NSW assistance to Tasmania tops 300 personnel

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the NSW commitment to the Tasmanian bush fire situation had passed 300 personnel since the first contingent left in early January.

“Today, a deployment of 85 have departed, who will undertake work in specialised incident management roles.

“The NSW RFS has coordinated the state’s response, with representatives from the NSW RFS, Fire & Rescue NSW, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Ambulance, working alongside their Tasmanian colleagues in quite challenging conditions.

“The group departing this morning will replace a contingent returning tomorrow.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said over the past four weeks, NSW firefighters and specialist personnel have been working in remote conditions which has been physically challenging, especially for our Remote Area Firefighters.

“I commend the important work our members are doing in Tasmania both on the frontline and in positions of aviation, logistics and incident management,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“Along with the assistance of personnel, the Large Air Tankers based in NSW have also been provided to assist the firefighting effort in Tasmania, along with the resources to set up base camp operations,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons.

Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said the ongoing deployment of the state’s volunteer firies was a reflection of their skill and reputation across the country.

“The dispatch of our dedicated volunteers is a true testament of their impressive skills and experience,” Mr Grant said.

“They’ve been working in some incredibly challenging conditions. We are very proud of their efforts, and I know our friends in Tassie cannot overstate their appreciation of the support being provided.”

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said firefighting can be very demanding and our men and women can’t do it without the support of their loved ones.

“I’d also like to thank the volunteers’ families, for the support they give them to do this important work,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“We should also thank the many employers across NSW who have so generously given their workers time off to help.

“These deployments are part of national resourcing sharing arrangements, and further assistance will be provided if Tasmania needs it.”