After some thoughtful consideration and speaking with members this case paralells a volunteer case early 2023. That case was openly put out on a blog as well as other cases when volunteers have appeared in court. The point of republishing
Opinion Piece John O’Donnell – January 2024 Increased costs of living is a very big issue across Australia and continues to increase. A key ABS document provides valuable information in regards to increasing Living Cost Indexes (LCI) and CPI: https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/living-costs-rising-fastest-employee-households#:~:text=Living%20costs%20for%20employee%20households,Bureau%20of%20Statistics%20(ABS). Increasing
John O’Donnell The NSW Rural Fire Service 2022/2023 Annual Report is now on the web with the link below: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/resources/publications/annual-reports The annual report notes there are a number of achievements. Hazard reduction burning and mechanical removal totalled 90,089 hectares for
Prescribed burning programs are at very low levels in all states except WA, often of the order of 1-2 % of forested areas per year. The current inadequate prescribed burning policy and implementation environment reinforces a shift towards more widespread high intensity fire regimes in the same areas where prescribed fires are restricted.
From time to time, we receive letters from members on many and varied topics that are of a concern to them. This open letter to the Commissioner highlights their objective view on the RFS Reconciliation Action Plan. The opinions expressed
Opinion piece by John O’Donnell It is the author’s belief that many of the forested fire grounds across south eastern Australia are way too dangerous to fight bushfires and for firefighter safety. To be frank, we as a society have
It is the author’s belief that Australia is not adequately prepared for upcoming bushfires. To be frank we as a society have learnt very little following the disastrous bushfires in 2019/20, especially in regards to bushfire mitigation, and communities, firefighters and the ecosystems are highly exposed over the coming El Nino periods. Disaster and insurance costs are going up every year and will continue to go up with current adapted approaches.
Being bushfire prepared is not just a win for your farm, but your neighbors and the community too! Bushfire is a major threat to rural livestock production and over the coming years in Australia, fire intensity, frequency and size are
The games are open to ALL firefighters and fire support staff both currently active and those who have done the hard yards and are now retired along with their spouses and their children over 18, there will be over 40 sports to choose from during the games from the Toughest Firefighter Alive through to Horseshoes so there is something for everyone. The event is a fantastic place to meet firefighters from all over the world and discuss different aspects of firefighting from other countries while at the same time making new friendships that can last a lifetime.
Phil Cheney CSIRO Wildfire Scientist (Retired) drawing on his career of wildfire research to explain the fundamentals of Bushfire Weather and Fire Growth in Australia.