Firefighting toolbox

There is a lot of equipment involved in fighting fires. Familiarise yourself with everything here but don’t worry, we won’t expect you to remember all of it!

tankers

The Category 1 Tankers are the flagship appliances of the NSW RFS. Able to respond to a variety of different incidents from bush & grass fires to motor vehicle accidents and structure fires. Equipped to carry 3500 litres of water and foam, as well as a formidable array of specialised equipment. The Category 1 Tankers are a vital part of the NSW RFS firefighting fleet.

Deputy Captain Sally gives you a behind the scenes tour of Arcadia 1B.

Read more about vehicles and equipment used by FRNSW.

Helicopters

Helicopters are essential for fighting remote fires in NSW national parks.

Great skill and teamwork allow our NPWS rangers and firefighters to access bushfires where they are dropped with all the gear they need to be safe on the ground for up to 24 hours.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

As well as the obvious dangers of heat, firefighters are exposed to toxic fumes, sharp objects, uneven ground, slippery surfaces, biological fluids, spilt chemicals and electricity.

Because of this firefighting uniforms need to provide the best protection possible for our firefighters. Firefighting ensembles are known as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and include:

  • firefighter's tunic

  • flash hoods

  • boots

  • helmet

  • gloves

  • breathing apparatus

  • high visibility safety vests

Firefighting equipment

Read more about uniforms and equipment used by FRNSW.

Breathing apparatus

Breathing apparatus

Breathing apparatus

Breathing apparatus is needed by firefighters when carrying out interior offensive structural firefighting or in other areas where they may be exposed to high temperatures, oxygen deficiency, toxic substances, smoke concentration, dust, heat radiation or burning embers. Breathing apparatus is worn for the respiratory safety of firefighters. They supply the wearer with air from a cylinder.

equipment

Knapsack, rakehoe and axe

Knapsack, rakehoe and axe

Delivery hose, collecting breech, and fog nozzle

Delivery hose, collecting breech, and fog nozzle

Standpipe, rope and ladder

Standpipe, rope and ladder

Portable fireground radio, Fire blanket, and Extinguisher

Portable fireground radio, fire blanket, and extinguisher

Radios used in the NSW RFS

Left to right: portable fireground radio, portable MPR/GRN, and vehicle mounted radios

Left to right: portable fireground radio, portable MPR/GRN, and vehicle mounted radios

Using a standpipe to get water from a hydrant

Pumping water from a bushfire tanker

Portable pump

Knapsack

Knapsack

When to use a knapsack

On the fireground you can use a knapsack to:

  • Make a direct attack on a low intensity flank fire

  • Support a hand tool crew who are constructing a control line close to the fire edge

  • Assist in mopping up operations

How to use a knapsack

The hand piece has a nozzle that can be adjusted to give: 

  • A straight jet for long distance work, or 

  • A fantail spray for close work. The fantail method uses water more economically and effectively when a firefighter is working close to a fire 

Drip torches 

Drip torch

Knots

Clove hitch

Bowline

Figure eight

Sheet bend

Reef knot