Post on 28-Dec-2015
transcript
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