Assisting agencies bushfire training

[bajdas]

At the next training meeting for our Unit, I was going to suggest that Unit members complete some training to increase their knowledge if deployed as an assisting agency during a bushfire.

We are an Operations control Unit which can deploy a Field Command vehicle if requested. We have previously been asked to send members to Mt Barker Headquarters to assist and other Units provide transport/logistics help (eg KI & Black Tuesday deployment).

A few years ago I saw a video with Brenton Ragless explaining the use of dust googles, face masks and radiant heat.

What would you suggest we teach ?

What resources can we access to help us teach ?

[5271rescue]

I would say that is a great idea,I hear that a SES unit was involved in a burn over on KI last week?

[bajdas]

But we should not need 'CFS burn over' training given SES members should never be on a fire truck.

But I understand SES vehicles are escorted via a fire truck at times, so is this too much training  Surely something more basic (maybe as a starter) training can be done.

[CFS_Firey]

I would suggest:
* A brief explanation of fire behavior, so they can have more of an understanding of where the fire will go, and where they don't want to be. (Even as simple as fire burns uphill, with the wind, and gets worse in hot windy weather)...
* An explanation (and some practical) in what to do if you are caught in the path of a fire. (Stay in the car/truck, close all windows, cover up, don't try to run etc)...
* In a "supporting agency" role, it could be usefull to explain how the CFS works at a fire (That our objectives are to Protect life (rescue), contain the fire, control the fire, extinguish and 'black out' the fire)
* And of course explain how people die in a bushfire, and how to protect yourself (personal protective clothing).

I don't know where you can get help to deliver it though.... Maybe ask your local CFS brigade if they can send someone in?

[Alan (Big Al)]

But we should not need 'CFS burn over' training given SES members should never be on a fire truck.

But I understand SES vehicles are escorted via a fire truck at times, so is this too much training  Surely something more basic (maybe as a starter) training can be done.

I can tell you that on KI there were SES running around with no escort going on to an active fireground and one idiot who was taking firies in a 4wd to do a crew change over thought he'd do a movie stunt and try and drive through some fire until he was talked out of it.
And yes one SES vehicle came very close to being toast because they thought that this massive fire going around and over the top of them would be a good photo oppurtunity and it nearly cost them (their vehicle did get a little scorched).

I think training, even BFF 1 would be good for some units who do deployments to fires for logistics and the like would be a good idea. It has been mentioned that some units do it so why not make it compulsory if they are to be deployed in the future. A bit like us having minimum set requirements to be deployed interstate. 

[SA Firey]

From the very outset all SES crews who are an assisting agency to CFS should

a) Do a BFF Level 1 Course and
b) Burn Over training just like the rest of us
c) Deadman Zone Training

The first question the Coroner will ask is were they trained and to what level.Did they do Burn Over Training and Deadman Zone Training

[Robert-Robert34]

Down here in the South East Level 1 or as its now called BFF1 isnt just for CFS personnel, private forestry contractors such as Timbercorp,Woakwine,Integrated Tree Cropping make their fire crews do the same training

[CFS_Firey]

What bushfire training to SAPol and SAAS do?  I'd be a bit hesitant asking SES to do BFF1... Maybe selected modules, but not the whole thing... That's just stupid...

[SA Firey]

What bushfire training to SAPol and SAAS do?  I'd be a bit hesitant asking SES to do BFF1... Maybe selected modules, but not the whole thing... That's just stupid...

Not sure but they would normally be at the Forward Control Point or Staging Area away from the incident.

Pip would be able to answer the SAPOL question

[CFS_Firey]

Aren't SAPol the poor unfortunate souls who drive around IN FRONT of the fire warning the residents and blocking off roads?

[mattb]

For the past couple of years SAPOL patrols in bushfire prone areas have done a fireground awareness training session provided by HQ staff (I know our station has been used a couple of times to conduct them).

If you want more info pm me and I will give you the name of the person in HQ who was conducting them, they may be able to give you a copy of the powerpoint presentation that was being used or put you onto someone that can deliver it.

I would say that something like this should be compulsory for SES people wanting to enter a fireground (The media must do a similar course before being allowed to).

[Pipster]

Last year, the Police had a traingin package put together by a person who was both in CFS, and SAPol...and the pretty much covered BFF-1 prevent injury, and a bit on fire behavior....which was a lot more than many LSA's had in the previous season....not a bad training package

In Black Tuesday, there were several police officers who (both on & off duty) who just about got themselves cooked..hence the sudden reaction by SAPol to provide some training......but, at least in my LSA, haven't seen any mention of training this year...   

Pip

[squiddy]

SES can take food out to the CFS. SES can be used to evacuate people in the path of the fire. SES can help with communications and logistics.

Having said this, SES vehicles are NOT covered by insurance to be on the fireground.

Go team! Who forgot the fire insurance?!

[5271rescue]

Now hang on ses cars/units if doing a job for CFS are covered on the fireground if that is not the case then how come private farm units are covered when on the fire ground once they report to CFS command???

[SA Firey]

I would say that is a great idea,I hear that a SES unit was involved in a burn over on KI last week?

I rest my case,that proves SES should do burn over training that way they will be able to talk about it after the event.

Burn over training is to teach you how to increase your chance of survival in the event there is one.
If what you learned saves your crew.....what price do you put on your life guys

[squiddy]

Now hang on ses cars/units if doing a job for CFS are covered on the fireground if that is not the case then how come private farm units are covered when on the fire ground once they report to CFS command???

Because a lot of SES vehicles are now leased through StateFleet, and as such there is no fire insurance for them out on the fireground. Basically, it is a group of insurance pen pushers talking out their ringholes and making decisions about things they know absolutely nothing about. If SES personnell are injured during a tasking, even on the fireground, they are covered by WorkcoverSA, but it looks like they will have to catch a ride with the CFS or walk in, because from what I have heard from pretty high up is that SES vehicles are not to be used on the fireground.