Fire – How to manage in the Natural Environment

David AllenManager Community Safety

Country Fire Authority

Government Authority under CFA Act 1958 CFA is a volunteer and community –based fire and

emergency services organisation. Vision – to work together with communities to

keep Victorians safe from fire and other emergencies.

Mission – To protect lives and property Coverage – All the “country area” of Victoria

excluding the Metropolitan Fire District and Crown Lands.

58,000 volunteers supported by 500 career fighters, 1000 support staff

CFA- Facts

Currently 8 Regions across the State (soon to be 5- pizza model), 20 Districts

Main Departments – ◦ Fire and Emergency Management (Operations and

Community Preparedness

◦ Finance / administration◦ Training ◦ Human Resources

Brigades◦ 1220 Fire Brigades

CFA

Response◦ Activity 2012/13 –

Response 43,084 Incidents

Community Engagement 805 Fire Ready Victoria (18,981attendees) 98 Bushfire Planning workshops 567 Community Fire Guard meetings 2,224 Home Bushfire Advice Service 1540 Structural Referrals 7500 Land use planning referrals-BMO . 257 Community events

Fire in Victoria- CFA

Fire Triangle

Fire Science

Prevention-◦ reduction in combustible fuel either native or man

made across the landscape Preparedness-

◦ Preparing the community, have a fire plan – stay and defend or leave early

Response◦ Brigade preparation and capability

Recovery◦ Work to reinstate life back to normal after an

event.

4 key activities

Government Policy--protection of life is fundamentally No 1 importance Variety of Government Legislation/ Policies to address this-

Planning And Environment Act Bushfire Management Overlay- BMO Land use planning – subdivisions that create a road Fire related referrals – non mandatory

Building Act Bushfire Prone Area Mapping Regulation 309/ 1003

CFA Act Municipal Fire Management Planning Committees MFMPC Fire Prevention Notices Declared Fire Danger Period Various Policies/Recommendations

Residential Tenancies Legislation Caravan Parks/ Residential Villages

Dangerous Goods Act DG approvals/ inspections

Other associated Legislation – Water Industry Act, Subdivision Act,

Prevention practices-how does CFA implement fire prevention in Victoria

CFA Referral Authority – ◦ Section 55 -Subdivision that creates a road◦ Section 55- BMO ◦ Section 52 – Any other issue that a Regulatory

Authority (Council) considers has a fire implication.

Planning/ Environment Act

Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee – establishment of a plan to address fire risk within Municipality ◦ Identification of Risk –Victorian Fire risk Register

Agency Actions include Roadsides Education Parks/Gardens Maintenance of assets Communications Development of annual work plan

◦ Designation of Primary/ Secondary Fire Breaks Roadsides slashed/ maintained during the FDP Assessment treatment of hazardous trees Neighbourhood Safer Places

Practical Implications

Community Expectations-◦ Know what the Government policy is!◦ Know what your community expects!

Fire safety/environment balance ??? - but they can be complimentary

Risk based approach –identify, analyse, treat ,review

Implementation of all works prior to FDP Issue of Notices to landholders Community awareness- keep them

informed! Build strong relationships - work together

Implementation

Strategic siting of “deemed open space”- parks, gardens, ovals walkways- no back fences onto parklands

“Boulevard effect” Full slashing of reserves/parks or Slashing/ maintenance of buffers

◦ Theory based on AS3959 Flat grassland

500 mm high -25m buffer 100mm high 1000 mm high – 35 m buffer 100mm high

10 degree slope 500mm grass 35 m buffer 1000mm grass 45m buffer

Access – tracks, creek crossings, gates(keys) Have an effective Emergency Management Plan Water supply points FDP patrols Signage – fire safety

Treatments in Parks

Good use of open space!

Treatments

Boulevard Effect

Treatments

Unmanaged /managed vegetation

Treatments

Increased fuel reduction burning

Treatments

Planning and engagement – multi agency and with the community

Treatments

Treatments

Working with the community!

Treatments

Questions

Thank You