Wangaratta Group exercise extends well beyond firefighting techniques

Credit: Communications Officer Marc Bongers

 

CFA brigade members from the Wangaratta Group recently gathered for their pre-season training exercise to strengthen their operational skills, build relationships and prepare for the fire season.

 

The Group came together on Sunday 1 November and worked across two teams, with crews rotating through practical activities focusing on rural-urban interface fire risks, coordinated grassfire tanker tactics and the challenges of operating safely and effectively alongside firefighting aircraft.

Wangaratta Group Officer Lachie Gales said the real value of Group exercises extends well beyond practicing firefighting techniques.

"These exercises give our brigades the chance to work together, learn from one another and build the relationships that really count when we're responding to an incident,” Lachie said.

"It's also an opportunity to try new things, become more familiar with the specialist resources available to us and strengthen the confidence of our crews.

"We're extremely fortunate to have so many committed people willing to give up their Sunday to make something like this happen. The enthusiasm and cooperation on display was outstanding."

A highlight of the morning was the arrival of a Helitak water aircraft from Ovens, giving members a valuable opportunity to engage directly with aviation personnel, better understand aircraft capabilities and learn how ground crews can work effectively with aerial firefighting resources.

“A feature of the visit was the display of reloading water from a Hook Truck Tank and different water drop patterns, as well as briefings from the Pilot and Air Attack Supervisor,” Lachie said.

“Members also had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the local Mobile Command Vehicle and portable weather station reinforcing the importance of the specialist equipment and support resources available during larger incidents.”

The exercise was coordinated by the Wangaratta Group Management Team, with support from the local area, broader North East Region, the State Air Operations team, Wangaratta CFA Training Ground and local brigade members who contributed their time, expertise and facilities.

“Special thanks go to Regional Commander Paul King for supporting the aviation component, the participating aviation crews, and the many volunteers who helped plan, coordinate and deliver such a worthwhile exercise,” Lachie said.

“The morning concluded with a barbecue and debrief, providing another opportunity for members to share experiences and lessons learned.

“It was a terrific example of CFA volunteers working together, supporting one another and building readiness for whatever the coming fire season may bring.”

 

Submitted by	CFA media