The NSW Fire Brigades are working to reduce the devastating effects of bushfires on life and property. That's why they have developed an innovative program, known as the 'Community Fire Unit' or 'CFU' program.
It helps people who live in bushfire prone areas to prepare for bushfire and to protect their property until the Fire Brigades arrive.
Bushfire/Emergency Control Centre
Cnr. Great Western Highway & Valley Road, Katoomba.
Phone 02 4782 2159
Making....
your HOUSE,
your STREET,
your COMMUNITY....
A SAFER PLACE
Do you want to work with the NSW Fire Brigades to protect your property?
Across NSW, local communities are banding together to form Community Fire Units (CFU's). There are now more than 170 CFU's in the State, stretching from Coffs Harbour in the north, to Cobar in the west and to Charlotte's Pass in the south.
The NSW Fire Brigades are looking for volunteers to form new units to work with their local brigade.
Help NSW Fire Brigades to help you.
Develop new skills, work in a team and support your local community.
Get together a team of interested people, the NSW Fire Brigades will provide you with all necessary training and equipment.
What is a CFU?
Fire Fighting is a specialist job, and a dangerous one. CFU's are not expected to fight raging fires. That's the job of the NSW Fire Brigades and other Fire Agencies, but you can play a role.
A CFU is a volunteer team of local residents trained to safeguard their homes during a bushfire, until the Fire Brigades can get there.
For example, using basic firefighting equipment (pumps, hoses & protective clothing), residents hose down the areas surrounding their property to prevent a bushfire from gaining hold.
A typical team is made up of 6 - 12 members.
The focus in on bushfire education, prevention and preparation.
For example - as a CFU member, you will learn about:
- bush care and bushfire behaviour
- safe 'housekeeping' and gardening practices
- planning and preparing for bushfires
- operating and handling firefighting equipment
- mop up operations
What training will you receive?
To get started, each CFU receives 20 hours of training from the NSW Fire Brigades.
Team members learn how to use firefighting equipment effectively so that they can help to protect their properties.
A trailer or cabinet of fire fighting equipment is then installed in the community.
Local NSWFB fire stations provide ongoing, regular training to units.
A Training day for the Community Fire Units
Every year 'CFU Championships' are held, where members compete in events to hone their skills in fire protection.
CFU's are getting excellent results !
In 2002/2002 when bushfires once again raged across NSW, the results were dramatic. CFU's across Sydney and the Blue Mountains used their training and fire awareness to assist the fire services to limit property damage and loss. Their efforts paid off.
They were also successful because of the preparatory work they did in winter - clearing leaves out of gutters, hosing fire breaks and planting fire retardant plants in their gardens.
FIND OUT MORE... SET UP A CFU
If you are interested in setting up a CFU in your area, simply contact your local Fire Station and have ready the following details -
Name Telephone
Address Post Code
Why you are interested in forming a CFU.
Have you discussed this with other residents in your area?
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- The NSW Fire Brigades are working to reduce the devastating effects of bushfires on life and property. That's why they have developed an innovative program, known as the 'Community Fire Unit' or 'CFU' program.
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Katoomba Fire Station, 17 Parke Street, Katoomba NSW 2780
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