Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) News

The large and dangerous industrial fire and hazardous materials emergency at St Marys in Sydney's west has now been upgraded to a 14th alarm - the highest available level. Crews continue to battle the blaze however large stocks of chemicals and gas cylinders involved in the fire are making conditions highly volatile. Extreme Fire Conditions Firefighters are operating in extremely hot conditions, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Firefighters are constantly repositioning due to the explo...

Fire and Rescue NSW crews have contained a 14th alarm blaze and chemical emergency at a waste facility in Sydney's west. The huge fire broke out at the recycling plant in Christies Street, St Marys. At the height of the intense blaze, 100 firefighters and 20 fire trucks were deployed around the site. Fire crews were forced to retreat at times as fireballs, exploded up to 60-metres into the air. Explosive Blaze Alert Gas bottles and stocks of chemicals were engulfed in flames, posing a hazardo...

Fire and Rescue NSW Hazardous Materials crews remain at the scene of yesterday's major fire and chemical emergency in Sydney's west. More than 100 firefighters and 20 fire trucks were confronted by 60-metre-high fireballs at the waste recycling plant in Christies Street, St Marys. Industrial Fire Fallout FRNSW is working with site management, the NSW Environment Protection Agency and Comcare Burning gas bottles and chemicals caused numerous explosions at the height of the blaze, forcing auth...

Fire and Rescue NSW has embraced the latest Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems technology to assist with firefighting operations at a significant blaze and chemical emergency at a waste facility in Sydney's west over the past 24 hours. Massive Fire Erupts The huge fire broke out at the recycling plant in Christie Street, St Marys. At the height of the intense blaze, more than 100 firefighters and 20 fire trucks were deployed around the site. To assist with operations, FRNSW utilised a fleet of...

A man has died in a serious truck crash on the Hume Highway near Campbelltown, with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) working to extinguish an intense blaze at the scene. At approximately 6:30am, FRNSW crews responded to calls of a truck crash and fire on the Hume Highway. Firefighters Tackle Truck Hazmat firefighters monitored water run-off to ensure it did not enter waterways On arrival, firefighters found a truck and trailer well alight and immediately set about extinguishing the blaze. Motoris...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews worked through the night to contain a large fire that destroyed a Richmond River High School building, which was due for demolition, in North Lismore. At approximately 6:30 pm, more than 50 firefighters and ten fire trucks responded to numerous Triple Zero (000) calls to a fire in a building on Lake Street, with reports of flames and thick smoke. Fire Containment Success On arrival, crews were faced with a large expanding fire in a large building located at t...

The Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, has unveiled a station upgrade and two new fire engines to protect the community of Ulladulla on the state’s south coast. The improvements include a $1.7 million station refurbishment, which began in April last year, and two new fire trucks valued at $1.23 million. Commissioner Fewtrell said the six-month upgrade is significant as the station was constructed in 1972 and was last upgraded in 1998. The changes include: Exte...

Fire and Rescue NSW fighters have extinguished a fire that occurred in a commercial laundry in Parramatta. Remote Site Survey The site has been declared a crime scene and handed over to NSW Police as a matter of procedure. Investigators will return to the site tomorrow, following consultation with engineers, to continue examining the origin and cause of the fire. FRNSW Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (drones) have been used to safely assess the site and will be deployed again tomorrow to ass...

Fire and Rescue NSW will be undertaking a hazard reduction burn on North Head located near Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Smoke from the planned hazard reduction burn may settle in and around the Manly area and will be visible from a long distance away. Planned hazard reduction This is an important prescribed burn which will reduce the risk to people and properties from future bush fires. If users have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high a...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have extinguished a fire in a townhouse in Mayfield, in the Hunter region. Just before 2am, firefighters responded to Triple Zero (000) calls to a fire in a two-level building located on the corner of Maitland Road and Woodstock Street. On arrival, crews were met by an intense and rapidly expanding fire in the complex of eight townhouses. Fortunately, all occupants had self-evacuated with the assistance of neighbours. Four of the occupants were transported by N...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is taking to the streets of Warren to recruit the next generation of on-call firefighters.   The small rural town, which is home to around 1,300 people, is facing a firefighter shortage and needs to fill multiple paid on-call firefighter roles. Hosting an information session Throughout March, firefighters will be available to answer questions about building a rewarding career at FRNSW: Saturday 22 March, 10am: The crew will be at the finish line of the Wa...

Fire and Rescue NSW’s (FRNSW) Merrylands Fire Station has marked its 100th birthday. The Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, Member for Granville, Julia Finn MP and Mayor of Cumberland, Councillor Ola Hamed, joined FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell at the Station in Sydney’s west to celebrate the milestone. Firefighters were first stationed at Merrylands in February 1925, with the original eight-member crew equipped only with a hose-reel. Several months later, approval was...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews responded to a light aircraft that crashed into the top of a hangar at Wedderburn in the Campbelltown area. At approximately 9.50 am this morning, multiple Triple Zero (000) calls were received, prompting a multi-agency response to the Airport at Lysaghts Road. Controlled descent technique Specialist FRNSW rescue crews, including hazardous materials (HAZMAT) experts attended alongside NSW Ambulance (NSWA) and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). Emergency services...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has used a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), or drone to deliver vital medication to a flood-isolated resident in northern New South Wales (NSW), supporting the State Emergency Service (SES)-led emergency response to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. A FRNSW RPAS team responded to a request from NSW Ambulance, who were unable to access a patient after the community was cut off by floodwater. The team assessed the feasibility of an aerial delivery of medication to th...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) teams deployed in the state’s north continue to support the State Emergency Service (SES)-led emergency response to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. FRNSW water rescue teams transported a resident home whose property had been isolated by water. On arrival, the team conducted an assessment of the property to ensure it was safe to remain. Earlier this week, crews assisted a resident and their four legged, Bindi, across flood waters to safety. FRNSW operations continu...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) teams deployed in the state’s north continue to support the SES-led emergency response to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Water rescues have been conducted near Bellingen, with residents saved from areas and vehicles isolated by floodwaters. Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)/drones Fire and Rescue NSW crews are also conducting exercises to improve operational readiness Fire and Rescue NSW crews are also conducting exercises to improve operational readines...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is focused on reducing the risk experienced by seniors when it comes to fires in the home. FRNSW research shows that those over 65 account for nearly 50% of house fire fatalities. To address this trend, FRNSW is promoting its Safety Visit program during Seniors Festival (3-16 March), designed to educate the community about common household fire dangers. FRNSW’s Safety Visit program As part of the program, firefighters come to homes and carry out a fire risk i...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) teams deployed in the state’s north continue to support the SES-led emergency response to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. FRNSW has deployed a Cell on Wheels (CoW) to Clarence Valley, supporting the State Emergency Service (SES) operations center. FRNSW operations with RPAS CoW provides internet and Wi-Fi to the location, assuring connectivity and power for the SES functions The CoW provides internet and Wi-Fi to the location, ensuring connectivity and power for...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is deploying strike teams, drones and communications technology to support the State Emergency Service-led emergency response to severe weather conditions on the state’s north coast. FRNSW has dispatched the following resources: Seven specialized Water Rescue strike teams to assist communities in Bellingen, Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Taree, and Port Macquarie. Two 4-wheel drive tanker strike teams (8 tankers) to assist staged at Coffs Harbour. Remotely Pilote...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have contained a house fire in Gregory Hills, in Sydney’s southwest region. Just after 5.30pm, firefighters responded to multiple Triple Zero (000) calls to a fire in the residential property on Booth Street, with initial reports indicated that one person may have been inside the home. Firefighters conducted Rescue Operations On arrival, crews were met with large volumes of smoke issuing from the single level home On arrival, crews were met with large...

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has recognized the significant and ongoing contribution of women in firefighting at a special exhibition at the Museum of Fire in Penrith, in Sydney’s west. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the appointment of women who were previously prohibited from becoming firefighters. Firefighters for future generations Kaliyanda thanked pioneering female firefighters for paving the way for future generations On the eve of International Women’s Day, FRNSW w...

Fire and Rescue NSW is deploying three water rescue strike teams and specialized equipment to support emergency efforts in the state’s north as Cyclone Alfred approaches. The teams, made up of 14 highly-trained firefighters and a team leader, will be working in Lismore, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour, where they will support the NSW State Emergency Service-led response to any potential flood emergency. Flood Rescue Support Metropolitan-based firefighters will be supported by specially trai...

Fire and Rescue NSW crews have successfully battled a fire, which engulfed part of a large mechanical workshop overnight at Rutherford, in the state’s Hunter region. FRNSW crews from Maitland, East Maitland and Rutherford rushed to the business in Mustang Drive to discover flames had spread through the reception area of the workshop. Quick Response Firefighters forced their way inside and attacked the blaze, containing it in just over an hour, limiting the spread to nearby businesses. T...

Fire and Rescue NSW crews have successfully battled a fire which engulfed part of a large mechanical workshop overnight at Rutherford, in the state’s Hunter region. FRNSW crews from Maitland, East Maitland and Rutherford rushed to the business in Mustang Drive to discover flames had spread through the reception area of the workshop. Firefighting Efforts Firefighters forced their way inside and attacked the blaze, containing it in just over an hour, limiting the spread to nearby business...

Fire and Rescue NSW is searching for motivated individuals ready to take on one of the most rewarding and dynamic careers in emergency services, with applications for Permanent Firefighter roles opening today. From battling blazes and performing rescues to responding to hazardous materials incidents and providing vital community education, FRNSW firefighters are trained to handle it all. Teamwork in Action Applicants will undergo a rigorous selection process designed to assess their problem-s...

Fire and Rescue NSW is searching for motivated individuals ready to take on one of the most rewarding and dynamic careers in emergency services, with applications for Permanent Firefighter roles. Serving with Strength From battling blazes and performing rescues to responding to hazardous materials incidents and providing vital community education, FRNSW firefighters are trained to handle it all. This career is perfect for those who thrive in a team environment and want to make a real impact...

Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters are on scene at a house fire in Emu Heights, at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Just after this morning, more than 40 firefighters and ten fire trucks, including an aerial ladder truck, responded to multiple Triple Zero calls to a fire in the front of the two-level home on Strathdon Road. Fierce House Fire On arrival, crews found the home well-alight and quickly got to work to attack the blaze Firefighters reported seeing large volumes of smoke and fire as th...

Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters have extinguished a blaze that has caused severe damage to a three-level unit complex in Whalan, in Sydney's west, overnight. More than 28 firefighters and nine fire trucks, responded to multiple Triple Zero calls to a fire on the top-floor unit of the Halinda Street complex. Evacuation and Response On arrival, firefighters were faced with a fully involved fire on the third level, with flames extending through windows and spreading into the roof space. Fi...

Fire and Rescue NSW investigators are focusing on a charging e-bike battery as the cause of a fatal house fire at Guildford in Sydney's west. FRNSW crews have confirmed there were no working smoke alarms in the Rowley Road house that caught alight. Firefighter Rescue Attempt Responding to multiple Triple Zero calls, firefighters found a bedroom in the home well ablaze. There were reports of a person trapped inside and crews quickly entered the burning building to carry out a search. Five oth...

Accidental home fires can catch people unawares. Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging the community to prepare a home escape plan so that families can escape safely should a fire occur. Having a home escape plan in conjunction with a working smoke alarm will greatly increase ones chances of getting out safely. Every second counts. Evacuation Plan A home fire escape plan involves identifying escape routes from each room of the home as well as a place to meet once safely outside. Know your fi...