FRNSW experiences one of its busiest days in history
Published: 18th January 2013
Today’s unprecedented extreme weather and bushfire conditions across NSW have seen Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) experience one of its busiest days in history and resulted in an appeal to the public to only call Triple-0 if it is a genuine emergency.
FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said FRNSW had taken 1100 calls from 9am to 4pm today.
“All of FRNSW’s resources are currently on the ground and on standby in order to respond to all manner of emergencies during the hottest day in NSW’s history,” Commissioner Mullins said.
“But we urge members of the public to only call Triple-0 if it is a genuine emergency to ensure our resources are not unnecessarily tied up with non-urgent calls.”
Commissioner Mullins said at least 20 FRNSW fire trucks and crews had been deployed to assist the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and other agencies with firefighting efforts at major bushfires at Coonabarabran (eight fire crews), Boorowa, Cessnock and Nowra (as at 3.30pm),” he said.
“FRNSW currently has 16 fire crews fighting a major bushfire at Cessnock, alongside an equally large deployment from the RFS, including five water-bombing helicopters.
“Our firefighters are also battling a number of other bush and grass fires throughout NSW alongside our RFS counterparts.
“On top of this, FRNSW firefighters have responded to more than 200 automatic fire alarm activations, 13 residential fires, three building fires, five car fires, nine motor vehicle accidents and nine chemical spills from midnight to 3.30pm today.
“I can only praise firefighters and support staff for this mighty effort.”
Commissioner Mullins said FRNSW would continue to provide support to the RFS, National Parks and Wildlife Service and State Forests during the protracted bushfire operations around the state.
“Firefighters across the state are committed to continuing to work around the clock to contain these bushfires,” he said.