NFA partners with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to enhance firefighting capabilities

In enhancing their service, the National Fire Authority had a milestone achievement earlier this week as they signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services of Queensland, Australia.

NFA CEO Puamau Sowane signed the MOU with the QFES acting Commissioner Stephen Smith at the QFES Brisbane headquarters.

Sowane says with the ever-changing fire landscape today with the construction of multi-storied buildings on the increase, the signing of the MOU opens great opportunities to have their firefighters trained by the best at QFES and in Fiji.

He adds that he will work with the Chief Fire Officer to look at how its overseas partner conducts its operations about its infrastructure, Fire Engineering, Technical Rescue and Research and Scientific Branch.

Last year the initial discussions to seal the MOU were held and backed by the bilateral relationship reinforced through the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership.

The collaboration will enhance the training capabilities, technical assistance, fire data gathering and analysis, mentorship and donation and use of equipment between NFA and QFES over the next five years.

The activities under the MOU will enhance NFA’s capability not only in firefighting but also in responding to other emergency services such as urban search and rescue, road accident rescue and hazardous material responses.