Staff & Volunteer Operations Over the Christmas & New Year Period

Every year, our Emergency Services personnel make the commitment to give up time with their loved ones over the Christmas and New Year break, and this season was no exception. With the support of their families, these dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly to help keep Canberra and its surrounds safe.

We would like to take a moment to recognise their efforts and share some of the outstanding work they’ve accomplished during this period.

New Years Eve fireworks

On New Years Eve, ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) crews were on standby at the fireworks event to support the community if needed. Members of the ACT State Emergency Service were also out providing roving support – both on the ground and in boats on the water.

Namadgi fires

On 3 January, multiple bushfires ignited in Namadgi National Park, southwest of Canberra. ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) and ACT Parks and Conservation (ACTPCS) Remote Area Firefighting Team (RAFT) members were winched into rugged, inaccessible areas by helicopter to carry out dry firefighting techniques and establish fire suppression lines.

The terrain was so remote that ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES) boats were called in to help transport crews and equipment to these remote locations. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of ACTRFS and ACTSES, our volunteers were able to access these challenging areas quickly and efficiently.

The combined efforts of our waterbombing helicopters and our experienced RAFT firefighters meant these fires were contained and set to patrol status on 6 January.

Summernats

ESA were actively involved at Summernats over all three days, including two ACTRFS tankers and one of the ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) commanders stationed in the Summernats Control Centre. They provided vital fire protection and remained on standby should an incident have occurred within the event.

This kind of community support from our volunteers is invaluable and something they take great pride in. Events like Summernats are a chance for our volunteers to connect with the community, showcase what they do and share important fire safety information.

Total Fire Ban (TOBAN)

Saturday, 10 January marked the ACT’s first TOBAN in 6 years. During a TOBAN, the ACTRFS stands up all brigades, strategically positioning crews across the Territory to ensure a rapid response should a grass or bushfire occur.

Thankfully, only a few minor grass fires broke out, and thanks to the quick action of our volunteers, they were extinguished promptly by ACTF&R and ACTRFS crews.

NSW deployments

As conditions eased in Canberra, ACTRFS was also able to deploy two strike team’s interstate to assist in New South Whales, along with our aviation assets.

Crews assisted NSWRFS, Lake George Command, with two substantial fires in their area. They were able to provide crucial support and limit the damage to local property.

Victoria bushfires deployments

On Sunday, 11 January, 27 firefighters from the ACTRFS and ACTPCS were deployed to Tallangatta, Victoria, to assist with several significant bushfires burning across the state. A second rotation of 27 personnel followed on 14 January.

ACTRFS volunteers have been working tirelessly in challenging conditions, conducting fire suppression activities and establishing control lines. In addition, three ACT representatives have been deployed in Incident Management Team (IMT) roles to support coordination efforts.

Our ACTSES volunteers have also stepped up, with 6 members deployed to assist with base camp operations and ensuring crews on the ground have the resources they need.

While conditions have eased in the ACT, it’s a valuable opportunity to lend a hand to our interstate colleagues.