CFS deployments to the 1994 and 2001 NSW bushfires

Photo credit: Rob Styling

In January 1994, SA Country Fire Service (CFS) crews headed across the border to support New South Wales during one of Australia's largest bushfire emergencies.

Between 27 December 1993 and 16 January 1994, more than 800 fires burned across NSW, with 800,000 hectares burnt, from the Queensland border through Sydney and the Blue Mountains to the South Coast.

Photo credit: Rob Styling

It was one of CFS's earliest major interstate deployments, with 262 CFS brigades providing personnel and equipment for the response. CFS sent 67 vehicles and appliances to NSW, including fire appliances, command and communications vehicles, crew transporters and buses.

The deployment involved several rotations of personnel as fresh crews were sent to relieve those already on the fireground. On 11 January alone, 470 CFS personnel arrived in Sydney, while another 500 personnel were assembled in Adelaide ready to provide relief crews. CFS members worked alongside NSW and other interstate firefighters, including in Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

The deployment also provided valuable lessons. Working alongside other fire services highlighted differences in equipment, communications and training, and reinforced the move towards more consistent approaches between fire services.

The March 1994 edition of the Volunteer dedicated several pages to the NSW fires, documenting the response and the experiences of the South Australians who deployed.

Read the March 1994 edition of the Volunteer

The 2001 Black Christmas bushfires

Photo credit: CFS Promotions Unit

Seven years later, CFS crews were again called to assist NSW during the Black Christmas bushfires.

Beginning on 24 December 2001, more than 100 fires burned across parts of NSW and the Australian Capital Territory over approximately 23 days. Among the worst affected areas were Huskisson and Sussex Inlet near Jervis Bay, and Deua National Park west of Moruya.

Photo credit: CFS Promotions Unit

Firefighters faced extreme conditions, with temperatures reaching 45°C, winds of up to 90 km/h and very low humidity. More than 20,000 career and volunteer firefighters, supported by 85 aircraft, responded. Around 170 homes were destroyed.

Photo credit: CFS Promotions Unit

On 8 February 2002, around 8,000 firefighters, emergency services personnel and volunteers from across Australia took part in a ticker-tape parade through Sydney to recognise their efforts during the fires.

An estimated 60,000 people lined George Street as the parade travelled from Circular Quay to Sydney Town Hall, waving Australian flags and holding signs thanking firefighters for their work.

CFS was represented by Chief Officer Euan Ferguson and one member from each of the 6 CFS regions:

• Region 1: Tom Millar, Mawson Group Officer
• Region 2: Raymond Brownbill, Gumeracha Deputy Group Officer
• Region 3: Mike Arnold, Mid Murray Group Officer
• Region 4: Peter Lehmann, Caltowie CFS Lieutenant
• Region 5: Nick Yelland, Naracoorte CFS firefighter
• Region 6: Angela Whillas, Greenpatch CFS Captain