23 September 2023.
Tune in live on air this Friday at 9am, September 29th, 2023 on 2XX 98.3fm in Canberra.
Or Livestream here: https://www.2xxfm.org.au/
With September 29th marking the official start to the 2023-2024 bushfire season in the ACT, and a potentially more hazardous summer looming with a return to El Niño temperatures, this week, we welcome Rohan Scott, Chief Officer of ACT RFS, and Matt Dutkiewicz veteran volunteer bushfire fighter with the ACT Rural Fire service for the past 30 years, to discuss bushfire preparedness.
With the memories of the 2019 and 2020 Black Summer bushfires still frighteningly fresh for so many people along the nation’s east coast, the fears of a repeat are very real, particularly for all those who live in bushfire-prone areas that did not burn during 2019-2020 are are now fuel laden.
Rohan and Matt will be sharing preparedness tips and vital information to assist our listeners in mitigating the risk of bushfire in their communities.
They also have two copies of the stunning book 'Ablaze,' to give away to two of our lucky listeners. Ablaze was born from the black Summer Bushfires, and has been listed as a finalist for the national AIDR (Australian Institute of Disaster Resilience) 2021 Resilient Australian National Mental Health and Wellbeing Award.
People can also donate to the RFS through the Hands Across Canberra website.
https://handsacrosscanberra.org.au/.../act-volunteer.../
Check out the 'Align in the Sound' podcast https://soundcloud.com/behind_the_lines_98_3 to catch up with 2XX’s past shows - and heaps more!
Author: Canberra Radio 2XX
12 September 2023.
WAFA23 done and dusted! Emily Stacey from Southern and Jessica Roussel from Rivers report having a great time and learning heaps at the AFAC/WAFA conference in BrisVegas. Both were inaugural winners of the ACTVBA and ACTRFS Womens' Network WAFA scholarships. Congratulations again to both.
Jess: 'I felt like it was a really worthwhile experience. Just hearing all of the presentations really made me feel inspired, and seeing others doing roles I never considered helped me to think outside the box about what might be possible.'
Emily: "The conference was amazing! I would definitely recommend others being able to go.....I was blown away by the size of it, the amount of people there and the range of exhibitors and demonstrations. It was very inspiring to hear from such a wide range of people within the Emergency Services, in roles that I had never considered. The WAFA presentations were interesting and relevant and definitely gave food for thought (and a great segue to discussions afterwards). Having the flexibility to move around the conference and choose different presentations was also worthwhile. It was also great to catch up with others from the ACT and incredibly valuable to network with conference goers and exhibitors from around the country (and the world!).'
Author: ACTVBA
18 March 2022.
Canberrans awarded for keeping the community safe
Author: City News
THE 2022 Community Protection Medal has today (March 18) been awarded to six Canberrans for their commitment to keeping the territory safe. The medal was established in 2002 to reward police and emergency service members who have given continual, distinguished or outstanding service to protecting the community. The recipients for 2022 includied: Michael Blaseotto, ACT rural fire service, for his dedication to and support of the ACT community through his role as a volunteer firefighter with the ACT rural fire service over the past 20 years………
8 December 2021.
Canberra bushfires book produced by volunteer firefighters lauded at national awards
ACT volunteer firefighters were lauded at a national awards ceremony on Wednesday for a stunning hard-copy book they produced capturing the stories and images of the bushfires from the ferocious summer of 2019-20. This summer's mild weather is in stark contrast to those blistering, frenetic days of two years ago when ACT firefighters fought blazes along the eastern seaboard, including in their own backyard, from the suburb of Beard to the Orroral Valley…..
Author: Megan Doherty of the Canberra Times
1 November 2021.
Canberra bushfire season starts today.
Recent rainfall means bushfire risk should remain low until the end of the year; however, increased vegetation growth means the risk of fast-moving grass fires is heightened, particularly during the warmer months of January and February. Grass fires often develop quickly and can move up to three times faster than a bushfire in forested land. The ACT Rural Fire Service and our team of teams are well prepared for the season ahead. Canberrans, we need you to prepare too! When you do your part, you help us do ours.
Author: ACT Emergency Services Agency
18 October 2021.
A new memorial book commemorating the ACT's black summer bushfires
The sights and smells of the black summer in the ACT two years ago are seared into the memories of the territory……
Author: Sarah Porter and Nick Haggarty, ABC Canberra
3 October 2021.
Mask, uniform upgrade calls as smoke inhalation, cancer risk hangs over firefighters, volunteers
Trapped in his fire truck at the peak of the Black Summer bushfires was the first time in a three-decade career that Brett Farmer genuinely thought he was going to die. Little did he know he would face a much bigger threat just months down the track, one even greater than the flames encircling him.
At the peak of that season of wildfires, Mr Farmer was in a strike team sent to the New South Wales South Coast to protect houses in a small hamlet…..
Author: Alison Branley and Sophie Scott, ABC
30 September 2021.
New book and TV drama series reflect on the region’s Black Summer
A locally produced coffee-table book that captures the moments that marked the Black Summer for ACT volunteer firefighters was launched virtually on Sunday, 26 September. It coincided with the release of the ABC TV drama series Fires that has dramatised the events of the summer of 2019-2020.
Ablaze: The Long Hot Summer of 2019-2020 is a photo-journal style book comprising more than 400 pages of images chosen to convey the experiences of ACT volunteer firefighters who worked alongside other agencies and first-responders on the frontlines of the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires…….
Author: Lottie Twyford
27 September 2021.
'Ablaze': Black Summer bushfires in pictures
A photo-journal has been published to highlight the efforts of the ACT's volunteer firefighters during the Black Summer bushfires. It is called "Ablaze: The Long, Hot Summer of 2019-2020. Canberra's Volunteer Rural Firefighters Reflect on the "Black Summer" Bushfires"
Author: On Drive with Adrienne Francis
26 September 2021.
Our book is launched!
Ablaze. The Long, Hot Summer of 2019-2020. Canberra’s Volunteer Rural Fire Fighters Reflect on the ‘’Black Summer’ Bushfires'
After many, many months of hard work by the volunteers at the ACTVBA, our book on the 2019-2020 bushfire season was launched on Sunday 26 September 2021. Huge thanks to Catherine Donnan and Ian Campbell of Fortem Australia for helping us with the launch and to Mick Gentleman, ACT Police and Emergency Services Minister, Georgeina Whelan, ACT Emergency Services Commissioner, and Rohan Scott, Chief Officer of the ACT Rural Fire Service for participating in the launch at such short notice. Once we had received the books from the printers, we wanted to launch asap so that we could start getting complimentary copies out to our volunteer firefighters who were active in 2019-2020. Special thanks to all our members and others who submitted more than 5000 photos for consideration - the book would not exist without you. Thanks too, to the ACTVBA Book Committee (Allison Ballard, Matt Dutkiewicz, Martin Greenwood, Gary Hooker, JP Romano, Gus Sabatino (ACTSES), Anura Samara, Oliver Taylor-Helme, and Mark Zorzi), to the editorial team (Allison Ballard, Matt Dutkiewicz, Gary Hooker and Mark Zorzi) and to our designer-in-chief, Mark Zorzi. A very big thank you to our ACTRFS Membership Officer, Remy Legana, for her tireless efforts in trying to encourage members to submit their names for the season honour roll, in promoting the launch, and for generally being so great at her job!
Watch the launch here!
Author: Allison Ballard
12 August 2021.
Dedicated. Committed. Selfless.
Vote 1 today for Mick Forrest our ACTRFS Westfield Local Hero!
Mick Forrest of the ACTRFS Rivers Brigade Michael is a dedicated volunteer firefighter for the ACT Rural Fire Service. Michael is always willing to help fight fires. When Michael is not fighting fires or training, he and the other volunteers teach fire safety at school fetes, plant trees and helps with the local Scout group in Duffy.. Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield Centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The ACT VBA is Mick’s affilated organisation.
Author: Allison Ballard
24 July 2021.
Facing the firestorm – and living to tell the story
Matt Dutkiewicz is the sort of bloke you always want by your side. By day, a public servant. By every other waking moment – and if he could make time in between – he lives and breathes being a volunteer bushfire fighter with the Rivers brigade……
Author: Sally Hopman
12 May 2021.
New laws help Queensland's first responders experiencing PTSD as MPs recall painful pasts
First responders experiencing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will no longer have to prove their injury was caused by their work when seeking workers compensation, after Queensland Parliament passed legislation with cross-party support.
WARNING: This story contains graphic details that readers may find distressing.
Author: Emilie Gramenz
9 March 2021.
ESA International Women's Day
ACT Emergency Services has marked International Women's Day by shining a light on those who keep Canberra safe every day. This year the theme is "Choose to Challenge", fitting for a group whose day-to-day is both physically and intellectually demanding.
To understand the issues and find out how you can help the future of your local media, visit www.saveourvoices.com.au
#WINNews6pm #SaveOurVoices
Author: WIN News
9 March 2021.
AFAC Special News Feature
Women choose the challenge of fire and emergency services. We choose to challenge gender bias in the sector.
Each year on 8 March, International Women’s Day is recognised globally to celebrate women's contribution to society, and address gender inequality. Fire and emergency services serve their communities, but they don't always reflect them. Our work tells us that while there has been some progress toward gender equity, there is still a way to go.
Author: AFAC
8 March 2021.
AFAC Special News Feature
‘We need to reflect the communities we serve’: ACT ESA celebrates International Women’s Day
The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACT ESA) has celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) by praising the everyday women who provide emergency management services to the Canberra community.
This year’s IWD theme is ‘Choose to challenge’, encouraging people to call out gender bias, inequality, stereotypes and to help forge an inclusive world…….
Author: Erin Cross
March 2021.
Smoke Signals
Smoke Signals Issue 21 of 2021 out now…..
Author: Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland Inc.
3 February 2021.
Hardy battles on to a very personal exhibition
ON a black day in January, 2003, looking from his Weston house, veteran Canberra artist Bernard Hardy saw flames from Holder and Duffy coming over, “like a cat tongue of incandescent orange”. The next thing, the flames hit the verge and he was soon to see his purpose-built studio in the backyard succumb to multiple explosions, then the greenhouse that stored his paintings and, finally, the family home. “When I drove out, the hedges were on fire and my hair burnt off, but I didn’t experience any emotions,” Hardy tells me….
Author: Helen Musa
3 February 2021.
New rural fire chief discovers an old connection
THE flames have been burning far longer on Rohan Scott’s hazy destiny than the new head of the ACT Rural Fire Service could picture it. It is through almost grainy, sepia vision that the 46-year-old more clearly visualises descendants of the first Canberra Fire Brigade squatting fire beaters as much as holding a hose……
Author: Andrew Mathieson
26 January 2021.
Australia Day 2021 Honours: Canberra locals on the list
Canberrans are among more than 800 Australians, who have served the community “in almost every way conceivable”, congratulated by the Governor-General David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) today, 26 January, as they were added to the Australia Day 2021 Honours List. General Hurley said it was a diverse and unique group of people who shared some common characteristics, including selflessness, commitment and dedication. “Recipients have not put their hand up to be recognised,” he said…….
Author: Rosa Ritchie
25 January 2021.
Agency Outcomes Since Orroral Valley
The 2019-20 Black Summer proved to be the most damaging natural disaster in Australia’s recent history. In the 12 months since the Orroral Valley fire started in the ACT, we’ve identified a number of areas for improvement, and have worked tirelessly to implement those changes.
Keeping you safe remains the ACT Emergency Services Agency’s number one priority.
Author: ACTESA
23 January 2021.
Environment Commissioner Sophie Lewis says understanding Orroral Valley fire essential to protect environment in future
Understanding what led to the bushfire which destroyed critical eco-systems in Namadgi National Park is pivotal to better prepare the ACT's environment for inevitable bushfire crises in a changing climate, the sustainability commissioner says. The Orroral Valley fire burnt 80 per cent of Namadi National Park, destroying threatened eco-systems, some of which may never recover.
Author: Kathyrn Lewis
23 January 2021.
Black Summer donations from Australians nudged $640 million. Getting it to those in need was a miracle
The sheer scale of the bushfires that scarred so much of the country's east coast a year ago shocked millions around the world. But the enormity of what followed is almost as stunning.
Author: David Claughton
22 January 2021.
Prince Harry launches mental health tool
Australia's frontline workers have had an incredibly difficult year, battling the Black Summer bushfires and then the coronavirus pandemic. That's prompted Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex to join Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in pleading for them to look after themselves. The prime minister on Friday launched a program called Peak Fortem, which is aimed at helping them do just that. Based on a successful UK model, the program is an online resource for first responders and their families to better work through the stress and trauma that may occur on the job.
Author: Tiffanie Turnbull
22 January 2021.
Prince Harry Supports New Online Mental Health Service For First Responders
Prince Harry is showing his support for a new way for Australia’s first responders and their families to better their mental health.
In a message of support for Peak Fortem from the Duke of Sussex, he shared the importance of mental health.….
Author: Jamie Samhan
22 January 2021.
ACT SES volunteer says mental health focus needed after nightmarish fire, hail events
One year on, the impact of Australia's recent bushfires remains a terrifying memory for the nation. While many watched in horror at the news or worried for relatives and friends in threatened areas, ACT's SES volunteers, like Tammy Bennett, worked for months supporting critical services…..
Author: Sarah Basford Canales
21 January 2021.
Defence images taken from helicopter show start of the Orroral Valley bushfire in Namadgi National Park
Defence force personnel onboard a helicopter that started a massive bushfire in the ACT last summer took photos of the blaze as they flew away from the scene, but did not report its precise location to authorities until 45 minutes later…..
Author: Michael Inman
13 January 2021.
ACT Rural Fire Service appoints new chief officer, Rohan Scott
After acting on the front line of the devastating 2003 fires and making critical decisions during 2020's Black Summer, Rohan Scott has been appointed as chief officer of ACT Rural Fire Service.
Mr Scott previously held the role of acting chief officer of ACT RFS following the retirement of Joe Murphy in April 2020. ACT Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentleman said Mr Scott brings 20 years of experience to the role and said he was pleased to see him continue as chief officer over the next five years. Mr Scott begun his career at ACT RFS in the Molonglo brigade and has held volunteer roles including president, deputy, senior deputy and captain…..
Author: Julia Kanapathippillai
13 January 2021.
Rohan Scott will head the ACT Rural Fire Service
ROHAN Scott was today (January 13) appointed the new chief officer of the ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS).
Mr Scott is bringing more than 20 years of fire fighting experience to the role. Originally from the Molonglo Brigade, he was on the front line during both the 2001 Christmas fires and the devastating 2003 Canberra fires. He further performed critical duties during the 2020 Beard and Orroral Valley fires as incident controller and operations officer……..
Author: City News
10 December 2020
Heroes of 2020 - Australia's Volunteer Firefighters Risked Everything to Keep Their Country Safe
In November 2019, Luke Summerscales and Jessica Jacobs were in a remote mountain range of New South Wales, fighting some of the worst bushfires on record in Australia, when another disaster struck: a fellow firefighter collapsed from a heart attack. The nearest ambulance was more than an hour away and the terrain was too steep for a rescue helicopter to land, so the pair started doing CPR on 53-year-old John Kennedy.
Fires burning around them, Summerscales and Jacobs struggled to get defibrillator pads to stick to Kennedy’s chest. They performed CPR for 45 minutes before Kennedy was able to breathe on his own.
“We lost him three times, but we got him back every time,” Jacobs says. “We’re so lucky to have been able to really make a difference.”……
2 December 2020
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds defends Army helicopter crew that sparked Namadgi National Park bushfire south of Canberra
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has defended the actions of an Army helicopter crew, who did not alert emergency services to the location of a fire their chopper had started for 45 minutes…… ESA Commissioner says crew's actions were appropriate but 'disappointing' The ACT's Emergency Services Authority has said the Australian Defence Force's actions were appropriate.…
2 December 2020
Bushfires 2019-20 responders now eligible for the National Emergency Medal
On 2 December 2020 the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), agreed to a recommendation from the Australian Government, and the National Emergency Medal Committee, that the Bushfires 2019-20 event be declared a nationally-significant emergency for the purpose of the National Emergency Medal.
This means that individuals who rendered sustained service during specified dates in specified places or who rendered significant service in response to the fires may be eligible for the National Emergency Medal.
1 December 2020
Man who lost home in bushfire sparked by Defence helicopter south of Canberra angry over delay revelations
A man who lost his home in a bushfire sparked by a Defence helicopter last summer says it's "ridiculous" that the aircraft did not relay the location of the fire to authorities for 45 minutes..
The fire was sparked by the Army helicopter's tail light at about 1:30pm on January 27, as it set down in the Orroral Valley in the ACT's south so its crew could have a break…...
18 November 2020
New recruits gear up for 2020-21 fire season
The ACT Rural Fire Service (RFS) experienced a 10-fold increase in its waiting list in the wake of the Black Summer fires, and an extra 22 recruits have just completed their training and are ready for the frontline ahead of the upcoming season.
For new recruit Jaimie Vincent, who first applied almost 18 months ago, volunteering was all about giving back to her community. “I had spent some time working with the Tidbinbilla brigade on some cultural artwork they had put on their heavy tanker and I got to know the brigade out there and spend some time with them,” she said.
Author: Dominic Giannini
16 November 2020
ACTRFS welcomes new recruits ahead of summer
The ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) has welcomed 48 new recruits ahead of summer and in preparation for the current 2020-21 bushfire season. The newest recruits have joined the ACTRFS after there was record community interest in joining the service in 2020 after a summer of horror bushfires….
16 November 2020
Record numbers join ACT Rural Fire Service after Black Summer
Nearly 60 new firefighters have joined the ACT Rural Fire Service, after the Black Summer bushfires ignited record interest in signing up. Police and Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentleman on Sunday welcomed 48 new recruits to the service. It brings the number of new rural firefighters this year to 58. "The recruits have shown great resilience and commitment during their training course, adapting well to new COVID-safe ways of operating to ensure the safety of all service members and the community," Mr Gentleman said. The ACT Rural Fire Service received hundreds of new volunteer applications after one of the busiest fire seasons on record……
13 November 2020
Review of the firefighter provisions of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act) report released
The Morrison Government welcomes the findings of a review of workers compensation arrangements for firefighters employed under the SRC Act, which will expand coverage and streamline claims. All recommendations from the review have been accepted by the Government, including: extending the firefighter provisions to cover volunteer firefighters taken to be employed by the Australian Capital Territory…..
2 November 2020
Meet the men and women who stay and fight fires when most of us are leaving
The role of a volunteer fire fighter can be dangerous, dirty and often requires long hours away from work, friends and family. But that didn't stop a record number of Canberran's enquiring to join their local brigade this year. Field Reporter Georgia Stynes met the crew of Canberra's Molonglo fire brigade and found a diverse group of men and women united in love for what they do.
31 October 2020.
BUSHFIRE ROYAL COMMISSION HANDS DOWN ITS REPORT
Yesterday, the bushfire royal commission handed down its final report. After more than 24 million hectares burnt, 3,000 homes destroyed, 33 human lives lost and many more from the smoke haze shrouding much of eastern Australia, the report has been much anticipated.
30 October 2020.
NEW COIN TO HONOUR FIREFIGHTERS
A year on from a horror bushfire season, the Royal Australian Mint has released a new commemorative $2 coin. The coloured coin features two firefighters in their protective gear standing back-to-back, using hoses to put out flames around them. Will you be collecting this one? Learn more about some of our incredible firefighters: https://ab.co/2Ty5dkQ Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
30 October 2020.
Canberrans haven't forgotten the efforts of firefighters last summer to protect us.
And now new coins have been released honouring their heroism. The commemorative coin is emblazoned with flames and will go into circulation today, while collectors can pick up a packaged version. It coincides with a new exhibition showcasing stories from the 2019-20 bushfire season. ACT Rural Fire Service acting chief executive Rohan Scott says the coin represents the sacrifices of those who serve.
"It's quite ironic too that yesterday was the national memorial for fallen firefighters and this coin will also represent the sacrifice they've made to the Australian community fighting fires," he said.
ABC News: Madeline Austin: Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
23 September 2020.
WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARS
Australia’s devastating bushfires garnered worldwide attention but those bushfire-affected communities were seemingly forgotten when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. So what happens next for regional communities still recovering from last summer’s bushfires?
Few could forget the haunting images to come out of Australia’s catastrophic bushfire season of 2019/2020. The entire populations of some towns huddled on beaches, seeking shelter from the fire front, while small children wore facemasks, backlit by a reddened sky. The images put faces on a disaster of such scale that it seemed impossible to comprehend………
Author: Roseanna Galvin
UniSA, Enterprise
8 September 2020.
ACT volunteers honoured at virtual ceremony
Few coAn awards ceremony has paid tribute to the Canberra region’s volunteers tonight, Tuesday 8 September, in a virtual celebration. The 2020 Volunteering Awards Canberra Region narrowed down its winners from 96 nominations, highlighting the diverse range of volunteering roles taking place in the ACT region. VolunteeringACT CEO Jean Giese said volunteers should be especially celebrated this year, playing a large community role in resilience and rebuilding post the bushfires and COVID-19. “This year’s nominees blew us out of the water, and really represent what it means to be a Canberran,” Ms Giese said.
“It is so important to be able to celebrate the contribution of volunteers from all walks of life and even though we needed to change our event to a virtual ceremony this year, we could still shine a light on volunteering”…..
20 July 2020.
New information revealed about the Gospers Mountain 'mega-blaze' — Australia's largest ever bushfire
New videos of the "mega-blaze" at Gospers Mountain and first-hand accounts from operational commanders have shed new light on Australia's biggest ever bushfire. Firefighting chiefs, some speaking for the first time, describe the blaze as "a continuous beast" that could not be controlled.
"There's not really any words that summarise the intensity of that fire," said NSW Rural Fire Service volunteer Stacey Kent, who spent much of the summer battling the blaze.
"You don't forget the heat, the smoke, the noise of the fire coming towards you."
Authors: Kevin Nguyen, Philippa McDonald and Maryanne Taouk
7 July 2020.
Burnt Out
The smoke has lifted and exhaustion has set in.
Still without water or heating, some bushfire survivors are struggling through a bitter winter.
Authors: Stephanie March and Sashka Koloff
Photography: Harriet Tatham
8 June 2020.
The water stopped. But the fire kept coming
A blow-by-blow account of the fire that devastated the Conjola community, and what Australia can learn from it.
Authors: Sean Rubenstein-Dunlop and John Stewart
Digital production: Clare Bulmer
Drone footage: Dave Maguire
25 May 2020.
NSW judge hands down a decision on the donated RFS funding
NSW Supreme Court Justice Michael Slattery ruled the money cannot be given to other states or territories, nor divided up and given to other charities. But funding can be provided to injured firefighters, the family of fallen firefighters, or spent on trauma counselling.
Authors: ABC
2 February 2020.
Australia’s Volunteer Firefighters Are Heroes. But Are They Enough?
The country relies heavily on civilians to contain its fires, but the monstrous blazes that come with climate change threaten to break the system.
BATLOW, Australia — Most of the fires Michael Blenkins has put out since becoming a volunteer firefighter in the 1980s required little more than rushing to a nearby farm and hosing down ankle-high flames. In and out in maybe an hour, then back to work as a teacher. When he persuaded his eldest son, Edmund, to join the rural fire brigade at 16, he thought less about danger than camaraderie. But in Australia, climate change and the huge fires it fuels have obliterated the old normal. Instead of the usual three or four days a year, the Blenkinses have been fighting fires around their mountain town, Batlow, on and off for a month. They have repeatedly put in 12-hour days. And the danger has been immense: On Jan. 4, they nearly died in a firestorm…….
Author: Damian Cave
Photo: Matthew Abbott
24 January 2020.
Beard fire being controlled after threatening homes in Canberra's east and Queanbeyan on Thursday
The Beard fire that threatened properties and created chaos between Canberra airport and the NSW border on Thursday is now under control. The ACT Emergency Services Agency said about 4pm that it the fire was under control, after burning 424 hectares….
Authors: Steve Evans and Lucy Bladen
23 January 2020.
Canberra fire that caused cancelled flights, jumped Molonglo River downgraded to advice
A fire burning in Canberra's south-east is at advice level after earlier forcing the cancellation of most incoming and outgoing flights at the nearby airport. The Beard fire, which first flared on Wednesday in Redwood Forest in Pialligo, jumped the Molonglo River on Thursday and came close to the suburbs of Beard, Harman and Oaks Estate.
Author: ABC News
Photographs: Tom Lowrey
22 January 2020.
Value beyond money: Australia’s special dependence on volunteer firefighters
Australia’s unprecedented bushfires have cemented its rural firefighters at the heart of the nation’s identity. It’s not just that these men and women put themselves in the line of fire. It’s that these ‘firies’ are almost all volunteers, battling blazes for sheer love of their local community. Relying on volunteers isn’t unique to Australia’s rural firefighting brigades. Other countries with large numbers of volunteer firefighters include Austria, Germany, France, the United States, Japan and China. But Australia arguably relies on these volunteers to an extent unparalleled in the world, due to the country’s sheer size and the extent to which it is prone to bushfire….
Author: Michelle Cull
14 January 2020.
Nerriga Pub sheltered evacuees from monster Currowan fire
On any other occasion being trapped inside a pub would be a good thing. But was far from a social occasion for about 100 people inside the historic Nerriga Pub on December 23. The giant, apocalyptic Currowan fire monster was bearing down on the tiny town 40km west of Nowra.….
Author: Robert Crawford
2 January 2020.
Australia fires: New Zealand suffers from bushfire smog
Parts of New Zealand are blanketed in a thick haze, as winds carry smoke from Australia's bushfires across the Tasman Sea more than 2,000km (1,200 miles) away.
1 January 2020.
NSW bushfires: Batemans Bay fire front was like no other bushfire for me
The monster is on its way to us at Batemans Bay. We watch as the fire starts to spot in the industrial area. I'd been there earlier in the morning to buy some smoke masks — I'd find out later that several of the factories I visited had gone up in flames.……
Author: Liv Casben
1 January 2020.
Bushfires on NSW South Coast kill seven people, destroy 176 buildings
Seven people have died and 176 homes have been destroyed by devastating bushfires that hit southern New South Wales on Wednesday….
Author: ABC News
1 January 2020.
Australia's bushfire smoke spreads to NZ as Canberra's air quality goes off the scale
As south-eastern Australia continues to burn amid the bushfire crisis, smoke has crossed the Tasman to shroud New Zealand, and Canberra has recorded unprecedented smoke pollution……
24 December 2019.
Australia fires: The thousands of volunteers fighting the flames
"We're doing it because it's a passion. It's a brotherhood," says Daniel Knox.
"When that photo was taken of me, I had done a 15-hour shift out there." He is one of thousands of Australians who've dropped their ordinary lives to battle the nation's raging fire crisis. For weeks, the 22-year-old landscaper has lived around his phone, springing into action when called upon. He is part of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) which calls itself "the world's largest volunteer firefighting organisation". Its 70,000 members are extensively trained and, except for a few senior staff, mostly unpaid. Mr Knox joined his local brigade in Sydney's south-west five years ago, when he was 17. He bonded with a senior member - Andrew O'Dwyer - over football and photography……
Author: Frances Mao
24 December 2019.
Australia’s Volunteer Firefighters Find It Hard to Pause, Even for Christmas
Thousands are working extended shifts to battle relentless blazes, raising questions about whether the country can continue to rely on an unpaid force…..
Authors: By Isabella Kwai and Livia Albeck-Ripka
Photographs by Matthew Abbott
17 June 2019.
NZ Government announces $4 million scheme to pay volunteer firefighters
New Zealand's nearly 12,000 vounteer firefighters will begin receiving payments of $300 per year and $50 per night of training as part of a $4 million reward and recognition package that the Government announced this evening. Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin revealed the new package tonight at an event at the Paekakariki Fire Station to kick-start National Volunteer Week. "Our volunteers are a passionate and committed group of people," Ms Martin said. "Just as they’re there for us when we need them, we want to be there for them so that they can better serve their communities."
There are currently 11,800 Fire and Emergency volunteers in New Zealand who are first to the scene at over 31,000 incidents each year, including motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies and structure and vegetation fires…..
30 May 2019.
Inspiring new generation of firefighters adding fuel to Brooke Turner’s fire
NSitting in the car opening her mail, volunteer firefighter Brooke Turner’s heart sank when she saw an envelope with ACT Government stamp in the pile. “I thought it was going to be a fine, to be honest,” she said with a laugh.
Her consternation soon turned to unbridled joy when the letter stated that she would receive the 2019 ACT Community Protection Medal, one of five Canberrans from ACT Policing and ACT Emergency Services Agency who were recognised for their outstanding contribution to protecting the ACT.
While balancing a full-time job in the public service, Ms Turner first volunteered to be a firefighter in the ACT Rural Fire Service in 2014 and credits sibling rivalry and the passing of her step-father as her motivation to become a volunteer…….