On Tuesday, September 23, CFA and DEPI joined forces for the first planned burn for the spring season in Grampians Region.
The burn of approximately 16 hectares was in long unburnt heathy dry forest, in a reserve which is managed by Golden Plains Shire. Adjoining assets included private property and public land.
After a delayed start, whilst waiting for gusting wind conditions to subside, a successful test burn was conducted and the call to go ahead was made in the early afternoon. The end result was an extremely successful burn, easily achieving the burn objectives without any holding issues.
This, and complementary works planned for the adjacent public land, will have significant fire mitigation effects for the surrounding community.
A key feature of the burn was the relationship forged between CFA and DEPI in this region.
Although this was a CFA burn, DEPI supplied an experienced burn OIC to mentor our CFA burn OIC. DEPI also supplied a number of slip-ons and a D4 dozer. To ensure knowledge and skills sharing and to enhance the training benefits for CFA members, crews were mixed - CFA crews jumped into DEPI slip-ons and DEPI crew jumping into CFA slip-ons.
DEPI support was provided despite not having the full firefighting resources in place (project firefighters for the season have not yet started), and while DEPI had commited extensive resources at burns in the Brisbane Ranges.
Congratulations to VMO Tony Brady for the extensive planning which resulted in a successful burn, and to CFA members for a job well done. Thanks to DEPI for the resources and helping out with mentoring.
Welcome all to the spring planned burning season in the Grampians Region.
Author: Owen Gooding