Malcolm Arthur and Michael Robson, volunteer Community Fire Unit members. (Julie Nance)
Story by Julie Nance
The preparation and resilience shown by the Blue Mountains community in the 1994 bushfires helped create Fire and Rescue NSW’s Community Fire Unit (CFU) program. There are now 5,000 CFUs spread throughout NSW – teams of residents preparing and protecting properties in their street. Their support enables emergency services to focus their efforts on the fire front and saving lives. Writer Julie Nance spoke to the head of the Statewide program who grew up in Blaxland, and a dedicated CFU member of 20 years in Winmalee.
Key Points:
Fire and Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell says: “With the changing climate resulting in longer and more dangerous bushfire seasons, the CFU program is more important than ever to help support Fire and Rescue NSW’s bushfire strategy.” (Source: Introduction to the Community Fire Unit Program eLearning video)
From the Nepean River to Mount Victoria there are 94 CFUs, boasting 867 volunteer members.
The roar of the fire and the loud explosions are what Michael Robson remembers most clearly about that unforgettable day: 17 October 2013.
The father of four was sheltering inside his home in Semana Place, Winmalee, unaware three houses at the top end of his street were on fire.
This wasn’t Michael’s first experience of a bushfire emergency threatening his property. He’d been here before in 1994 and 2000.
But this time was different. The fear was greater but there was a stronger sense of “I know what to do”. Michael had 10 years of preparation and practice behind him as a coordinator of a Community Fire Unit.
“My wife was a teacher and she was helping walk students from St Thomas Aquinas to safety at the shopping centre,” Michael recalls.
“My daughter was at St Columba’s in lockdown. There’s a lot of emotion that happens and the fact that I had things to do – to prepare and get things ready – probably helped calm me a little bit.”
When it was safe to emerge from his home, Michael and his neighbours – fellow CFU members – got to work, putting out embers.
“There were three homes lost at the top end of the street and they didn’t have a CFU,” Michael says.
“Down here I believe we would have lost more homes if we hadn’t had the CFU. Certainly, the ember attack, we did a fair bit of work.”
View a 60-second video – Community Fire Unit members shows off their equipment (Julie Nance)
A total of 185 homes were lost in Springwood, Winmalee and Yellow Rock in what became known as the ‘Linksview Road fire’.
Superintendent Brendan Hurley is Manager of the CFU program for Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW). He echoes what governments are increasingly saying: “We cannot have a fire truck in every street, protecting every house, when we have a major bushfire event.
“Sometimes we struggle to keep up if we have a large breakout day where a number of bushfires start. When resources become stretched, we are very much relying on the local communities and the volunteers.”
Superintendent Brendan Hurley, Manager of Fire and Rescue NSW’s CFU program. (Photo supplied)
The deployment of the CFUs in 2013 meant firefighting crews could keep moving with the fire front and direct resources to areas that needed protection such as Winmalee High School, where hundreds of students and staff were in lockdown.
FRNSW’s CFU webpage provides a snapshot of the program: “A Community Fire Unit is a team of local residents living in urban areas close to bushland who are supported by Fire and Rescue NSW to enhance their safety and resilience to bushfires. As a volunteer CFU member you will learn how to prepare yourself, your family and your home ahead of the bushfire season. You will learn how to make informed decisions about whether to leave early or stay and defend your property when bushfires threaten.”
The difference between Fire & Rescue NSW CFU volunteers and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers, is that the RFS volunteer firefighters respond (in fire trucks) to anywhere in the state to undertake bushfire firefighting operations, whereas FRNSW CFU volunteers stay and defend their own properties and communities within a defined area of operations (FRNSW fire district) using assigned resources and equipment contained in trailers or cabinets.
Having grown up in Blaxland, Superintendent Hurley has a strong interest in, and knowledge of the lower Blue Mountains. He began his journey in emergency services as a Rural Fire Service volunteer and enjoyed the camaraderie within the local community.
Superintendent Hurley says although the Blue Mountains community and emergency services were overwhelmed during the 1994 bushfires, it became clear afterwards that a lot of people were well prepared.
He explains: “A number of local residents said ‘we can actually help out a lot more. Once the fire front goes through, we can stay around to help clean up, mop up and put embers out. We can make sure houses are safe once the main fire front goes through and the initial danger is gone’.”
This valuable feedback contributed to the development of the CFU program.
While CFU members have an active part to play in preparing and protecting their neighbourhoods, they are not classed as firefighters.
“Their job is preparing for bushfires and taking a bit of pressure off emergency services,” Superintendent Hurley says. “CFUs free emergency services up to move where the dangers are: life saving or life-threatening situations.”
I’ve often wondered what’s inside the little red CFU trailers dotted around the streets in my lower Mountains neighbourhood.
When Michael lifted the doors of his trailer, parked on a neighbour’s lawn, my first impression was “wow, this little trailer certainly packs a punch with equipment”.
Michael says: “It’s quite amazing the amount of equipment we have, and that provides a level of comfort.” (Julie Nance)
The trailer includes 10 hoses, nozzles, two standpipes and pumps that are checked regularly and can access water from pools in the street. There’s also a small water dam that can be quickly constructed, rakes, walkie talkies and the list goes on!
“The trailer is fantastic,” Michael says. “We’re all trained on the equipment and know what to do and our role. And it’s not to fight fires. It’s just to prepare for fires and mop up afterwards.”
Michael secures a hoseline after fitting the standpipe. (Julie Nance)
Michael and Malcolm fill the water dam, another water source in addition to 3 pools in neighbouring properties. Malcolm says: “It’s a good feeling knowing we can get things prepared for the firies and help protect our street.”(Julie Nance)
Applications received by FRNSW for the CFU Program are assessed based on a number of factors including distance from bushland and classified level of bushfire risk.
You need a minimum of four members to have a Unit but the preferable number is 10. FRNSW provides the trailer as well as online and practical training and full uniforms.
Michael says his Unit, currently comprising seven members, meets from August to March or April, depending on the fire season. The commitment is one, to one and a half hours, on the first Sunday of the month.
“Working on the backburn trails is the most important element and then checking all the equipment to make sure it’s ready,” he says.
“We have very good guidance and education from Fire and Rescue NSW. If the conditions are rated as catastrophic, we’ve got no choice. We can’t even activate. We have to go.”
CFU members cutting a backburn trail in case it’s needed by fire services during a wildfire. (Photo supplied)
Superintendent Hurley says there’s a strong element of sharing by CFU members: resilience, information, and preparedness and prevention activities to enable communities to be better prepared for the upcoming bushfire season.
Michael says an unexpected bonus from being involved has been the strengthening of community ties.
“The CFU has been very bonding for our street. We know each other a lot better now,” he says. “You know when people are sick and you can support each other.
“We’re fully prepared for this season and we’ve got our neighbours prepared, even the ones who aren’t in the CFU. They know we’re here and I think it helps just create that community aspect. It has been tremendous.”
Take Action:
If you are interested in joining a Fire and Rescue NSW CFU, or starting your own Unit, visit the FRNSW website; phone: 1300 238 238, Email: cfu@fire.nsw.gov.au or visit Facebook.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
If you haven`t yet tried the deliciousness of Good Fat Pastry you`ll be in for a treat at the Food Security Fair on Sat 18 October! Join Michael, the creative baker producing these mouthwatering plant based (and mostly gluten free) treats for breakfast, where he will inspire you to rethink everything you know about baking:
"Baking is both borne and constrained by convention—as are our expectations. Since Ancient Egypt and Rome, eggs, dairy, and cereals have been used in baked goods for flavour and functionality. The enormity of cakes, pastries, biscuits, and desserts we know and love—and the countless we have no awareness of—have been discovered and created through spontaneity and experimentation. Almost always resting on the magical transformations of these key ingredients under heat and energy.
Yet as the realm of food is one of creativity and sensory inquisitiveness there are inherent possibilities for alternatives—in replicating the familiar as well as creating novelty. This path can follow the complexities of molecular gastronomy or the simple pragmatism of substituting with what`s on hand. Find whatever works for you."
Spaces are limited so bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
One of the highlights of our Food Security Fair on Sat 18th October is our Weaving with Weeds workshop at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. In this relaxing and enjoyable workshop Erin Hall will help you identify common invasive weeds that are ideal for basket making, and teach you the basic skills to weave a range of different objects. At the same time you`ll be removing and repurposing weeds that are destroying habitat for our wildlife! Places are limited so bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
We’re thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for Ferment the Season with Holly Davis at the Blue Mountains Food Security Fair on Saturday 18th October at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. Holly will demonstrate how to ferment the season to create more nutrient rich and digestible food. She is the co-founder of Sydney’s Iku Wholefoods and author of ‘Ferment - A Guide to the Ancient Art of Culturing Food’ and ’Nourish: Sustenance for Body and Soul”. Learn the foundational principles and several techniques for fermenting seasonally abundant produce. Fermentation increases nutrition and eating a little ferment with every meal has unlimited benefits for our overall wellbeing and the planet! Places are limited so book early here (Food Security Fair link in profile for tickets): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
Thank you to everyone who so generously contributed to our celebration of the centenary of World Animal Day, and our tribute to the life of artist, poet, author, Animal Liberation founder, and animal rights activist, Christine Townend, at the Planetary Health Centre yesterday. At a packed event we feasted on delicious plant-based food, inspiring art and poetry, and memorable conversations, as we shared our love and respect for the extraordinary world of animals of which we are a part. Join us for further celebrations at our Food Security Fair on Saturday 18 October. Register here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
We`re thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for our inaugural Blue Mountains Food Security Fair at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Saturday 18 October! Register here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
The day will include stalls, talks and demos about growing, sourcing, cooking, preserving and enjoying plant based food and protecting habitat for wildlife.
Our fabulous line up of speakers and workshop tutors includes Dr Milena Bojovic on the Future of Food; Holly Davis, co-founder of Iku and author of `Ferment`; Michael from Good Fat Pastry; Nev Sweeney from Under the Choko Tree on how to build a Solar Powered Food Dehydrator; Lloyd Sharp from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers; Marnee Fox from Forage to Feast; Teya Brooks Pribac from Plant Inspired; and Erin Hall on Weaving with Weeds. Stalls will include EarthRising Mushroom Farm, edible native plants, the Planetary Health Cafe and more. Each session needs to be booked individually as numbers are strictly limited.
This event is being supported by a sEEd grant from the Australian Association for Environmental Education.
This Saturday 4 Oct, on the centenary of World Animal Day, you can meet other people passionate about protecting our wild neighbours, and contribute to restoring habitat for wildlife with them, by coming along and joining our dedicated team of Planetary Health Bushcarers as we regenerate the bushland at the Planetary Health Precinct. Learn more and register to attend (1.30pm) here: (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-bushcare-spring-summer-2025
Woohoo! We are so thrilled. Katoomba poet David Brooks has just won the Prime Minister`s Literary Award for Poetry with his book "The Other Side of Daylight: New and Selected Poems". Come and celebrate with us this coming Saturday night when he`ll read from his work for a World Animal Day celebration at the Planetary Health Centre. Bookings here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/world-animal-day-raising-the-bar-for-nature
(apologies for dodgy screenshots ... we`ve been watching the awards streaming on YouTube tonight)
Join us next Sat 4th Oct to celebrate the exciting news that Katoomba writer David Brooks has been shortlisted for the Australian Prime Minister`s Literary Awards for his book of poetry: "The Other Side of Daylight: New and Selected Poems". It will be a night of art, poetry and delicious food as we also celebrate the centenary of World Animal Day, with David reading from his work alongside local poet Louise Wakeling, a tribute to artist, poet and founder of Animal Liberation, Christine Townend, and an Open Mic for poetry about the extraordinary species we share our world with. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/world-animal-day-raising-the-bar-for-nature
With each extreme weather event more hazardous materials enter our environment and impact human and planetary health, which is why, for 2025, we’re bringing together the Australian Bushfire Building Conference and the Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Conference in Katoomba on 20-22 Nov, to address how we can all work together, from design to disposal, to both reduce disaster risk and the risk of hazardous materials. We urgently need to design, build and live differently, as well as better manage those hazardous materials that are already impacting our health and the health of our frontline emergency staff and volunteers.
At Full Cycle 2025 we’re bringing together leading experts to address how we can do this.
We`re thrilled to announce that Shane McArdle, Head of International Projects for the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) in Sydney, will present on local and global actions for eliminating asbestos and dust-related diseases. Shane has spent almost 10 years at the Australian Government Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) overseeing awareness raising and international strategies to prevent exposure to asbestos and to eliminate asbestos-related diseases.
Early bird registrations for the conference close on 7 October. You can learn more and register here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
The last six years have seen catastrophic and unprecedented wildfires in Australia and California. At the Full Cycle Conference on 20-22 Nov, A/Prof Owen Price will share his research which compares the patterns of housing loss in the NSW and Californian wildfires. With every fire, more hazardous materials are dispersed through the environment.
Owen has spent the past 18 years analysing empirical evidence of the effectiveness of bushfire mitigation strategies. This has included examining the effectiveness of prescribed burning, the drivers of fire spread and severity, fire suppression and house loss. He has published ~140 research papers and he is the Director of The Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires (CERMB) at the University of Wollongong. Owen is one of many leading speakers who will be joining us at Full Cycle 2025 to explore how we can reduce disaster risk and hazardous materials in a changing climate. Early Bird Registrations close on 7 October. Visit the website to learn more and register here (link in profile):
Keynote speaker Julian Cribb AM announced as anticipation builds for the inaugural Full Cycle 2025 Conference which will address some of the most critical issues of our time, and what we can do about them. Julian Cribb will speak on how we can cleanse our polluted planet and tackle the existential megathreats of the 21st century as he sets the context for the two day conference and community expo that`s a collaboration between the Australian Bushfire Building Conference, the Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Conference and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative.
Co-founder of the Council for the Human Future, he has written over 9000 articles and 12 books, including How to Fix a Broken Planet, Earth Detox, Poisoned Planet, Surviving the 21st Century, The Coming Famine and Food or War. He will outline how climate change and the toxic tsunami of hazardous substances engulfing the world are two of ten megathreats that need to be addressed together and at the same time, urgently, and he’ll propose a plan for doing this.
Early Bird registrations close on Tuesday 7 October and there is still time to make a submission to be part of this seminal event. Read more about the conference and register here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
We had a fabulous dinner meeting last night to launch Rotarians 4 Planetary Health. It was exciting to bring together so much expertise and care for our community and the health of our planet! Initially we`ll be meeting fortnightly on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 6pm. If you`d like to join us register for the next meeting on Monday 13 October here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-rotarians-4-planetary-health
Julie Nance is a community storyteller with the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. In her coverage of the Lower Mountains area, she brings 30 years’ experience in communications, publishing and journalism.
After specialising in health and social issues as a journalist, Julie led creative teams in the government and not-for-profit sectors including the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, YMCA NSW, Cancer Council NSW and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Julie is passionate about empowering people with quality information to help them make informed choices.
Julie Nance invited her 82-year-old mum to join her on outings in Lower Mountains parks, after months of being confined to home due to sickness. With fond memories of family picnics growing up, their quality time together in nature gave them both a much-needed lift.
