Region North firefighters to put their skills on display

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall MP and NSW RFS Regional Operations Manager Superintendent Bryan Daly will welcome more than 400 personnel, including NSW RFS volunteers in the roles of Incident Management Teams, planning, logistics, communication and catering staff taking part in the three day ‘Northern 18’ event.

“The exercise will see crews put through their paces in a variety of real-life scenarios,” Mr Marshall said.

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

Superintendent Daly said a welcome to all participants will be held Saturday morning with scenarios to commence shortly after and they will continue on Sunday morning.

“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,” Superintendent Daly said.

“These exercises provide a safe learning environment in which volunteers and staff can practice their bush fire and structural firefighting skills.

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

Superintendent Daly 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 an RFS volunteer,” Superintendent Daly said.

“Crews will be accommodated at a basecamp set up on the Glen Innes Showground and a presentation will be held at the conclusion of the exercise on Sunday afternoon.”