Pre-emptive emergency declared

Fire Brigades on the Peninsula were on standby during the recent heatwaves experienced on Tuesday, January 8, and over the weekend of January 12 and 13.

In preparation for the conditions, a pre-emptive emergency, under section 44 of the Rural Fires Act, was declared for the Gosford Local Government area.

The emergency declaration provided the incident management team with the ability to coordinate interagency resources and have access to support agency resources and funding if it was required.

NSW Rural Fire Service community safety officer Mr Rolf Poole said the preparation and readiness of the fire fighters and support personnel ensured there was an immediate response capability to incident on the Peninsula.

In preparation for the heat wave, support crews, including communications personnel, catering, bulk water and aviation specialists were placed on standby and assisted behind the scenes to bolster the fire fighting capabilities.

Fire spotting air craft was deployed across the region in addition to the local trail bike squad doing their regular patrols.

"Spot fires are likely to spread fires kilometres in front of the main fire front.

"Accordingly, it is vital that fires are detected and reported as quickly as possible so that crews can respond immediately," said Mr Poole.

People should report any unattended fires to Triple Zero.

A Total Fire Ban remains in effect.

On a day of Total Fire Ban, there is a ban on any fires out in the open.

A gas or electric barbeque is allowed, but only if it is on a residential property within 20 metres of the house or dwelling, it is in a picnic area and approved by Council, National Parks or State Forest, it is under the direct control of a responsible adult, the ground around the barbecue is cleared for two metres of all material that can burn and an immediate and continuous supply of water is available.

Email, 14 Jan 2013

Rolf Poole, NSW Rural Fire Service