Reflecting on extraordinary season

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After one of their most challenging and complex summers to date, CFA Gippsland staff took a day out last week to reflect on what has been an extraordinary fire season.

Regional Director Mark Potter said that firefighters had seen some of the most intense fire behaviour they’re ever likely to see, and commended the efforts of everyone involved in preventing lives from being lost - including the Gippsland community.

“It was a long season and our people took it in their stride. Firefighters have battled more than 220 bushfires across Gippsland since early January, and many also helped with the fires in New South Wales before Christmas,” said Mark.

“I’m extremely proud of the way our team has responded to these emergencies, which affected thousands of Gippsland families in some way or another and burnt nearly 200,000 hectares but didn’t take anyone’s life.”

CFA Gippsland also used the day as an opportunity to review the year that was and participate in a resilience workshop to build personal development skills.

“It’s extremely important for us as a fire and emergency service to take the time to ensure that we are a healthy and robust organisation. It’s critical that we as individuals take the time to look after ourselves and recognise that we have personal priorities like families who need us as much and our communities do,” said Mark.

CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson attended the day thanking Gippsland staff for their ongoing commitment.

The Chief Officer took the opportunity to formally recognise a number of CFA staff with service awards: