Fire and Rescue NSW deploys Strike Team to Victorian bushfire zone - NSW
Published: 27 Feb 2024 03:41pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) today is deploying a Strike Team to western Victoria, where it will help protect communities facing a bushfire emergency and forecast of extreme heat in coming days.
Fifteen firefighters and three incident management experts will deploy with five vehicles, including state-of-the-art bushfire tankers, light tankers and bulk water carriers, as they support Victoria's Country Fire Authority (CFA) crews.
They'll form part of a larger NSW contingent also involving four Rural Fire Service (RFS) Strike Teams, comprising 110 volunteer firefighters.
FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, said our expertise and equipment will prove invaluable to Victorian communities if the grim predictions are realised.
"The combination of high temperatures, harsh winds and a parched landscape is concerning, and our thoughts are with all Victorians in the potential danger zones," Commissioner Fewtrell said.
"Like our own firefighters, our CFA counterparts are experienced and knowledgeable in dealing with acts of nature, and can deploy quickly and act decisively.
"FRNSW will work closely with the CFA over the next few days to support local communities in any way we can, including relieving exhausted fire crews."
Updated: 27 Feb 2024 03:46pm
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]