Meteorologists are predicting that this coming summer will be the longest, driest and hottest Sydney has had for many years and with that, the chance of a repeat of the calamitous 1997 bushfires is well on the cards.
But there is a facility in southern Sydney that is more than just well prepared to meet the challenges of what may be potentially the largest bushfire threat in years.
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is prepared and ready for action in the event of a severe bushfire erupting on in the vicinity of its 70 hectare site in Lucas Heights, 30 kms south of the CBD.
ANSTO, the NSW Fire Brigade and NSW Rural Fire Services personnel cooperate closely at all times in dealing with bushfires, with ANSTO able to provide a 'first response' (the fire equivalent to first aid) to bushfires adjacent to the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre.
According to the Rural Fire Service, the recognised fire season in New South Wales is between 1 October and 31 March, obviously after the vigorous growth in spring and during the hottest months of the year.
ANSTOs extensive hydrant system, independent water supplies and fuel reduction program were put to the test and met the challenge during the 1997 bushfires, which were the worst in memory for people working at Lucas Heights.
However, ANSTO used this experience and has actively built on the knowledge gained at that time and enhanced on-site services, systems, training and equipment.
Not only is the site prepared for all possibilities in terms of bushfire prevention and firefighting equipment, but a number of staff have been specially trained to deal with bushfires and a purposebuilt fire truck is on site to handle any site bushfires.
The site has over a hundred high pressure fire hydrants with attachments suited to most NSW fire brigade vehicles and more than fifty lengths of hose. Onsite there are 17 trained staff volunteers who are part of a team of 25 qualified staff who are able to provide first response to bushfires on-site.
The NSW Fire Service Menai and the Rural Fire Service are only minutes away to handle bushfires in the buffer zone (surrounding the site for around 1.6 kms) and surrounding natural bushland.
Published: 17/11/2000