The 10/50 vegetation clearing scheme allows people to clear certain vegetation near their homes to improve protection from bush fires. The scheme was introduced following the devastating 2013 NSW bush fires, including the fires which destroyed more than 200 homes
Health & Safety Alert – Portable Butane Cookers
NSW Fair Trading has issued on 04 March 2015 a Public warning on portable butane ‘lunchbox’ cookers that relates to safety issues with these specific cookers, including overheating.
1. All portable butane ‘lunchbox’ style cookers are to be immediately removed from service, labelled appropriately and quarantined.
2. No further purchasing of portable butane ‘lunchbox’ cookers is to occur for use within the NSW RFS until further notice.
NCC Bushfire Conference 26 – 27 May 2015
This two day, multi-disciplinary fire management conference will focus on how fire can be used to rehabilitate degraded landscapes, restore ecological integrity and reinstate resilience into the environment and the community.
Is PROBAN® treated clothing a problem?
PROBAN® treated cotton has been in use by Australian emergency services agencies for in excess of thirty years without any significant issues or concerns being identified. The Australian Firefighters’ Health study provides some reassurance that records indicate the incidence of cancers associated with formaldehyde are not elevated for Australian firefighters.
What the testing conducted by the CSIRO has done is raise concerns about how the PPE is stored and handled. The unexpected issue is the amount of formaldehyde both retained and given-off by the PROBAN® treated cotton which is at levels outside the product manufacturers stated release levels. This warrants further investigation. AFAC will pursue this through the engagement of the AFAC PPE Technical Group.
VFFA response to the Wambelong Fire Inquiry
The President of the Volunteer Firefighters Association (VFFA), Mr. Peter Cannon OAM , has welcomed the findings and recommendations of the NSW Upper House Inquiry into the Wambelong Fire, released today, as a positive step towards a system that will deliver far better outcomes for bushfire management and suppression for NSW and the Coonabarabran community.
Fire fighter (Peter Cannon) gets a gong
VFFA President, Peter Cannon was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division as recognition for his tireless contribution to emergency services as a volunteer bushfire fighter. Peter joined his local brigade at Bulgandramine almost 50 years ago.
This post is an article that was published in The Land newspaper on Australia Day.
Australia Day awards for Volunteer Service (and some staff)
To the best of our knowledge, there were five AFSM recipients within the volunteer ranks, two AFSM recipients within the staff ranks and two OAM recipients from volunteer ranks.
Congratulations to you all.
VFFA President receives the Order of Australia
His Excellency, the Governor General of Australian has bestowed upon our associations founder and President, Mr. Peter Joseph Cannon, the Order of Australia.
This award recognises the genuine commitment that Peter has made towards providing a voice for the Volunteer Firefighters in NSW.
VFFA Bullying and Harassment Policy DRAFT
The draft version of the VFFA Bullying and Harassment Policy is now available as a download so that we can collect your feedback and comments.
Photo Competition, $1000 up for grabs
The VFFA is inviting its members from across the state to send in that extra special image you’ve captured. If you’re an amateur or just a beginner photographer, get your camera ready to support your brigade with this great prize.