NSW Fire Brigades deploys 200 firefighters to assist SES

Published: 10th June 2007

Eleven special strike teams with 200 firefighters have been deployed by the NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) today to assist the SES answer thousands of calls for flood-related assistance in Wyong, Woy Woy, Newcastle, Terrey Hills, the Upper Hunter and Toronto.  

In addition to the local NSWFB crews, a total of 40 fire engines, three rescue vehicles, an aerial ladder platform, nearly 200 firefighters and 27 senior officers have formed the Strike Teams and been sent to the worst flood affected areas in NSW.

Strike Team crews have been deployed from the Fire Brigades’ training college in Alexandria, and from the Blue Mountains, Berowra, Campbelltown, Coffs Harbour, Hornsby, Hurstville, Kempsey, Maitland, Menai, Mortdale, Mosman, Newcastle, Newtown, Port Macquarie, Randwick, Regentville, Ryde, Seven Hills, Schofields and Wentworthville.

In addition to the assistance the Strike Teams have been providing in the worst affected areas, since midday on Friday 8 June, the NSWFB has been called to 1,600 incidents in just 48 hours. Storm-related assistance has included help with local flooding, fallen trees, damaged houses, motor vehicle accidents and fallen powerlines.

The SES is in charge of coordinating efforts to assist the public during severe storms and flooding.  The community can contact the SES for storm-related assistance on 132500. For public information, contact 1800 227 228.  For police, fire or ambulance emergencies, please call 000 (triple zero).