GOULBURN Fire Brigade was dispatched to Canberra on Thursday to assist the ACT Fire Brigades deal with a number of white powder scares at various embassies and diplomatic missions.
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This was part of a major step up operation involving several NSW Fire Brigade Stations. Acting Zone Commander Steve McGuinness said the arrangement, where stations neighbouring the ACT crossed the border to assist the ACT Fire Brigade was part of a memo of understanding between the fire services.
While the Goulburn crews were tasked to Canberra two Sydney appliances and their crews, from Riverwood and Rosemeadow, came down to stand by at Goulburn Fire Station in the event of an incident.
Goulburn Fire Brigade's crew was involved in a white scare at the Italian Embassy on Thursday and did not leave the job till after 6pm.
"On Friday a similar step up situation took place with the Goulburn hazmat tanker and a crew being sent to Fyshwick to stand by while another crew travelled down from Sydney to fill the gap left by the Goulburn crew," Commander McGuinness said.
"The step up arrangement has worked quite well and everything has run like clockwork."
Winter warning
COMMANDER McGuinness reminded families in the district to be particularly vigilant during winter as this was a period of major house fire risk.
"Ensure that smoke alarms are fitted in you house and that they have fresh batteries," he said.
"Make sure you have an escape plan in case you have a fire in your residence and practice fire escape drills so family members are familiar with what to do.
"If you have electric blankets have them checked by an electrician.
"Do not leave objects on the bed particularly when they are switched on high.
"Do not place clothing or other loose objects close to heater vents.
"Ensure lint filters on clothes dryers are cleaned after every load.
"Avoid leaving heaters on when you go out or when you go to bed.
"Portable electric heaters particularly fan heaters should not be left on overnight or when you go out.
"Double check before going to bed or going out that appliances have not been left on.
"If a fire does occur in your home remember to get down low and make your escape as quickly as possible to avoid inhaling the toxic fumes from the fire. It is often the fumes that kill people in house fires rather than contact with the flames.
"Closing doors behind you can also help reduce the spread of a fire.
For further information about fire safety in the home contact your local fire station.
