Dear colleagues,
I am saddened to inform you that two Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) volunteer members were injured at a grassfire near Kingaroy on Thursday afternoon.
One volunteer member was airlifted to Royal Brisbane and Womens’ Hospital (RBWH) with burns. A second volunteer member received treatment for minor burns at the Kingaroy Hospital, and was released on Thursday evening.
RFSQ Acting Chief Officer Ben Millington and I spent time with the family at the RBWH last night and extended our support, on behalf of the entire QFD and RFSQ. Support is also being provided to their fellow, and neighbouring, brigade members.
Our strong focus right now remains on the injured volunteer members and supporting their families and crew.
QFD is investigating the matter.
The family has requested privacy and a further update will be provided when appropriate and in line with their wishes.
If you feel you could benefit from support, go to the Fire and Emergency Services Support Network (FESSN) website to locate your preferred counsellor or contact the 24/7 on-call counsellor on 1800 805 980 (calls returned within 2 hours). Counselling services are also extended to immediate family members.
Stay safe and keep looking out for each other.
Regards,
Steve Smith AFSM
Commissioner
QFD