Flashover

Firies at 475 Uralla, 205 Armidale and Digging RFB were called to a house fire in the early hours of the morning and arrived to find smoke and fire through the roof. The trouble was, it was bloody freezing. Literally.

As people ran, jumped, swung and crashed their way through the Australian Ninja Warrior course this season, there were competitors from within the Australian firefighting ranks. Meet Cameron Simpson, Firefighter at 085 Chester Hill with Fire & Rescue NSW, who competed last night and made his way through to the semi finals!

We spoke with 426 Perisher Valley Fire Station about their staffing, appliances and setup through the winter season. Have a look at the gear they have for getting around in the snow!

This is primarily a structural firefighting appliance with 4x CABA sets (including extra cylinders) all the hoses (38mm & 64mm Duraline hose), variable flow fog nozzles, the usual entry tools, and salvage equipment including a positive pressure ventilation fan. It also has a Elkhart model 8297 monitor on top for great asset protection when needed.

Based on the SES Medium Rescue Design, this appliance will carry no firefighting capabilities to ensure it is not tasked to fire operations and remain available for rescue coverage.

NSW RFS and Fire & Rescue NSW were both on scene for a persons reported house fire involving rescues. A huge effort by local emergency services on this one.

A warehouse / factory went up in flames in Camperdown requiring a 3rd alarm response to tackle the blaze. Streets were narrow and high winds were a challenge for firefighters.

The MFB currently has one of their ladder platforms (Car 170) on loan to Fire & Rescue NSW, which is working out of 27 station, Parramatta. The LP was entered into service in the 1990's and has apparently seen action for the MFB, CFA, ACTFR and now FRNSW!

This is a must read. 6 firefighters in Western Australia using 3 appliances defended an exploration camp of 117 men and bulk fuel storage depot against a 160,000 hectare fire - for 24 hours!

The crew from Orchard Hills Rural Fire Brigade recently finished a long running project to upgrade their PPE storage in the engine bay. What used to be a typical hook and peg on the wall is now a flash looking locker setup - thanks to a bit of community spirit and some elbow grease from a few of the firies.