Region North firefighters converge on Glen Innes

Summary

Hundreds of NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) members will hone their firefighting and emergency skills at the Region North Annual Field Exercise at Glen Innes this weekend.

More than 450 personnel, including NSW RFS volunteers, Incident Management Team, planning, logistics, communication and catering staff will take part in the three day "Northern 15" event.

Crews will complete 12 training sessions, including bush fire fighting, structure fire, motor vehicle accident response, truck driving, water pumping and vehicle maintenance scenarios.

Briefings and workshops will be held today (Friday) and scenarios will commence at 8am on Saturday and conclude at 12:30pm on Sunday.

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the annual exercise provides volunteers with the opportunity to refresh their firefighting skills, learn new techniques, share ideas and catch up with firefighters from across the region.

"These exercises provide a safe learning environment in which volunteers and staff can practice their bush fire and structural firefighting skills," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

"The scenarios will also involve our Incident Management Team, communications and catering personnel, practicing their management and coordination of large scale operations.

"The NSW RFS is committed to ensuring our members are provided with comprehensive training and the state-of-the-art equipment required to protect their local communities."

Crews will be accommodated at a basecamp set up on the Glen Innes Showground.