has close to 40 years offirefighting experience. He served as theOfficer in charge of a number ofoperational command positions acrossthe greater Sydney area, as well asspecialising in the Fire Safety Division.

During his time in Fire Safety Division,Inspector Holden concentrated on firesafety in hospitals and special buildingprojects. His expertise in the field wasinstrumental in the NSWFB beingrecognised as an authority in these highlyspecialised and complex areas.

Inspector Holden is also recognised forhis consistent operational diligence andcompetence on the incident ground, aswell as for his professional interactionwith other emergency services personnel.

“David is a role model in the fire serviceand has been a mentor to me as Iprogressed through the ranks,” saidCommissioner Mullins.

Chief Superintendent RobertLewthwaiteChief Superintendent Lewthwaite is incharge of NSWFB operations in the City ofNewcastle and Lake Macquarie, and hasserved the NSWFB and the community for39 years.

While working in the Fire Safety Divisionhe was acknowledged as an expertadvisor on fire safety issues to theprivate sector. He was responsible forfurnishing fire safety reports for manycountry hospitals and was part of theproject ream which introduced fire safetyreforms in backpacker accommodation.

As well as his operational and fireprevention work, Chief SuperintendentLewthwaite has been instrumental inestablishing permanent and successfulfundraising projects for the Burns Unit ofthe John Hunter Hospital as well ascoordinating fundraising activities for theNewcastle Kidsafe and Burns UnitSupport Group.

“Bob is very highly regarded, and theaward is a fitting recognition of hisefforts,” said Commissioner Mullins.

The Minister for Emergency Services,Tony Kelly, congratulated the threeNSWFB recipients. “Awarding of thesemedals is evidence of the high regard thecommunity has for the dedicated effortsof our emergency service workers,” hesaid.

“I would like to commend ChiefSuperintendent Robert Lewthwaite,Inspector David Holden and CaptainKevin Muldoon on receiving the medaland on their outstanding service to theNSWFB and the community.”

Australian Fire Service Medals

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The Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), was established by the Queen in 1988 to recognise distinguishedservice by members of an Australian Fire Service. It is one of the highest honours any Australian

firefighter can receive, and is awarded for outstanding service to the NSW Fire Brigades and mostimportantly to the community. Congratulations to the AFSM recipients:

Assistant Comissioner John Anderson andCaptain Kevin Muldoon.

Inspector David Holden and Commissioner GregMullins.

Chief Superintendent Robert Lewthwaite andAssistant Commissioner John Anderson.

“We remember....

Battles that were fought and lives thatwere lost in the pursuit of freedom. We

remember not only those who returned,but those who were left behind: wives whonever saw their husbands again, childrenwhose fathers never came home, parentswho outlived their children, and soldierswhose mates died by their sides. Today, we not only remember the First World War, but conflictsthat have followed; World War Two, Korea, The MalayanEmergency, Vietnam, and more recently, East Timor,Afghanistan, and Iraq. Many Australian service men and womenare currently overseas engaged in combat. Our hope is that theyreturn safely home to their families.”

The thoughts and feelings of those assembled were summed upby NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins at the annual Anzac DayService held on 25 April 2004 at City of Sydney Fire Station.Following the service, the NSW Fire Brigades’ Band assembledat Martin Place to salute in proud Fire Brigade tradition beforejoining the parade in a swift march up George Street. On agloriously sunny day, the Anzac spirit shone through the cheeringfaces of the crowd.

That morning, flags at every fire station in NSW flew at half-mast, as a mark of respect to those who gave their lives so thatwe could enjoy the freedoms we have today. At twelve noon theflags were raised to full mast to symbolise that while weremember and give thanks to the fallen and to those whoreturned, we must always have the confidence to carry on andprotect the freedoms they fought for.

...Lest we forget

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Anzac Day...Photos by Kernin Lambert and Bronwyn Hilton

Gallipoli Pilgrimage“Everyone I spoke to agreed thatit was the most moving thingthey had ever done on AnzacDay,” says Station Officer DennisRaynor, an ex-serviceman whotravelled to Gallipoli, Turkey toexperience an emotionallycharged dawn service on theshores of Anzac Cove.

“On Friday 23 April we visited Anzac Cove and beach cemetery,standing where the Anzacs stood, walking where they walked,seeing some of what they saw, and given the terrain, wonderinghow they achieved what they did. We visited places that I hadonly ever read about: Lone Pine, the Nek, Courtneys Post, QuinnsPost, Baby 700, Plugges Plateau, Walkers Ridge, all of which hadmemorials and cemeteries. It is difficult to describe the feelingsand emotions that arise from being in such a place.

In the early hours of 25 April, we joined the huge crowd assembledin Anzac Cove and were entertained by the Royal Australian NavyBand while waiting for the 5am service to begin. Around midmorning we travelled to Lone Pine for the next service and weveterans in the massive crowd were afforded celebrity status andgiven special seating. There were thousands of Australianspresent, as well as representatives from New Zealand and Turkey.Veterans from WWII, Korea, Borneo, Vietnam, the Gulf and EastTimor had also made the pilgrimage, and I was honoured to beasked to lay a wreath at the memorial on behalf of our tour group.

Amid thunderous applause, the Ambassador to Turkey declared,“that there hasn’t been this many Australians at Lone Pine since1915. I know we told you not to come, but we’re glad a few ofyou did!”

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ANSWFB team consisting of members from BurwoodFire Station’s D platoon gained second place at

the recent Australasian Road Rescue OrganisationChallenge in Melbourne. While New Zealand claimedfirst place overall, consistently impressiveperformances across the three events from theBurwood team have delivered them the title of thebest rescue team in Australia.Burwood Station Officer Clayton Allison was awarded best teamleader for the competition. Of the three disciplines being tested inthe competition, the team achieved third place in the RapidExtrication event, second place in the Unlimited Equipment eventand second place in the overall competition (a combination ofpoints scored over the three events). The team has gainedautomatic entry into the International Road Rescue Challengebased on the strong results at this year’s competition.

The International Challenge will be held next year in Hamilton,New Zealand in conjunction with the Australasian Road RescueOrganisation’s challenge and AGM. Teams from the NSWFB havebeen hugely successful in winning a number of titles at previousevents, including first place in the Limited Rescue event at theWorld Motor Vehicle Rescue Championships in Canada last year.

Australia’s best rescuers

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Above: SS Commodore convertable.

Below: Traffic light incident.

The new site, apart from lookingfantastic, has greatly improved

navigation, design and structure, whichmake it much more accessible and user-friendly. A new search facility allowsdesired information to be located quickly.

The site provides cost-effectiveelectronic delivery of services to allNSWFB stakeholders. It also offers easieraccess to accurate, up-to-date andrelevant information on a wide range oftopics. Key parts of the site cover:

� Recruitment (including permanent andretained firefighters, administrationand trades positions and communityfire units);

� Community Information (includingbushfires, non-English information,community education, fire permits andwhat to do after the fire);

� Business Information (includingComsafe training programs for

business and industry, guidelines andregulations, workplace safety, andalarms and extinguishers);

� Business and Community Partners(including information for insurers,local government and fire alarmservice providers);

� Education and research (includingfacts and figures, vehicles andequipment, information for teachersand students, a special kids sectionand photo gallery); and

� Incidents (including incident updates,fires, hazardous materials, rescues,bushfires and incident investigation).

The new site also aligns closely with theNSWFB’s corporate objectives. It will alsohelp to implement the government’selectronic service delivery andInformation Management and Technologystrategies.

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The Commissioner gives the new site his seal ofapproval.

The Commissioner and Sarah Adams whodesigned the new website.

Following extensive research and redevelopment, the NSWFBlaunched its new Internet website site on 28 May. The site canbe visited on www.fire.nsw.gov.au

What a site!

Bravery Awards

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Back Row (Left to right): Retained FirefighterMark Horder (Commendation for MeritoriousService), Station Officer Michael Hehir(National Medal), Senior Firefighter BradKelleher (Commendation for MeritoriousService), Assistant Commissioner MurrayKear, Senior Firefighter Max Campbell(Commendation for Meritorious Service),Senior Firefighter Glen Sekulic (NationalMedal), Station Officer David Inns (NationalMedal), Inspector Alex Scott

Front Row (centre): Retained FirefighterRobert Duffy (National Medal) with his twochildren

Front Row (far right): Leesa Marie Cryerdisplays her Civilian Commendation.

On April 13 2004, Assistant Commissioner Murray Kear presented braverycommendations during a ceremony held at Huntingwood Fire Station.

Civilian Commendation

Leesa Marie Cryer

Leesa Marie Cryer was commended forher action at an LPG explosion at KalangRoad, Edensor Park on 21 September2002.

Leaking gas from a car LPG tank under acarport had exploded, causing severeburns to two people. Ms Cryer witnessedthe incident and immediately went to theassistance of the victim who hadsuffered severe burns. Ms Cryerdemonstrated level thinking and providedeffective first aid treatment to the victimuntil the emergency services arrived.

NSWFB Commendations forMeritorious Service

Senior Firefighters Max Campbell andBrad Kelleher

Firefighters Campbell and Kelleher wereawarded Commendations for MeritoriousService for their actions at a house fire inLuddenham Road, Orchard Hills onThursday 1 November 2001.

On arriving at the fire, the crew wasadvised that the elderly female residentwas missing. Firefighters Campbell andKelleher forced entry into the residenceand despite the rapidly spreading fire,located the woman and moved her to thefront of the house.

Retained Firefighter Mark Horder

Retained Firefighter Horder was awardeda Commendation for Meritorious Servicefor his actions at a motor vehicleaccident on Sunday 18 August 2002 .

Retained Firefighter Horder discovered aseriously injured woman in the middle ofthe road. This victim had stoppedbreathing and Retained Firefighter Hordercommenced CPR and continued untilAmbulance crews arrived.

Left to right: Firefighter Jarrod Anthony,Firefighter Trent Gordon, Station Officer JohnSheedy, Senior Firefighter Brad Kelleher andFirefighter Mark Lynch.

Quit and Save – it’snever too late

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Every year on May 31 the WorldHealth Organization promotes

World No Tobacco Day, which isobserved globally to raiseawareness about the devastatingtoll of smoking.This year’s focus for World No TobaccoDay is bound to encourage many smokersto think about quitting. With the theme‘Quit and Save’, World No Tobacco Day in2004 emphasised the financial and healthcosts of smoking.

Smoking can be an expensive habit - apacket a day smoker could save around

$3500 in a year if he or she quit.Smoking also costs in terms ofhealth. Each year, around 19 000Australians die from smoking relatedillnesses. By quitting, smokers cansave financially - and physically!And it’s never too late to quitsmoking - there are major andimmediate health benefits for peopleof all ages.

The NSWFB and the FBEU joinedforces for World No Tobacco Day bydeveloping a quit smoking programspecifically designed for NSWFBfirefighters. The program consists ofthree main parts:

� information and advice

� comprehensive support

� nicotine replacementtherapy

All of the quit smoking toolsused are based on extensiveresearch, and have beenproven to help people quitsmoking - for good. Features of theprogram include voluntaryparticipation, strict confidentialityand individualised programs.

For more information on the NSWFB andFBEU Quit Smoking Program, or to receivea brochure, call Health Services toll freeon 1800 425 282 or 9265 2800.

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St Patrick’s DaySt Patrick’s Day New York style

Six NSWFB off-duty firefighters had us green with

envy when they joined 2000comrades to march in New York’s2004 St Patrick’s Day Parade.The five hour parade, which istraditionally attended byfirefighters and police fromaround the world, was broadcastlive across the USA. Snow was falling and temperatures fellbelow zero as the NSWFB contingent,carrying the NSWFB, Australian and USflags, marched down Fifth Avenuealongside several New York colleaguesand representatives from other visitingfire departments including Canada,Ireland and England. “Seeing thousandsof people waving and cheering as thesnow fell and piled in the streets was atruly amazing sight,” said Inspector TomCooper. The march ended at Central Parkwhich was covered in snow andaccording to Inspector Cooper, “lookedlike something out of a fairy tale.

Our firefighters proved very popular, andmany New Yorkers, including dignitariesfrom the Mayor’s enclosure, shook theirhands and thanked them for coming allthe way from Australia to be with theirFDNY colleagues.

During their stay, the contingent visitedseveral fire houses, the BrooklynCommunication Centre, the TrainingAcademy on Randall’s Island, and touredNew York Harbour in one of the fire boats.The firefighters, who paid for their owntravel expenses, were offeredaccommodation at a Brooklyn firestation.

“The St Patrick’s Day March provided awonderful opportunity for NSWFBfirefighters to visit the New York FireDepartment with a view to continuingfriendship and goodwill between the twoservices,” said Commissioner Mullins.

Firefighters visit ground zero.

Forging the bondsIn March 2002, a delegation of firefighters from the New YorkFire Department who were involved the aftermath of theSeptember 11 attack on the World Trade Center, visited Sydneyand were hosted by NSWFB firefighters during their stay.

The resulting camaraderie forged a close link between thetwo fire services, and in October 2002, two groups ofNSWFB firefighters accepted an invitation from the NewYork Firefighters to attend the bi-annual National FallenFirefighters’ memorial at Madison Square Gardens in NewYork City.

Organisers of New York City’s St Patricks Day Paradededicated the 2004 event to the Fire Department of NewYork, and New York firefighters extended an invitation totheir NSWFB colleagues. The rest, as they say, is history.

Our representatives:

Inspector Brad Harrison

Inspector Tom Cooper

Station Commander Christopher Murtagh

Station Commander Matthew Malone

Leading Firefighter John Wallworth

Senior Firefighter Chris Stathis

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On Wednesday 7 April, NSWFBCommissioner Greg Mullins and

EnergyAustralia Managing Director PaulBroad signed a Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MOU) between theNSWFB and EnergyAustralia which willimprove the existing cooperativearrangements between the twoorganisations. The MOU was developedfollowing the attendance of the NSWFB ata fire involving an underground highvoltage cable vault in a substation inDarling Harbour in September 2003.

EnergyAustralia operates an electricitysupply network covering around 22 275square kilometres in the Sydney, CentralCoast and Hunter regions, and provides

electricity to over 1.4 millionbusinesses and homes.Operations include majorinfrastructure planning, design,construction, maintenance,and emergency response to ensure thesafety and reliability of the electricitynetwork.

The MOU establishes a frameworkbetween the two organisations forplanning, operations, informationsharing, joint training and inter-agencypolicy development. It also allows forspecific Mutual Aid Agreements to bedeveloped to improve NSWFB responseto emergencies involving EnergyAustraliainfrastructure.

Over the next year, the NSWFB andEnergyAustralia will work together onprotocols that will reduce the time taken torestore power to consumers following firesin major electrical infrastructures and toimprove service delivery to the communityduring storm recovery operations.

MOU withEnergyAustralia

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Commissioner Greg Mullins and EnergyAustraliaManaging Director Paul Broad signing theMemorandum of Understanding.

Commissioner Greg Mullins, was one of the many specialguests who attended a barbecue in honour of Captain Col

Maslen of Merewether Station who celebrated 50 years ofservice with the NSWFB. “Captain Maslen has been dedicatedin his service to the NSWFB and the wider community sincejoining as a retained firefighter on 1 February, 1954,” saidCommissioner Mullins.

Merewether firefighters, families and friends were on hand toacknowledge this milestone, but there were furthercelebrations afoot. Commissioner Mullins, Newcastle/LakeMacquarie Area Commander Bob Lewthwaite and theMerewether crew had planned a “surprise” delivery of thestation’s new Type 2 Izuzu Pumper. Despite the difficulties inkeeping something that big hidden, “and you can’t hideanything from this man,” said Retained Firefighter Mario Pin,Captain Malsen looked genuinely surprised and delighted asthe shiny new pumper was driven into the station.

Congratulations, Col, on 50 good years.

Commissioner Mullins, Captain Maslen, Chief Superintendent BobLewthwaite, RTO Allan Dixon.

Captain Col Maslengoes for gold

Captain Maslen in the new pumper.

Profile:FirefighterCraig Mashman

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P r o f i l e

When Craig Mashman drove agarbage truck for Botany Council,his friends who were firefighters

were enthusiastic about Craig joining theNSWFB ranks. “They were constantlytelling me how great a job it was,” saysCraig, and their persuasion eventuallypaid off. “The excitement of it all reallyappealed to my adventurous side andhere I am.”

Craig is a member of the La Perouseaboriginal community, and his indigenousbackground has played a major role informing his current outlook on life. “Mygrandparents and elders in mycommunity always stressed theimportance of family. Giving is thegreatest respect you can show someone.Community in a way is similar to family,and I am a firm believer in contributing tocommunity. As a firefighter I am servingand giving back to my community on aday to day basis, however large or smallmy contribution may be. These are thevalues that are important to me.”

The most unusual fire Craig can recallattending was a submarine fire at GardenIsland. “It was around 1998, I think. The

fire was located mid-hull within the centre ofthe vessel. We were alittle perplexed on howto deal with this one,but Senior FirefighterRon Lindsay (an exsub-mariner) and thethen NSWFB Commissioner Ian MacDougall (retired Vice Admiral, RoyalAustralian Navy and former SubmarineFleet Commander) devised a plan ofattack and the situation was successfullydealt with.”

Craig is currently stationed at City ofSydney Fire Station and is lookingforward to undertaking his StationOfficers Promotional Program in July.“There’s never a dull moment,” saysCraig. “In between chasing all thoseautomatic fire alarms, I’m working withTerry Hill, the NSWFB Aboriginal ServicesOfficer. We are currently involved inimplementing Community Fire Units(CFUs) in Aboriginal communities whichhave been identified as “at risk”, andhave been training the new CFUmembers.” Craig was involved in the

Fingal Head and Brewarrina CFUs and,with Terry Hill, is currently working onestablishing units in Kempsey andBowraville.

“The CFU program helps empowercommunities through self determinationwhich in turn fosters pride throughoutthose communities,” he said.“Evidence also indicates that wherewe’ve got aboriginal people involved inour programs, the incidence of fire callsin those areas is reduced.”

Class 8a

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CLASS 8A/2004FIREFIGHTER STATION PLATOON

Sinisa Kukor ........................Wentworthville.........................BBenjamin Abbott .....................The Rocks............................CMark Lynch..........................Wentworthville.........................DRobert Strauch ...........................Bondi ................................BDavid Wicks............................Leichhardt ............................AAndrew Shannon.................City of Sydney .........................CJohn Sanday...........................Schofields ............................CLucas Ferrier..........................The Rocks ............................BRohan Warnock .......................Concord..............................AMark Edis ............................City of Sydney .........................AJeremy Brown .....................City of Sydney .........................CGeoff Brown...............................Busby ...............................CAndrew Johnston....................Leichhardt ............................BNorman Buchanan ................Darlinghurst ...........................BJason Townsend ........................Busby ...............................DRandall Lucas .....................City of Sydney .........................BAndrew Coe ........................City of Sydney .........................ABrent Miller..........................City of Sydney .........................DRomeo Ayoub .........................Leichhardt............................C

Graduation

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CLASS 8B/2004FIREFIGHTER STATION PLATOON

Charles Antonievich ..............Drummoyne ............................AShane Kennedy......................Leichhardt .............................DChristopher James .....................Bondi .................................CDavid Turner...........................Bankstown.............................CMark Curr ............................City of Sydney ..........................APatrick Kwong.........................Lidcombe..............................BAndrew McIntosh......................Fairfield ...............................BRobert Murray .........................Forestville..............................AJoseph Zaouk ........................Crows Nest.............................AAlex Petelevitch......................Bankstown.............................AAdam Long..............................Smithfield..............................CTodd Pauling ..........................Crows Nest.............................BAntony Boswell....................City of Sydney ..........................DNicholas Medianik..................Parramatta .............................CMitchell Wright........................Bankstown.............................BPaul Scrace ...........................Crows Nest ............................DRichard Wilson........................Eastwood..............................DKristen Ross.............................Hornsby...............................DLisa Catty ...............................Gladesville.............................AClass 8b

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The NSW Fire Brigades recentlyconducted Community Fire Unit (CFU)

training with the Brewarrina Aboriginalcommunity. Brewarrina will shortly joinNambucca Heads and Fingal Bay asAboriginal communities with CFU’s.

NSWFB Firefighter Craig Mashman, fromthe La Perouse Aboriginal community inSydney, travelled to Brewarrina andspent a week in consultation and trainingwith members of the BrewarrinaAboriginal community.

Following strong support from theNorthern Star Aboriginal Corporation inbringing the group together, eightmembers of the Brewarrina CFU havenow completed CFU training, withAndrew Baker nominated as team leader.

This CFU will enable local Aboriginalresidents to pass on important safetyadvice to their community, not only aboutbushfires but also about home fire safetyand other important safety messages.

”The program builds the capacity of theAboriginal community and breaks downperceptions about the role of Aboriginalsin the community,” said FirefighterMashman. “The NSWFB recognises theneed to tap into the skills of theAboriginal community to better managefires and fire safety.

This program allows Aboriginals to makea positive contribution to the entirecommunity.”

Brewarinna CFUPhotos by Terry Hill

CFU team members lookon as FirefighterMashman givesinstructions.

CFU team takes a break from training.

The sun setsafter anotherday’s training.

The CFU team conducts some running repairs.

Goonellabah firefighters displayed true community spirit when they came to therescue of an elderly lady who needed assistance to lift her paraplegic daughter.

Grace Douglas, a Goonellabah resident, had been looking forward to a visit fromher daughter Mary as it had been 11 years since mother and daughter had beentogether in their family home. Despite the joyous reunion, the pair was faced withthe hurdle of manoeuvring Mary’s wheelchair up and down the flight of stairs intoGrace’s home.

Mrs Douglas made a number of calls to various organisations but was unable togain assistance. In desperation she called Captain Kevin Muldoon fromGoonellabah Fire Station who organised for a number of retained firefighters to goto her house each day and assist Mary in and out so she could take sight-seeingand day trips around the local area.

The crew received a card with “Magic Happens” which included the following fromthe two ladies, “A very big thank you for the special crew at the top of the hill.Thanks for helping my mum and I get together again at home after 11 years.Thanks Guys! Dreams do come true.”

At the top of the hill

C o m m u n i t y

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At the national launch of Harmony Day 2004, which was held atthe Sydney Opera House Forecourt, abseiling NSWFBfirefighters unfurled a giant 60 metre orange banner down the

southern pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Gary Hargraves,NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins and acting Assistant Director ofCommunity Risk Management, Superintendent Chris Lewis,attended the launch which included a spectacular water display bythe Shirley Smith fireboat

Harmony Day falls on 21 March, and coincides with the UnitedNations International Day for the Elimination of RacialDiscrimination. Participation in events such as this generates abetter understanding of different cultures and also provides anopportunity for the NSWFB to increase fire safety awareness andsmoke alarm penetration across the State.

On Sunday 7 March 2004, NSWFBfirefighters participated in Australia’s

largest community based environmentalevent, Clean Up Australia Day.

Over 677 000 volunteers collected anestimated 8383 tonnes of rubbish;enough to fill 1676 skip bins. While themost common items were plastics,cigarette butts, glass bottles and cans,more diverse finds included lounge suites(leopard print), car bodies, and beerkegs, dentures, mobile phones and aglass eye.

Pictured are Queanbeyan firefighters whoassisted Rotary, Landcare and othercommunity groups in cleaning the banksof the Queanbeyan River. The firiesgained a positive response with passing

motorists expressing their approval bysounding their horns and giving thethumbs up.

“We’re an important part of thecommunity here,” said QueanbeyanStation Officer Steve McGuinness, “andwe like to help out where we can. Whilepeople are always grateful for our help inemergencies, community events likethese allow firies to help in more normalcircumstances. The amount of rubbishcollected and the improvement to thearea was a credit to all those whoassisted.”

Statistics courtesy of Clean Up AustraliaWebsite: http://www.cleanup.com.au.

428 crew at Jerrabomberra.

428 crew at Thorpe st Queabeyan.

Harmony Day 2004

Clean Up Australia Day

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More than 400 Community Fire Unit membersfrom Sydney’s north shore and northern beaches

attended a special four-hour training session atSt Ives Showground on Sunday 16 May, 2004.CFU volunteers received training in the use of portable pumpsand hoses from NSWFB firefighters. The volunteers also heardabout the role of CFUs and the nature of bushfires from theNSWFB and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. They alsoreceived information on first aid from St John Ambulance.

Region North CFU Coordinator Senior Firefighter Warren Pagesaid the training day gave the NSWFB the chance to train CFUvolunteers as a group and take some pressure off individual firestations.

“It also gives the volunteers the opportunity to meet, networkand share ideas,” Senior Firefighter Page said. “The day wasvery successful, and we had some very positive feedback onthe different sessions.”

Two more training days will be held for CFUs in Sydney’s northbefore the 2004/05 bushfire season.

Northern SydneyCommunity Fire Unittraining day

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And the winner is… (again)

On Wednesday 31 March 2004, the sun was shiningand lunchtime crowds were cheering in Hyde Park

Sydney, when Station Officer Michael Morrisdeterminedly gripped the arms of his office chair andraced along the 50 m course to defend his 2003 ShinyBum Cup win.

Other NSWFB entrants in the Office Chair Derby, a majorfundraiser for the MS Society, included AssistantCommissioner Murray Kear and Zone Commander West 5Superintendent Steve Pearce, but it was Fiona Penrosefrom the NSWFB’s Health Services who took out thirdplace in this high-speed and often hilarious event.

The fun and games were for a serious cause; MS is themost common disease to affect the central nervoussystem of young Australians aged from 20 to 40 years,and the disease can produce a range of debilitatingsymptoms.

Office ChairDerby

Zone North 7/3 Swansea ChampionshipsPhotos by Sue Bowen

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Photos at leftby Gary Luxton

On Saturday 1 May 2004, Commissioner Greg Mullinsattended the Zone North 7/3 Firefighter Championships

hosted by Swansea Brigade. Swansea provided perfectweather for the games which saw 23 teams, including twofrom the Rural Fire Service and one from the Army emergencyresponse squadron, participating in many of the events.

Strong competition over the weekend saw Morisset Brigadeemerge as Zone champions ahead of Boolaroo and Swansea.

Glen Innes won the out-of-zone point score, with Balgowniecoming in one point behind.

Coffs Harbour won the new Urban Pumper and BreathingApparatus event and the crew received $1000 from eventsponsors MSA. Like the Turvey Park crew, Coffs Harbour will alsouse the winnings to pay for team accommodation at the StateChampionships.

Not only were the games declared a success, but a good timewas had by all who attended the function for competitors andtheir families at Swansea RSL.

The next championships, hosted by the Grafton Brigade, will beheld over the weekend of 24 and 25 July 2004.

C h a m p i o n s h i p s

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C h a m p i o n s h i p s

Station facts� The Nowra Volunteer Fire

Brigade was established in1894 under Captain ThomasMarriot. The first fire station inthe town was opened on28 February 1896 in KinghornStreet. The cost of building thestation was £36.

� In late 1901 land was purchaseda long Johnston Street at a costof £137. Eight years later, in1909, the new station openedand remained in use until 1978.In February of that year the newBridge Street station wascompleted.

� The current station opened in1978. It remained a retainedstation until 1999 when it beganoperating as a mixed station ofpermanent and retained staff - 2Station Officers, 7 PermanentFirefighters (2 shifts of 4firefighters back to back) and 18Retained Firefighters

� Secondary Rescue Station: 3fire engines, a Mercedespumper, a water tanker, and aservice exchange vehicle(stored at the station).

On 20 March 2004, Commissioner Greg Mullins officially openedthe Corowa South 4 Zone Championships, declaring that thechampionship ground to be “one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

Corowa Deputy Captain Lindsay Bush agreed. “The track wasabsolutely unbelievable - it was like running on carpet.”

Competition was intense throughout the two days, with split secondsdetermining the winners. According to Finley Captain John Hand, “It’snot necessarily the younger competitors who pull the events off -sometimes it’s age and experience. While championships are funevents, they also sharpen your firefighting skills.”

The in-zone winners were Turvey Park, with the Country Fire Authorityteam from Echuca gaining first place in the out-of-zone category.

A new event, Urban Pumper and Breathing Apparatus, was also takenout by Turvey Park. The crew received $1000 from event sponsorsMSA, and the money will be used to pay for team accommodation atthe State Championships which will be held in Port Macquarie nextOctober.

“The championships are aimed at family,” says Captain Hand. “Youtake the family along and make friends with other keen supporters.

Zone South 4 CorowaChampionships

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S t a t i o n P r o f i l e

Nowra, located on the Shoalhaven River, is a major town on theNSW south coast with a rapidly expanding population and ahuge seasonal influx of tourists and holidaymakers. Nowra is

also the centre of a major rural business district and has apermanent population of around 25 000 people.

Firefighters from Nowra Fire Station routinely attend motorvehicle accidents, bush and grass fires, and fuel spills in theShoalhaven River; while also promoting community safety in thearea. In 2002/03 the station responded to 687 emergencies,everything from bushfires to sinking boats.

“The biggest industry in town is tourism. Our population isalmost tripled in the high peak tourist season and we’re amongstthe fastest expanding population areas in NSW - so all of thesethings keep the station very busy,” said Firefighter JasonMcManus from Nowra Fire Station.

Firefighter McManus was recently presented with a NationalMedal for his 18 years with the NSWFB. He has been permanentlystationed in Nowra for the last three years.

“Call-outs could be anything. We have a major rail line runningthrough the town that carries a lot of industrial and agriculturalproduct. There’s a large starch and ethanol industry as well as apaper mill and these are all fairly heavy industries. We also havea burgeoning chemical industry and a well established dairyindustry in the region.

We attend quite a few motor vehicle accidents. The Princes Highwayruns through town, and recently we’ve seen a number of accidentsand deaths on that stretch of road which is always very sad.”

The area the station covers is bordered on three sides by farmland andon one side by National Park. “We’ve just come out of two to threeyears of continuous bushfire activity in the region, which has resultedin some loss of property. We have had unprecedented winter fires inthe area which has kept us constantly busy,” he said.

The Shoalhaven River winds its way through Nowra, bringing in a lotof tourists who use it for boating, fishing and water activities. “Weget called out quite a lot for overturned or sunken boats whichrequire us to contain spilled fuel and chemicals from the vessel’sengine.”

“There’s a largepopulation ofchildren in thetown, we have sixhigh schools anon a weekday thetown is filled withworkers whocome in from thes u r r o u n d i n gtowns and areas”he said. Nowrafirefighters areactively involvedin promoting the role of the NSWFB through school visits, publicfirefighting demonstrations and community risk managementprograms.

Firefighters from the Nowra Fire Station attend the Nowra Showevery year, holding displays on fire safety for the community as wellas performing checks on hydrants and equipment at theshowground before it opens to the public.

Nowra firefighters are active in the NSWFB championships, witha string of wins under their belt in recent years. At last yearsNational Championships, Nowra took eighth place overall. InFebruary of this year, with temperatures soaring to 39°C inBathurst, Nowra claimed first place at the Zone West 3Championships.

Station profile: Nowra

Past and present.

USAR 1 Semi Trailer

Anew 32 tonne Mercedes Benz Actrosprime mover and pantec trailer has

been purpose built to transport thelargest store of Urban Search andRescue (USAR) equipment in Australia.USAR 1 will enable a rapid response toa major structural collapse within NSW.

Specifications

The vehicle contains a Euro 3 compliant,16 litre turbo-charged/intercooled diesel350 hp engine with a massive 2 400 Nmof torque. The transmission is a 16 speed“Telligent” semi-automatic gearboxwhich allows the driver to pre-selectgears and change them by a quickdepression of a car-like clutch pedal.

The Actros prime mover is fitted with discbrakes and Electronic Braking System(EBS). The EBS electronic control systemreduces stopping distances by a faster

application and synchronous truck andtrailer braking which eliminates the timelag normally associated with traditionalpneumatic brakes. In the event ofelectronic failure, the Actros is also fitted

with a back-up traditional brakingsystem. Due to the advanced brakingsystem fitted to the prime mover, thetrailer also needed to be fitted with discbrakes and EBS.

The trailer is constructed from sandwichfibreglass plywood and is fitted with a2000kg tailgate loader. The interior fit-outwas a joint collaboration between theNSWFB Rescue and Engineering Sections.It has been fitted with a work bench andvice for minor servicing of hydraulic rescueequipment, general shelving, timberstorage, and a place for a quad bike.

Engineering were also responsible for theelectrical fitout which includes:

� 240V electrical generator andassociated electrical system

� 24V DC lighting system as well as thecommunications and responsesystems

� 24V internal trailer lighting systemconsisting of a number of fluorescentlights which are placed upside down in2 V-shaped aluminium channels

running longitudinally along the centreof the trailer. This design serves twopurposes: the fluorescent lights arewell protected by the aluminiumchannels, and, the operators are notblinded by the lights while workinginside the trailer, but still receivesufficient light through reflection offthe roof.

F I R E N E W S J u n e 2 0 0 444

W h a t ’ s N e w

F I R E N E W S J u n e 2 0 0 4 45

Technical Search Capabilityincludes:� Delsar seismic acoustic

listening device

� Searchcam 2000 - a coloursearch camera

� Stanley hydraulic jackhammers

� Searchcam entrylink - a remotecamera that can be takenunderground and monitors whatrescuers are actually doing bybeaming back video and audiodata which is viewed on acolour monitor situated in USAR1 or the Incident Control Vehicle

� Satellite communicationequipment

� A substantial amount of timbershoring material. This is usedto stabilise a collapsedstructure so that rescue teamscan access victims

� Halogen balloon lights forilluminating the incident scene

� Suzuki 450 Quad bike.

W h a t ’ s N e w

F I R E N E W S J u n e 2 0 0 446

W h a t ’ s N e w

The Class 1 (4x4) Urban Pumpers are currently being rolledout into stations, with two already installed at Menai and

Belmont Fire Stations. These pumpers are part of thereplacement program for existing water tankers and are thefirst of a team of 16 appliances.

Specifications

The Class 1 (4X4) Urban Pumper is constructed on an IsuzuFTS750 Crew Cab chassis of 4x4 configuration.

The vehicle has a maximum crew of four firefighters.

This pumper is designed as a multi purpose appliance whichprovides pump and roll fire fighting operations in grass and bushlands as well as fire fighting support at structure fires, hazmatand rescue incidents. The pumper is capable of cross countryfirefighting operations on made or unmade (in 4WD mode)roads. It will usually be used within 75km of it’s home station,however on occasions the pumper may travel further as part ofa task force deployment.

This vehicle is fitted with a GAAM Mk450 pump, powered from aHatz 4L41C auxiliary diesel engine, providing a continuous pumpand roll capability. The pump has arated delivery of up to 2500 litres perminute which discharges via two65mm delivery valves. The pumpalso includes a second stage outletwhich discharges water at higherpressure into two rear mounted hosereels. Both hose reels are fitted with60m of 19mm low pressure rubberdelivery hose and dial-a-jet nozzles.

To supplement the vehicle’s firefighting capability, a Class A round-the-pump foam system is installed

for use at grass/bush fires or structural incidents. This foamsystem uses the venturi effect to syphon foam concentrate intothe inlet side of the pump, which then circulates through thepump and discharges to all delivery outlets in operation, eg hosereels, 65mm deliveries or any combination of both.

The pump is supported by a water tank with a 3 00 litre capacity.The tank is compartmentalised into 2500 litres for general firefighting use and 500 litres for emergency cabin protection use only.

Due to this vehicle’s off-road grass and bush fire fightingcapabilities, significant fire protection has been provided in thedesign of the vehicle. A cabin water spray protection system isprovided to maintain cabin integrity during fire entrapment, andincludes 500 litres dedicated water supply. Reflective firecurtains are provided inside the cabin to minimise radiant heatpenetration into the cabin, thus offering a more tenable cabinenvironment during entrapment. Woollen fire blankets are alsostowed in the cabin as an additional measure of thermalprotection. Finally, critical brake, fuel and electrical lines andcomponents have been thermally shielded to ensure continuedoperation during fire underrun, as may be experienced whenfighting a fast moving grass fire.

Class 1 (4x4) Urban Pumpers

F I R E N E W S J u n e 2 0 0 4 47

S p o r t

The night of Saturday 24 April 2004saw the Combined Emergency

Services AFL team take on the DefenceForces in the annual curtain raiser to theAnzac Day AFL match between theSydney Swans and the MelbourneDemons.

The Emergency Services took a veryprofessional approach into this year’smatch with a three man coaching team,managers, runners, water carriers and auniform produced especially for thegame.

Before the match, the team receivedmotivational talks from CommissionerGreg Mullins and Deputy Commissionerof the NSW Police, Andrew Scipionewhich had them bursting out of theirskins to get out onto the field.Unfortunately, despite all the bestintentioned barracking of theCommissioner, he couldn’t get the teamover the line. Alas, in a brave showing,the Emergency Services team went downfighting 17.9.111 to 5.3.33.

CombinedEmergencyServices AFL

Right: Damian Newson takeson the Defence Forces.

Deputy Police Commissioner Andrew Scipioneaddresses the Combined Emergency Servicesteam.

The players listen intently to the Commish’s motivationalwords.

The team that did us proud.

Photo by Steve Norris

Photo by Steve NorrisPhoto by Steve Norris

retireme

F I R E N E W S J u n e 2 0 0 448

R e t i r e m e n t s

Permanent firefighters ......................Retirement date ........Recognition

4661 Inspector P Risk ..........................30 March 2004 ............National Medal and one Clasp

3535 Station Officer D Boyle................19 March 2004 ............National Medal and two Clasps

3269 Station Officer L Griffiths ............30 March 2004 ............National Medal and two Clasps

4934 Station Officer C Ewin ................30 March 2004 ............National Medal and one ClaspUnit Commendation For Meritorious Service - Thredbo

5161 Station Officer P Aitkin................30 March 2004 ............National Medal and one Clasp

6078 Station Officer G Warren..............30 March 2004 ............National MedalAustralian Fire Service MedalUnit Commendation For Meritorious Service - Thredbo

5759 Senior Firefighter R Cowie ..........30 March 2004 ............National Medal and one ClaspUnit Commendation For Meritorious Service - King Georges Rd,Beverley Hills

5789 Senior Firefighter L Mason ..........30 March 2004 ............National Medal

6261 Senior Firefighter D Seelin ..........30 March 2004 ............National MedalUnit Commendation For Meritorious Service - Dennison St, Hillside

5614 Firefighter A Young......................30 March 2004 ............National Medal

6781 Qualified Firefighter M Newell ....1 April 2004 ................National Medal

3475 Inspector K Blades......................15 April 2004 ..............Australian Fire Service Medal, National Medal and two Clasps

3714 Station Officer K Kelleher ............7 May 2004 ................National Medal and two Clasps

5577 Station Officer R Broughall..........7 May 2004 ................National Medal and one Clasp

5493 Senior Firefighter P O’Mara ........10 June 2004 ..............National Medal and one ClaspUnit Commendation For Meritorious Service - Thredbo

4248 Senior Firefighter G Pearce ..........10 June 2004 ..............National Medal and one Clasp

Retirements

The NSWFB says a big thank you to the following firefighters for their unstinting effortsand dedication over the years. They have made a valuable contribution to the NSWFB’swork in protecting the community. We wish them all the best in a well-deservedretirement.

nts

49

R e t i r e m e n t s

Retained firefighters ........................Station........................Retirement date ........Recognition

Retained Firefighter G J Fraser ............Merrylands ..................28 December 2003 ......National Medal

Retained Firefighter G S Dixon..............Lawson........................26 March 2004

Captain J Harveyson ............................Grenfell........................19 April 2004 ..............National Medal and two Clasps

Retained Firefighter J J Driscoll ............Aberdeen ....................29 February 2004 ........National Medal and one Clasp

Captain E Larkins ................................Tarro ............................20 February 2004 ........National Medal and one Clasp

Code 2

These are the names of former NSWFB members who have passed away.

Deputy Captain Kevin McLachlan..............December 2003..........Death in Service

Retained Firefighter Tom Kelly ..................May 2004 ..................Retired

Station Officer John Roll ............................June 2004 ..................Retired

Station Officer Herbert Hemsworth............June 2004 ..................Retired

Senior Firefighter John Collins ..................May 2004 ..................Resigned

Captain Eric Bardia ..................................April 2004 ..................Retired

Retained Firefighter Albert Kay..................May 2004 ..................Retired

Station Officer John Weir ..........................May 2004 ..................Retired

Firefighter Roy Ross ..................................April 2004 ..................Retired

Retained Firefighter Douglas McPherson ..April 2004 ..................Death in Service

Firefighter Norman Smith..........................April 2004 ..................Retired

Captain Ron Adamson ..............................April 2004 ..................Retired

Retained Firefighter Jamie Becroft ............April 2003 ..................Resigned

Senior Firefighter Raymond Berg ..............March 2004................Retired

F I R E N E W S J u n e 2 0 0 4

Recently retired Senior InspectorKeith Blades AFSM is pictured

proudly displaying his father’s WorldWar Two Pacific Service Campaignmedals.

Keith was stationed the old No 13 Stationat Waterloo when he attended his first fireat Botany in the old E District. Thirty-nineyears later, while stationed at the new No13 Station at Alexandria, the last fire heattended as a senior officer was also in theold E District. “That’s the fire that finallydrove me into retirement,” he quipped.

“I can vividly remember my first day withthe NSWFB as if it were yesterday,” saidKeith. “I enjoyed every minute of my timewith the Brigades - that’s why I stayed inthe job for 39 years. I have many, manyfond memories.”

You’ve got mail

F I R E N E W S J u n e 2 0 0 450

L e t t e r s

To: NSWFB

This year, Diabetes Australia’s annual fundraisingevent, The Great Australian Bite, was officiallylaunched with a breakfast “bite”, which was held atMarrickville Police Station. Approximately 80 peopleturned up to meet our Ambassador, Marcia Hines,and to enjoy the delicious barbecue breakfast.

The event would not have been so successfulwithout the help of the Marrickville Fire Brigade.Thank you to those firefighters who took time out oftheir busy schedules to attend the launch and totalk to local school children and members of thecommunity.

Diabetes Australia-NSW would like to extend ourappreciation to the Marrickville Fire Brigade for theirsupport. We look forward to working with them inthe future.

From: Liz PeersCEODiabetes Australia - NSW

Right: Marrickville firies with Marcia Hines.

Below: NSWFB, Police and SES at the launch. To: Station Commander Ron James,Darlinghurst Fire Brigade

Firstly, I must apologise for the delay in writing to you butthe aftermath of this incident has been somewhat moredisruptive than I had anticipated.

I do however, want record our appreciation for the mannerin which you and your crew dealt with this matter. Not onlywas every effort made to clear up the water and steamdamage caused by the dishwasher hose connection in ourabsence, but your actions in contacting us in the countryand following up later in the day were greatly appreciated.

Previously I had been immensely impressed by the way inwhich you dealt with a fire in my brother-in-law’sapartment in Rushcutter’s Bay. Whilst he was away earlylast year a fire which broke out in the ceiling was put out asI guess one would expect, but the way in which plastic waslaid to protect the kitchen surfaces and the carpet, the caretaken to minimise damage to the ceiling were things I hadnot necessarily expected but greatly appreciated.

It sounds as though we are somewhat accident prone butthis is in fact not the case as fortunately these are the onlytwo occasions I have had to call the Fire Brigades’ services.Obviously, I hope not to call on you again, but if I had to itwould be with the utmost confidence in, not only yourprofessionalism, but also your thoughtfulness and attentionto detail.

From: Ms Jeannie Lyall

F I R E N E W S J u n e 2 0 0 4 51

L e t t e r s

To: Officer in charge,Crows Nest Fire Brigade

A few weeks ago, I read in the local paper thatfire officers were installing batteries in smokealarms for elderly people. I had always beenworried that I didn’t have such an alarm so Ibought one and rang your station and asked ifit could be installed.

This letter is to express my appreciation to thefirefighters who installed the alarm for me,and to say that you should be proud of theirdemeanor and attitude.

Thank you

From: Dorothy Gulerian

lettersTo: Inspector Terry Farley,

Tamworth Hazmat

It has been brought to my notice by one of myofficers, the kind assistance they were givenat the truck rollover accident near Tingha byyou and your fellow officers.

I would like to sincerely thank you for thisassistance and for supplying my officers withdrinks and a meal whilst they wereinvestigating the accident. This gesture wasvery much appreciated.

From: D J HarringtonInspector - Duty OfficerNSW Police,Inverell

To: Zone Commander West 5, TamworthRegional Commander Murray Kear

I would like to personally thank you forsponsoring me in the Queen of Country MusicQuest for 2004. I had a fantastic time, madelots of new friends and was able to see thefestival from a different perspective, anexperience which taught me a lot about thecity of Tamworth and its people.

Participating in the cavalcade and walkingdown the street with “Bernie” was a real buzz.Being part of promoting the NSWFB and thework that they do was special for me as theFire Brigade has been a great part of my life. Abig thank you must also go to the firefighterswho manned the Peel Street display, they did awonderful job liaising with the public andpromoting the NSWFB and the work that theydo in our community.

Once again, thanks for your support.

From: Renee Eckersley

To: Station Commander,Liverpool Fire Brigade

The Animal Welfare League, West HoxtonCentre Staff and Brooke, a very lucky whitecat, wish to express our sincere appreciationto the officers involved in Brooke’s rescue.

Thank you from the management, staff andBrooke.

From: Judith WelshWest Hoxton Centre ManagerThe NSW Animal Welfare league

To: NSWFB Superintendent Michael Johnson,NSWFB, Maitland

On behalf of the Australia Day Committee Iwould like to thank you for being a part of the2004 Australia Day celebrations held inMaitland Park.

The celebrations were huge success withattendance estimated at 5000 people. With theofficial ceremony, live music, and children’sactivities it was fantastic to see so manyfamilies enjoying the day.

Without the participation of manyorganisations, individuals, community groupsand clubs, the day would not have been thesuccess it was.

Once again, thank you for your invaluablesupport and contribution towards this Cityevent.

From: Tracey CurrieEvents CoordinatorMaitland City Council

To: Telarah Fire Brigade

The members of the Telarah Pre-Schoolcommunity would like to thank you for yourhospitality. The children enjoyed the visit toyour station very much and came away wellinformed about fire safety. We look forward toanother visit next year

From: The Pre-School staffTelarah Pre-School

To: Telarah Fire Brigade

On the evening of Wednesday 24 March 2004,a fire caused severe damage to the MackayMemorial Presbyterian Church, in Rutherford.

There were at least four fire trucks inattendance. There may have been more. As faras I know Telarah only has one fire engine, sothe others much have come from otherstations. Please convey the following messageto all NSWFB personnel who attended thisincident:

On behalf of the congregation of the MackayMemorial Presbyterian Church, I wish to thankyou for your attendance and work at this fire.If it were not for your work the damage couldhave been so much more severe. Thank youvery much for your willingness to be ofassistance.

From: Bruce McIntyreSession Clerk,Kurri Kurri-Rutherford PresbyterianChurch

To: The Station Officer,Alexandria Fire Station

I wish to thank your staff for the effort of yourcrew in helping my son, Andrew. They weretotally professional and I appreciate the greateffort.

While my son is now deceased, I knoweverything that could have been done, wasdone. I am grateful for your staff’s totalcommitment.

From: Lorna Raymond

To: Station Officer Allan Johnson and Brigademembers of Crows Nest C Platoon

Late last year, the car in which I was apassenger was involved in a severe accidentwhen the driver lost control rounding a corner.The car ended up wrapped round a lamp postand as a result I was trapped inside thevehicle, sustaining fractures to both femurs,pelvis and with a severe amount of bruising.

I would like to offer my gratitude and praise forthe professional and caring manner thatStation Officer Johnson and the crew membersextended to me whilst cutting the roof off thecar to get me out, and their concern about mywell being during what was an agonisingexperience.

My thanks to all those Fire Brigade crewmembers for looking after me.

From: Charles TuckerNaremburn

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L e t t e r s

To: Penrith Fire Station

I’d like to say thank you to the firefighters atPenrith who took time to show my two-year-old son around the fire truck. My son loves towalk past the fire trucks when we are in thearea, and although very shy at the time, is stilltelling everyone he encounters all about howhe ‘drove’ the fire engine. He has been carryinghis bag of goodies around with him ever sinceand will not let it out of his sight!

The attention paid to him by firefighters meansquite a lot to this little guy, so a HUGE thankyou once again.

From: Anita Buckley

To: Toukley Fire Brigade

Thank you so much for organising the visit of the Toukley fire truck and crew to our school onWednesday 10 March. Once again, the visit was a highlight for the Year 2 students (a hard act tofollow for our other workers in the community). Simon, Paul and Kate did a fantastic job of entertainingand edifying the children for over an hour. The children were inspired to do some great follow up workto this visit including research on firefighters, making big books of the visit using our photos andworking on a power point slide show.

The Year 2 teachers greatly appreciate the time your officers gave to our school. We would like you topass on our thanks for their time and effort. They have great communication skills and know how tokeep the interest of your children.

Best wishes to all

From: Roslyn Ray,Gorokan Primary School

To: The Station Officer,Riverwood Fire Station

A note of thanks to you and your officers whocame to my aid and installed a smoke alarmfor me.

I trust that it will be a precaution only and willnot have to be used.

From: Jean Jarrett

To: Merimbula Fire Brigade

I must apologise for this very belated letter ofappreciation to your fire crews. Late last year,a car left the road and finally came to restwith a front portion inside our bedroom.

The New South Wales Fire Brigades was thefirst to arrive, and as an ex-service man(WWII) and an officer in the RVCP, I pay tributeto the professional and disciplined way thecrews sorted out the mess, calmed down thedriver and took control of the situation, messyas it was.

My wife Barbara of course joins me in ourthanks for your attendance.

From: John & Barbara McCammon

To: Crookwell Fire Brigade

On behalf of the Mayor, Councillors andresidents of Crookwell Shire, I would like tothank you and the members of Crookwell FireBrigade for cooking breakfast for the Crookwellcommunity at our Australia Day function.

Council is most appreciative of the communityspirit shown by you and the members of theBrigade in a wide range of activities heldwithin the Shire.

From: P R HarveyGeneral Manager,Crookwell Shire Council

To: The Captain,Byron Bay Fire Brigade

Dear Captain

We would like to take this opportunity to thankthe firefighters who attended and extinguishedthe electrical fire that occurred at ourpremises.

We appreciate the prompt attendance and thespeed with which your firefighters tackled,contained and extinguished the fire with verylittle damage to our restaurant.

Again we would sincerely like to thank you foryour help.

From: Mark SimsDirectorFisheads@Byron Seafood Restaurant

To: The crew at Cronulla Fire Station

Thank you all so much for your quick andefficient work last August. The outcome of ourfire would have been so much worse if youguys had not responded and acted as you did.We’re all extremely grateful to you.

From: The deMaria family

To: The Station Officer D Platoon, Crows Nest Fire Station

A BIG thank you to your team.

On Friday 14 May, the hot water system in mybathroom broke, and water flooded throughoutmy unit.

The NSWFB crew arrived promptly andassisted me in removing all the excess waterfrom my flooded floor.

The firefighters did a fantastic and thoroughjob. I would never hesitate in ringing your teamin the future. They were extremely professionalwith a friendly demeanour.

From: Stephanie

F I R E N E W S J u n e 2 0 0 4 53

L e t t e r s

To: The Station Officer,Engadine Fire Brigade

I wish to offer thanks on behalf of themembers of the Combined Probus Club ofHeathcote Inc. for the assistance provided bymembers of your station when a member ofthis Club became very ill whilst on a bush walkalong the cliff-tops south of Bundeena.

These sentiments are extended by all membersof this Club, and in particular, by those whowere participating in the outing.

From: Ken RobinsonPresident,Combined Probus Club of Heathcote Inc.

To: Superintendent Steve Pearce,Tamworth

On behalf of Station Manager Shane Rae and the management of the Ambulance Service of NSW, Iwould like to offer my sincere appreciation to members of the Narrabri Fire Station. Their assistance inhelping our Narrabri Ambulance Officers during the extrication and subsequent treatment ofpassengers from the train accident and derailment which occurred at Baan Baa in May was muchappreciated.

The professionalism and discipline shown by the members of the Narrabri Fire Brigade on this nightwas a credit to your organisation and was of valuable assistance to officers in providing optimumpatient care to the passengers and staff aboard the train.

Station Manager Shane Rae expressed his anticipation of a continued harmonious relationship with themembers of the NSWFB, especially members of the Narrabri Brigade.

From: Geoffrey GarrettActing Operations ManagerAmbulance Service of NSW

To: Officer-in-charge,Portland Fire Station

Thank you and your fellow firefighters for yourcontribution to our Anzac Day Celebrations2004.

Please ensure all members are aware howtheir involvement helped to make the day asuccess and how much our members reallyappreciated their presence for the 11amService and March.

From: John GrannallHonorary SecretaryThe Returned Services League ofAustralia,Portland Sub-Branch

To: Commissioner Greg Mullins,NSWFB

There was a serious fire at our home at Purcellin Redfern late in the evening of Wednesday 5May.

The population here is mainly elderly and insome cases fairly frail and with special needs,and the fire was distressing.

All those who responded worked far beyondany mere job description! To a person, theywere polite and caring, worked like proverbialTrojans, and handled their jobs professionallyand compassionately. Much was done thatwould probably not be required as a normalpart of these people’s duty, but none inattendance on the night or the following fewdays hesitated in giving generously of theirtime and more.

On behalf of the community that I have theprivilege to represent, and inadequate as itseems to me, I just wanted to thank everyperson involved for giving as they did andrestoring to many what often gets lost thesedays, and that is dignity.

From: Dave HorscroftTenants Representative

To: The Editor,Fire News

The Pandoleon family would like to thank themembers of the NSW Fire Brigades for theirconcern and best wishes during Alf’s recentillness.

He is now settled into a nursing home.

From: Ms Veronica Pandoleon

NSW Fire BrigadesWinter Fire Safety Checklist

FactLast year, 4339 homes were involved in fire in NSW, killing at least 20 people and injuring another 573. Around 1300 of these fires, or 30per cent, occurred during the winter months.(Statistics correct as of 04/06/04)

Is YOUR home winter Fire Safe?The NSW Fire Brigades recommends a simple safety checklist to help keep homes fire safe this winter. Make sure you and everyone inyour household follows the following safety advice:

� Most importantly, have an adequate number of suitable smoke alarms installed throughout your home and make sure that you test them regularly.

� Make sure you and your family know two safe ways out of every room in your home.

� Have a written home escape plan in case of fire and practice it regularly.

� Never ever leave cooking unattended.

� If you have a fireplace in your home make sure the chimney is clean.

� If you have a fireplace always place a screen in front of it when in use.

� Check electric blankets for damage or frayed cords before placing on the bed.

� Take care to keep curtains, tablecloths and bedding away from portable heaters.

� Always place wet clothing at least 1 metre from heaters or fireplaces and never leave unattended.

� If you use a clothes dryer make sure you clean the lint filter each and every time you use it.

� Only use one appliance per power point and switch off when not in use.

� Always extinguish candles or any other open flames before going to bed.

� Always handle candles or any other open flame with care.

� Store matches or lighters in a secure place out of reach and sight of young children.

For more information contact you local Fire Brigade Station or visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au

Winter Fire Safety tips• To test an electric blanket lay it flat on top of the bed, then switch it on for five minutes before putting it on the bed for use to confirm

it is okay

• Use only authorised installers of fixed heating appliances

• Oil, gas or wood heating units may require a yearly maintenance check

• Only use fuses of recommended rating and install an electrical safety switch

• If possible, in the kitchen keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket placed near the exit

• Never leave burning candles or any open flame unattended

In an Emergency Call 000