Fire and Rescue NSW providing specialist rescue equipment to Solomon Islands firefighters
Published: 16 Sep 2025
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has donated two tonnes of specialist rescue equipment to assist firefighters and protect communities in the Solomon Islands.
FRNSW has had a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s fire service to provide available resources and maintenance since 2003.
The ‘Service Technical Equipment Exchange Program’ (STEEP) allows the Solomon Islands to sustain a highly effective hazmat and rescue response in its region.
A shipment of material has been sent from Sydney to Honiara, featuring:
- Breathing Apparatus and cylinders
- Hydraulic rescue equipment
- Gas detectors
- Thermal imaging cameras
- Air bags
- Air tools
- Winches
The equipment represents the biggest shipment of resources to the Solomon Islands since FRNSW donated four decommissioned bushfire tankers in 2022.
FRNSW has recently upgraded some of its rescue equipment, allowing it to, in turn, support the Solomon Islands.
Quotes attributed to FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell:
“This program allows us to help fellow first responders in the Solomons to protect their communities with some of the best tools available.
“FRNSW has also agreed to service and exchange that equipment, as the need arises, to ensure those communities remain protected.”
Quotes attributed to FRNSW’s advisor to the Solomon Islands, Inspector Michael Woodward:
“The provision of this equipment brings a new level of sustainability that will assist this region well into the future.
“It places the Solomon Islands as one of the leading fire and rescue agencies in the South Pacific.”
Updated: 02 Feb 2026 8:04am