- Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) will hold its annual Open Day at Forbes to educate the community about fire safety through live demonstrations and equipment displays.
- The agency, one of the largest urban fire and rescue services in the world, aims to protect lives and minimise damage through innovative practices and rapid emergency response.
- FRNSW is leveraging technology and community engagement to tackle challenges such as climate change impacts and hazardous materials while enhancing preparedness.
FRNSW hosts its Open Day at Forbes, promoting fire safety through live demonstrations while highlighting its innovative practices in protecting lives and property in New South Wales.
An open class about fire safety
On Saturday, 11 May 2024, Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) is hosting its annual Open Day to educate the community on fire safety and preparedness. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rotary Park on Hill Street, Forbes, providing a valuable opportunity for families to engage with local firefighters and learn critical safety measures ahead of the winter season.
This free event will feature live firefighting demonstrations and safety presentations. Families can also explore the fire trucks, get a close look at the firefighting and rescue equipment, and engage with local firefighters to understand how they can better protect themselves.
“Open Day is an opportunity for firefighters to educate the community about the importance of having a working smoke alarm, especially in the lead-up to winter,” says FRNSW Captain Mark Willis.
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FRNSW: An overview
FRNSW is a key agency under the New South Wales Government, responsible for providing fire, rescue, and hazmat services across the state. It operates under the Fire and Rescue NSW Act 1989 and the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989. With a mission to protect the irreplaceable, FRNSW is one of the largest urban fire and rescue services globally and the busiest in Australia.
Its highly skilled officers and support staff work tirelessly to save lives and minimise injuries and property damage caused by emergencies and disasters. FRNSW aims to prevent emergencies through education, community partnerships, and strategic planning while remaining prepared to tackle those that do occur.
Challenges and innovations in the industry
The fire and rescue industry faces several challenges, including climate change, increasing urban density, and an expanding range of hazardous materials. The effects of climate change have intensified the frequency and severity of bushfires, flooding, and storms, necessitating greater preparedness and community resilience.
In response to these challenges, FRNSW is embracing new technology and innovative practices to improve its services. This includes implementing advanced data analytics for risk assessment, upgrading emergency response systems, and investing in modern firefighting equipment and protective gear. By working closely with local communities and other emergency services, FRNSW aims to reduce the occurrence of emergencies while improving its response times and effectiveness.
Promoting community preparedness
One of the core aims of FRNSW is to build community awareness and preparedness, making events like the Open Day crucial. By directly engaging with the public, firefighters can better convey essential safety information, such as the importance of functioning smoke alarms, developing an evacuation plan, and knowing how to use fire extinguishers.
The Open Day promises a blend of education and entertainment while fostering closer relationships between firefighters and the community. As Captain Mark Willis emphasises, these efforts aim to help the community stay safe by practising simple yet effective fire safety measures.
