NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers head to Wollondilly

NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister Michael Gallacher said that these field exercises are an essential part of the preparation and coordination in place to assist Service Members protect communities across NSW.
"This exercise allows RFS members from brigades across NSW to meet and share their expertise while experiencing first hand the wide range of specialist knowledge that comes with being in the Service," he said.
NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the Exercise will see crews put through their paces in a variety of real-life scenarios.
"The training this weekend will feature typical incidents that the NSW RFS attends when protecting the community.
"This includes responding to various types of fires, motor vehicle accident response, LPG safety, working at heights, electrical safety, fire investigation and search and rescue."
"This exercise will demonstrate the diverse nature of our work and the many skills required to be an RFS volunteer.
"The participants will also get the opportunity to have their proficiency formally assessed enabling them to develop their existing skills and qualifications and further benefit their brigades and wider communities.
"Throughout the weekend we'll be including representatives from other agencies such as NSW Police and National Parks and Wildlife Service to add authenticity as fighting fires and other emergency operations involve a coordinated effort from a range of organisations," said Commissioner Fitzsimmons.
The exercise is being run across Saturday and Sunday at various locations within Cataract Scout Park, Appin.
Photos and videos of the event will be available by contacting NSW RFS Media on 9898 1855.