For training, the lack of chimney fires creates a new problem: How do you teach newer members how to deal with them if they don't get a chance do it in real life?
Chimney Fires used to be an extremely common occurrence around the Kyneton District, with Kyneton Fire Brigade attending multiple chimney fires at the beginning of each winter. Over the last 5 years, chimney fires have been on the decline, with the brigade only attending a couple of incidents per year. Kyneton Captain Josh Gamble said "it's great to see the community is listening to the message and checking their chimney prior to lighting the fire"
To minimise the risk of chimney/flue fires we recommend the inspection of fireplaces, chimneys and flues before lighting the first fire of the season to check for structural integrity and to clear any obstructions such as bird nests and remaining material in the flue from previous fires.
The lack of chimney fires does, however, create a new problem: How do you teach newer members how to deal with them if they don't get a chance do it in real life?
Cue Playschool-inspired creativity!
"Surprisingly the chimney prop, made from boxes, performed in very similar ways to a real chimney" Lieutenant McIntyre said. "We were able to use a smoke machine to see how cracks in a chimney will allow super-heated gases to escape into the roof cavity, especially when there is a partial or full blockage within the chimney"
The clever use of simple models really demonstrates effectively and brings to life all the things learned in theory classes.
#kyneton #firetraining #chimneyfire #CFAvic
Author: Josh Gamble