NSW firefighters head north to support Qld crews

NSW Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan said 50 NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) firefighters would be deployed to Queensland today.

Mr Whan said the crews from the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Baulkham Hills, Sutherland and Wollondilly would head north to support local firefighters working on fires in the Rockhampton and Bundaberg regions.

“Queensland has seen a significant level of fire activity over the past few days, with properties coming under direct threat,” Mr Whan said.

“Queensland firefighters have done an exceptional job under trying conditions and have now formally requested assistance from NSW.

“As we have done many times before, such as during the Victorian bush fires in February, NSW stands ready to help our neighbours in their time of need.”

Mr Whan said the NSW crews would depart Sydney this afternoon and get to work within the next 24 hours on fires burning in the Rockhampton and Bundaberg areas, including the Mount Archer fire.

“During their five day commitment, our crews can expect to face challenges and I wish them the best for their safe deployment,” he said.

“NSW has a long history of assisting other States in their time of need and the commitment of these
volunteers is something of which we should all be proud.

“We should also thank their families and employers because their contribution to this emergency response is just as important,” he said.

RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the deployment came as NSW also faced a difficult bush fire season.

“Queensland has experienced several weeks of warm and windy conditions, which have also affected parts of our State,” he said.

“We’ve experienced several major fires along the far north coast, including in the Brooms Head area, which have now been brought under control”.

He said the deployment would not affect the NSW firefighting effort, as crews were being sourced from areas where there was little fire activity.

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