Rural Fire Service one step ahead this bush fire season

Summary

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher is urging people to ensure they are prepared for the challenges of this year's bush fire season as the NSW Rural Fire Service launches the official Bushfire Danger Period.

"NSW has some of the most bushfire prone landscapes in the world and it is all too easy to become complacent," Minister Gallacher said.

"RFS volunteers work tirelessly to help communities become resilient against bushfires, and they are the first on scene when bushfires happen.

"Firefighters need to be supported by the best possible equipment and resources and that is why the NSW Government has provided funding for the NSW RFS to secure cutting edge communication and operational tools.

"We want our firefighters to be backed up with the best resources and technology possible.

"As part of a major upgrade, a state-of-the-art video wall has been introduced into the RFS Operations headquarters.

"This means that the RFS will be able to access and share incident information, and to monitor weather data and bushfire movement in real time.

"As the Minister for Emergency Services, I have also approved the purchase of a new aircraft with updated software that can penetrate dense smoke and provide a clear image of where bushfires are occurring," Minister Gallacher said.

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the need for effective communication and operational tools was critical.

"As an agency we will continue to explore any tool that will assist us in protecting communities from bushfires. As technologies evolve and expand we will endeavour to utilise all options available to us," Commissioner Fitzsimmons concluded.

Contact Name: Clint McGilvray (Minister's Office)

Contact Phone: 0413 285 186