In the event of an emergency call 000
On the 18th January 2017, TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri experienced firsthand the threat that a bushfire poses. The fire surrounded the campus from the nearby towns of Kurri Kurri, Weston and Heddon Greta. As the day progressed, this positioned the TAFE in the middle of thick smoke and flames.
Enrolments for the new academic year were taking place in the morning. As the threat loomed closer, some of the staff and students managed to flee. By lunchtime, approximately 60 people had taken shelter in P Block, Plant and Heavy Vehicle. Fire authorities instructed people to assemble there as it was close to a dam and it was the furthest location from the fire. However, fire can and does change direction and the fire was heading for P Block. The authorities then decided it was in people’s best interest to leave. By late afternoon, the NSW Rural Fire Service had downgraded the fire from emergency to watch and act. It was the decisions that were made on the day and the preparedness of staff that prevented any deaths or severe damage.
The NSW Rural Fire Service website https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/ contains useful information on fire safety including Get Ready for a Bushfire: Four Simple Steps to Making Your Bush Fire Survival Plan
