Firefighters put their skills on display at annual Region North exercise

Assistant Commissioner Rebel Talbert will join Region North Manager Chief Superintendent Tim Butcher and welcome more than 350 emergency service members from across the region, including from Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

“Members will have their skills tested in a number of roles including firefighting, catering, communications and incident management functions. These are all critical roles in large scale emergencies,” Assistant Commissioner Talbert said.

“The exercise will see crews put through their paces in a variety of real-life scenarios.

“Crews will complete 12 training scenarios, including bush firefighting, motor vehicle accident response, multi-agency response, first aid and vehicle maintenance scenarios.

“These exercises provide a safe learning environment in which volunteers and staff can refine their skills, learn new techniques and share ideas with each other.”

Chief Superintendent Butcher said the NSW RFS is committed to ensuring members are provided with comprehensive training and the state-of-the-art equipment required to protect their local communities.

“This exercise will demonstrate the diverse nature of our work and the many skills required to be a volunteer with the NSW RFS.

Chief Superintendent Butcher noted that the region has experienced significant fire activity in recent months with many crews still working on a number of fires burning at Tenterfield.

“Firefighters have worked hard this year on a number of significant fires that have occurred across the region and that does not go unnoticed.

“This event also provides us the opportunity to thank our volunteers for the many hours they have dedicated to protecting their communities.”

Crews will arrive in Glen Innes from Friday afternoon and will depart following a presentation on Sunday afternoon. They will be accommodated at Glen Innes Showground.