Out of Area Response

Scope

This Operational Guideline is for crews deploying beyond their home District.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

• Units and crews identified for out of area response should be available for such deployments within the notice specified and for the duration specified.
• Requests for out of area response will be made to the appropriate RFS District office. The request should include the following information:
  • The type of incident and probable duration of need for out of area response;
  • Information on incident, operating environment, hazards, and local considerations;
  • The number and preferred type of units needed;
  • To where those units should initially proceed and report; and
  • What, if any, logistical support will be provided locally for them.
• The commander of out of area crews is to be briefed and allocated a mission/s by the Incident Controller (IC), or an officer delegated by the IC.
• While providing assistance, units from out of area crews should operate under the command, control and communications arrangements specified for the incident by the IC.
• Where possible, out of area crews should have a representative with local knowledge accessible to them.

Special Considerations

• Members under the age of 18 are excluded from all out of area responses that require accommodation and/or are longer than one shift.
• Crews may be transported by appliance, road or air and should pack accordingly, considering the duration of deployment.
• Crews may be accommodated in commercial facilities or base camps, dependant on incident location and availability.
• Members must ensure they have appropriate firefighting personal protective clothing and equipment (PPC/PPE) prior to deployment.

Related Information

• IMP 8.03 - State Assistance Procedures (SAP)
• IMP 8.03.01.02 - Out of Area Operations - Under 18 Year Olds
• RFS District Information Packs
• Service Standard 2.1.5 Child and Youth Participation in NSW RFS Activities