Firefighter Simon White from Greenvale Fire Brigade recently attended his first planned burn
A volunteer who recently joined CFA has boosted his knowledge and fireground experience by taking part in a planned burn.
Simon White joined Greenvale Fire Brigade last year after wanting to be more involved with his local community. He completed the General Firefighter training in December.
“I wanted to get to know more people in my area and I thought this was something I could be good at. I wanted to be more involved, help out and support wherever I could,” Simon said.
Eager to continue learning, Simon checked with his brigade captain and signed up to take part in the planned burn in Toolern Vale on Sunday 22 January.
“I’ve just completed General Firefighter, and I wanted to be able to continue to learn, upskill and get as much experience as I can.
“This will enable me to better support my brigade and the wider community and was a great chance to meet new people.”
Simon was the only member from his brigade who attended the burn, but said everyone in attendance welcomed him with open arms.
“I was quite apprehensive about joining the burn by myself, but everyone was lovely. I was assigned to a tanker with Melton and they made me feel so welcome.”
There was a lot to learn, said Simon, and it was great to get involved.
“I learned about weather patterns, the burning process, fuel types and how wet and dry fuel reacts.
“We were rotated through crews, so each tanker crew had a go at using the drip torch and undertaking the actual burning.”
CFA brigades conduct planned burns to reduce fuels to minimise the impact and spread of bushfire. Find out more here.
Image: Simon White-
Image: Simon White
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Image: Simon White
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Image: Simon White
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