Strike team leader assessments in District 14

Significant support from across the district saw upwards of 20 trucks, 10 FCVs, a communications trailer and a staging team attending.

The morning started with a briefing for the 70 or so people gathered at the fire station.

Some would make up the strike teams for the strike team leaders to manage others acted as Divisional Commanders, Sector Commanders, Communications and Staging in a effort to provide realistic conditions for the scenario-based activities.

The strike team leaders were presented with four scenarios based on a fire that had started on a forecast day of 36 degrees with gusting winds (it was actually quite cold).

The tasks involved included the gathering of a scattered strike team, deployment for asset protection, evacuation of a community area and a reconnaissance mission.

The strike team leaders completed the allocated tasks whilst maintaining the command and control of the Strike Team, reporting to a Sector Commander or Divisional Commander, maintains correct radio procedure, and making decisions under pressure - all the time being assessed by a mentor embedded in each team.

A fabulous lunch was provided at Bullengarook Fire Station with Judy, Amanda and David making sure everyone got feed and then cleaning up so that we could return to the field to finalise the assessments.

There was significant effort put into the organisation of day by instructor Lindsay McHugh. 

Thank you  to Bullengarook Captain Phil Challis and the Brigade for making their facilities available. The station and the surrounding area presents many opportunities for realistic training. 

A special mention to Truganina Brigade for providing staging and communication. 

Thanks also to all the brigades that supplied appliances and members. 

By all accounts it was another successful day that enabled all participants to get something from the day.