CFA members from 17 brigades got together last month for a three day burn camp at Little Desert in the state’s far west.
The burn camp taught firefighters about fire behaviour, weather impacts on burns, fuel types, lighting patterns and gave members an opportunity to participate in live fire training in a safe and controlled environment.
CFA Project Coordinator Vegetation Management Ian Morrison said crews managed three burns totalling in an area of around 9.1ha in a safe and controlled environment.
“We were joined by members of University of Melbourne to take scientific observations on our grassland burning, fire behaviour and fire intensity,” he said.
“It was a great opportunity to get together and share knowledge across the entire group.
“Organised burn camps have been a successful part of CFA’s fuel management plans for more than a decade.”
Members joined the camp from brigades in Colac, Cororooke, Cobden, Barongarook, Anglesea, Highton, Gnarwarre, Belmont, Geelong West, Bacchus Marsh, Daylesford, Cape Clear, Ballarat, Elaine, Napoleons, Enfield, Miners Rest and CFA District 15 HQ.
“We enjoy exposing our members to practical sessions such as burn camps to help improve their skills, knowledge and connections across CFA.”