Looking Back Twenty Years at 2006

Twenty years ago, in 2006, the world looked very different. Social media was still in its infancy, smartphones had yet to transform everyday life, and the ways we worked, communicated and connected with our communities were on the cusp of enormous change. Looking back at 2006 provides a fascinating snapshot of the time.

John Howard was Prime Minister of Australia; Melbourne hosted the Commonwealth Games and Steve Irwin’s sudden death shocked the nation. It was also a year of drought, with communities across the country confronting the realities of one of the driest periods in Australia’s recorded history.

When it comes to the protection of the community two significant campaigns were launched. Firstly, in March 2006, the NSW Fire Brigades (today known as Fire and Rescue NSW) launched the RescueED program for year 9 and 10 students. This is a road safety program aimed to reduce the number of young people killed or injured on the roads. Aimed at potential learner drivers in high schools, the program is delivered by rescued trained firefighters of Fire and Rescue NSW onsite at schools. This program is still running in schools today.

Secondly, on 1 May 2006 legislation made it compulsory for all homes shared accommodation buildings where people sleep to have a working smoke alarm installed. This significant change was championed by the NSWFBs who launched a campaign to inform the public about this important legal requirement. The 'Be Safe, not Sorry' campaign was run in the lead up to winter and summer, the critical times for fire safety awareness. It included television, radio and press advertising, outdoor advertising, a dedicated safety website and printed material such as posters and postcards.

Internationally the NSWFB provided specialised logistical support to assist the Australian Medical Assistance Team deployed in the aftermath of the 27 May 2006 Yogyakarta Earthquake. The magnitude-6.4 earthquake resulted in significant loss of life, extensive injuries, and severe damage to homes, hospitals and essential infrastructure. Tens of thousands of people were displaced, and the rapid establishment of emergency medical services became critical to supporting the affected communities.

As part of Australia’s humanitarian support, the NSWFB provided specialised logistical capability to assist the Australian Medical Assistance Team deployed to the region. Two NSWFB fire officers were sent to help establish and maintain self-sufficient emergency health services, ensuring the medical team had reliable access to water, shelter, food, hygiene facilities and essential rescue equipment. They deployed a substantial 12-tonne cache of NSWFB equipment, airlifted into Indonesia, which included generators, lighting, ready-to-eat meals, portable toilets and showers, water purifiers, mosquito nets, decontamination gear and satellite communications equipment. The officers also coordinated local transport teams, overseeing the movement of equipment and the transfer of casualties between hospitals to keep the medical and triage centre fully operational during the relief effort.

Two new fire stations became operational; No. 29 Arncliffe which replaced the old Rockdale Fire Station on 8 June 2006 and No. 434 Hamlyn Terrace which commenced operations on 30 November 2006. 

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While many incidents were attended throughout the year three of note were:

St. Barnabas Church Fire in Ultimo, 10 May 2006 

At 3:30am, firefighters were called to one of Sydney's most dramatic blazes. The historic St Barnabas Church in Ultimo was already engulfed in flames when crews arrived, with fire tearing through windows and towering above the roofline.

With 350 residents evacuated and neighbouring buildings under threat, crews launched a fierce two-hour battle, deploying three aerial appliances to attack the blaze from above while working to protect the adjoining church hall and hotel.

After an intense fight, the fire was contained, but the beloved church and the upper level of the adjacent hall were lost. Thankfully, no one was injured.

St Barnabas Church Fire in Ultimo, 10 May 2006 [Courtesy of Fire and Rescue NSW]

Mulgrave Factory Fire, 23 June 2006 

crews from the NSWFB and Rural Fire Service (RFS)  were called to a fire at a paint factory in Mulgrave. The large amount of aerosol spray paints coupled with the other flammable liquids like paint thinners stored in the factory caused the flames to spread rapidly and generate intense heat and smoke.

The intense heat weakened the factory's concrete structures and threatened to topple the front wall into a nearby flammable liquid tank. A collapse zone was established around the building to keep firefighters safe and the tank was kept cool throughout firefighting operations. As temperatures cooled with the arrival of night, the smoke settled over a large area and locals were advised to stay indoors for the night. 

The fire was eventually brought under control and the surrounding buildings were successfully protected. The fire was contained to the original factory and continued to burn for two days as the extensive structural damage made access difficult. 

Mulgrave Factory Fire, 23 June 2006 [Photograph taken by Scott Webster, Courtesy of Fire and Rescue NSW]

Lidcombe Building Inferno, 12 November 2006 

On the night of 12 November 2006 firefighters were called to the scene of one of the largest building fires witnessed in Sydney in recent years. An automatic fire alarm had triggered a large two-story building in Lidcombe that housed a motor vehicle parts company and a graphic design studio. The contents were highly combustible which helped the fire swiftly spread and threaten neighbouring properties. 

Over 150 firefighters from 26 stations attended the blaze. Flames from the fire were seen to rise up to 20 meters in the air and the roof collapsed, making the scene even more dangerous. Shortly after this the walls also collapsed, bringing complete destruction to the site. Adding to the danger numerous explosions occurred from tins of paint, thinners and aerosol cans. 

The fire took over five hours to get under control and continued to smoulder for several days.

Lidcombe Factory Fire, 12 November 2006 [Courtesy of Fire and Rescue NSW]

Looking back twenty years may not seem like the distant past for some, while for others it may seem like ancient history! No matter how you view 2006 it provides an important snapshot into the history of firefighting within NSW. 

~Blog by Museum of Fire Heritage Team