CFA volunteers from Sutton Grange and Myrtle Creek Fire Brigade joined forces with neighbouring brigades at Castlemaine Fire Station for hot fire training on a mobile training pod.
They had the opportunity to practise skills including drawing water from a hydrant and hose bowling, as well as firefighting techniques such as external attack and asset protection.
But the biggest drawcard of the night was the LPG mobile training pod.
The LPG mobile training pod is a specialised training tool that simulates the behaviour of an LPG tank fire, which uses gas to create flames that can reach five metres in height, allowing firefighters to practise extinguishing fires in a controlled environment.
The LPG training pod has been located at Castlemaine Fire Station since the start of April and will remain until the end of June.
Castlemaine Fire Brigade Lieutenant Trent Dempster said brigades from Strathloddon and Mt Alexander Group have used the training pod so far, with more booked in over the coming weeks.
“These training pods are a great resource for brigade training, particularly when multiple brigades come together,” Trent said.
“Joint training is more than building or maintaining skills, it’s also important for building networks with other brigades.
“Having strong relationships with fellow volunteers is invaluable, especially when we come together on the fireground.”
Jan Hull, 3rd Lieutent with Sutton Grange and Myrtle Creek brigade said the mobile training pods are vital to allow members to participate in hot fire training.
“Training with the props is important not just for new members, but existing ones as well,” Jan said.
“They provide a safe environment for upskilling and skills maintenance without having to travel outside our local area.”
Jan said buddying up with neighbouring brigades was also an opportunity to train on different vehicles.
“We don’t always respond on appliances from our own brigade,” she said.
“Training on appliances from other brigades allows us to maintain and gain skills on different types of vehicles, which is particularly valuable when deployed on a strike team.”
Images courtesy of Peter Weaving of Sutton Grange and Myrtle Creek Fire Brigade