Op Brief by RFS

From: Operational Brief
Sent: Saturday, 11 February 2017 12:16 PM
To: All Staff
Subject: Operational Brief - Dangerous fire conditions Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February 2017

Please find attached and below an important Operational Brief regarding firefighter safety this weekend.

Please ensure this information is distributed to members as soon as possible.

Districts are asked to ensure this information is shared via briefings and regular radio broadcasts.

Operational Brief
Dangerous fire conditions

Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February 2017

Dangerous fire conditions are forecast across a large area of NSW this weekend.

This Operational Brief contains important information that all members, particularly brigade officers, should familiarise themselves with and share with other members.

Extreme heatwave conditions are being experienced across a large part of the state. Strong winds and low humidity are leading to increased fire dangers.

All members must be aware that under these conditions fire will move quickly and the safety of life must be the overwhelming priority.

Brigades and Incident Controllers should be mindful of not being focussed solely on chasing fires in areas where it may be safer and more advantageous to fall back and protect life and/or warn the community.

On Saturday 11 February, large parts of the state, will experience very high and severe fire dangers.

On Sunday 12 February, the area of increased fire danger will broaden. There will be large areas of Severe and Extreme fire danger. Catastrophic conditions are expected in a broad area from the Central West, across the ranges to the Lower Hunter.

During these conditions, firefighter safety is critical. Please consider the following. This information should be provided via regular radio messages and during briefings.

› All firefighters are reminded to be aware of the increased fire danger.

› Follow your IMSAFER and LACES assessments.

› When responding to fires, always consider access and emergency escape routes.

› Do not travel down fire trails where your escape options may be limited in a fire.

› Lookout for your fatigue and heat exhaustion in those crew members around you.

› Additionally, all members must remain hydrated and have plenty of drinking water.

› In areas affected by Catastrophic fire danger ratings:

› Ensure you are aware of warnings and messages being delivered to local communities.

› In areas where there is Catastrophic fire danger, buildings are not designed to withstand fires in these conditions.

› People should avoid bush fire prone areas during Catastrophic fire danger.

KEY INFORMATION

Bush Fire Information Line 1800 679 737 | NSW RFS website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

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