Month: September 2025

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source:

Ahead of the looming fire season, a recent CFA survey revealed that 40 per cent of Victorians living in bushfire-prone areas do not have a bushfire plan in place to save their family.

One in five people in these areas do not believe “leaving early” in a fire emergency is the best way to safeguard their loved ones, and 16 per cent would stay to protect their property.

CFA’s annual post-season bushfire community survey has been conducted every year since 2009 to understand the attitudes, behaviours and preparedness of householders living in bushfire risk locations in Victoria.

Despite the recent AFAC Spring Seasonal Bushfire Outlook indicating increased fire risk across several drought-affected parts of the state, the survey found that out of the 611 people interviewed, 24 per cent did not feel adequately prepared around their home.

Over the last two years, the survey shows the perception of a bushfire being a threat to Victorians and their property has declined from very large to small, with 50 per cent of people not showing concern and nearly 40 per cent are not alarmed enough to warrant direct interaction with CFA.

Worryingly, those least concerned, and less likely to be prepared were located just 500 metres to one kilometre from bushland.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan expressed his concerns about the distressing statistics, warning Victorians that now is not the time to be complacent with an earlier and more active fire season predicted.  

“It is never too early to prepare. Don’t gamble with your safety this season. Residents living in high fire-risk areas must take their preparation more seriously,” Jason said.

“Take a moment to sit down with your household and make a plan so everyone knows what they need to do and where they need to go if a fire threatens your local area.

“It’s easy to panic and make poor decisions if you’re not prepared, and the last thing you want in an emergency is to become trapped. Leaving early is your greatest form of protection.”

A further 31 per cent of respondents would delay leaving until threatened by a bushfire, waiting for the danger to increase or for instructions from emergency services.

“It is vital you understand the risks of your residential area and where you are travelling this summer. The best way to do this is to download the VicEmergency App and set your watch zones to your locations so you are alerted to warnings wherever you are,” Jason said.

“Don’t wait for an official warning before you take action to protect your family.

“We have a number of resources available on our website to actively help you prepare before it is too late, and our volunteers are always happy to help you with any questions you may have.”

CFA will be running a Get Fire Ready weekend on Saturday 4 October and Sunday 5 October, where many brigades will open their doors to connect with local community members, hoping to build public awareness and preparedness across Victoria.

“We’re seeing a concerning decline in property preparedness around Victorian households, so we’re really encouraging you to tidy up around your homes over coming weeks,” Jason said.

“Before the warmer weather arrives, ensure you move your winter piles away from your houses and sheds, give your trees a prune, clear your gutters and maintain the length of your grass.

“Get your emergency kit packed and ready to go, fill it with clothes, medications, toiletries, chargers and blankets and take it with you when you head to shelter.

“As we witnessed throughout the fires in the Grampians last season, the mountain of work done in the lead up to summer can make all the difference in lessening devastation on communities.

“We want to be really clear this summer. Our members will always be prepared and on hand to assist you, but fire safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play.

“We cannot have a fire truck at every property during a major bushfire. We need you to do your bit too and take small steps to be more fire safe this year.”

Source: New South Wales – News

Detective Sergeant Bradley Galpin and Brevet Sergeant Gregory Blieden are among those recognised as part of today’s Australian Bravery Decorations Wattle Day 2025 Honours List.

The accolade recognises acts of bravery where people selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.

On 18 May 2019, the two SAPOL officers were tasked to a house fire. After neighbours advised people were still inside (then Constable) Blieden and Detective Sergeant Galpin gained access to the rear of the property, where they heard a five-year-old child crying.

They entered the residence but were forced to withdraw due to heat and smoke. The officers found an alternate entry by smashing a window, crawling on their hands and knees to try and reach the child while the dwelling was still ablaze.

The officers were again forced to withdraw as parts of the ceiling and structures began to collapse. Detective Sergeant Galpin assisted in physically removing Constable Blieden from the premises through a window after he suffered smoke inhalation and a wound to his arm.

At this time, Metropolitan Fire Service officers gained entry and located the child, who after medical intervention survived the incident.  A female occupant unfortunately could not be saved.

Both officers received a Police Bravery Medal in 2022 for their actions during the same incident. Two other SAPOL members also received a Certificate of Merit for their assistance during the housefire.

Acting Commissioner of Police Linda Williams commended Detective Sergeant Galpin and Brevet Sergeant Blieden on this esteemed national recognition.

“In a moment of peril, these police officers chose to act and put their lives in danger to save a child,” she said.

“Both these members demonstrated outstanding and sustained acts of bravery in the face of danger and are both deserving of this accolade.”

Detective Sergeant Galpin joined SAPOL 18 years ago and currently works in the Criminal Investigations Branch. He considered the rescue a team effort.

“I’m humbled to receive this award and grateful for the recognition,” he said.

“It was a collective effort from every person there that night.”

Brevet Sergeant Blieden graduated from SAPOL’s academy in 2014 and currently works at the Security Response Section, in Special Tasks and Rescue Group.

“I feel deeply honoured to receive this commendation, though it’s a recognition I share with the other officers and emergency first responders who were there that night,” he echoed.

“We were all working together, doing everything we could in a dangerous and confronting situation.

“While I’m grateful for the acknowledgement, my thoughts are with the family who suffered such a tragic loss. The outcome will always stay with me.”

Both officers claimed the recognition reinforced their commitment to their colleagues and the community.

“This accolade serves as a reminder of why we as police do what we do, why we respond without hesitation, and why teamwork is vital in moments where seconds matter,” Brevet Sergeant Blieden added.

The Commendation for Brave Conduct features a silver-gilt sprig of mimosa mounted at a 45-degree angle on a blood-red ribbon. This will be presented by the Governor-General of Australia at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Galpin

Brevet Sergeant Gregory Blieden