Rural Fires Bulletin

NSW Deployments ...............Page 3

Regional Updates ................Page 4

Grants .................................Page 10

Arson Research ....................Page 12

What’s New .........................Page 13

See Page 15 for more details

Australia Day Honour ...........Page 14

Rural Research and Training ........................Page 15

Our Volunteers Our Brigades .......................Page 20

See Page 22 for more details

Extras ..................................Page 23

Contact Details ....................Page 24

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

RURAL FIRE SERVICE

GPO Box 1425, Brisbane QLD 4001. Web: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au PP: 433383/00015 Ph: 07 3247 8130

Official Newsletter of the Rural Fire Service, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

Assistant Commissioner’s MessageInterstate Deployments:

December 2006 saw our volunteers rise to the challenge once again when QFRS was requested to assist the NSW Rural Fire Service into the Narrabri area. Over a four week period we deployed four support forces into the Palleroo and Kerringle forested areas and apart from the first support force the remaining deployments were, in essence, entirely made of QFRS

Rural Operations staff and rural fire service volunteers who didn’t let NSW down. We have always been mindful that deployments need to be able to ‘stand alone’ if required when interstate and, as such, our support force comprises not only QFRS staff and volunteers, who provide the on ground firefighting strength, but we also deploy QAS ambulance paramedics, radio technicians, communication officers, mechanics, support crews and on this occasion, for the first time, SES volunteers and staff also joined the campaign. These deployments operated under two x 12 hour shifts providing full 24 hour operations although conditional changes altered some evening shifts. This approach of operating ‘around the clock’ fire suppression and mitigation strategies was a first for the organisation and from all accounts went

❚

❚

Mar

ch 2

007

Issue 44

Contents

Continued on page 2❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage 2

firefighters and there was excellent integration and teamwork.

Wayne Waltisbuhl, Regional Manager, Rural Operations (South West Region) and senior member of the first taskforce reported that the type of forest environment in that area is very volatile

“The work we carried out was often difficult and mundane - monitoring patrol lines and lighting up a bit more forest – which is pretty tough over long hours.

“Then the weather would turn and on at least one occasion we had to move crews out of the forest back to safe anchor points.”

NSW Rural Fire Service Regional Operations Officer, Inspector Allyn Purkiss passed on glowing reports of the Queensland efforts. “They stopped a large spotover, and protected a bark hut from being destroyed,” Allyn said in a message to QFRS Liaison Officer Andrew Hopkins, at RFS Homebush headquarters.

“[Qld firefighters] have had excellent reports from the fireground bosses on the effort that the guys are putting in, and they said they would work with them anytime.” According to Andrew, there was plenty of high praise for the Queenslander’s involvement.

“There was recognition by the NSW Rural Fire Service that the Queensland deployment can operate as an independent group under their structure,” he said.

”Our crews are well respected and can be set tasks on the fire scene and accomplish those tasks skillfully.”

The December taskforce deployment was also the first to include Emergency Management Queensland support crews.

Regional Manager of Rural Operations (North Coast) Peter Hollier was formerly a member of the NSW Rural Fire Service and led the fourth taskforce deployment.

“We have different fire conditions in Queensland, but this was an opportunity for our firefighters to be exposed to the type of fire that is common in NSW,” said Peter.

“It’s a very good learning environment and all personnel handled the conditions safely and extremely well.

“Having a full support force including Queensland Ambulance Service, who understand our systems and requirements, added to the safety of our crews, and that’s always a number one priority on any fire ground - whether it be in Queensland or interstate.”

March 2007 Page �

Full force may be just the beginningThe recent taskforce deployments of more than 350 Queensland rural and urban and support personnel firefighters to NSW may not be the last this summer.

Continued dry weather conditions in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania mean further deployments to relieve exhausted crews and management teams in other states may be requested.

“It’s certainly possible given the continued drought and the fact that the southern states are coming into what is their traditional fire season,” said Rural Operational Director Paul Adcock.

“We have a structure in place to respond to requests from other states depending on their level of requirement.”

The four Queensland taskforces included rural and urban firefighters, communications officers, mechanics, incident management specialists, QAS paramedics and EMQ support staff.

The taskforces – which totalled 354 DES personnel - rotated through the western NSW region surrounding Narrabri during December.

Each taskforce consisted of a complete firefighting and support force with liaison officers operating from the NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters at Homebush near Sydney.

Support teams operating from the State Operations Co-ordination Centre at Kedron Park were also in activation.

The first taskforce was deployed on 30 November 2006.

Headed up by QFRS Assistant Commissioner (Northern Region) Ron Twomey and led on the ground by Regional Manager Rural Operations (Northern Region) Trevor Howard, the taskforce consisted of 167 emergency services personnel.

“The Rural Fire Service in New South Wales had a good structure in place and we were able to slot straight into their operations,” said Trevor.

“They welcomed us because we were a complete firefighting and support force with our own mechanics, communications officers and equipment, management teams, paramedics and support staff.

“Our taskforce had a 50-50 split between rural and urban

❚

extremely well. During this period we were also asked to deploy Incident Management Team and GIS personnel into Victoria to assist the CFA. Congratulations to all involved on a ‘job well done’.

Back at home, the un-seasonal fire season saw a reduction in number and magnitude of fire activity within the State albeit for some large fast moving fires within the Caloundra and Bundaberg areas. The crews who attended these blazes should be proud of the way they managed these incidents and how they worked in with other agencies and community members to bring them under control. The outlook for the next quarter sees conditions easing in the North due to wet conditions, and collectively across the State the average drought factor and grass curing rates are slowly decreasing. In any given year history tells us this quarter is normally our busiest for unwanted wildfires, however, due to unprecedented continued coastal showers it has been without doubt one of the quietest wildfire seasons within the north of the State. At this point, most of the State is experiencing low to moderate fire danger ratings for grasslands and, on average, high levels for forests. The question we must all continually ask ourselves is what will next year bring us and how well are we prepared from both brigade and State levels?

Enhancement Package:We have now completed the rollout of the Enhancement Package with the appointment of the Brigade Training and Support Officers. Of these eleven positions, seven have come from the volunteer ranks with the remainder either having experience with external fire training companies or other volunteer organisations. Similarly, three of the Area Training and Support Officers have also come from the volunteer ranks, reinforcing the intent of the structural enhancements, that was to provide an opportunity for volunteers to enter the organisation and provide them with a career path within QFRS.

Additional Funding:Rural Operations is set to advance a number of strategies with additional funding being allocated towards us as part of the election process under the banner of ‘Training, Equipment and Communications Package for SES and Rural Fire Volunteers’. As this title suggest, the funding and any staff enhancements will be co-managed and shared by Rural Operations and Emergency Management Queensland on behalf of the SES. This funding injection will see $52 million being channelled across a five year period and from a Rural Operations perspective we will see an additional $3.1M to enhance our training programs utilising casual trainers; an additional $2.54M for PPC which will allow us to

❚

❚

Continued from page 1❚

provide a second set of PPC for volunteers in the more active brigades or those that engage in the deployment register and an additional $1.5M to develop a more robust radio communications network.

Sharing with EMQ will see funding channelled towards more trainers (EMQ staffing), the development of on-line training materials, the development of a volunteer database and additional regional communications staff. All in all, the funding injection will allow us to progress some very significant issues.

Australia Day Awards:Finally, I would like to recognise and congratulate Paul Adcock, Director Rural Operations and Len Jeavons, Gold Coast Group Officer, Chairman of the Lower Beechmont RFB and the Training Officer for the Lower Beechmont RFB, on being the recipients of the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) recently announced on the Australia Day honours and awards listing. On this day we also saw a number of staff and volunteers recognised for their contribution to their brigades, communities or the organisation via the awarding of the Australia Day medallion. Well done to all who were recognised for their hard work and dedication. Until next time, be safe and take care. Regards Steve Rothwell AFSM Assistant Commissioner Rural Operations Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

❚

NSW Deployments

Eric Lanham, Area Training and Support Officer for Caboolture Area, Brisbane RegionEric is currently Acting/Manager Rural Training – Products. As part of that role he has been tasked by the Assistant Commissioner Rural Operations to develop an induction course and an ongoing training programme for the newly appointed Brigade Training and Support Officers.

Eric joined the Rural Fire Service as a District Training Officer in March 2004. Prior to that, he had served with the Australian Regular Army and then as a Criminal Analyst with the Australian Federal Police. In 1991, during his time with the AFP, Eric joined the RFS as a volunteer firefighter. He remains a member of his local brigade and has served in a variety of positions including Group Officer and 1st Officer. As well as his training role, Eric is also a qualified Air Observer and Air Attack Supervisor with QFRS.

Wayne Ford, A/Area Training and Support Office, CabooltureWayne is presently based at Caboolture acting in the position of Area Training and Support Officer. He has a trade background in engineering with additional qualifications in Boiler Management and Refrigeration.

Wayne has been a Volunteer for over nine years and has held various positions in the brigade and Group. He has been employed as a Training Officer for four years and has relieved in Training Officer and Support Officer Positions in Caboolture, Ipswich and Mackay Districts.

In January 2000 he joined the Kilcoy Auxiliary Brigade and was an Auxiliary Firefighter until December 2005. Wayne has a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Far Northern Region UpdateHeavy rain recorded across the region in January brought a close to a busy fire season. Brigades and property owners were kept busy with fires on the tablelands. Fire crews working under adverse conditions were successful in reducing property damage at numerous fire outbreaks. The only significant property loss was to two sheds destroyed at a fast running fire in Watsonville, and this occurred before the Brigades arrived on the scene. Unfortunately the majority of fires were deliberately lit and work has commenced with the iZone officer to increase community awareness and planning for first response arrangements.

❚

❚

❚

Brisbane Region UpdateBernard Trembath –

Regional ManagerBernie will be known to many volunteers from his previous role as Area Director Ipswich and prior to that as Rural Operations Equipment Manager. He has also worked with many Caboolture Area volunteers during interstate deployments

As Area Director Ipswich, he implemented the introduction of rural fire levies and the establishment of Rural Fire Brigade Groups within each Local Authority Area. He also established the active role of the Group Officer within the Area Command Structure.

Bernie has worked closely with the Assistant Commissioner Ian Mitchell during his time in the South East Region and will continue that successful partnership (in Brisbane Region), to forge closer operational relationships. One of the key areas will be fostering the participation of volunteers in the Fire-fighter Games

The changes resulting from the Rural Enhancement Package have set the platform for an exciting and challenging future for the organisation and the people within it. As the Regional Manger, Bernie believes the Caboolture Area is ideally placed to lead the way in challenging accepted practices and implementing innovation at all levels

He is looking forward to working with staff and volunteers, Local Authorities and other agencies to clearly plan for and address the future political and environmental challenges that confront QFRS and the wider community

Mark Welsh, Inspector Caboolture AreaMark has had a long and varied career, starting in the Royal Australian Navy, the Airport Fire Service in Sydney and Canberra and the ACT Fire Brigade. In 1994 he began his time with the QFRS in the South East Region. Mark has a strong background in training and has achieved tertiary qualifications in that field.

He was awarded an Australia Day Medal in 2005 for his significant contributions to supporting the Regional Management roles of planning and community safety in South Eastern Region.

Mark is keen to apply his skills to assist the volunteers within the Caboolture Area to continue to provide the high level of prevention and protection to their local communities. He also is looking to benefit from the knowledge and experience of the brigade members and to use that information to provide higher levels of support from the area office, to the volunteers and the community.

❚

❚

❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage 4

Regional Updates

March 2007 Page �

Two volunteers were presented with National Medals. John Thomson, a long serving member with Speewah RFB, Clohesy Group officer, and active member of the Area Training team and William Brown, Fire Warden and long serving member with Shaggy Creek RFB. Ms Kelly Gutter, Admin Officer and Jamie Haskell, ATSO from Cairns Area Office were also recognised for their service to the organisation, receiving Australia Day Awards.

A request for out of area support to the fires in NSW saw 15 volunteers nominate to participate. Fortunately for NSW the fire ground received some rain and a full contingent was not required with only Brendan Ridgewell, ATSO Innisfail, required to accompany volunteers from SE to NSW. Thank you to all those volunteers that agreed to participate, especially given it was Christmas and harvest time. While it would have been great experience to send a contingent from the region we should be appreciative that fire conditions in NSW abated enough that we were not required. A register is maintained in the Area Office for future deployments outside of the region. Interested volunteers should contact the Area Office for application forms.

As part of the Rural Enhancement Package three new staff members have commenced in the region.

Ian Atherton

Ian commenced as Area Director (AD), Innisfail, coming from AD Emerald. Ian has been with the organisation since 1999 and has held many roles throughout rural Queensland including District Inspector, District Training Officer and Casual Training Officer in Mackay, Charters Towers, Cloncurry and Emerald. Prior to joining QFRS, Ian had extensive experience with the sugar cane industry, having managed a 7500 ton assignment cane farm and delivered National Accredited training in the sugar cane industry. Ian holds numerous qualifications in business management and training.

Bernie Grech

Bernie was successful for the position of Brigade Training & Support Officer (BTSO), Innisfail. Bernie has been working as Acting BTSO since 2006 and with 17 years experience with North Millstream RFB holding 1st officer and other positions he is well respected amongst the local Brigades. Prior to joining Rural Operations, Bernie had an extensive background in sales working with various companies delivering training, administrative and sales support and has qualifications in workplace training.

Brett Weston

Brett was successful for the position of BTSO, Cairns Peninsula. Brett is presently an auxiliary fire-fighter with Kooralbyn and has 10 years experience as a fire-fighter with CFA, as a volunteer and as a permanent appointee with the Royal Australian Air Force Fire Service. He is currently employed as Training Consultant with Trimevac Pty Ltd. and holds skills with QFRS Air Operations related activities and has qualifications in workplace training.

❚

❚

❚

Finally the Commissioner has approved a request from Bryan Cifuentes, Area Director Rural Operations, Cairns Peninsula, to take 12 months leave without pay for the period commencing Monday 5 February 2007 to Friday 4 February 2008. During this period Bryan will be using his extensive fire management skills and knowledge of the Cape, working for the Cape York Peninsula Development Association in the position of coordinating the “Rangelands Fire Project” for northern, central, western and part of southern Queensland. The basis of the project is to capture knowledge through historical mapping considering the economic and environmental impact to grazing or crops through fire and fire fighting. Issues such as loss of productivity through woody plant thickening, weed encroachment brought about by a combination of lack of fire, inappropriate grazing pressure and climatic extremes will also be considered. An Expression of Interest has been called to fill the vacancy during Bryan’s absence.

North Coast Region UpdateThe North Coast Region (NCR) covers the coastal areas of Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, the Sunshine Coast, and includes the Burnett hinterland. Hervey Bay and the Sunshine Coast are among the fastest growing urban areas in Australia and attracts significant numbers of tourists throughout the year. The Region’s Fire Communications Centre is located at Kawana, on the Sunshine Coast.

The NCR has 44 urban fire stations staffed by 188 full-time and 450 auxiliary fire officers. Rural fire management and suppression in the Region is serviced by three Rural Area Directors based in Bundaberg (105 brigades), Maryborough (76 brigades) and Caloundra (60 brigades), comprising the 241 rural fire brigades.

Regional Manager based in the Regional Office Maryborough is:

Regional Manager Rural Operations: Peter Hollier

Contact Number: 07 4190 4836

Staff based in Bundaberg Rural Area Office are:

Area Director: Tony Johnstone Area Training and Support Officer: Phil Williams Brigade Training and Support Officer: Simon Sievers Area Administration Officer: Kathy Pole

Contact Number: 07 4153 3244

Staff based in Caloundra Rural Area Office are:

Area Director: Garry Seaman Area Training and Support Officer: Neil Kelso

❚

❚

❚

❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage �

Regional Updates

March 2007 Page 7

The Unit provided communications, welfare and incident management support over a three week period at East Palmerston, crewed by members of the Thuringowa Group on a rotation. Since its baptism of fire, so to speak, the unit has been refitted to provide a host of services both operational and educational to assist across the Northern Region.

Thuringowa Group Secretary, Rod Girvan said “the ESU has been fitted with operational support equipment including, VHF and UHF radios with extendable aerials to improve coverage, white boards and incident management equipment. It also has been fitted with a generator and lighting, welfare supplies and carries some firefighting equipment to assist at an incident”.

The vehicle was donated to the group after a short life as a QAS support vehicle. It was fitted with a high capacity winch, all bodywork and even space for the generator by its previous owners. The Group have also utilised the space on the vehicle to stow and transport promotional materials such as display and spider boards, brochures and stickers to assist with Rural Fire Service promotions wherever required.

Thuringowa Group are keen to promote the capabilities this new vehicle brings to RFS and to offer the use of the vehicle, crewed by group members, at any event within reasonable travel distance. Rod said “ We can provide support to operations in the form of incident management facilities, staging area management, and welfare, regardless of the type of incident. We even have the capability to communicate with aircraft engaged in observation or firebombing”.

South East Region UpdateSeptember 4 2006 was the date I (Steve Crouch) commenced with the Rural Fire Service after 26 years employed by varied arms of fire service in Queensland. Being appointed to the position of Regional Manager Rural Operations has certainly been the highlight of my career and I must thank all rural fire service volunteers and staff who have assisted in making the transition both painless and enjoyable. I am in awe of the commitment provided by the volunteers of this organisation.

Upon commencement I had hoped to have the opportunity to interact with many of the volunteers in the South East Region but due to the rapid implementation of the Rural Operations Enhancement Package, dry conditions and project involvement on a state prospective there are many people I must still meet. As staff are now gradually adjusting to their new roles, the opportunities for South East Volunteers to meet new staff will eventuate.

❚

Below is a brief introduction to the staff in South East Region Rural Operations:

Superintendent Steve Crouch – Regional Manager Rural Operations located at Regional Headquarters Beenleigh.

Inspector Craig Smith – Area Director Rural Operations located at Area Office Thornton Street Raceview.

Area Training Support Officers Tony Wood and Kaye Healing located at Area Office Thornton Street Raceview.

Brigade Training Support Officer Brian Smith commencing early March at Area Office Thornton Street Raceview.

Regional Administration Officer – Still to be filled at Regional Headquarters.

Area Administration Officers Marilyn Sentinella and Bernadette Spittal located at Area Office Thornton Street Raceview.

The role of all the Rural Operational staff is to support all the volunteers both operationally and administratively ensuring all are appropriately trained and resourced to safely perform their duties and roles. Remember always look ahead but never forget the past.

I would also like to congratulate Len Jeavons on his Australian Fire Service Medal announced in the Australia Day Awards of 2007. His strategic thinking and commitment to the Gold Coast Group and Lower Beechmont Rural Fire Brigade has been exemplary over a long period of time. Well done Len you thoroughly deserve the honour.

In conclusion please don’t hesitate in contacting any of the regional staff to clarify and queries regarding rural operations in the South East Region and together we can all provide an improved community service.

South West Region Update

Regional Office

Wayne Waltisbuhl

Wayne was appointed as Regional Manager in September 2006. Wayne joined the organisation in 1998 as a training officer in the Caboolture District after working with Forestry and Parks for a period of 22 years. He was appointed to the position of District Inspector Caboolture in 2004 after a long period of relieving in this position.

Elissa Woodcroft.

Elissa has just commenced duties as the Regional Administrative Officer. Prior to this she was with Telstra for 10 years.

❚

❚

❚

❚

Brigade Training and Support Officer: Andrew Allan Area Administration Officer: Vacant

Contact Number: 07 5420 1333

Staff based in Maryborough Rural Area Office are:

Area Director: Warren Edwards Area Training and Support Officer: Brian Dale Brigade Training and Support Officer: Wayne Ford (currently Bob Maxwell is acting BTSO until Wayne commences as Wayne is currently acting in Caloundra) Area Administration Officer: Margaret Walker

Contact Number: 07 4190 4839

Under new managementThe new Townsville Area is now open for business. Created out of parts of the old Charters Towers, Innisfail and Mackay Districts, the new area covers the coastal strip in Northern Region. The area is dominated by cane producing regions in the Herbert and Lower Burdekin, with a fair chunk of dry tropics in the middle.

Coastal towns and cities in the area are growing rapidly on the back of tourism and the mining boom. Inevitably this means that some people will seek a rural lifestyle outside urban areas. Small towns and hamlets around Townsville, Ingham, Ayr and Bowen have developed into class 2 and 3 brigade areas with a keen membership, eager to provide an essential service to their communities. Of course there are also a large number of traditional class 1 brigades involved in protecting the rural industries.

The new Area team of Ewan Cayzer (ADRO), Denise Cheffins (AO) and Rosemary Kavanagh (A/ATSO) are settling in to their office, collocated with the Northern Regional office at Wickham St. Townsville.

Ewan said “There is a lot to do when creating a new Area, everything from the office space to the tea club needs to be organised. Fortunately the former Regional Inspector – Northern staff and the Kedron staff had prepared much of the resources, allowing the Area team to concentrate on getting down to work”.

Townsville Area extends a welcome to any RFS people travelling through Townsville to drop in and pay them a visit.

Thuringowa Group Emergency support UnitThuringowa’s Emergency Support Unit (ESU) is ready for action. The 4WD Isuzu vehicle was donated to the Group only days before cyclone Larry crossed the coast, but the Thuringowa Group managed to have the vehicle ready to provide support to the cyclone Larry recovery efforts.

❚

❚

❚

Toowoomba Area

Bruce Ehrlich

Bruce was appointed as Area Director Toowoomba in December 2006. Bruce was the Training officer at Miles prior to this appointment, and has relieved in many positions around the southern part of the State. He joined the organisation in 1997 as one of the first groups of training officers appointed to Districts. Bruce has a background in Forestry and Parks.

Brian Cook

Brian was appointed to the position of Area Training and Support officer, Toowoomba in January 2007. Brian has been acting in this position for 3 ½ years and prior to this had a long career with Forestry. Brian has been employed with AAA engineering for a short time, assisting with the assembly of our rural appliances.

Paul Storrs

Paul has recently been appointed as Brigade Training and Support Officer in Toowoomba. Paul has been a Group Administrative and Training Officer with the Warwick Rural Fire Brigade Group and has also been employed with us as a Casual Training Officer for the past two years. Paul has also been an Officer in his local brigade.

Annette Lamb

Annette has been the Administrative Officer in the Toowoomba Office for the past 11 years. Prior to this she was a full-time Mum and this position was the start of her re-joining the workforce and has enjoyed working with us ever since.

Miles-Roma

Mike Smith

Mike was appointed to his current position of Area Director Miles/Roma in January 2007 and after being employed as a District Inspector Miles for a period of nine years. Prior to joining the Rural Fire Service, Mike worked in the IT industry and was the First officer of his local brigade on the coast prior to moving west.

Michael Patch

Michael was appointed as Area Training and Support Officer, Miles in January 2007. He has been supporting training delivery in the Toowoomba area as a casual training officer for the past couple of years and has been a fire warden and first officer of his local brigade.

Tracey Gibson

Tracey is the Administrative Officer at Miles Office, a position she has held for the past nine years.

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

Central Region UpdateAs is the case with many of the Regions, the Rural Operations

Enhancement Package has provided us with the opportunity to

bring on board many new members of the team. The new faces

in Central Region are:

John Fisher Regional Manager, Central Region

John has been a fire fighter in Victoria, NSW and the ACT over

more than 25 years and most recently was the Deputy Chief

Officer for the ACT RFS. Before that John held operational and

management roles in NSW Forests, NSW NPWS and the Victorian

Department of Conservation and Environment.

John has been actively engaged in large and small incident

management including oils spill response, whale strandings

and wildfires. He has been actively engaged in fire research,

on public and private land, developing ecologically sustainable

fire management regimes, new fire fighting technologies using

aircraft, compressed air foam and remote area teams. He has

also been responsible for sending teams from NSW and the ACT

to the USA as part of the ANZ_USA International deployments

and has led a number teams on these tours himself.

Fiona Quirk, Brigade Training and Support Officer, Mackay

Fiona has been Acting Brigade Training and Support Officer

in Mackay since November 2006. Fiona commenced with the

organisation in 2003 and held the position of Administrative

Officer in Mackay and has good knowledge and rapport with the

brigade members already. Fiona has previously worked as an

Associate Pastor, a Teachers Aide and an Insurance Broker and

brings a great deal of enthusiasm and energy to the job.

Naomi Scott, Brigade Training and Support Officer, Rockhampton

Naomi has been a QFRS volunteer firefighter since 1996 and

is actively involved in the Cooberrie Rural Fire Brigade where

her father Steve is the First Officer. In her role as a volunteer

firefighter, Naomi has regularly assisted to deliver training

within the Cooberrie Rural Fire Brigade and has earnt the respect

of staff and volunteers through her skill and dedication. Naomi

is actively involved in community events, including activities

such as the Annual Yeppoon and District Show and has a

Bachelor qualification of Biomedical Science and is currently

studying a major in Veterinary Technology through the Central

Queensland University.

Gavin Fryer, Area Training and Support Officer, Rockhampton

Gavin is currently the Acting Manager Community Safety with

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage �

Regional Updates

March 2007 Page �

Chris Artiemiew

Chris was appointed as Training Officer, Roma in 2002, which is the position he currently holds. Prior to this he held many position with Parks around Queensland and Ayres Rock and was a police dog handler with Australia Defense Force before this. Chris has also worked in Aboriginal communities around Queensland.

Col Neal

Col has recently been appointed as Brigade Training and Support Officer Roma. He has been acting in this position, as well as Training Officer positions in Miles and Roma over the past 12 months. Col is an Auxiliary Fire fighter at Roma and prior to Col joining Rural Operations he was employed at Marinoa Rural Management as a financial councilor.

Crows Nest Joint Operation CentreThe Honourable Pat Purcell MP Minister for Emergency Services officially opened the Crows Nest Joint Operations Centre on the 2nd December 2006.

This facility is a purpose built centre that will act as a local Incident Management Centre. The centre will be utilised by all Emergency Service personal in the shire for any type of emergency incident. Funds came from numerous community members and local businesses, Crows Nest and Toowoomba City Councils.

The Minister also presented the following medals and clasps.

National Medal & 1st Clasp – Neale Maddern, Pierces & Lower Emu Creek RFB

National Medal – David Parton, Pierces & Lower Emu Creek RFB

National Medal & 1st Clasp – Michael Patch, Pierces & Lower Emu Creek RFB

3rd Clasp – Geoffrey Patch, Pierces & Lower Emu Creek RFB

❚

❚

❚

Volunteers to StaffAs a result of the Rural Operations Enhancement Package, Rural Operations has had the opportunity to appoint many of our volunteers to positions within the organisation. Not only do these employees bring with them a range of backgrounds and experience, but they also bring a strong knowledge of our brigades and volunteers.

Rural operations are pleased to welcome onboard:

Andrew Allan – Brigade Training and Support Officer

Wayne Ford – Brigade Training and Support Officer

Naomi Scott – Brigade Training and Support Officer

Paul Storrs – Brigade Training and Support Officer

Anthony Stroud – Brigade Training and Support Officer

Neil Kelso – Area Training and Support Officer

Graham Andrew – Area Training and Support Officer

Michael Patch – Area Training and Support Officer

Gavin Fryer – Area Training and Support Officer

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

❚

CFA, Victoria, however prior to that, Gavin was in RFS and

has relieved as the District Inspector and District Training

Officer in Maryborough. Gavin has extensive experience in the

management of major fire incidents. Gavin was the 1st Officer

of the Glastonbury Rural Fire Brigade for 20 years and has

qualifications in training and business.

With the engagement of two new administrative staff in

Rockhampton the full team will be in place for Central Region.

Already the level of activity and engagement with volunteers

and Brigades has increased. The enhancement package will

allow Rural Operations to seriously improve the support to Rural

Brigades in Rockie, Emerald, Barcaldine and Mackay Areas.

A great example of Fire Education, this banner was created by children at Parkhurst State School to reflect a talk given to them by 3rd officer of the Nerimbera Rural Fire Brigade Trevor Caunt.

❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage 10

Grants

March 2007 Page 11

How grants can help your Rural Fire BrigadeThere are currently a number of grants available through government and private sector that Rural Fire Brigades are eligible to apply for to assist them in providing their services to the community.

The Gambling Community Benefit Fund is one grant that assists Queensland-based community organisations to provide services and activities within the local community. The purpose of this grant is to develop, strengthen and enhance the capacity of community organisations to provide community services and activities through one-off grants.

All brigades are eligible to apply to the Fund. The Fund requires brigades to forward applications through QFRS Rural Operations, with the support of the Assistant Commissioner, Rural Operations, as a sponsor. Before you apply for a grant through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund it is important you review the relevant Rural Fire Brigade Manual for further details.

The fund has four funding rounds per year with closing dates for applications being 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December. For more information on the Gambling Community Benefit Fund and for information on how to apply visit www.gcbf.qld.gov.au

The Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund (JCCBF) is another grant program rural fire brigades are eligible to apply for. The object of this Fund is to assist community organisations to maintain properties and premises and acquire essential equipment to help in their service delivery.

The JCCBF provides one-off grants to approved non-profit organisations. Guidelines and dates for the next round of grants have yet to be finalised however, more information is available at http://www.jccbf.org.au.

Unlink the Gaming Community Benefit Fund (GCBF), Jupiters deals directly with brigades. QFRS Rural Operations’ only role is to support the application and deal with any difficulties that arise after a grant is made. Once again it is important brigades review the relevant Rural Fire Brigade Manual, before applying for the grant.

Another grant that is particularly useful for Rural Fire Brigades is the Volunteer Small Equipment Grant. This grant provides up to $3,000 (GST inclusive) to help community organisations purchase equipment that directly supports volunteers whose work contributes to encouraging stronger families and communities.

Timing of the next Volunteer Small Equipment Grants round has yet to be confirmed however, more information is available at http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/aboutfacs/programs/communities-volunteering.htm

Other grants are available through both the Federal and State Governments. For more information on the variety of grants available visit http://grantslink.gov.au or http://www.qld.gov.au/grants

❚Technology Survival

Skills GrantIpswich Group Rural Fire Brigade has been successful in the

last funding round for the Technology Survival Skills Grant

funded through the Department of Works, Queensland.

The aim of the grant is to increase the level of information

and communication technology (ICT) skills within

Queensland by providing funding to support non-profit

organisations in delivering projects that enhance ICT skills

of people in the community who are disadvantaged in their

access to ICT training. This disadvantage may be due to,

but is not limited to, income level, location, age, gender or

disability.

Ipswich Group applied with the objective of up skilling

volunteers in Information Technology, especially those rural

volunteers who do not have ready access to computers and

the Internet. Part of the grant will subsidise two volunteers,

who have previous Information Technology Certificates, to

undertake Certificate IV Workplace Training and Assessing.

Once qualified they will join with the Group Training Team

to embark on a series of introductory lessons of both

computers and the internet, to the Brigade volunteers in

the nine rural brigades which make up Ipswich Group.

These sessions will be available for both active and support

members as we have proved the support members can be

valuable members for the IMT and ICC areas once trained in

a speciality area.

Skill sessions will be ongoing with advanced computer and

internet skills being delivered after the initial grant has

been expended. The skills development will also cover the

familiarisation of the computer generated forms used in the

Incident Control Centre.

This grant was applied for after talking with many of the

Brigade members who do not have access to a home

computer and do not feel comfortable using one, so we saw

this grant as a positive step to assist brigade members to

become computer savvy.

Ipswich Group has previously resourced Brigades with

second hand computers donated through Council and

Government and recently many brigades have upgraded

❚

their second hand computers, therefore training in the use

of the equipment is a vital part of the routine maintenance

for this asset.

We encourage all other Groups out there to look at the next

round of grants in 2007 as grants are up to $10,000. Reports

are a prerequisite of the application and all volunteers

taking part in the training will be required to take part in a

training evaluation form. Our project will be pretty tight in

the training field this year, but once initial two volunteers

have gained their Certificate IV in Workplace Training and

Assessment, the sessions will be ongoing yearly and part of

the Group Training program. At this point in time the trainers

will come from the members of Brigades who already have

Certificates in Information Technology.

Ipswich Group

Admin Officer

The contact address for the grant:

Senior Project Officer

Technology Survival Skills Program

Queensland Government Chief Information Officer

Department of Public Works

GPO Box 2457

Brisbane Qld 4001

A Joint Approach to Bushfire Research Bushfires are no newcomer to the Australian landscape but only in recent years have fire and land management agencies worked closely with researchers in a coordinated effort to better manage the bushfire risk.

The Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre is a partnership between 30 organisations across Australia and New Zealand. Queensland Fire and Rescue Service is a partner of the Bushfire CRC – along with fire and land management agencies, universities and Australian Federal Government agencies.

Bushfire CRC researchers are working within communities from Victoria’s western districts to Far North Queensland, the alpine regions of New South Wales and Victoria, to the Tasmanian forest regions, South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula and the tropical savannas of the north.

Since 2003 the Bushfire CRC has been looking at a broad range of topics including fire behaviour and suppression, fire as part of the natural landscape, fire weather, community self-sufficiency, firefighter safety and building protection.

Bushfire CRC chief executive officer Mr Kevin O’Loughlin said the formation of the CRC was a major step by the fire and land management agencies and research partners in Australia and New Zealand.

“It was a move towards a better understanding of the complex social, economic and environmental aspects of bushfires. The combination of partner resources and the Australian Government’s grant through the CRC program is a substantial investment in bushfire research.

“And already, this investment is having an impact. New decision support tools are being used in areas such as smoke management, aerial suppression, prescribed burning and fire weather forecasting. Important research has started on the role of fire in the high country. In tandem with researchers, fire and land agencies are gaining an insight into the way people face the bushfire threat.

“And industry is looking to the CRC for advice on better materials for building houses and other structures.”

The Bushfire CRC also has a responsibility to educate the general community as well as the next generation of fire researchers through training, knowledge networking, technology transfer, short courses, workshops and public forums.

Find out more about the Bushfire CRC at www.bushfirecrc.com

❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage 12

Arson Research

March 2007 Page 1�

What’s New

Don’t be a fool – change your smoke alarm batteryQueensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) and Duracell have joined forces in a major campaign to remind householders to regularly change their smoke alarm batteries.

Householders were reminded that the loud warning sound from a smoke alarm was often the difference between a devastating fire or family safety.

QFRS research shows that some 34 percent of householders in country areas are at risk of dying in a house fire because they do not have smoke alarms. Other households install the warning devices but do not maintain them.

Campaign organisers suggest householders choose an anniversary such as April 1 with their theme: “Don’t be a fool – change your smoke alarm battery on April 1”.

QFRS, Rural Operations, Assistant Commissioner Steve Rothwell said, “If occupants are asleep in their home, fires can start quietly and spread quickly. People will not hear or smell a fire and if they breathe in the smoke, they may never wake up.

“Our message is simple: only working smoke alarms save lives and that means changing the battery once a year and testing and cleaning alarms on a regular basis,” he said.

This year’s campaign comes with a significant change to state legislation requiring all homes and units throughout Queensland to be fitted with at least one smoke alarm by 1 July 2007.

One factor leading to the legislative decision was the research showing only 64.1 percent of people living in rural Queensland had operational smoke alarms. The state’s overall figure was 76 percent.

❚

Be Alarmed!Don’t be a fool!Change your smokealarm battery.

www.changeyourbattery.com.au

Sunday 1st of April, April Fools’ Day.

Only working smoke alarms save lives!Smoke Alarms Compulsory 1 July 2007

A community safety message from

What’s NewFire Investigation and Research

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service has over 110 Fire Scene Examiners trained to investigate fire scenes and determine the causes of fires - both accidental and malicious.

This process includes testing any electrical/gas appliances or other items that are believed to be responsible for starting fires. Information on how fires start is used to help prevent recurrence of fires by educating the community and helping to remove dangerous products from the market.

The Fire Investigation Bulletin Board has been established to provide information on products considered to pose a fire hazard. To view this information simply visit http://www.fire.qld.gov.au/about/bb.asp

Current Research Projects - Fire Database The Fire Investigation and Research Section is currently involved in a major new research project set to reduce the number of fire deaths and injuries in Queensland.

The project will mean the QFRS has comprehensive and accurate information regarding how and why fires started, and how injuries, deaths and property loss could have been avoided.

The project will investigate events leading up to major fires, such as what people were doing when the fire started and whether they had previously installed smoke alarms, as well as details about people involved in the fire, such as age, ethnicity, and living arrangements.

This research will enable the us to better assess fire safety programs and determine improvements that can be made.

The new research program has been developed with assistance from the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland.

❚

❚

❚

A survey of arson prevention and intervention programs in Australia.

Researchers are currently conducting a survey of Australian programs that target deliberate fire-setting in order to determine how they operate, who they target, and how well they work. The aim is to develop a database of programs to improve networking and knowledge-sharing among practitioners and those involved in preventing such crimes.

Identifying Best Practice in Bushfire Arson investigation

The initial phase, a National Roundtable with bushfire arson investigators, was held in Canberra in October 2006. In attendance were representatives from fire and police services and land management agencies. The aim of the roundtable was to highlight future areas for research.

Further Research

A number of additional research activities are planned, including:

· An examination of the offending histories and characteristics of those charged with arson;

· A survey of policies and procedures of fire services for identifying applicants who are at risk of being arsonists, with a view to developing best-practice guidelines; and

· Initial work on economic modelling of arson.

About the project

The Bushfire Arson Project (Project C3) is being conducted by Damon Muller and Colleen Bryant at the Australian Institute of Criminology, in conjunction with the ACT Department of Justice and Community Safety.

The Bushfire Arson Bulletin, the Bushfire Arson literature review, conference

presentations and research posters on this project can be found at: www.bushfirecrc.com

❚

❚

❚

❚

Bushfire Arson CRC An investigation into bushfire arson: researchers are finding out how to reduce the deliberate lighting of bushfires

Bushfires can be started by a range of causes. Some are natural, some accidental and some are deliberately lit for malicious reasons.

The Bushfire CRC’s Bushfire Arson Project aims to provide the research outputs that will help reduce deliberate and negligent fire lighting in Australian bushland environments.

The project is being conducted by researchers at the Australian Institute of Criminology in conjunction with the ACT Department of Justice and Community Safety. The project has produced the report Bushfire Arson: A Review of the Literature, and continues to a produce monthly Bushfire Arson Bulletin, a concise one-page summary of current issues in arson.

Current Projects The Bushfire Arson Project is engaged in a number of research activities focusing on specific areas of arson. Current research projects include:

A spatial and temporal analysis of bushfires in Australia.

Data on bushfires over a number of years have been collected from agencies in each jurisdiction, in order to identify trends in fires, and to put bushfires into context. Some initial findings from these analyses have been presented at Bushfire CRC conferences in 2006, however a considerably more detailed report is due to be published in early 2007.

Early findings include:

· It is likely that 30-50% of all fires are the result of deliberate fire setting, although in some areas it may be as high as 80%.

· Bushfires are more likely to be deliberately lit on a weekend rather than a weekday.

· Most fires occur in daylight hours, with deliberately lit fires peaking between 3-4pm.

· There is an additional spike in arson around midnight, mostly Friday and Saturday night.

· Regions that incorporate a metropolitan or major regional centre have a higher frequency of deliberate lightings.

❚

❚

❚

Equipment updateAny staff or volunteers undertaking community education sessions or providing information to residents on installation of new water tanks should be aware that the best option for residents who are installing a cam lock on their tanks for use by Rural Brigades, is to install a male cam lock, as it is compatible with hoses on the new trucks.

Residents who already have a female cam lock on their tanks will not need to replace it as most brigades carry adaptors however male cam locks are recommended for any new tanks.

❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage 14

Australia Day Honour

March 2007 Page 1�

Rural Research and Training

“Particularly at the moment when we are experiencing extreme drought and climate change. Besides, one day the house Len saves might be mine.”

Mark said from an organisational perspective, they are able to manage Len’s commitment to the RFS very well.

“Fortunately, the way the company runs means it is standard practice to make time available for people not being here for sick leave etc. Because of this we are able to cover Len’s absences when he is called out for an emergency.

“It is only something we need to consider during peak fire season, which is three or four months of the year.”

King Springs understands the important role Len plays in these incidents and believes the commitment the company is making is small in the grand scheme of things.

“A lot of people don’t realise the people in these brigades are volunteers, most of whom have full-time jobs. They give up their weekends and evenings to not only undergo the necessary training requirements, but to run the brigades as well.

“There are a huge amount of administrative issues to deal with and most brigades receive only a small amount of their necessary funding from council levies and subsidies. Most of the money they require comes from their own fundraising.

“Compared to this it is not a big ask for a company to give up a few days when volunteers are putting so much on the line and giving so much of their own time. Obviously for smaller businesses there is a financial burden that comes with letting staff go for several days however, there are also a lot of benefits in having employees involved with volunteering organisations such as RFB.

“For example Len has received qualifications in leadership and management as part of his work with the Rural Fire Brigades, and naturally this benefits him and our organisation.

“We are proud to be able to support Len in his work. Obviously he is doing great things, as is evidenced by him receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal.”

Head Office / Kedron - Rural Research & Training Team Structure❚

Congratulations & best wishes to;

Tim McGuffog – now Deputy Chief of ACT Rural

Jenny Webster-Hancock – now enjoying “active“ retirement

Tania Phillps – also enjoying “active” retirement

Thank you each for your wonderful contribution to the QFRS Rural Operations and to the Volunteers

ACRO Steve Rothwell

Director RR&T(Previously

Tim McGuffog)

Manager Rural Training – DeliveryWinston Williams

Training Resource Officer

Corey Bock

Manager Research & DevelopmentFergus Adrian

Training Resource Officer

Murray Drain

Manager Rural Training – Product

DevelopmentAndrew Hopkins

Desktop Publisher (Previously Jenny Webster-Hancock)

Admin SupportKaylene Sticklen

RFS Volunteer honoured with the Australian Fire Service MedalOn Australia Day 2007, Rural Fire Brigade volunteer Len Jeavons was awarded with Australian Fire Service Medal, which recognises distinguished services by members of Australian fire services.

Len received this award for outstanding dedication and commitment to protecting Gold Coast communities from the impacts of bushfire. To receive this award as a volunteer is a huge feat. Each year one award is given for each 5,000 volunteer or auxiliary members of the fire service or combined fire services of each state. This year, there were only three recipients from Queensland and Len was the only volunteer to receive the honour.

This award was a truly deserved honour for Len, who has over 35 years experience with rural brigades, having begun his association in NSW, and continuing it with the RFS after moving to Queensland.

Len has been the Chairman of the Lower Beechmont Rural Brigade for 20 years, the Group Officer of the Gold Coast for 7 years and has been heavily involved in volunteer training for 13.

As group officer for Gold Coast Len is responsible for coordinating the rural brigades response to fires. Experience such as Len’s is invaluable when fighting fires however, he also plays an essential role in coordinating resources and people.

Not only is Len responsible for coordinating the response to fires, he is responsible for many of the administrative issues such as reviewing the disbursement of rural fire levies amongst Gold Coast Brigades and volunteer recruitment.

Len has also played a pivotal role in the development of the Gold Coast Bushfire Management Strategy and works with other Emergency Response organisations to provide assistance to the local community in times of need.

“I always say to people you can put in what you can put in. You can put in 50 hours or you can put in two.

“Obviously most of our volunteers work full-time, so their available time is limited.

“The only way I have been able to contribute to the community in this capacity is with the support of my employer King Springs.”

His employer Mark King, Managing Director of King Springs, has always been happy to support Len, understanding the importance of what he does.

“The service provided by Rural Fire Brigades benefits the whole community” Mark said.

❚

New Training Trailer and Fire SimulatorIn the last edition of the bulletin, I was able to inform you of the development of a fire simulator and a trailer. The development of both the simulator and the trailer is almost complete. With the engineering expertise of AAA engineering, the simulator is now mounted on a trolley, making it very easy to transport and move around. The trolley carries all of the tools and equipment you need to operate the simulator, so that it can be taken out of the trailer and pushed hundreds of meters away (if needed) to the location where the demonstration will be conducted.

The Trailer has also been improved so it now has three distinct functions. Firstly, and most importantly, it is the trailer that will transport the simulator around. It also has the ability to be a fully self sufficient training trailer, so that the trailer can be towed to the training event and the PowerPoint or the video can be played from the trailer. And last but not least, we have designed it so that it can be taken to shopping centres, local shows or fund raising events, and be used as a promotional trailer that includes brochure displays and a full PA system.

We are now developing a training video to assist in the use of the trailer and creating some scenarios for the simulator. It is expected that there will be a trailer and simulator made for each area (district) over the next 12 months, so that it can be made available for staff and volunteer firefighters to utilise to enhance their current training and understanding of wildfires.

Corey Bock A/Manager Planning and Research

❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage 1�

Rural Research and Training

March 2007 Page 17

Incident Controller – Crew Leader – Level 1 Wildfire Last year saw the introduction of the Role Based Training package “Incident Controller – Crew Leader – Level 1 Wildfire” course. The feedback from the members to the Minister indicated that it has been very well received.

The course (covers a range of topics) starts on a Friday night and concludes Sunday afternoon. Essentially it covers everything from the moment an alarm is raised, to working through the process of managing the incident, to recommissioning the equipment used. A few extras are thrown in for good measure just to keep it realistic and improve relevance.

Management strategies and tactics concentrate on utilizing tools and resources to manage a level 1 incident – these processes were applied during the Cyclone Larry Deployment in 2006. The course program fills each day with periods of delivery and tabletop scenario exercises along with field based practical activities; the days seem long (and they are) however nearly all participants report that the results have been well worth the effort.

Some of the things done on the Incident Controller – Crew Leader - Level 1 Wildfire Course

❚

The FDRG is also intended to assist Fire Wardens in knowing about the forthcoming weather each day, so the information will assist in determining the appropriate conditions on the permit or give sound advise to landholders.

The FDRG has an outlook over the next four days so that it gives fire agencies sufficient warning of the weather ahead of time. Currently the map is created by down loading weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology across 33 weather stations around the state. In December last year, we were

Planning and ResearchThe planning and research area has been very busy and currently has three major projects underway to ensure that Rural Operations stays at the forefront of the industry. The three projects are:

· Fire Warden Review

· Curing Project

· FDRG Enhancement

Fire Warden ReviewThe object of the review is to place QFRS as the lead agency in control of the use of fire and to ensure that the responsible use of fire is maintained for the future with consideration to local, national and global influences and challenges. The review will bring the Fire Warden, Permit to Light Fire process and use of fire to the forefront and provide inspiration for future long-term directions.

Two workshops involving Fire Wardens, Government fire agency personnel, RFBAQ and QRFS operational staff were conducted and the outcomes used to develop the review’s framework.

The topics being addressed are;

· Communication Systems and Support

· Land use associated with fire

· Community Education and Interaction

· Fire Use and Alternatives

· Legislation

· Permit to Light Fire process

· Fire Bans/Fire Restrictions

The review time frames are;

· January to June 2007 (25 weeks) – Research, findings and recommendations

· July to December 2007 (26 weeks) – Review and Development of manuals, knowledge reference network (CRC Knowledge Network) – Enhancement of training resource kits (TRK’s) delivery methodologies and up skilling of Rural Operation Training delivery staff and community education content.

· January to June 2008 (26 weeks) – Roll out of training to Fire Warden/Chief Fire warden – based on prioritory risk and development of community education awareness programs with different presentation formats.

As a part of the vital research that needs to be carried out, a fire warden survey is currently being developed. The survey is expected to be sent to all fire wardens – and will be conducted in partnership with the Bushfire CRC Program D

❚

❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage 1�

Rural Research and Training

March 2007 Page 1�

– Enhancing Volunteerism. The survey is aimed towards the changing interaction between the fire warden, the brigade, the community, QFRS, legislative requirements and reviewing ongoing challenges for the role. Rural Operations encourages all fire wardens to participate in the survey so that accurate information can be captured to assist in developing processes, programs and community education material that meets the needs of our people.

Curing ProjectRural Operations are able to assist the Bureau of Meteorology each week by providing them with accurate information about the fuel curing rates around Queensland. This information is vital to all fire agencies as it is a key component in calculating a fire danger index which in turn assists firefighters in managing fire in Queensland.

In partnership with the Bushfire CRC, we are currently conducting trials in measuring fuel curing rates that incorporates different species of grasses using new scientific methods. The new method requires a testing site that is no less than 1km square in size that represents an average fuel loading and fuel type throughout the area. Pegs are placed in the ground and fuel curing measurements are conducted on the site every two weeks. The information is then tabled and sent to scientists and the site is plotted on an aerial satellite map. Conceptually the colour on the map is then registered as representing a given percentage cured that was identified by on site measuring.

If this process is able to accurately represent the curing rate of vegetation, eventually we will be able to identify the curing rates by an identified colour on a map. This will assist us in identifying high risk areas and enable us to develop a risk management strategy prior to the event occurring. For this research to be effective, we are required to measure the curing rate over several areas across Queensland.

We are looking for Fire Wardens / Firefighters to assist us in measuring the curing rate of grass lands in areas across Queensland. It will involve a little bit of training and some equipment, however this contribution will assist all fire fighting and land management agencies across Queensland. If you would like to be a part of this new research, please contact the Manager Planning and Research on 3247 8121.

Fire Danger Rating Graphics (FDRG) Enhancement:The Fire Danger Rating Graphics (FDRG) is a collective visual illustration, that was produced for the last fire season, to quickly show the Fire Danger Rating for each shire in Queensland. The FDRG has become one of the instruments that helps determine the Wildfire Alert Level (WAL) in each region. The illustration is in the form of a map and is published on the Rural Fires website each day.

❚

❚

able to obtain weather information from a further 48 weather stations, enabling information to come from a total of 81 sites across the state. Part of the enhancement is to fully automate the graphic display so that the information is automatically gathered and turned into a map and a spread sheet, so that it can be accurately displayed on the web the same time each day. Currently the map is created manually, and is very time consuming.

Narrabri TaskforceI am currently a support member of Marburg District Rural Fire Brigade and have been for nearly five years.

In 2005 I attended Incident Management Training (IMT) provided by Ipswich Group Rural Fire Brigade. As my area of skill is administrative rather than active fire fighting, IMT has allowed me to be more involved in brigade activities other than administrative duties.

Previously I was able to use my IMT skills in Cairns, assisting in the aftermath of Cyclone Larry, and more recently I was thrilled to be part of Taskforce 72, that was sent to Narrabri in December 2006.

Being part of the Taskforce was a fantastic experience. I met some wonderful people and I continue to maintain contact with some of those new found friends. Not only was it an opportunity to put into practice the skills I had learnt at IMT, as logistic administrative support for the Queensland rural fire fighters, it was also an opportunity to work alongside others with a wide range of skills and experience.

The Queensland logistics team consisted of myself and the Team Leader Steve Hallam, and together we liaised with personnel from NSW Fires as well as Parks and Wildlife, we supported and liaised on behalf of the Queensland contingent and SOCC through SMEACS, provided reports and other administrative process and conducted the ‘hot’ debrief on the return coach journey.

As part of the taskforce I heard daily about the fire risks and the skills of the fire fighters and I continue to be impressed by their abilities.

IMT is an opportunity for support members to be actively involved in their brigade without being an active fire fighter. It is great to be part of a team working towards a common goal.

For anyone who may be considering it, I can only say how pleased I am to have become IMT trained and be able to put those skills and support into action. Thanks to everyone who made the Taskforce an experience to remember and I look forward to seeing you on other occasions.

Dana Farrell Treasurer Marburg District Rural Fire Brigade

❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage 20

Our Volunteers Our Brigades

March 2007 Page 21

Hodzic Road light attack vehicle presentationIt is Saturday the 16th of September. I leave Cairns, head up the Kuranda Range winding my way to the top. I continue on towards Mareeba. After passing through Mareeba I feel like I am on my way to the Cape. Past the ‘burbs and into the hinterlands. As the tell tale signs of society disappear I am getting nearer to my destination. A dirt road veers off to the right marked by a street sign, possibly to make the residents feel like they are a part of the neighbouring town, (which they are). How do I know this? Well I have had the pleasure of joining the local brigade on several occasions battling the wildfires that annually erupt in the Mareeba and surrounding areas.

Is Hodzic Road RFB an ordinary brigade I ask myself? Yes, it is like so many others, in that it’s many constituents devote their little bit of spare time helping their communities be a safer place, sacrificing time which would normally be spent with family and friends. But not only are they ordinary they are extra ordinary as well. When I first made contact with this brigade they had a few rakes, some PPE and a few run down jalopies, which were used as fire appliances. The local urban service relies heavily on this brigade to battle the wild fires from year to year. The Hodzic Rurals also access resources from the urban service such as, gaining assistance when fire is a threat to rural structures. ‘You scratch my back I’ll scratch yours’ is an understanding that has served this community well.

I turn down the dusty track and start to read the ever familiar rural markers that mark the drive ways. I continue down Hodzic Rd. past the venue. I am early so I want to breathe in the familiar sites. I return to the drive marked 546, turning in I notice the vehicles. There are the distinguished shinny vehicles which must be the local dignitaries, there are the marked cars of QFRS, there are the everyday vehicles covered in dust which

❚ belong to this part of the world and most important is the little yellow truck, shinny and brand spanking new, glowing with the pride of the brigade.

I am greeted with smiles and handshakes, laughter and speech. The Mayor, councillors, distinguished guests but most importantly the volunteer officers, the Secretary, Treasurer, Chairperson, fundraisers and members all as important as each other, all cogs in the wheel. The wheel will turn smoothly this is why all are there. Proud, so they should be, because without each and every one of them the Rural Fire Service would be unable to operate. The ceremony is short and sweet, tea, coffee, scones and a bit of social interaction. I leave the truck hand over with a warm feeling, that I have been treated like family, a friend not just another bureaucrat. I feel honoured to have joined this brigade this Saturday and will never forget each and every one of our volunteers. They are such a vital resource, so should be treated with utmost esteem and respect.

Jamie Haskell ATSIC Training Officer Cairns

The Mt Mee Rural Fire Brigade and the Mt Mee Craft Club organised a special Christmas treat for the kids in the district, who received a surprise visit from Santa and Blazer.

❚

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service were proud to recently honour the three surviving founding members of the Cedar Creek Wolffdene Rural Fire Brigade. Royce Watt, Jim Davison and Cliff Buchbach were honoured for their contribution to the Brigade, which was gazetted in 1964, by having a truck named after each of them. ❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage 22

Our Volunteers Our Brigades

March 2007 Page 2�

Extras

Divisional Commander, appropriate sectors within the Divisions were established with allied sector commanders.

Four QPWS light response units (400 litre), two medium response units (1000 litre) and one heavy response (3000 litre) were in attendance throughout the exercise, additional QPWS staff were allocated to IMT duties. Up to ten RFS units and allied fire fighters were present during the exercise. These units were a combination of light and medium attack vehicles. RFS also supplied an Emergency Support Unit (ESU) vehicle, which provided excellent radio communications equipment. The ESU also provided other equipment in support of the functions of the IMT. A Jet Ranger helicopter was used for aerial incendiary work in remote areas of the Park during the early ignition stages of the exercise.

The exercise provided an excellent opportunity for Parks staff to use and be involved in the operation of the Incident Management System. Many Parks personnel in the Savanna district have only a theoretical knowledge of the System and few have been involved in its practical application on a fire or other emergency situation. One of the values of an exercise such as Mount Kinduro is that staff can become involved in the Incident Management Team in a way that maximises learning and experience opportunities whilst operating in the reasonably controlled environment of a prescribed burn activity.

Interaction amongst QPWS and RFS members was an important element of the exercise. The exchange of information, techniques and ideas between the organisations was a feature of the operation of the IMT and of general fire ground activities. QPWS acknowledges the significant support received from the RFS (Thuringowa Group) during this exercise and during other fire management activities throughout Paluma Range National Park in the past.

Tim Devlin Ranger in Charge Paluma Range National Park

Joint QPWS and RFS fire exerciseOn the weekend of 26 & 27 August 2006 a joint fire exercise was conducted between the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and RFS (Rural Fire Service, Thuringowa Group).

The burn proposal involved 1,600 hectares of national park surrounding Mount Kinduro, approximately five kilometres north of Rollingstone (Rollingstone is approximately 60 kilometres north of Townsville). This area of park was chosen because it provided a range of useful training opportunities, it involved burning near residential structures, telecommunications infrastructure, grazing land, the Bruce Highway and the nearby community of Rollingstone.

The exercise had the following objectives:

· Introduce, train and familiarise QPWS staff and RFS volunteers with the Incident Management System (IMS) in accordance with the Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System (AIIMS).

· Establish and operate an Incident Management Team (IMT).

· Strengthen communication and professional links between RFS and QPWS personnel.

· Work on an interagency basis on a real fire situation.

· Provide training and assessment opportunities for RFS and QPWS staff in a range of fire fighting activities.

· Complete an approved fire proposal for Paluma Range National Park.

An Incident Management Team (IMT) was established about ten kilometres from the fire ground at the Mutarnee Community Centre. A level three IMT was established. The burn area was divided into Western Division and Eastern Division, each with a

❚ March Edition 07Important Dates and Upcoming Community Events

QFRS Regional Firefighting Competitions

24th and 25th March – QFRS Brisbane Regional Firefighting Competition

31st March and 1st April – QFRS South West Regional Firefighting Competition

21st and 22nd April – QFRS North Coast Regional Firefighting Competition

28th and 29th April – QFRS South East Regional Firefighting Competition

12th and 13th May – QFRS Northern Regional Firefighting Competition

19th and 20th May – QFRS Far Northern Regional Firefighting Competition

26th and 27th May – QFRS Central Regional Firefighting Competition

(for more information on the regional firefighting competitions visit www.fire.qld.gov.au/news/whatson/qfc/ )

Other important community dates14 April – National Youth Week http://www.youthweek.com/

29 April – Heart Week http://www.heartfoundation.com.au/index.cfm?page=243

1 May - Jelly Baby Month (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) http://www.jdrf.org.au/JellyBabyMonth.html

11 May – Loud Shirt Day (Deaf Children’s Charities across Australia) http://www.loudshirtday.com.au/

14 – 20 May – National Volunteering Week http://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/html/s02_article/article_view.asp?id=2455&nav_cat_id=-1&nav_top_id=-1

24 May – Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea http://www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/content.cfm?randid=588063

3 – 10 June – Queensland Week http://www.premiers.qld.gov.au/awardsevents/events/queenslandweek/

29 June – Red Nose Day http://www.rednoseday.com.au/

26, 27, 28 July – 2007 Queensland Firefighter Championships

❚

❚

Useful Websites2007 Australasian Education and Fire Awareness Conference in May visit: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre www.bushfirecrc.com

Gambling Community Benefit Fund www.gcbf.qld.gov.au

Jupiters Casino Benefit Fund www.jccbf.org.au

Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs www.facsia.gov.au

Volunteering Queensland www.volqld.org.au

FeedbackI would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Jade Adams and I recently started with Rural Operations in the Role of Marketing and Promotions Officer. One of the aims of Rural Operations in 2007 is to try and make our Bulletin magazine more of a resource for you, our volunteers.

To help us achieve this, it would be great to get your feedback on the magazine, to find out what you want or need from the magazine to assist you in your role. You may have suggestions for articles or suggestions for regular sections and updates or, you may believe there is information currently being published is not of value to you in your role as a rural brigade member.

Feedback can be provided to me on email jadams@emergency.qld.gov.au or by phoning 3247 8126.

I look forward to hearing from you.

❚

❚

Rural Fires BulletinPage 24

Contact Details for District Offices

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the RFS Bulletin are not necessarily those of the QFRS, which does not necessarily endorse products and/or services advertised. The attention of advertisers is drawn to the Trade Practices Act, 1974, and the provisions in the Act which apply to advertising. The QFRS reserves the right to refuse any advertisement without stating a reason.

❚

OFFICE PHONE FAX

Northern Region

Maryborough Area Office Ph: 4190 4840 Fax: 4190 4853

Bundaberg Area Office Ph: 4153 3244 Fax: 4151 2166

Caloundra Area Office Ph: 5420 1333 Fax: 5420 1339

South West Region

Toowoomba Area Office Ph: 4616 1572 Fax: 4616 1595

Miles Area Office Ph: 4627 1658 Fax: 4627 1709

Roma Area Office Ph: 4622 2074 Fax: 4622 1451

South East Region

Ipswich Area Office Ph: 3202 1444 Fax: 3202 1449

Brisbane Region

Caboolture Area Office Ph: 5420 1333 Fax: 5420 1339

Far Northern Region

Cairns Area Office Ph: 4039 8240 Fax: 4039 8647

Innisfail Area Office Ph: 4061 0650 Fax: 4061 0651

Northern Region

Townsville Area Office Ph: 4799 7183 Fax: 4799 7184

Charters Towers Area Office Ph: 4787 8213 Fax: 4787 4708

Cloncurry Area Office Ph: 4742 2358 Fax: 4742 2359

Central Region

Mackay Area Office Ph: 4965 6645 Fax: 4965 6640

Barcaldine Area Office Ph: 4651 1190 Fax: 4651 1803

Emerald Area Office Ph: 4892 0001 Fax: 4982 0411

Rockhampton Area Office Ph: 4938 4736 Fax: 4922 2768