Kyneton Group of brigades recently held a Fire Danger Period (FDP) preparation night for Crew Leaders and brigade officers. Neighbouring group management teams, Macedon Ranges Fire Management Officer and partner agencies were also invited to attend the night.
The night was the second event for the group in preparation for this FDP. Last week a field exercise was held where newer members and those requiring a brush up on skills had the opportunity to practice basic grassfire tactics, draught and use the new Malmsbury Big Fill and also practice dry firefighting techniques.
The prep night event covered three topics including:
- Briefing by Group Oficer John PEARCE on group arrangements for this season, operation of the LCF, principles of incident control at the three levels, transfer of control, Fire Service Commissioners priorities and air operations,
- Desktop Discussion exercise facilitated by Operations Officer Trent McKINNON centered around a grassfire scenario. This focussed on the first 30 minutes of incident control in the field, Wordbacks and SITREPS, issuing of warnings and transfer of control,
- A presentation by Instructor Brett WAGSTAFF on Dangerous Trees. This presentation built on DEPI and CFA guidance and introduced participants to the latest AFAC research.
Group Officer PEARCE says, "We work with brigades to help them see where they fit into the bigger picture and show that the decisions they make early on when we have a going fire on a bad day can influence the firefight later on, particularly when it gets to a level 3.
"Brigades see that it is not just about putting water on fire. Its working according to the FSC principles and priorities and doing it safely at the same time. We are putting allot of work into building skills of initial attack, issuing of advice and warnings, working with our partner agencies and the community and transfer of control.
"By having neighbouring groups and partner agencies attend we have a common understanding of how we will operate together this season."
Author: Anthony Stephens