Foreword After heavy winter rain and some uncomfortably warm weather in the leadup to summer, we knew we were looking at a potentially dangerous season. To our members on the land, this was no surprise. The same conditions that gave us a late and, for many, bumper harvest also delivered huge grass growth across the state. We entered this season with a significant focus on the risk of grass fires. The damage caused by a grass fire can be tragic and distressing, and yet research shows that many underestimate how fast or destructive they can be. Over the past few months we’ve worked to inform the community of the increased risk, and how to reduce that risk. New resources like a guide for grain harvesting have already proven valuable in supporting rural landholders to make safer decisions. You can read more about these initiatives in this edition of the Bulletin. This issue of the Bulletin is a reflection of our organisation – one that innovates, seeks a world standard of excellence, and sees the diversity of our membership as a source of pride. This is our second season trialling the use of the Large Air Tanker and Very Large Air Tanker, and our members who have worked alongside these appliances can attest to their effectiveness, including knocking down fast moving fires. They have proven themselves to be a valuable addition to the state’s firefighting fleet, in supporting firefighters on the ground. Technology like apps and resources like the air tankers are often exciting, fascinating and hugely valuable to the firefighting effort. Their value, however, is always founded on our people who design, use and improve the tools. A good example of this is our increasing capacity in the realm of fire behaviour analysis, and I am proud to acknowledge the input of volunteers like David Philp in this space.
IN THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE
WE VALUE
In this issue we are honouring the young and the seasoned, including our Cadet of the Year 2016 and AFSM recipients, as well as an employer, who plays such an incredible part in supporting our people. In the next issue, we will have stories from the recent incidents and efforts of February 2017. For now I’ll express my huge gratitude to all of our members who responded and the communities who were impacted.
community and environment support, friendship and camaraderie
Stay safe,
knowledge and learning integrity and trust one team, many players and one purpose adaptability and resourcefulness mutual respect
Shane Fitzsimmons, AFSM NSW RFS Commissioner
@RFSCommissioner
facebook.com/rfscommissioner
BUSH FIREbulletin // FOREWORD 1