Seventy-five volunteers from 16 brigades that make up the Baw Baw Group recently took part in a large-scale summer fire scenario.
The event was held around Darnum-Ellinbank, Nilma North and Drouin.
The aim of the exercise was to practise command elements and work as a team to ensure effective control of and response to a wildfire incident.
As part of the exercise, volunteers responded to a simulated wildfire incident with spot fires, and a fast-running grassfire.
To support the volunteers, there were ground observers from Neerim South brigade monitoring weather and ground data, a designated point where tankers were able to refill with water, a staging area where firefighters and vehicles were stationed before being called to respond, and a divisional command and local command facility which monitored the activities and inserted radio traffic or more complex scenarios.
All activities were well organised with 20 support personnel filling these additional roles.
The 16 brigades’ wildfire capabilities and functions were exercised in the single coordinated activity.
Participants reported having had a rewarding and challenging day, identifying communications as a key area of improvement.
All agreed that further exercises of this type would be beneficial in the future.