Captain’s message

Last month provided challenging call-outs including separate vehicle and structure fires within two days of each other. Thankfully, there are few structure fires in the area as they are always emotional, knowing they potentially involve the loss of someone’s house and cherished possessions. It was pleasing to note that one of our youngest female members, Chloe, led the way as a CABA operator (breathing apparatus) with the initial attack at both incidents. These types of fires create potentially life-threatening dense smoke and toxic fumes where the operator may be working in zero visibility. At times like this, the value of regular training becomes apparent. Crews can deploy hoses effectively for a quick initial knockdown of the fire which minimises property damage and danger to firefighters and members of the public.

The strong winds experienced over the last month and lack of rain have created drier than normal conditions. However, community members are encouraged to continue with their fuel reductions and property clearing before we move into the fire season, obviously taking current weather conditions into account. Fire permits will be required again from 1 September 2023 (subject to confirmation by NSW RFS).

Dusty Smart

0412 865 638

Incidents for the month

There were five incidents for the previous month:

  1. A Structure Fire involving a large shed within the village area containing a granny flat, contents of a house being renovated, solar panels and gas bottles. Responding appliances were able to ensure the area remained safe and fire did not spread to adjoining property or bush, but the shed and contents were lost as the fire was fully involved by the time crews arrived on scene. Thanks to Berry Fire & Rescue, Cambewarra and Broughton Vale crews for responding. Crews were recalled to the incident the following day by the Fire Investigator when a pile of books reignited in strong winds.
  2. A single car motor vehicle accident (MVA) on Barrengarry Mountain where the car had left the road and collided with a rock wall. The driver was already under NSW Ambulance care when crews arrived on scene. The car was made safe and marked with RFS tape to inform passing motorists the incident had already been addressed by emergency services.
  3. A single vehicle fire within the village area. The driver had managed to pull over prior to the car becoming fully involved, but had inadvertently stopped under power lines which added an extra risk element to responding crews. Crews were able to extinguish the fire, but the car was destroyed. Whilst it is difficult to consider all safety aspects during such events, it is always advisable to stop away from buildings, significant vegetation and not under power lines or in blind spots in the road.
  4. A single car MVA on Barrengarry Mountain. This was a call to the previous MVA, and responding crews were stood down once this was identified as a repeat call and no action required.
  5. A call to a tree down towards Barrengarry Mountain. Actions were taken to make the scene safe. The residents were advised further work was outside the scope of the RFS and another agency or contractor would be required.

Other operational involvement

Jamie Salkeld has just returned from five weeks in Canada working on the fire line, and Dusty has just departed (returning in mid-August). These international secondments provide invaluable experience of fire behaviour and how other agencies and countries tackle large fires.

Community engagement

The local brigade participated, along with other emergency services, in the ‘When I Grow Up Day’ at the local public school explaining the role and general duties of a firefighter. A great day was had by all. Hopefully, there will be some new and future members.

The annual NSW RFS ‘Get Ready Weekend’ is scheduled for 11 September 2023. This is part of the RFS’ effort to ensure everyone has created and reviewed their bush fire survival plan and is prepared for the forthcoming season. Look out for further information in the coming weeks. 

Training

Over the last few years, the NSW RFS has increased its aviation capabilities, adding small to large helicopters and small to large air tankers. While the image is often of aircraft laying huge carpets of fire retardant, much of the firefighting is done by smaller aircraft working strategically with firefighters on the ground. Two brigade members recently attended a workshop hosted by the RFS Shoalhaven District and attended by firefighters from all over the state. The aim of the workshop was to enhance the ability of ground crews to assess the situation, request the most appropriate aircraft and direct them to the required target. This could be laying retardant along a fire line, around valuable assets such as communication towers or hitting a single burning stump in thick bush, all with firefighters working nearby. Given the potential dangers of operating close to air support and the limitations of their flying time, this was a hugely valuable exercise. It helped our members communicate and evaluate the aviation tasking and allow for firefighters to work effectively with aircraft to get the best results from their combined efforts.

Several members have been taking part in separate Advanced Firefighting and Safe Working on Roofs courses.

Pile burns and burning off

A fire permit is not required until the Bush Fire Danger Period restarts (1 September 2023, subject to change). Currently, the following tasks are mandatory prior to lighting up:

  1. You must notify the NSW RFS (Shoalhaven Fire Control Centre) at least 24 hours before you light the fire. Notification methods include:
    1.  Online: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify or via the QR code 
    2.  Phone: 4424 4424 between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday
    3.  Email: Shoal.Haven@rfs.nsw.gov.au.
  2. You must advise your immediate neighbours at least 24 hours before you light the fire. Immediate neighbours include those where you share a boundary even when separated by a road or water course and government and commercial entities, e.g. local business owners, NPWS, Council, power and water companies.
  3. At least one responsible person must be present on site until it is extinguished 
  4. Check the upcoming weather conditions as the pile may continue to smoulder for days 
  5. If you believe that you cannot safely control the fire once it has been lit, dial 000 immediately.

Consider notifying your local WhatsApp Neighbourhood Group and ask the coordinator to share any plans with other group coordinators if expected weather conditions mean smoke is likely to travel some distance. Smoke does not respect property boundaries. 

Where the brigade is assisting local community members with burns, the responsibility for notifications remains with the property owner, but the brigade will attempt to post Facebook updates about planned brigade activities if there is a significant volume of smoke expected. Changing weather conditions may mean brigade updates are provided with short notice.   

If you have concerns about burning off yourself, please contact the local brigade or Shoalhaven Fire Control Centre and we can possibly assist you with your pile burn or check your site for you. 

Becoming a member

Is this something you would like to know more about?  There is always room for additional members. As the first step, complete the application online at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs and the RFS will notify the local brigade once the application has been processed. Call by the station on a Wednesday evening around 6PM or call the Dusty as brigade members are always happy to chat to interested people about life in the brigade and RFS.

Compiled by Gary Matthews with input from 

Dave Alexander, Steve Bell and Dusty Smart