Munro Fire Brigade with help from Avon and Riverslea groups conducted a 30-hectare ecological burn-off earlier this month.
Munro Fire Brigade Captain Craig Moralee said the burn-off, on 14 October, involved African Lovegrass, which burns fiercely and throws up large amounts of smoke.
“The burn-off was treated as a real life scenario. A small area was lit as a trial burn for members to watch. This surprised everyone as the lovegrass ignited very easily,” he said.
“The burn-off provided excellent preseason skills maintenance training for firefighters.”
The 30-ha burn was divided through the middle by a small tributary for a local creek.
This allowed crews to conduct the burn-off in two stages thus giving them great control over the area burnt.
Mr Moralee said the burn-off had given a key learning for the coming summer season.
“Properties with medium to high levels of African Lovegrass in proximity to residences are likely to be at extreme risk,” he said.
“Just something to think about when assigned to asset protection or strike team duty.”
On scene for the burn-off were five ultralights, three tankers and 25 members including two Fire Management Officers and one Operations Officer.
Author: CFA Media