Deputy Commissioner with NSW Rural Fire Service and Churchill Fellow. These are my views and opinions.
Sydney, New South Wales
Joined October 2011
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Ben Millington retweeted
After more than 2 months helping protect communities across the US, our Large Air Tanker Bomber 210 has arrived back home at RAAF Richmond
During her time in the US, made more than 255 drops on 84 fires and delivering more than 3.6 million litres of fire retardant.
Ben Millington retweeted
The Bush Fire Danger Period begins in most NSW Local Government Areas today. If you’re planning on conducting a burn, you’ll require a fire permit. For more information on the Bush Fire Danger Period and requirements around safe burning, visit our website: rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP
Ben Millington retweeted
It’s Get Ready Weekend! Today and tomorrow, brigades right across NSW will be holding events and providing advice on how you can get ready for this year’s fire season. To find your nearest Get Ready Weekend event, visit the #RFS website: rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-medi…
Ben Millington retweeted
In December 2025, during a day of elevated fire danger, the Dunedoo Rd Fire started on the outskirts of Dubbo. Driven by erratic winds and high temperatures it quickly spread through dry paddocks and scrub. Prepare for the coming fire season during this year's Get Ready Weekend.
Ben Millington retweeted
Today, 27 Local Government Areas (LGA) commence their Bush Fire Danger Period, with several areas beginning a month earlier than normal due to dry conditions. Additionally, two LGA's will start their BFDP on 14 September, two weeks earlier than normal. rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP
Ben Millington retweeted
🔥 Le CH-47D Chinook à l’épreuve des feux de forêt en France
Les essais du Chinook mis à disposition par l’Australie confirment son potentiel pour renforcer le dispositif français de lutte contre les incendies.
💧 + de 11 000 L d’eau embarqués
⚡ Remplissage en ~90 s
🎯 Largage massif ou progressif selon la situation
En amont, un Bell 412 reconnaît la zone, analyse l’évolution du feu, identifie les priorités et guide le Chinook lors du largage.
Cette coopération franco-australienne combine l’expertise australienne dans l’emploi du Chinook et la force de frappe aérienne française pour lutter contre les incendies de grande ampleur.
💪 Une capacité complémentaire, particulièrement adaptée aux attaques directes et aux secteurs nécessitant d’importants volumes d’eau.
👏 Merci aux équipages et aux personnels français et australiens mobilisés !
Plus d'information, ici : urls.fr/ChAXUA
#FeuxDeForêt #SécuritéCivile #Chinook #CH47D #Australie #France #CoopérationInternationale
Ben Millington retweeted
The Bushfire Seasonal Outlook for Spring has been released by @AFACNews. Parts of northern and south-eastern NSW are entering spring drier than usual, with warm and dry conditions forecast for early spring. If you live, work or travel in bush fire-prone areas, prepare now. #RFS
Ben Millington retweeted
The #RFS Chinook and Bell 412 have continued supporting firefighting operations across southern France, with the contingent continuing to operate out of Mont-de-Marsan. Since the deployment began, the Chinook has dropped more than 280,000 litres of water on fires.
Ben Millington retweeted
🚨 🔥 Urgent - HISTORIQUE - c’est parti pour les tests de largage de nuit du Chinook australien 🇦🇺 Décollage depuis la Base aérienne 118 Mont-de-Marsan!
@NSWRFS @SecCivileFrance @Armee_de_lair @NunezLaurent @SebLecornu
Suivez les largages et écopages 👉 bit.ly/4xfUpsP
Ben Millington retweeted
@AusAmbFR 🇫🇷🤝🇦🇺 THANK YOU and the Australian government for the exceptional loan of the CH-47D Chinook a super water bomber usually deployed in New South Wales. Invaluable support for our firefighters battling the blazes. Franco-Australian solidarity in action. 🚒💧 @francediplo
Ben Millington retweeted
🤝 Coopération face au risque feux de forêt
Un représentant des services australiens, en charge de la formation, est venu au centre opérationnel départemental d’incendie et de secours (Codis) pour découvrir l’organisation et le dispositif déployé par les #Pompiers13 pendant la campagne feux de forêt.
Dans le cadre de la solidarité internationale, l’Australie met à disposition de la France un CH-47D Chinook, un hélicoptère capable d’emporter jusqu’à 11 300 litres d’eau et d’intervenir de nuit 🚁
Une coopération précieuse, merci à nos partenaires australiens 🇦🇺
#SDIS13 #FeuxDeForêt #FDF #Chinook
Ben Millington retweeted
🔥🌳🚁 Face à une saison feux de forêt intense accentuée notamment par une sécheresse historique, la solidarité internationale s'organise. L’Australie a mis à disposition de la France un hélicoptère CH-47D Chinook, qui vient en complément des moyens nationaux de la Sécurité civile.
Le Chinook vole accompagné de 2 autres hélicoptères :
- Un Dragon de la Sécurité civile qui marque le zone de largage ;
- Un Bell 412 qui est en lien image avec le Chinook pour le guider et analyser l'efficacité opérationnel du largage
Ce renfort illustre le partenariat solide entre la France et l'Australie, partageant une même culture de la solidarité opérationnelle face à des feux de forêt de grande ampleur.
ℹ️ Plus d’infos : securite-civile.interieur.go…
Ben Millington retweeted
Le Chinook CH-47D arrive dans les Landes pour lutter contre les feux de forêt. L’hélicoptère bombardier d’eau est prêté par l’Australie jusqu’à la fin septembre, après l’aide apportée par la France lors des incendies de 2019 et 2022.
Ben Millington retweeted
After being transported to France last week, the #RFS Chinook and Bell 412 helicopters have been reassembled and are now fully operational. The aircraft have undergone operational testing, while our aircrews have been integrating with French firefighting authorities.
Ben Millington retweeted
Yesterday evening, the #RFS Chinook and a Bell 412 helicopter were loaded onto Royal Australian Air Force C-17s before departing for France to support ongoing firefighting operations. Once they arrive, they will be reassembled before undertaking aerial firefighting operations.
Ben Millington retweeted
This weekend, the #RFS will deploy its CH-47D Chinook helicopter and a Bell 412 support aircraft to fight fires in France. This will mark the Service’s first-ever European deployment. The aircraft will be transported to France in partnership with the Australian Defence Force.
Ben Millington retweeted
This morning, a contingent of 26 NSW firefighting personnel will deploy to the United States to support ongoing wildfire operations. The NSW firefighters are part of a larger contingent of 74 personnel from across Australia and New Zealand. We wish them a safe trip.
Ben Millington retweeted
Earlier today, the #RFS 737 Large Air Tanker ‘Marie Bashir’ departed RAAF Richmond, beginning its journey to the United States. After crossing the Pacific, she will arrive in California and over the coming months provide support to West Coast fire agencies and communities.
Ben Millington retweeted
Congratulations to the seven #RFS members receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal in the 2026 King's Birthday Honour list. Join us in congratulating the following members on their exceptional service to the RFS and their community. For more info: rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-medi…
