Fire and Rescue NSW teams in position for anticipated Far North Queensland Cyclone - Far Queensland
Published: 25 Jan 2024 04:03pm
A Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) team of disaster experts is strategically positioned today, ready to assist the community as Tropical Cyclone Kirrily threatens to strike Far North Queensland.
FRNSW has dispatched 23 firefighters to the area as part of a multi-agency NSW deployment led by the State Emergency Service.
Many of the FRNSW firefighters are trained in both swift-water rescues and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) skills, recognised globally by the United Nations’ International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), of which FRNSW and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) are members.
Already familiar with Queensland’s emergency protocols, due to their INSARAG cross-training partnership, the NSW crews are being dispersed throughout the areas of Proserpine, Mackay, Rockhampton and Gladstone, working closely with their QFES colleagues.
The In-water rescue crews are very experienced operators, who were integral to FRNSW’s response to the floods in the Northern Rivers, Sydney and the Riverina in 2022.
Some also have experience as USAR operators, responding to the Turkiye earthquake last year.
Among the 23 are two FRNSW Incident Management personnel to assist QFES’s strategic disaster planning as well as a Liaison Officer.
The FRNSW firefighters are equipped with new equipment including light-weight wetsuits, Personal Flotation Devices and Personal Locator Beacons, designed to handle Far North Queensland’s humid weather, allowing them to remain in flood-affected areas for longer periods.
The NSW Government recently invested $34m in FRNSW’s In-Water capabilities, funding the new equipment as well as the training of additional In-Water technicians, taking FRNSW’s flood-trained personnel to 356.
FRNSW Deputy Commissioner – Strategic Capability, Megan Stiffler, said Fire and Rescue NSW regularly plays a critical role in supporting disaster relief operations, within Australia and overseas.
“The NSW Government’s recent investment in these rescue capabilities has paid off already with NSW able to respond immediately to Queensland’s request for assistance,” Deputy Commissioner Stiffler said.
“The new FRNSW equipment is perfect for the North Queensland climate, preventing heat stress and providing 50+ sun protection.”
Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is expected to hit the North Queensland coast later today.
***Media Note – FRNSW footage of its teams in readiness, grabs of FRNSW Deputy Commissioner – Strategic Capability, Megan Stiffler; and fresh footage of FRNSW In-Water training is available here: https://vimeo.com/906235798/175dd8d83d?share=copy [external link]
Updated: 25 Jan 2024 04:08pm
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]