Firies’ lightning fast reactions

By FLGOFF Kathleen Gibson

AN awesome electrical storm that rolled through the Hunter Valley took out the entire Williamtown Airport’s communication and navigation systems and all airfield lighting about 7pm on February 12.

Lightning struck the control tower and Fire Section watchroom, which triggered fire alarms across RAAF Base Williamtown and started a computer
fire in the Hornet simulator building.

But there was a greater problem – inbound passenger aircraft.

Leading Aircraftman Mark Stewart, part of the RAAF Williamtown Fire Section that night, recalled the evening’s events. “The duty Domestic Fire Crew was dispatched to extinguish the computer fire, evacuate the building and check each of the individual fire alarms.

The duty Airfield Fire Crew was dispatched to lay the emergency flare path lighting along the runway in preparation for the incoming aircraft,” LAC Stewart said.

They then communicated directly with the numerous civilian aircraft via radio as they landed and acted as a “followme” vehicle to guide them safely to the Williamtown civilian airport terminal.

RAAF Williamtown Senior Fire - fighter Flight Sergeant Andrew Reid said rapid response in times of emergency was not a new experience for the Fire Section’s members. “They’ve been tested over recent months in a variety of incidents,” he said.

“These ranged from a major bushfire threatening base infrastructure to maintaining continuity of airfield services after lightning strikes such as that which occurred last week,” FSGT Reid said.

“At times our fi refi ghters have to make very important decisions within very short timeframes in order to prevent or minimise any risk of death, injury or loss of property.

My people have proved repeatedly they have what it takes to effectively support and maintain base airfield operations during emergency situations.

Their enthusiasm, self-motivation and scope of lateral thinking have given our Fire Section a true sense of professionalism and respect.”

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