CFS Region 5

Private Farm Fire Units

SESSION OUTLINE

• Value – Farm Fire Units

• Safety – Understanding limitations

• Safety - Air Operations

• Safety – Personal Protective Equipment

• Safety - Tag & Tell (UHF Channels, stickers)

• Liaison - Local CFS Brigade Link

• Information - PFFU Handbook

• Road Closures

PRIVATE FARM FIRE UNITS

• Own equipment to protect their property and others.

• An essential part of the community's response to fire.

• A key principle of this community response is that it be done

with safety as number one priority.

GENERAL SAFETY

UNDERSTAND THE LIMITS OF YOUR

EQUIPMENT AND YOURSELF • Only attack the fire if it is safe to do so……..

• Be aware of flame intensity, wind direction and strength….. REMAIN

VIGULANT

• If the fire is to intense, it is OK to stop actively fighting the fire front

• You maybe able to supress the flank of the fire

• If the fire is to intense to fight the front and the flanks, it is OK to stop active

fire fighting…..

• Consider calling 000 and tell the Fire Service Communications what you can

see

• If the fire is to large and active fire fighting is to dangerous, it is OK to move

to a safe area

• Remember the Safety of yourself is the HIGHEST priority

CFS AIR OPERATIONS

COMMON AIRCRAFT

Lower South East Primary Response Zone

B582

FB510 FB505

B583

NEW NEW

Air Ops GRN TG 234 Tactical VHF 56

SAFETY - AIR OPERATIONS

TRUE STORY

• Actual Photo of the event

• Occurred 2016 Parilla Fire

• Crew moved away

• Left Truck in place

• Pilot commenced drop late

• Part of load hit side of truck

LOOK UP MOVE AWAY

LUMA

• Look up for aircraft

• Spread the word

• Move off the fire line

• Wait for the drop

• Wait additional drops

• When safe return to the fireline

REPORT hits & near misses

(Dynamic Learning Curve)

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Safety as number one priority.

• Head – Keep a cool head

• Eyes - Keep clear and safe vision

• Lungs – Breath safe air at all times

• Arms and Legs - (including feet and Hands) Cover up and protect

• Hydration – DRINK DRINK and DRINK (1 lt/hr)

REPORT Hits & Near Misses (Dynamic Learning Curve)

TAG & TELL

• Tag – up with a CFS Truck

• Tell - CFS you are on the fireground & when you leave

• To ensure you are covered for Personal Injury and your FFU

is covered for reimbursement for damages…. You MUST be

logged on

• Stickers – put on your front windscreen

• UHF - Channel 9

INFORMATION & KNOW HOW

• Link Up with a CFS Brigade

• Other Private Farm Fire Unit Operators

• Handbook

• Regional Office

• CFS Website

As the CONTROL AGENCY, CFS is responsible for: • Determining the need for a road closure • Implementing a road closure if SAPOL is not present • Contacting SAPOL to ensure attendance and provide ongoing advice • Providing information to the community via Public Information and Warnings

SAPOL is responsible for: • Attending the incident to support closures when requested by the Control Agency • Implement, record change and open roads as required by the Control Agency • Determine the requirement for additional closures to ensure safe and efficient regulation of traffic • Share road closure information with the community

CFS – Managing road closures

Other support agencies: • DPTI • Local Councils

Incident Controllers should consider: • What is the current threat/risk? – when is it likely to decrease… or change? • What level of road access restrictions are necessary • Briefing essential services • Access for emergency vehicles • Liaising with BoM – future weather impacts? • Liaising with DPTI – road limitations? Bridges? Culverts? Road ‘furniture’ • Falling tree risks? – Management of hazardous trees • Wandering stock due to damaged fences • Road closure reviews - Can they be lifted or reduced?

Refer to SEMP Part 3H – Traffic Management during Emergencies Appendix B – Incident Controller Reference Guidelines

Road closure considerations

Thank you for your time and have a safer summer.

SA Country Fire Service

Regional Prevention Officer for the Upper and Lower South East,

Phone: 8762 2311