Two vegetation management vehicles (VMVs) are now being used in District 5, to improve safety and efficiency in fuel management.
The vehicles will be mainly used for fuel reduction spraying, fuel reduction burning and staging area support.
Previously, members used their own personal vehicles for this area of fuel reduction, something South West Region Vegetation Management Officer (VMO) Heath Bunting was keen to change.
“When I started in my role as VMO down in the south-west I noticed that we needed something that could help our people safely do this sort of stuff,” Heath said.
“During the trial of the vehicles we’ve received a lot of very positive feedback. There has also been some technical feedback and so we’ve made a few small changes along the way based on that.
“These are going to be greatly beneficial.”
The vehicles have been 18 months in the making, with around $60,000 invested in the project. They will be primarily based in Hamilton, but can be shared with other districts if required.
Two more are expected to reach District 15 within the next six months.
Each VMV comes with a specially designed tray for carrying purposes. A 25 litre fuel tank (supplied)has been specially designed and built to Australian Standards to provide safe and efficient burning operations. An optional extra is a 300 litre herbicide spraying system which is the largest volume possible while still maintaining the agile capabilities required for fuel management.
They also feature visibility strips, allowing them to be used operationally on fireground for whatever purpose.
Joel Read of CFA Infrastructure Services said it was a long but thorough consultation process.
“It’s been comprehensive, from design and layout, risk assessments, fuel tank Australian Standards testing and validating the configuration to suit the end operators.” Joel said.
“A process of continual improvement was implemented to ensure CFA members and volunteers are provided fit-for-purpose equipment that meets regulation, ergonomic principles and increased safety on the fire line.
“We’ve done a lot of consultation with other agencies, including DELWP and Forrest Fire Management Victoria.
“Where possible, we also used suppliers local to the Hamilton area in production.
“It’s great that they are finally ready to go.”
Roadside fuel reduction is an element of fire prevention that is critical in the South West Region in particular.
Members can become accredited to drive the vehicles after around two hours of training, and more than 40 people have already been trained.