Dozens of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie firefighters honoured for Black Summer bushfire bravery - Wallsend
Published: 20 Jul 2023 09:10am
The bravery and dedication of 80 firefighters from Newcastle and Lake Macquarie will be formally recognised tonight at a special Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) awards ceremony.
Firefighters, from a range of the 20 fire stations across the Metropolitan North 1 region, have been awarded National Emergency Medals during the function at Wallsend.
There were 11,774 fires fought across 5.5 million hectares during the Black Summer crisis. That represents around seven per cent of the state.
Twenty six people lost their lives along with scores of wildlife.
The fires destroyed 2500 homes, 265 facilities and 5360 outbuildings.
However, the efforts of firefighters saved countless lives as well as an estimated 14,500 homes, 1500 facilities and 14,000 outbuildings.
FRNSW deployed around 950 Strike Teams across the affected areas, featuring firefighters from all parts of NSW, supported by colleagues from interstate.
The first responders, both permanent and On-call (retained), are receiving the National Emergency Medal, in recognition of work carried out over at least five days of the disaster.
Metro North 1 provided 10 fire tankers and crews to the various Strike Teams responding to the Black Summer crisis.
Updated: 20 Jul 2023 09:15am
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
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]
Stations nearby
15 Summerhill Rd, Wallsend NSW 2287
18 Taylor Street, Cardiff NSW 2285
20 Woodford Street, Minmi NSW 2287