Forests NSW ready to move firefighters

Forests NSW is preparing quick response teams across the State in readiness for severe fire conditions predicted for the remainder of the week and into the weekend.

Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, said the quick response teams would work with Rural Fires Service volunteers and fire fighters from other land managers to combat fire outbreaks in native forests and in and around timber plantations.

“We will be moving fire fighting teams from the north of the state to the south as conditions require,” Mr Macdonald said.

“In a normal year southern Forests NSW staff move north to combat fires at this time of year with northern Forests NSW staff moving south later in the season to assist with fires.

“This year it seems that the northern teams will be required in southern regions, where we have valuable softwood plantations, sooner than we expected.

“We will be continuing our policy of zero tolerance of fire in or near softwood and hardwood plantations.

“This means that Forests NSW will assist other State agency and private fire fighting efforts adjacent to plantations to ensure that fire is controlled before it can enter plantations.

“These plantations are the major source of construction timber for building and housing industry in New South Wales and will be protected at all costs.”

Forests NSW Timber Supply Manager Steve Rayson said that, as in previous years, Forests NSW was recruiting additional casual staff to boost its fire fighting capability in a number of regions.

“These people will be ready to assist our own employees who quickly move from normal duties to firefighting as they are needed,” Mr Rayson said

“With particularly severe conditions expected in the central west, we will station our fire fighting helicopter in the Macquarie Region at Bathurst for a quick response to fire outbreaks.

“It has already been in action helping to combat the fire in Turon State Forest last week which was caused by an aircraft crash north east of Bathurst.

“Additional helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will be retained during the fire fighting season to combat fires or assist in directing ground-based responses.”

Mr Rayson said people who suspected a fire outbreak near plantations or elsewhere should call 000 or their local Rural Fire Service to ensure a rapid response.