π NSW RFS MDT Rollout β Enhancing Communication and Response
The NSW Rural Fire Service is continuing the rollout of Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) across volunteer brigades state-wide, marking a major step forward in operational technology, communication, and situational awareness for crews in the field. The Hills are next to receive this roll out.Β
MDTs are rugged, touchscreen tablets mounted in RFS firefighting appliances. These devices provide real-time access to critical incident information, maps, and resource tracking β helping brigades stay informed, connected, and coordinated during emergency responses.
π Key Features of the MDTs:
Live CAD updates (Computer-Aided Dispatch) directly from FireCom
Real-time location tracking of all appliances via AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location)
Access to maps, weather overlays, hydrant locations, and incident perimeters
Instant messaging between crews and Fire Control Centres
Integration with NSW RFS operational tools, including Fire Mapper
The rollout has been staged by region, with installation teams working closely with local brigades to fit out vehicles, provide training, and ensure smooth adoption. Many volunteers are already reporting improvements in how they access and act on information while on the move.
βThe MDTs are a game-changer. Instead of relying solely on radio traffic, we can now see incident details on-screen as they come through,β said Captain Crab.
π οΈ Training and Support
All brigades receiving MDTs are provided with:
Hands-on training sessions
Quick reference guides
Access to the online MDT Training Portal
Ongoing support from regional ICT and Operational Communications teams
The NSW RFS remains committed to empowering volunteers with the tools they need to respond efficiently and safely, and the MDT rollout is a strong example of innovation serving frontline capability.
Effective radio communications are critical to the safety, coordination, and efficiency of the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS). With thousands of volunteers and hundreds of brigades responding to incidents across vast and often remote areas, a reliable and structured radio system is essential.
The NSW RFS uses a dedicated radio network that operates across various channels and bands, depending on location, terrain, and the scale of operations. The system is built to support:
Incident response (bushfires, structure fires, vehicle accidents, etc.)
Multi-agency coordination with Fire and Rescue NSW, SES, Police, and National Parks
Dispatch and resource tracking
Routine training and maintenance activities
1. PSN β Public Service Network
Used in metropolitan and major regional areas
Digital, trunked radio network providing clear voice quality, encrypted channels, and inter-agency interoperability
Used for command and control channels
2. Analog VHF/UHF Channels
Still widely used in rural and remote areas
Includes Simplex (direct) and Duplex (repeater-assisted) channels
Often used for fireground ops, especially where GRN coverage is limited
3. Fireground Channels
Local line-of-sight radio comms between trucks, crews, and sector commanders
Usually operate on VHF simplex
Used for tactical operations during active firefighting
4. Air-Ground Channels
Designated radio channels for communication between ground crews and aerial firefighting aircraft
Critical for coordinating water drops, observation, and airspace management
NSW RFS radios are programmed with pre-set channel plans, including:
Local brigade channels
District-wide channels
Statewide incident channels
GRN talkgroups (where applicable)
Crews use Call Signs based on their vehicle, role, or location (e.g., "North Rocks 1 ", "Sector Charlie", "Group Officer North").
At the heart of communications is FireCom, the NSW RFS dispatch and control centre network. Operators at FireCom coordinate:
Callouts and taskings
AVL tracking (Automatic Vehicle Location)
Incident status updates
Support requests (e.g., additional tankers, aircraft, or police)
There are multiple Fire Control Centres (FCCs) across NSW, each responsible for managing incidents in their local area, while also linking to State Operations in major campaigns.
All members operating radios are trained in:
Radio discipline (brevity, clarity, etiquette)
Phonetic alphabet
Incident channel structure
Emergency procedures
Regular exercises, simulations, and incident reviews help maintain high communication standards across the service.