QFES crew deploys to support WA firefighters

Published Tuesday, 12 January, 2016 at 05:32 PM

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Bill Byrne

Six Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) personnel are on their way to Western Australia this afternoon as part of the national response to the current bushfire emergency.

Following a formal briefing in Brisbane, the taskforce of staff and volunteers from across South East Queensland is travelling to Western Australia for a seven-day deployment assisting in incident management roles, fire behaviour analysis and aviation functions.

The Queensland crew will support local agencies as they battle the large bushfire which has already caused significant damage and community disruption in the areas of Waroona and surrounds.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Bill Byrne said the Queensland Government was happy to provide assistance.

“Our emergency services are always ready to assist fellow agencies during their time of need and there is no denying that the current bushfire situation in Western Australia has been devastating,” Mr Byrne said. 

“Our deployed personnel are highly trained in their specialist fields and will offer valuable support to the response.” 

Mr Byrne said this deployment would also be the first time Queensland’s new nationally accredited Public Information Officers (PIOs) put their skills into action. 

“Public information is an area of disaster response that has developed greatly over the last decade. We are proud to be able to provide two very capable officers in a public information capacity to this incident.”

MEDIA CONTACT:  Michelle Connolly 0478 325 738