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n Hot Weekend n Burning Rubber n Road Rescue Championships n Preserving our History Fire ground winter 2012
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Page 1: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

n Hot Weekend

n Burning Rubber

n Road Rescue Championships

n Preserving our History

Firegroundwinter 2012

Page 2: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

4 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Contents

Official Journal of The Tasmania Fire Service

CHIEF OFFICER and CHAIRMAN of the STATE FIRE COMMISSION Mike Brown

COMMISSION MEMBERS Bruce Corbett, Paul Kingston, Dale Rayner, Lyndsay Suhr, Rod Sweetnam,

Carmel Torenius

EDITORS Ann Hunt and Adrian Lacey EDITORIAL FIREGROUND, GPO Box 1526, HOBART TAS 7001

Email: [email protected] Web: www.fire.tas.gov.au

The opinions expressed in FIREGROUND are not necessarily those of the State Fire Commission

Published by Tasmania Fire Service Printed by MarkMedia 1 Sunderland Street, MOONAH ISSN 0727-6087

WINTER 2012

Printed on Monza Satin recycled paper (55% recycled - 30% pre consumer, 25% post-consumer & FSC certified pulp), with environmentally friendly vegetable ink.

8

5

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Cover photo Road Rescue Championships Photographer: Warren Frey

From the Chief Officer 1Hot Weekend! 2Smoking Grass 5Burning Rubber - the Longford Tyre Depot Fire 6State Fire Commission Budgets 7Fire at Powranna 8Landmark Fires at New Norfolk 9Fire Takes its Toll 10Burning Butter Causes $50,000 Fat Fire 11TFS Family Support Fund 12The Challenge of Saving Lives 14FireComm Audio Console System Replacement 20Fire Services Support Muscular Dystrophy 21Hefty Investment in Heavy Tankers 22Ooh ... Aah ... Glenn McGrath 23First Open Day a Mountain of Success 23Rokeby Community Day 24Great Balls of Fire 24Welcome Peter Middleton 25Snug and Warmly Prepared 26Fire Destroys Coningham Home 27Have a Pootle Around Moodle 28Redpa Training Exercise 28Burning Down the House 29Action at Work Leads to Better Health 29What You Don’t Tell Us, Could Hurt You 30Matt’s in the Hot Seat 32Laurie’s Laurels 32Jezza Retires after 38 Years 33Chuck Goes ‘Troppo’ 33Keeping it in the Family at Triabunna 34Vale 35Bungy Bounces into Retirement 36FireComm Legend Calls it a Day 36Preserving our Rich History 37Not Just Blue Skies and Green Hills in Seattle 42Spotlight on Bushfire Research 42News from Community Education 43Having a Ball 44Opening Doors to Our History 45Gongs Galore 46Australian Fire Service Medal 46National Medal and Clasps 47Length of Service Awards 48Volunteer Awards 49Carrick’s Kim takes Parssey Memorial 50HOFM Volunteer of the Year 51Jock Gets Just Reward 51Veronica Puts the Wow in Wesley Vale 52Lyndy’s Strong Voice for Volunteers 52Recruits Reward Campania Campaign 53Awards 54Library News 55Photo Gallery 56Photo Competition Winner 58On the Move 59Letters 60

Page 3: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

1FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

MICHAEL BROWN

From the Chief Officer

I’ve just returned from Cambridge where I welcomed our 12 new trainee

firefighters to the TFS family. I have done this a few times over the years and I find I often reflect on my own first day at work (also at Cambridge) about 35 years ago.

Aside from the same venue, everything

else is so very much different. Over

the 15-week course the trainees will be

provided with high quality and intense

training involving all facets of firefighting

and rescue, along with a range of

other subject areas around community

fire safety, our values, teamwork,

communications, fire agency awareness,

safety, managing diversity etc.

We all look forward to October when the

trainees graduate from their ‘Cambridge

Education’ to commence work in our

regions.

While acknowledging our recent arrivals

it’s also important to note the retirement

over the next couple of months of two of

our most senior and long serving officers.

Regional Chief North West John Streets

and Regional Chief South Tony Davidson

both depart with distinguished career

records and have both been instrumental

in shaping the fire service into the great

organisation we have today.

John will be enjoying many outback

travels in his 4X4 and Tony will no doubt

spend more time on a different set of

tools, skilfully renovating his heritage

property.

An item on both John and Tony’s careers

and retirement will feature in the next

edition of Fireground. I’d like to take

this opportunity though to thank them

on behalf of all TFS members for their

service, dedication and support.

Our bushfire situation has been relatively

quiet for a couple of years (not counting

that extraordinary hot weekend last

February). But as I write I note the

Bureau of Meteorology is suggesting

a shift towards El Nino patterns for

southern Australia. While it’s still too

early to predict, this may lead to drier

and warmer conditions later in the year.

More on that at our pre-season briefings

this October/November. See you there.

In closing, I know, and I’m really

pleased to hear, that many of you have

undertaken the Supportive Brigades

program and (as I have) the Fireline

Leadership course as part of our long-

term TFS Leadership Strategy.

The Executive Leadership Team has

commenced another element of

the strategy in personal leadership

development and coaching. This has been

a great and enlightening experience and,

personally, very beneficial. The same

program will be extended to managers

and district officers in the near future.

More than 250 TFS ‘front line’ leaders

have now completed the Fireline

Leadership course over the past year or

so. Feedback has been very positive.

If you are asked to attend I suggest you

take my advice (and that of 250 converts)

and do all you can to get there.

Michael BrownChief Officer

Page 4: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

2 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Southern Region arrangements for 25 and 26 February By Acting Deputy Regional Chief, South, Mark Dobson

Saturday, 25 February, this year was forecast to be warm, dry and windy, particularly across southern

Tasmania.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicted fire danger ratings in the Derwent Valley and the South East forecast districts to exceed Very High 38 – which meant there were at least three stations expected to hit the trigger point to instigate a Total Fire Ban for the entire Southern Region.

The ban was declared, and a number of other arrangements were also put in place, in preparation for significant bushfire activity, including the activation of an Incident Management Team (IMT).

This concept is certainly not new. However, since the devastating 2009 ‘Black Saturday’ bushfires in Victoria, there is a heightened level of awareness in relation to planning for these events.

So what did the Southern Region have in place on 25 February?

Well, we already know that many TFS volunteers choose to standby at their stations more often than not when high fire danger conditions are predicted, even though this is not a requirement.

We also know that there are a number of career stations in and around Hobart that are staffed 24/7.

But what else was happening behind the scenes? The answer is: plenty!

A Level 3 IMT was arranged (level 3 encompassing multi-agency personnel – TFS, Parks & Wildlife Service and Forestry Tasmania), however the IMT structure many have become accustomed to in the past has changed significantly in recent times.

Hot Weekend!

Helitack 721 waterbombing at Meadowbank Vineyard property, Sunday, 26 Feb 2012. Photographer: John McLeod

Page 5: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

3FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

In addition to having an Incident Controller, Operations, Planning and Logistics Officers looking after the four traditional functional roles, the IMT on 25 February was bolstered considerably with the inclusion of staff in the following positions:

•DeputyIncidentController

•PublicInformationOfficer

•DeputyOperationsOfficer

•AirOperationsOfficer

•AirAttackSupervisor

•SafetyAdvisor

•DivisionalCommander

•ThreeSectorCommanders

•ResourceUnitLeader

•SituationUnitLeader

•InformationandWarningsUnitLeader

•MediaUnitLeader

•CateringandSupplyUnitLeader

•TwoAdministrationOfficers

We also activated two strike teams, consisting of five appliances each, and had them staged at the Anglesea and Derwent Barracks – each under the command of a Strike Team Leader and the control of a Staging Area Manager.

Representatives from our emergency management partner agencies in the State – Tasmania Police, Ambulance Tasmania and the State Emergency Service - participated in regular IMT briefings at our Regional Control Centre located at Cambridge, and our district staff kept a watching brief ‘in their patch’.

We were ready!So what happened? It got hot - 38.8 degrees! It was dry - relative humidity 12%. It was windy - 60 km/h from the north!

All this was a recipe for a maximum fire danger rating of Severe 68, recorded at Ouse at around 2.00pm.

Eventually, at around 20 minutes past three, a vegetation fire was reported at Lake Meadowbank not far from Ellendale in the Derwent Valley.

New Norfolk Fire Brigade female members taking a well earned rest after the Meadowbank fire: (left to right) Kim Boxall, Shirley Triffitt and Maryanne Shearing.

Page 6: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

4 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

The IMT immediately swung into action, as did a number of local volunteer brigades, our Divisional and Sector Commanders and the medium firefighting helicopter.

Purely by chance, an off-duty station officer from Hobart happened to be at the lake that day and was able to take a photo of the developing fire and send it to the IMT via email, so even before we had TFS resources on-site, we knew what we were dealing with.

The fire threatened a number of homes and other properties that afternoon, but thankfully no major structural losses were recorded and, more importantly, no lives were lost, largely due to the efforts of our firefighters.

By nightfall, almost 280 hectares had been burnt.

On the following day, high fire danger ratings were again forecast and this proved to be correct with a rating of Severe 74 recorded at Bushy Park during the afternoon.

The fire ‘took a run’ on that Sunday (26 February) and at one point spot fires were recorded approximately 1.6 km ahead of the main fire front.

The small township of Karanja, just east of Westerway, came under direct threat later in the afternoon.

The fire boundary was mapped first thing on Monday (27 February) and was calculated at 5060 hectares – an increase of 4780 hectares!

Of course it wasn’t the only significant fire reported on that weekend in the Southern Region – a large bushfire was also attended by TFS firefighting crews on Victoria Valley Road, Ouse – some 20 km north of Lake Meadowbank which burnt almost 400 hectares.

This, as well as 88 other incidents reported in the South alone, certainly kept our crews very busy during the 48-hour period.

As the next bushfire season looms, we can all be assured that TFS will continue to undertake significant planning for the inevitable – major bushfires.

We have learnt a number of lessons following the Lake Meadowbank incident and one of those was the importance of providing timely and accurate communication to all of our people, in terms of the arrangements we will have in place on days of Total Fire Ban. MD

Meadowbank alight. Photo courtesy of Station Officer Stewart McKinlay.

Page 7: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

Smoking Grass By District Officer, Northern Region, Ian Bounds

5FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Local brigades responded to a grass fire on a property outside Evandale shortly before 2.00pm on Friday, 20 January.

The fire had escaped from an unattended incinerator and, with the warm conditions at the time, quickly escalated, driven by strong, gusting northerly winds across open grassland and gorse.

Crews initially defended several properties, with both residential and farm buildings coming under threat.

However, with the arrival of the medium bomber, Helitack 715, they swung into the flanks of the fire with assistance from local farmers and machinery.

Within two hours the fire had been contained to 200 hectares, but would prove problematic for the next few days, with more than 40 log heaps involved within the boundary and the forecast weather predicting warmer conditions and strong winds.

The fire took another significant run five days later, escaping from a disced containment line and burning out a further 300-plus hectares in a matter of hours, affecting more than 80 head of stock and the neighbouring property.

The fire remained a problem through to 30 January, requiring substantial local and regional resources to contain it within established boundaries. IB

Scenes from the problem fire near Evandale at the start of the year. Photos courtesy of The Examiner newspaper.

Page 8: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

6 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Burning Rubber - the Longford Tyre Depot Fire

A major fire at the big tyre recycling depot at

Longford in northern Tasmania on 15 February was

a lesson in positive management of environmental

issues and community safety, writes District Officer,

Northern Region, Ian Bounds.

Extensive TFS training to address identified fire risks, together with coordinated incident management and exemplary inter-

agency collaboration came together to produce an outstanding response to a huge tyre fire at Longford in February.

Positive management meant the community was kept safe and fully informed, environmental issues were addressed successfully and the fire was extinguished far more quickly than initially appeared possible.

At approximately 2.00am on Wednesday, 15 February, TFS was alerted to a fire at a large tyre recycling depot at Longford.

The fire quickly escalated, consuming the site, which, from initial reports, was holding close to 20,000 tyres, either waiting to be shredded or compacted into large bales ready for shipment.

As a result, the intense fire was already billowing a potentially toxic plume across the town and surrounding areas.

A similar blaze had occurred in the past 12 months on the outskirts of Perth, but while it had created some initial concerns, that fire had minimal impact on the town due to its location and favourable weather conditions at the time.

The Longford fire was very different – with its potentially very dangerous implications for the local community and environment.

Initial operations had contained the fire to the site, largely a result of the local brigade’s knowledge of the area and previous identification of the possible risk, including training for almost the exact situation.

But as daylight broke, significant impacts became apparent, with particle fallout from the plume covering a wide area and noxious fumes experienced as far south as Cressy. At the same time, strong north, north-westerly winds compounded the problems.

Adding to the implications for the community, fire suppression activities caused contaminated runoff that could potentially have entered a major waterway close by.

These issues weren’t going to go away soon, with estimates putting extinguishment at between five and seven days.

As a result, the Northern Midlands Emergency Management Committee was activated to assist in the management of the incident and to coordinate both local and State authorities.

An emergency meeting was held with representatives from the relevant agencies to develop and implement a strategy to get on top of the situation.

Meetings would continue at regular intervals, with the Environment Protection Authority developing containment strategies and reporting on air quality issues; the Department of Health and Human Services and Ambulance Tasmania issuing health alerts and assessing impacts on the community, and the TFS and Tasmania Police, in conjunction with NMC Resources, providing operational support.

Burning rubber – scenes from the Longford tyre depot fire in February.

Page 9: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

7FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Billowing toxic fumes.

As a result, fire suppression and containment was achieved much earlier than first thought possible; a consistent message was delivered to the community via the media and the process of recovery was initiated at a very early stage.

Just some of the operational initiatives that led to the successful outcomes from this incident were:

• Operational debrief conducted from the previous fire at Perth established strong inter-agency relationships that proved vital at Longford.

• Pre-incident planning undertaken by the local brigade assisted considerably in the early stages.

• Activation of local emergency procedures resulted in improved information and workload sharing.

• Bunding of runoff and recycling of contaminated water for fire suppression created a ‘closed circuit’, significantly reducing the impact on water reserves and clean-up.

• Use of heavy machinery and local irrigators to assist fire crews achieved a much more efficient extinguishment of the site - within three days, with a large amount of unburnt material salvaged, minimising community and environmental impact.

• Not using B class foam as a suppression agent minimised medium- to long-term environmental issues, as use of this type of material breaks down the tyre compounds creating a toxic sludge or tar.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for the work and exemplary cooperation between Northern Midlands Council employees and the TFS fire crews involved from across the northern region. IB

State Fire CommissionBudgets 2011-12 and 2012-13By Director, Corporate Services, Mike Gallagher

TFS has delivered on identified budget savings of $800,000 for 2011-12 thanks to a prudent approach to financial

management by all members.

Savings strategies were implemented across areas such as salaries, learning and development, uniform and protective clothing and repairs and maintenance.

For 2012-13 the Minister for Police and Emergency Management, David O’Byrne MP, has approved a 4% increase in the Fire Service Contribution.

The increase was put forward in the State Fire Commission’s Corporate Plan as part of a five-year financial strategy which proposes further annual rises of 4% in 2013-14 and 2014-15, rising to 5% in each of the following two years.

The Corporate Plan was also endorsed by the Minister, but because it is subject to yearly reviews, only the 2012-13 financials were approved.

The total operating revenue of the State Fire Commission for 2012-13 is estimated at $67.1 million - an increase of $2.5 million or 3.9%.

Total operating expenses, including non-cash items such as depreciation, are estimated to be $68.9 million, an increase of $3.6 million or 5.6%.

The Commission has allocated $3.1 million for the 2012-13 capital program, slightly down on last year’s $3.2 million.

The 2012-13 program includes $150,000 for the upgrading of two heavy pumpers, $800,000 for passenger vehicle replacements, $740,000 for land and buildings and $1.4 million for plant and equipment. In addition $2.6 million to build 14 heavy tankers will be carried forward.

The Commission is still required in 2012-13 and beyond to absorb an annual reduction in State Government funding of $1 million.

The Government also has requested a review of emergency services support functions across Tasmania Police, Tasmania Fire Service, Ambulance Tasmania and the State Emergency Service.

The Review will seek to identify areas of duplication and opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining or increasing operational effectiveness.

Support functions to be examined in the Review include:

•fleetandfacilitiesmanagement;

•informationtechnologyinfrastructureandsystems;

•corporateadministrationandsupport;and

•volunteersupport.

MG

Page 10: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

8 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

By District Officer, Northern Region, Ian Bounds

With the weather warming up towards the end of January, predictions of ‘very high’ to ‘severe’ fire danger ratings

prompted the establishment of Regional Fire Operations Centres (RFOCs) in both the North and South to monitor activity in their respective areas and provide additional support for local brigades.

With the outbreak of a significant fire in the South at Meadowbank, the following day a total fire ban was declared Statewide and the RFOCs’ resourcing escalated to level 3 Incident Management Teams.

For the North of the State, areas of high concern were identified primarily in the Midlands and Fingal Valley, which were expecting Fire Danger Ratings ranging from high 30s, to low 40s in the late afternoon.

As a precautionary measure, a strike team was deployed to Campbell Town to bolster local resources and provide a ‘rapid response’ for that area.

Air support was relocated to Youngtown, with both the medium bomber and air reconnaissance ready for deployment.

The Powranna fire broke out late that afternoon on a property north of Campbell Town, and from reports received from the first responding brigades, it was increasing in size rapidly, driven by strong winds.

With this information the strike team responded immediately, with both helicopters in the air en route to the fire.

As additional reports were received, significant assets were identified as under threat.

The RFOC operating out of Youngtown coordinated responses

for additional resources from the region to assist in fire suppression,

issuing community alerts as required, providing an essential link with other supporting agencies and

managing media.

This role would continue over the next few days despite the initial staged response resulting in containment of the fire by that evening to approximately 600 hectares.

The pre-location of the strike team and the coordination of additional resourcing in the early stages clearly averted what could have been a significantly larger fire, impacting on a number of communities. IB

Fire at Powranna – the aftermath.

Fire at Powranna ...The role of the Regional Fire Operations Centre

Page 11: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

9FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

The New Norfolk Brigade had a busy two weeks in March, responding to major fires which gutted two of the town’s

landmark buildings.

The fires, at the derelict Franklin Ward at Willow Court and in the Banjo’s building in High Street, caused damage estimated at around $2.5 million.

The call outs presented a significant challenge to the volunteer members of the New Norfolk Brigade, but the response was immediate and professional and with the support of the snorkel unit from Hobart prevented both fires spreading into surrounding buildings.

The brigade was alerted via pager on the night of 19 March to a structure fire at Sintonic in High Street.

Sintonic, a novelty store, occupied part of the two-storey former G.P. Fitzgerald building, which also housed Banjo’s Bakery and the Choo Choos Lolly Shop. Most of the building was used for storage by Banjo’s.

Brigade members initially tried to enter from the front of Sintonic, but were prevented by thick, black smoke. With no rear entry, all the heat and smoke was pouring out the front door.

Once the fire extended into the upstairs area it quickly spread to the other shops within the building.

Leading Firefighter Doug McNeill was Officer in Charge and quickly determined that due to the external cladding, the nature of the building and very limited access, the snorkel unit from Hobart would be required.

The unit was dispatched from Hobart Fire Brigade and assisted the New Norfolk and Magra crews to prevent what was already a huge blaze spreading to surrounding parts of the central business district.

This fire was particularly difficult to extinguish and after many hours of hard work on the end of the 64mm hose the members of New Norfolk, Magra and Hobart career crews were able to take a well earned breather.

Once the fire was brought under some level of control (around daylight) it became evident that it had caused a huge amount of damage.

Many people from the town had arrived to view the scene and support was given to the brigades by a number of small businesses, with one even supplying free coffee to all the firefighters and other personnel.

Crews were brought in from Claremont and Lachlan volunteer brigades to assist with the clean up and fire investigation which followed well into the day.

While the investigation was hampered because of residual safety

Landmark Fires at New NorfolkBy New Norfolk Brigade Chief, Colin Triffitt

issues, the suspected cause was an electrical fault.

The High Street fire was the second time in as many weeks that New Norfolk Brigade needed the assistance of the Hobart snorkel unit at a major structural fire.

The fire in the derelict Franklin Ward at Willow Court also required a full-on response and caused even more damage.

It is a tragedy for the community that this fire is believed to have been deliberately lit.

On the positive side, these two fires tested the brigade to the limit and the community can be reassured by the response from both volunteer and career brigades.

I am extremely proud to be Brigade Chief of a group of men and women who give so much to their brigade. They respond without hesitation whatever the circumstances, and perform at such a high level in very difficult situations.

All members completed their duties with little fuss and bother and are a credit to their community.

We have a wonderful spirit in our brigade that includes four women in our 20 members, as well as three junior members. We are always looking for new recruits and volunteers would be most welcome.

I must acknowledge the very strong support provided by the neighbouring Lachlan and Magra brigades, as well as the crew from Claremont and career crew from Hobart.

I would also like to acknowledge the help from on call District Officer Jeff Knight, Midlands District Officer Gerald Crawford, Breathing Apparatus Technician Andy Smith, Fire Investigation Officer John Ling, together with support Station Officer George Auchterlonie and Station Officer Craig Chivers and their crews. CT

Firefighter Maryanne Shearing in the heat of the action at New Norfolk.

Page 12: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

10 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Tuesday, 20 March, proved to be a very busy day for Hobart brigades.

At the fire station, C shift was on duty for the first day shift. Our shift was just heading to Training Services with crews in Hobart 1.2 and Hobart 8.1 to do our road accident rescue training.

At 9:55am a Direct Brigade Alarm (DBA) was activated for a premises in Sandy Bay.

Hobart 1.1 was dispatched, but as they prepared to depart the station, a call came in for a structure fire in Evans Street, on the wharf area.

Station Officer (SO) Glen Greenland and crew members of Hobart 1.1 initially responded.

Our training was cancelled and Hobart 1.2 and 8.1 were also sent to the job.

Thick black smoke was clearly visible from the area even as we were en route, prompting SO Greenland to ask for Glenorchy 1.1 to also attend.

Meanwhile, Clarence was paged to attend the DBA in Sandy Bay, as our first priority was the active fire we could see at the wharf.

Because Glenorchy had been moved up, the Bridgewater crew had to cover the northern suburbs.

All of a sudden, nearly all the wider Hobart crews were committed and very busy!

On arriving at Evans Street, we found a large freight handling shed in the Toll depot on fire, and it was ‘going’ very well.

A big section was fully involved and it was difficult to determine the exact cause of the fire and heavy smoke.

Being a freight forwarding area, we were concerned that there was the potential for innumerable mixed, hazardous loads to be involved.

We also had a whole list of other exposures on and around the site to consider, ranging from trucks, to forklifts, offices and a vast amount of different containers.

By this stage, thick black smoke was also covering the Hobart port and impacting on neighbouring properties and people in the vicinity.

Obviously, there were many considerations for the first responding officer to come to terms with in a short space of time.

All on site personnel had been evacuated and accounted for by Toll, in a very effective manner.

Because of the potential for fire extension, the Snorkel was called for and Clarence 1.1 responded too after crew members completed the Sandy Bay DBA.

Innumerable mixed and hazardous chemicals in shipping containers were involved in the Toll fire on a challenging day for brigades from the greater Hobart area.

Fire takes its TollBy Station Officer, Hobart Fire Brigade, Colin Attrill

Page 13: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

11FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

The on call DO also attended, as by now a large media and spectator contingent had gathered.

Roads in the area were closed or controlled by Tasmania Police and we concluded that it was the appropriate time to put in place an Incident Management Team to handle the fire and manage and liaise with all these groups.

We also needed to consider breathing apparatus requirements, so BA Technician Andy Smith was called to attend to provide on-ground support.

We also asked for Aurora, Hobart City Council (HCC), the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Workplace Standards, as well as a range of other stakeholders to attend to provide advice and guidance in their respective areas of expertise.

Even though it was all getting extremely busy we were confident that we had enough resources to handle the situation.

However, Murphy’s Law intervened and we then had a report of a structure fire in the HCC offices in Elizabeth Street.

Clarence 1.1 was sent to attend, with Hobart 1.2 assisting.

Luckily for us, that fire was found to be a burnt out heat pump, not requiring extensive operations.

Back at the Toll shed, the Bridgewater crew was also now involved, as was the Rokeby crew, both of which had been called in to assist when the HCC offices fire call came.

Thankfully, we also had overtime crews coming in from off-duty to cover the rest of the Hobart area in case of any further incidents.

And, yes, more was yet to come!

The fire in the shed was eventually contained, but now we had a major Hazmat job to contend with.

The fire had involved other containers which were found to hold many different sorts of chemicals.

A lot of these were stored in smaller containers and a significant number had been damaged.

Contending with these hazardous chemical cocktails took most of the afternoon and the work was extremely arduous for the firefighters who had to go in wearing gas tight suits.

But the mission was accomplished, safety requirements were met, and the afternoon finally ended.

The investigation could now be done as to the cause of the Toll fire, which was found to be accidental.

We did get our road accident rescue training done - but not that day! CA

Burning Butter Causes $50,000 Fat Fire

D Platoon HFB was called out to a structure fire at the Old Gas Works, Macquarie Street, Hobart, just after

11.00am the day before ANZAC Day.

Two crews from Hobart station responded, and on arrival found a significant amount of smoke coming from the roof of Hog’s Breath Café.

Initial investigations revealed a fat fire on the main stove burners. The fire had continued up the exhaust vent ducting where it had spread to the structural timbers and roof area surrounding the flue cap.

There was minimal smoke and fire activity present in the kitchen area so priority was given to getting BA crews into the roof space and onto the roof. After gaining access by ladder and removing roofing iron, crews quickly brought the fire under control.

After mopping up, an investigation into the cause revealed that a pot of butter being melted down on the stove had been spilled, causing flames to spread up the exhaust vent to the roof.

Total damage was estimated at $50,000.

Hot breath of fire at Hog’s Breath.

Page 14: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

12 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

The TFS Family Support Fund is there because life can sometimes take an unexpected and unpleasant turn – and

that’s when an extra helping hand is required most.

The Family Support Fund has provided much needed assistance to a number of people over the past few months – and that has been largely due to some very generous donations from members of our wider TFS ‘family’.

The Fund has now commenced its major fundraiser for this year by selling the 2012/13 Tasmanian Entertainment Books.

The books cost $60 each and are packed with ‘2-for-1’ and ‘50% off’ offers to the value of $15,000 for Tasmanian restaurants, attractions, cinemas, sports and accommodation.

And the good news is that $12 from each book purchase goes towards the Family Support Fund.

So please purchase a book, and encourage your family and friends to do the same.

The Fund has now created a promotion/contact page on the TFS website that all members are able to access.

This page has some general information about the Fund, and links to our promotional poster and fundraising. In conjunction with this we now have an email address to simplify the process of contacting us: [email protected]

So, you can now email us to receive the links to view an online version of the Entertainment Books or to make a purchase.

Of course, you can also email us to find out more information about the Fund, to ask for assistance or make a donation.

In the meantime, we would like to acknowledge:

• Woolworths – the Campbell Street Supermarket - which raised a total of $709.60 for the Fund from an Australia Day sausage sizzle held at the store. This amount included a dollar-for-dollar contribution from the company.

• The Lions Club of Hobart which donated goods to the Fund that were auctioned off, raising a total of $373.20.

• Launceston Fire Brigade and the TFS Golf Club – they made donations along with future pledges of support.

• FireComm Communications Officer Judy Jones, who retired from TFS at the end of last year due to ill health, but who decided, in lieu of a farewell gift from the Service, that money should go to the Fund, along with any other funds collected. The total of Judy’s donation amounted to $475.10.

• Gretna Fire Brigade for its donation, and the regular contributors in Retained Brigades who donate a portion of their retained pay to the Fund each quarter.

Woolworths’ Campbell Street, Hobart, Store Manager Scott Doust (second from right) and Customer Service Manager Rachel Hughes present a cheque for $709.60 raised at the Australia Day sausage sizzle to Chief Officer Mike Brown (far right) and Director Corporate Services Mike Gallagher (far left).

Sizzling support from Woolworths for the TFS Family Support Fund: Chief Officer Mike Brown (second from left) at the Australia Day barbeque with (left to right) Pay Office Assistant Danielle Hewens, Customer Service Manager Rachel Hughes and Store Manager Scott Doust, from the company.

TFS Family Support Fund – Extending the Hand of Help

• TFS non-operational staff who hold regular ‘free dress days’ to raise money for community organisations. An amount of $65.85 was raised for the Fund.

Once again, thank you everyone for your continued support of the Fund.

And, remember, if you know of someone in your brigade, group, district, region or other TFS workplace who could benefit from some assistance in a time of need, then please email us with the details or talk to your district officer.

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14 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

TFS teams were among more than 250 competitors from across Australia and New Zealand sharpening their life-saving

road rescue skills in the Road Rescue Challenge Tasmania in April.

TFS hosted the high profile, Hobart waterfront Challenge, which was also the Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO) annual road rescue competition, in conjunction with Ambulance Tasmania, the State Emergency Service and Tasmania Police.

Road Rescue Challenge Tasmania attracted up to 350 competitors and supporters.

The competition demonstrated best practice in road crash management, as well as provided a forum for agencies involved in road rescue to learn new techniques and skills and be exposed to new car technology.

TFS Chief Officer Mike Brown said the Challenge was a serious part of ensuring that firefighters were able to maintain best practice skills in road crash rescue.

“This is an essential service that we provide to the community. Road accidents occur far too frequently and cut short far too many lives.

“Around the world, there is a road fatality every 27 seconds, and for every person killed, many more are permanently disabled, or need emergency surgery or other medical care.

“TFS is proud of its record in road crash rescue to support ambulance and police crews to keep the community as safe as possible.

“Regular training is essential and the pinnacle of our training activity is the annual road rescue competition.

“We were proud to have the opportunity to host this year’s Challenge in Tasmania and even more proud of the outstanding results for all of the road rescue teams which came from all over Australia and New Zealand to pit their skills and combine their experience for the benefit of everyone.”

The Challenge of Saving Lives

Around the world, there is a road fatality every 27 seconds, and for

every person killed, many more are permanently disabled.

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15FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

All road rescue photos taken by Warren Frey.

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Leading firefighters Barry Bones, from Hobart Brigade, and James Newstead from Launceston, give their perspectives on the day, including a healthy dose of North-South rivalry!

By Leading Firefighter, Hobart Brigade, Barry Bones

As a competitor it is always rewarding to be able to compete on your home ground - not that this gave us any real

advantage as we searched for a number one finish against 23 rescue crews from all over Australasia, including our ‘arch rivals’ from Launceston.

We knew that the scenarios were always going to test our skills, knowledge and team work.

The competition sees teams face three types of scenarios over three days of competition (which also back up a learning symposium day):

1. Immediate - 20 minute scenario

2. Controlled - 30 minute scenario

3. Entrapped - 30 minute scenario

Crash scenarios are set while teams are locked away in ‘isolation’.

When you are called out, you are presented with a ‘who knows what’, and then the clock starts.

You may have one or two patients to deal with (either manikins or real), together with a vehicle on its side, roof or wheels.

Vehicles are ‘pre-smashed’ to simulate the real thing and additional props such as telegraph poles, concrete barriers, traffic lights and trucks are used to impede access to patients.

A plan is required to be developed and then instructed to team members, with the focus of course being on the patient/s.

As the clock ticks away, you are almost stuck in time busily winching, cutting, spreading, breaking glass, thinking of what to do next and hoping that the whistle doesn’t blow before the patient/s is/are freed from the crash scene.

While your team is doing all this, there are four assessors critiquing everything you do - one for the team leader, two marking technical skills and another tracking the paramedic.

However, they may as well not be there, as all of your focus is on the crash scene and the patient/s.

Not all patients are rescued in the time-frame given - some just make it; some just miss out.

For those teams that successfully remove their patient/s, extra points are awarded.

Both local TFS teams competed well, finishing in the top 10, with Launceston coming in ahead of Hobart.

The message from us is: “Well done this time, but lookout next!”

These competitions provide an invaluable experience for our road rescue crews, allowing us to train with new vehicle technologies and network our ideas and techniques with other rescuers from all over Australasia.

Post competition we are able to take back to our organisation new-found information and share it with our work colleagues.

I believe that these competitions hone our skills, allowing us to better help those unfortunate enough to be involved in a vehicle crash. BB

The Challenge of Saving Lives

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The ARRO competition this year gave Launceston Fire Brigade the opportunity to compete against some of the leading

teams in road crash rescue.

To maximize training opportunities in the lead up to the competition, a crew from A shift elected to compete with the help of paramedic Ivor Carins from Ambulance Tasmania.

We dedicated time each shift to train with our mentor, Alan Williams, who had past experience from the ARRO competition in Sydney three years ago.

During this time we were able to hone our skills, learn new techniques and develop as a team.

Arriving in Hobart for the competitions we were unsure what to expect - nervous about competing, but eager to learn about the technology and techniques for working on new cars.

In the back of our minds we had a goal to do well against the Hobart crew, as there is always some North-South rivalry involved.

The learning symposium on day one and the instruction given by the ARRO assessors on new vehicle technology, cutting techniques and space creating options was of great value.

TFS instructors demonstrated rail based scenarios where train lifting techniques were able to be practised.

Everyone who took part in the learning symposium spoke highly of the instructors and the hands-on experience gained.

We were lucky to have our workshop on the first day of the competition where, again, we learned practical skills in cutting, spreading and ramming of new vehicles.

Our first scenario was the ‘immediate’ rescue which was scheduled for later that afternoon.

We were again fortunate to have been able to watch other teams competing in the scenario before it came to our turn.

On walking into the arena we were surprised by the authenticity and severity of what we had to deal with – it was a real test of skills, knowledge and teamwork.

The competition was extremely well organized.

Competitors and spectators alike were treated to a great venue with excellent facilities and the competition showcased a very high level of skill and expertise.

The prospect of competing can be daunting, but I would highly recommend it to any TFS members who have the opportunity in the future.

Through continued exposure to these competitions our service will benefit, as the experience gained by competing teams will be disseminated throughout the organisation. JN

By Leading Firefighter, Launceston Brigade, James Newstead

The Challenge of Saving Lives

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3RD PLACE ENTRAPPED RESCUE

Launceston crew: James Newstead (team leader), Charles Watson, Adrian Adams, Jamie Masson, Steve Johnson and Ivor Carins (paramedic).

Hobart crew: David Russell-Green, Matthew Pope, Andrew Emery, Barry Bones (team leader), Will Russell and Natalie Rivers (Ambulance Tasmania).

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TFS has upgraded its emergency communications handling with a new FireComm voice console system, known as the

ACOM switch, to handle emergency calls and respond to radio messages.

The new ACOM improves the efficiency of call handling, adds flexibility to our communications systems and provides a better working environment for communications officers.

The new system has far greater call handling capability, the with nine consoles in Hobart and three at Cambridge, and a capacity of 250 consoles.

It replaces a system that was installed 16 years ago and after two upgrades had reached maximum capacity with just four full operator consoles and six auxiliary radio consoles in Hobart and standby consoles in Burnie and Launceston.

Despite the huge increase in capacity, new system represents a third of the cost of the original system.

The history of the ACOM system goes back to 1996 when FireComm was established.

It was designed and manufactured in Brisbane by AWA. TFS was the first emergency service to use it and in a small way assisted in its development for emergency services use.

The ACOM system was sold to an American company, Zetron, but is still sourced from the Brisbane factory with many of the original AWA staff still employed in design and software engineering.

There are now 30 systems in Australia, with nine in emergency services, and more than 100 systems worldwide with about 2000 console positions.

Features of the new TFS system include:

• InteractiveVoiceRecording(IVR):Yes, it’s annoying, but it enables calls to be filtered and directed to the appropriate area, ensuring calls requiring assistance are handled efficiently. The new queuing system improves call handling by not allowing calls to ring out. Calls are queued until the next operator is available. On busy days voice announcements can be tailored to provide basic incident information, reassuring callers that we are dealing with the incident in their area. The caller may then hang up without the need to talk to FireComm.

• CallerIdentification: This has been available on telephones for many years. It enhances the ability for the communications officer to identify who is calling before taking the call or have a call back number if the call drops out. When a stakeholder is contacted it also helps direct call backs to the appropriate communications officer. An alpha search function means we can now use a larger contact list and have all TFS numbers loaded. And that means if you call FireComm from your station, the communications officer will

see the call in the call stack list, as for example, Fern Tree Fire Station, or if I call from my mobile, Manager Comms Garry Sullivan. Frequent callers can be given an alias, so if the particular communications officer has been dealing with you at an incident they could see your call in the queue and if appropriate take your call before others.

• CallStack: The call stack function displays all calls in three lists - Radio Calls, Active Calls or Call History. This allows communications officers to view calls either in queue or answered, it also shows the name of the communications officer handling the call.

• AudioRouting: This allows for all console audio to be directed to the headset or speakers on the console, helping to lower noise levels and improve the working environment. We have also added a light pole at each console to indicate that the communications officer is taking a call and whether it is an emergency or administrative matter. The light flashes if a call is unanswered.

• InstantRecallRecorder(IRR): The old system had a stand-alone recorder at each console that held six minutes of calls. The new IRR is integrated into the console PC and records all audio at the console. This allows the communications officer to play back radio or telephone calls to ensure all information is captured. Each recording is time and date stamped, and each console has the capacity to hold many hours of recording.

It was a challenge to install the new system while continuing to operate the existing one in our emergency services environment, but there was no loss of service at any stage.

Thanks to the project team - Darren Swain and Anders Marchant from Communications Services and Michael D’Alton and Geoff Ryan from FireComm - for their assistance, and to all the communications officers for working around the installation challenges. GS

FireComm Audio Console System ReplacementBy Manager, Communications Services, Garry Sullivan

The new FireComm audio console system.

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This year all fire services in Australia are teaming together to raise funds for children with Muscular Dystrophy (MD).

It’s the first time that Australian fire services have officially collaborated to support a charity.

The culmination will be a nationwide relay where each station passes on a boot to symbolise the efforts of thousands of firefighters who have ‘filled the boot’ through fundraising efforts.

The relay will end in Sydney on 19 October this year, coinciding with the opening of the World Firefighters’ Games. The Tasmanian firefighter who has raised the most funds will be flown to Sydney to present the ‘boot’.

The Australian drive to raise funds for MD reflects a similar campaign by US firefighters who together with comedian Jerry Lewis have raised more than $2.5 billion for MD research and assistance over the past 60 years.

MD affects mostly boys, who are diagnosed around the age of three or four. It is a slow and progressive condition. By age 10 most boys struggle to walk, and by 16 they are having difficulty breathing.

There is no cure and most boys do not live past their late teens or twenties.

The Tasmania Fire Service is reaching out to these families and doing what we can to make a difference.

Not only are we helping raise funds for vital research and life saving support, we are inviting these families to come along to their local station and meet with the crews to say “hi” and build a friendship. We are also offering home fire safety audits to each family.

Already Hobart Fire Station has begun the Tasmanian fundraising with nearly $400 raised in the first week. Hobart will also be

running a quiz night and other fund raisers in the lead-up to the relay in October.

We are hoping that all stations will embrace this idea and help raise funds for children with Muscular Dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions.

‘Fill the boot’ was launched in June with a handbook and DVD sent to every fire

station in Australia, fully supported by each Chief Officer. The handbook is assisting stations getting started, providing a background on what it’s all about, giving fund raising ideas, and assisting in dealing with the media.

It is hoped that every station will be able to organise one fund raising event before the October relay. Some suggestions include raffles, trivia nights, golf days or asking for donations from the station/friends/family.

If you have any questions about your fundraising activity, or how to set up a team on the ‘Fill the boot’ webpage, feel free to call Rhonda at MDF on (02) 92470055 or Leading Firefighter Val Ansett on 0408 267 887, or visit http://www.filltheboot.com.au/ VA

Fire Services Support Muscular Dystrophy ResearchBy Leading Firefighter Val Ansett

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The TFS focus on continual improvement of its fire appliance fleet will see it

fabricate 28 new generation heavy tankers at an overall total cost of almost $6.2 million over two years.

The new generation tankers have been developed following extensive research and design, and in consultation with firefighters, national fire appliance manufacturers and fire agencies.

Fourteen hand-crafted heavy tankers have been commissioned and will be completed this year, with an additional 14 targeted for service next financial year and already under way.

These vehicles represent an investment of $220,000 each - exceptional value for money when comparing others of the same specifications which are designed, manufactured and sold by bodybuilders to counterpart fire and land management agencies interstate.

In fact, when comparing specifications and cost, there is an economic advantage to the TFS of some 15-35%, depending on the category of appliance.

The innovation and evolution that have been successfully integrated into these new appliances are considered ‘state

of the art’.

Just some of the enhancements from a firefighter safety perspective include: radiant heat shields, personal protective blankets, front wheel suppression sprays and the ability to start the pump and activate the suppression system from within the cabin.

All these new concepts have been incorporated after researching the recommendations from investigations following major wildfire incidents on the mainland, including ‘Black Saturday’ in Victoria.

The Hino chassis has been determined as the most suited to the role of a heavy tanker, as the design and exhaust configuration lend themselves to ergonomic and stowage benefits.

The cabin entry has been modified to reduce injury, the seating to provide lap sashes for all five occupants, and there is a Personal Protective Equipment locker for stowage in the rear (rather than the passenger cell), mitigating the risk of injury from unrestrained equipment.

TFS has been recognised within the fire industry nationally for its proactive approach and capital investment in technology which provides lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption.

Hefty Investment in Heavy TankersBy Manager, Engineering Services, Leon Smith

The Hino heavy tanker.

In addition to the new technology engine (meeting Euro five emission standards) and recognising the benefits of, and need for, occupant safety, all vehicles will have SRS airbags.

In addition, Hino has recently incorporated the anti-lock braking system as standard. LS

Personal protective blankets, front wheel suppression sprays

and the ability to start the pump and activate the suppression system from within the cabin.

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23FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Aussie fast bowling legend Glenn McGrath was as quick as ever in picking up how to use crucial fire safety equipment

demonstrated at the TFS stand at Agfest this year.

Glenn is the ambassador for the Year of the Farmer and showed that he was equally capable with a portable extinguisher and fire blanket as he was with a cricket ball.

The TFS Agfest site was once again very popular with the public, with a range of fire appliances on a working display and both TasFire Equipment and TasFire Training represented.

TasFire Equipment had the usual array of portable equipment for sale, while TasFire Training had props set up to instruct people on the correct way of using fire extinguishers.

A simulated stove-top fire also graphically demonstrated the advantage of having a fire blanket.

Patrons who purchased equipment also were able to test their skills against instructors Andrew Frankcombe and Eric Braithwaite who were kept very busy over the three days of the event.

ABC Radio presenter Penny Terry did a live-to-air interview with Andrew and Eric, which provided an excellent opportunity to deliver the home fire safety message to listeners across Tasmania. JY

Ooh ... Aah ... Glenn McGrath Fast Learner on Fire SafetyBy Manager, TasFire Training, Justin Young

Former Test fast bowler Glenn McGrath goes into bat for fire safety after some instruction from Eric Braithwaite.

The Mount Nelson Volunteer Brigade held its first open day on 28 April.

The aim was to promote the brigade to the public, boost awareness of what we do, promote the prevention message, and raise funds for the purchase of additional equipment.

A range of activities and displays were arranged for the day – including borrowing the centrepiece snorkel from Hobart Fire Brigade – as well as ‘tours’ of some of the fire vehicles and demonstrations of breathing apparatus.

Plenty of information was also available for potential new volunteers interested in joining the brigade, and a successful car boot sale helped our fundraising drive.

For most of the day, the station grounds were very busy, with many families looking at the displays and experiencing some of the activities available.

We also injected some fun into proceedings, with regular tug-of-war events held between the senior and junior members of the brigade.

The inaugural open day was deemed a resounding success and plans are already afoot for a sequel.

A sincere thank you to all members who gave up their Sunday to assist. NC

First Open Day a Mountain of SuccessBy Leading Firefighter, Mount Nelson Volunteer Fire Brigade, Nick Creese

ABOVE The Hobart Fire Brigade snorkel proved a star attraction for Mount Nelson Brigade open day visitors.BELOW Junior member, ‘Josh’, helps out at the car boot sale.

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24 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

The Rokeby Volunteer Fire Brigade has targeted the number of deliberately lit fires as part of a continuing fire reduction

strategy.

Over 70% of fires attended by the brigade are found to have been deliberately lit.

Led by First Officer Hayden Williams and supported by District Officer Hugh Jones the brigade has put together a detailed action plan in an attempt to turn this situation around.

Initiatives include:

• Attending minor vegetation fires under Code Three;

• Having police notified to attend on a regular basis;

• Broad acre burning of fires out to safe edges;

• Attending community events to promote fire awareness, including prevention and preparedness, and the reporting of suspicious people; and a

• Community Day to promote fire safety and other emergency services.

On Saturday, 21 January, the brigade held the first Community Day at Rokeby Station.

Rokeby Community Day. Photo courtesy of Matthew Robertson, SES

Rokeby Community Day By Community Development Officer, Peter Middleton

Promotional poster advertising the community day.

Thanks must go to the Rotary Club of Howrah, Office Works, State Emergency Service, Ambulance Tasmania, Tasmania Police, Southern Water and the Museum Brigade for being involved in making the day a success.

The day provided the community with an opportunity to look over the appliances, see other emergency services and learn about fire safety.

To cap off the success of the day, the brigade also recruited a new volunteer. PM

Great Balls of FireBy the Secretary, Tasmania Fire Service Bowls Club, David Johns

Hobart is hosting the Australasian Fire Service Bowls Carnival from 10-16 November this year.

The Tasmania Fire Service Bowls Club is looking to grow our membership and hoping to have a large contingent representing the State this year.

While anyone can join, to be eligible to represent TFS you must be either a volunteer or current permanent or past member of a brigade.

Membership costs just $10 per year.

We have a carnival about every 18 months, rotated around all the States and across the Tasman to New Zealand.

We play fours, pairs and singles, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet some great people and have a load of fun both during the competition and at various social events held during the event week.

If you are interested, or know of anyone else who would be, please contact me. DJ

David Johns - Secretary, TFSBCMobile: 0488 680 209Email: [email protected]

TFSBC Secretary David Johns in action.

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25FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

TFS has a new Community Development Officer (CDO) to help

drive efforts to prevent, prepare for and respond to bushfires

and fires in the home.

Peter Middleton is a long-serving TFS and SES volunteer.

He was previously employed as Community Development Team

Leader at Volunteering Tasmania and has worked with a range

of community groups.

Peter replaces the previous CDO Kerry Sakariassen, who has

left TFS and is currently engaged in community flood recovery

efforts in Queensland.

Peter has tertiary qualifications in community development,

geography, public policy and business and has also undertaken

study with the Australian Institute of Emergency Management.

His role at Volunteering Tasmania included coordinating a

Statewide team of community development officers. The focus

was on best practice volunteer management, policy, research

and training.

Peter has been a volunteer for more than 11 years with TFS and

SES, including as Leading Firefighter and Unit Manager in the

Rokeby Brigade and the Southern Search and Rescue Team.

He has attended more than 1100 call outs with TFS, been part

of deployments to the Victorian bushfires (2009) and NSW

bushfires (2002), and has participated in a number of community

engagement activities including being part of a team to develop

a brigade fire reduction strategy in 2010.

A highlight of his SES volunteering was a successful search

and rescue on Mt Anne in 2007 where he led a team to find

two inadequately prepared walkers. He also volunteered in

Queensland in the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi last year.

The TFS CDO position was created within the Community

Education Unit, funded by savings within the Community

Fire Safety Division and external funding. The aim is to build

community capacity to prevent, prepare for and respond to

bushfires and fires in the home.

Programs are based on research evidence and best practice in

community fire safety.

Peter will undertake targeted community development projects

including continuing the implementation of a new model of

Project Wake Up!

This is based on developing partnerships with community health

providers and agencies, and providing them with the resources,

training and support they need to incorporate home fire safety

into their existing support services.

The implementation/transition phase will be at least two years,

followed by ongoing coordination and extension to other high-

risk groups.

Peter will also be continuing the Bushfire Ready Communities

Tasmania pilot that has been trialing the implementation of

policy and evidence-based interventions in four communities in

bushfire prone areas.

These have been based on both the initial findings from the pilot

of the Community Development Bushfire Preparedness project

and emerging bushfire safety research, recommendations, policy

and strategies.

Bushfire Ready Communities Tasmania has received Natural

Disaster Resilience Program funding until March 2013. SB & CT

Welcome Peter MiddletonBy Manager, Community Education, Sandra Barber, and Senior Station Officer Chris Tomes

Peter Middleton

“Community Development is not rocket science – it is much more complicated” Jim Absher – US Forest Service

Peter has been a volunteer for more than 11 years with TFS

and SES, including as Leading Firefighter and Unit Manager

in the Rokeby Brigade and the Southern Search and

Rescue Team.

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26 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

The small community of Snug on the northern end of the D’Entrecastaux Channel is getting on the front foot to better

counter bushfire danger.

A special Community Bushfire Preparedness Forum was held at the Snug Primary School in February, with 38 members of the local community taking part.

With a day of total fire ban and the temperature soaring to 39 degrees, the forum was well timed.

The aim was to bring together a key group of people living in the Snug Tiers to hear about, and participate in, bushfire preparedness in their community.

The forum kicked off with an overview on the Community Development Bushfire Pilot. This started in 2009 and is scheduled to continue until March next year.

The TFS is conducting a pilot program at Snug and three other areas (Bagdad, Binalong Bay and Fern Tree), to identify and develop local bushfire preparedness strategies, both from an individual property owner and community perspective.

My presentation covered the importance of shared responsibility in building community bushfire preparedness.

TFS District Officer, South West, Rod Sherrin, then addressed what members of the community need to consider in preparing for a bushfire, including whether to ‘leave early’ or ‘stay and defend’ and the vital importance of not leaving that decision to the last minute.

He also spoke about the fire danger rating index and bushfire alert levels, and what these mean.

Snug resident Phyl Norton then spoke of her experiences during the devastating 1967 bushfires, giving a first-hand insight into how quickly fires can develop and the disastrous and widespread impact they can have.

Local councils are vital in bushfire preparedness and Kingborough was well represented by Planning Officer Adam Smee who addressed the group on development within bushland areas and the council’s role in fire management.

Of particular interest during the presentation was a video from the ABC television series, ‘Catalyst’, titled ‘Burning down the house’, which can be found at the web address: http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/bushfires/ (Catalyst archives).

The video depicts a unique science lab designed to replicate and monitor the impact of a bushfire on a house.

Ranger with the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Sam Lenox spoke about the Snug Tiers Reserve and the role of the Service in fire management, covering prescribed burning, fire trail networks, water points and resources.

Displays of basic firefighting equipment (supplied by TasFire Equipment), photos and other historic pieces from the 1967

Snug and Warmly PreparedBy Community Development Officer, Peter Middleton

bushfires, as well education materials, provided members of the community with an opportunity to discuss and learn more about basic fire protection for their properties.

As a result, property preparedness assessments have been arranged for community members who attended the forum, and Bushfire Ready Neighbourhood groups are also being trialled in the Snug Tiers.

The Snug Fire Brigade is to be thanked for its support and ongoing positive work with the community, in particular Community Engagement Volunteer Kylie Tabour who worked closely with me to organise the forum. PM

Snug resident Phyl Norton captivates the forum with tales of her first-hand experience of the 1967 bushfires.

The community needs to consider in preparing for a bushfire,

whether to ‘leave early’ or ‘stay and defend’ and the vital importance of not leaving

that decision to the last minute.

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27FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

On the morning of 7 March, crews from Snug, Margate, and Kingston and Channel, were called to a report of a major

structural fire on Coninghan Road at Coningham.

Crews at Kingston were already at the Australian Antarctic Division for an alarm when the call was received and on returning to their station to change vehicles noticed a large amount of smoke in the Conningham area.

When the first crews arrived they were faced with a blaze burning freely in the front half of the house and being pushed by a strong south easterly.

The roof had started to collapse, however the back half of the house was still standing.

An external attack was commenced before crews entered through the rear wearing breathing apparatus to contain the fire.

Crews had to remove two large gas cylinders attached to the front of the house, but were able to undertake firefighting efforts with a continual supply of water as the residents also had two large filled poly tanks on site.

It was rewarding to see that members of the four brigades attending were able to work well together under pressure to get the fire extinguished.

The blaze destroyed approximately 90% of the property, with the following investigation revealing its cause to be accidental. SP

Fire Destroys Coningham HomeBy Communications Officer, FireComm, D Shift, Stephen Palmer

The fire rages as firefighters race to get it under control.

Ninety per cent of the house is destroyed.

Page 30: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

TFS is getting more tech-savvy and experimenting with Moodle, Drop

Boxes, YouTube, Linked In, e-books and Facebook!

The aim is to facilitate electronic learning for volunteers and career members.

When meeting volunteers in particular and talking about their needs, Learning and Development staff noticed a consistent theme – demand for more electronic training.

Volunteers have requested that aspects of some programs, such as Volunteer Induction and Volunteer Brigade Basics, as well as the theory sections of a range of other courses, be available online.

Demand was particularly strong from volunteers in our more remote areas, who find the physical travel to courses difficult sometimes - especially in winter.

Looking to better accommodate our volunteers’ needs, TFS has been participating in a Federal Government trial of e-learning under the National Vocational Education and Training E-learning Strategy for 2012–2015.

The Government is investing in the strategy to help increase participation in training and improve the skill levels of the Australian workforce, while showcasing the opportunities that will be available through the power of broadband as the rollout proceeds.

Most of us who have been taking part were very new to any sort of e-learning and certainly a long way from the ‘digital natives’ of the younger Gen Ys.

TFS LEARNING

– North West volunteers learn first-hand.

Redpa Training Exercise

Under the program, we have been learning about innovation and leadership through a range of electronic ‘tools’.

Now we can talk knowledgeably – or at least more confidently – about Moodle and other learning management systems and we know how to put files into Drop Box to share!

We have read e-books, popped in and out of YouTube to watch management and leadership video clips, shared ideas and links to great web sites and

resources, chatted on Facebook, networked on Linked In, and workshopped in a virtual classroom.

Some of us have even tentatively begun to explore putting together an e-portfolio, gathering all those bits of evidence we might be able to use one day for Recognition of Prior Learning or to help us write the next application for a promotion.

Despite all this, we have barely scratched the surface of what is possible. However, we have absorbed just enough to sound like we know what we are talking about at parties – we are ‘digital immigrants’, still speaking with a heavy accent!

We are working towards completing the units of competency that we enrolled in at the beginning of the trial, with time running very short. But the value has been in the process, not the outcome.

Importantly, undertaking this project will enable us to determine whether we will proceed with using e-learning for both our volunteer and career members into the future, and, if so, when, where and how. SB

Have a Pootle Around Moodle, then Face Down FacebookBy Manager, Organisational Learning, Suzanne Bacon

Senior Station Officer Andrew Skelly and Station Officer Stewart McKinley using Facebook as part of the e-learning trial.

28 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Page 31: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

Burning Down the HouseBy Arthur District Field Works Officer, Shayne Andrews

Volunteers in the far North West recently were presented with the perfect practical training opportunity to learn how to

fight a large house fire.

An old farmhouse at Redpa became available for the exercise and, at short notice, some 28 volunteers gathered from Arthur River, Marrawah, Montagu and Togari to witness what happens in the early stages of a major structural blaze.

It is often the case that by the time more isolated brigades arrive at the scene of such a fire, it is well and truly alight and there is little opportunity to witness what happens from the start.

Initially, a small fire was lit in one of the rooms and the volunteers were able to witness just how quickly it can progress.

This fire was then extinguished and another set in a different area to demonstrate how flames can spread into the wall cavities and up into the roof.

It was evident to those taking part that, even at this early stage of the blaze, and with only a limited amount of water available on firefighting trucks, they would struggle to contain such a fire.

The house then became fully alight and attending firefighters were forced to retreat some 50 metres due to the extreme heat.

Somerset volunteer firefighters get to feel the heat at a recent training exercise.

This demonstrates that in a real incident, it would be very difficult to get close enough to get water onto the actual fire and the priority would become other exposures around the burning building.

Everyone involved in the training provided positive feedback about the exercise.

For many it was the first dramatic demonstration of how quickly a house fire can take off and soon become uncontrollable. SA

TFS will soon be rolling out Exertime, a software program that encourages employees to break long

bouts of sitting by engaging in some form of brief physical activity.

The program has been developed by the University of Tasmania in collaboration with Tasmania Police.

Exertime is designed to prompt individuals to take a break during work hours with a suggestion for a low-impact activity that takes between one to two minutes.

Activities range in difficulty to cater for everyone’s level of fitness and don’t require any special equipment. They can be done at your desk, without the need to change clothes or shower.

Research shows sitting for more than four hours each day contributes to risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

Some TFS staff are participating in a study to determine if participation in brief physical activity through Exertime also affects performance at work.

A similar Tasmania Police study produced some amazing results, including:

•Lowerbloodpressure;

•Lowercholesterol;

•Lowerlevelsofjobstress;

•Lessabsenteeism,and

•Betterself-reportedmentaland physical health.

We encourage all staff to get out of your seat and give Exertime a go when it is available.

Further information on the Exertime program can be found at www.exertime.com Thank you to Tasmania Police and the Faculty of Education, University of Tasmania, for sharing their research results.

Action at Work Leads to Better Health

My HealtH, My CHoiCe

Wellness PrograM

29FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

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30 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

OUR PEOPLE

We all have the responsibility to keep ourselves, our fellow TFS members, and the community safe.

To do this you must tell us if there is anything that might limit your ability to do your TFS work. This will help us to keep you, and everyone else, safe.

For example, you need to tell us:

• Aboutanymedicalcondition,injury,medicationordisability that may limit your ability to do your role;

• IfyouareonWorkersCompensationleave,orareturnto work program;

• Ifyouhavebeenchargedwithorconvictedofacriminaloffence.

Please see the boxes here, for more details.

When you tell us we will treat your information respectfully and confidentially.

We will discuss the matter with you to get your point of view.

Where possible we will work with you to try to continue your involvement with TFS.

Your responsible decision will help us to keep our members safe

Telling us is a good example of the application of TFS Values:

• Integrity for having the courage to do the right thing;

• Professionalism by being accountable for our actions, and

• Consideration by being supportive, compassionate and helping each other.

If you are unsure, please contact a senior person you trust for more information. Alternatively, you can discuss it with a free and confidential counsellor provided by TFS through Converge International on Freecall 1800 337 068, or contact Human Services on 6230 8689.

We share a mutual obligation with you to ensure

that your health and safety, and the health and

safety of others, are maintained. Your part in this is

critical – we cannot help or support you if we don’t

know you are hurt, ill or incapacitated.

What you don’t tell us, could hurt you – and your work mates!

You must tell us if you…• haveanymedical condition, including a mental illness,

that may limit your ability to do your usual tasks;

• aretakinganymedication that may affect your judgement, coordination, impulse control or ability to make decisions;

• haveatemporaryorlong-termdisability (like some loss of hearing, sight or balance) that may limit your ability to do your usual tasks;

• areonWorkers Compensation leave, or on a return to work program for your employer;

• havebeenconvictedorchargedwithacriminal offence.

We will use this information to keep you and your fellow TFS members safe.

If any of these apply to you…

Please tell your Brigade Chief, District Officer, Supervisor or Manager.

When you tell us, we will:

• treatyourinformationrespectfullyandconfidentially;

• activelylookforwaystomanageyourworksothatyoucan continue to be involved where possible;

• workwithyoutomonitoryourprogress;

• offeraccesstofreeandconfidentialcounsellingthrough

Converge International on Freecall 1800 337 068 if needed.

These steps will help us to keep you and your fellow TFS members safe!

Your responsible decision will help us to keep our members safe. It is also an expression of the TFS Values of Integrity by having the courage to do the right thing and Professionalism by being accountable for our actions.

I’m worried about a member of our team

What should I do?

If you think that someone you know has not told TFS about a condition that may affect her/his abilities you need to take steps so that TFS is informed.

If you feel comfortable, privately and tactfully remind the member that it is their duty to tell TFS and encourage him/

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31FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

I’ve been charged with, or convicted of, a criminal offence

What must I do?

Check TFS Good Character Check (PS No 03/04) in Section 8.3 of the Volunteer Handbook or on the TFS intranet (www.fire.tas.gov.au) by searching for the policy. You can then see if the offence you have been charged with is relevant to your TFS work. The Volunteer Handbook is available on all volunteer stations and was sent to you on a CD-ROM last year.

If it is, or if you are unsure, you must tell us.

Please tell your Brigade Chief, District Officer, Supervisor or Manager.

What will happen?

When you tell us, we will:

• treatyourinformationrespectfullyandconfidentially;

• discussthecircumstanceswithyoutogetyourpoint of view;

• considereachreportonacase-by-casebasisandtakeany mitigating circumstances into account when we can;

• provideaccesstofreeandconfidentialcounsellingwithConverge International on Freecall 1800 337 068;

• ifneeded,arrangeforyoutotakeleavefromyourrolewhile your case is going through the courts;

• ifneeded,suspendorterminateyourmembership of TFS.

Remember, if you need your licence for your TFS work, you must tell us if it is suspended, limited, or cancelled.

Reporting is consistent with TFS Values of Integrity and Professionalism. Failure to tell us about these things will be a breach of your Code of Conduct.

What injury, medication or condition should I report?

• Anyillnessorinjurythataffectsyourabilitytosafelyperform your TFS duties.

• Thereisarangeofconditionsthatmayaffectyourabilityto work - from short-term, minor issues (e.g. bronchitis, ear infection) through to longer term chronic or serious health issues or disability (e.g. asthma, allergies, hearing loss, sight impairment, shortness of breath, cardiovascular illness etc.).

• Anymedicationthataffectsyourabilitytosafelyperformyour TFS duties or may affect your ability to manage your emotions or impulse control etc.

• Anymedicationsthataffectyourabilitytooperateappliances, plant and equipment or have the potential to affect your judgement/decision-making skills - for example, medications that cause drowsiness, disorientation, or cause mood changes etc.

If you are in doubt about an illness, condition or medication, please discuss it with your officer/supervisor and seek your doctor’s advice before attending any duties.

Criminal offences that must be reported

Any relevant serious criminal offence, which is not mitigated by additional information, may provide grounds for suspending or terminating membership. Such offences would include, but are not limited to:

• Arsonandfiresetting;

• Sexualoffences;

• Dishonesty-e.g.theft,burglaryandfraud;

• Deception-obtainingadvantagebydeception;

• Makingfalsedeclarations;

• Violentcrimesandcrimesagainsttheperson;

• Maliciousdamageanddestructionofproperty;

• Traffickingofanarcoticsubstance;

• Falsealarmraising.

Offences that would not normally need to be reported

In accordance with the State Fire Commission Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination Policy, any criminal record which is irrelevant to the responsibilities of the position will not provide grounds for suspending or terminating membership. Such offences may include, but are not limited to:

• Failuretopayfines;

• Minortrafficinfringements;

• Creatingapublicnuisance;

• Trespassduringprotestordemonstration.

her to do so. If the member refuses, or does not tell TFS, you will need to notify TFS.

In this way you will help us to keep everyone safe, including the person you are concerned about.

We will treat your information respectfully and confidentially.

If you’re unsure, please contact a senior person you trust, ask a Human Services member for advice, or speak to a free counsellor from Converge International available on Freecall 1800 337 068 to explore your options.

Your responsible decision will help us to keep our members safe. It is also an expression of TFS Values of Integrity by having the courage to do the right thing, as well as Consideration by being supportive, compassionate and helping each other.

Note

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Matt’s in the Hot Seat

Matthew Bennell has done pretty well for a 34-year-old – as well as Brigade Chief at Falmouth volunteer station on

the East Coast, he also holds the top job, school principal, at St Helens District High.

And Matt has his hands full at home too – he and his wife have a nearly-one-year-old daughter, Lottie.

Firefighting is in the blood for Matt.

His dad, Graham, has been a long-time Brigade Chief at Forth in the North West and brother, Stuart, is a career firefighter at Devonport.

“I grew up with it and always enjoyed playing a role,” Matt says.

“I started out as a junior member, but when I studied Education at university and then travelled overseas, it dropped off the radar a little.

“But when I accepted the principal post at St Helens, I knew it was time to get involved again – to make a contribution to the community.

“I’ve been involved with sport quite a bit, particularly basketball and football, but it’s not quite the same as a community involvement like this.

“My family has a pretty strong track record in this, and I think it’s very important to try to give back at least as much as what you take.”

Matt has been working with other members of the Falmouth brigade to try to build its ranks, with numbers doubling from just six to 12 in recent times.

And his teaching ethos extends to his fire service volunteering, with Matt placing a big emphasis on training for his brigade.

OUR PEOPLE

That has paid off in recent times, with the brigade having something of a spate of vehicle fires to deal with.

Matt also encourages training exercises with neighbouring brigades such as St Marys.

Matthew Bennell with baby daughter Lottie.

Laurie Cowle – 40 fantastic years of service to the community.

Stalwart Laurie Cowle clocked up 40 fabulous years with the Triabunna Fire

Brigade this year.

In recognition of his four decades of service, a special reception attended by Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor Bertrand Cadart, was held for Laurie, who was presented with a 40-year shield of appreciation from the brigade, by Chief Will Sullivan.

Laurie joined Buckland Brigade on 16 February 1972 and was transferred almost

20 years later to Triabunna.

He was promoted to Fourth Officer in 1994 and made Permit Officer the same year, a position he still holds today. He was then promoted to Third Officer in 1995 and held that position until 1999.

Mayor Cadart also presented a special Glamorgan Spring Bay Council pin to Laurie, in recognition of his long and outstanding services to the community. MB

Laurie’s LaurelsBy Fourth Officer, Triabunna Brigade, Max Berry

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Jezza Retires after 38 Years

Gerard McCarthy - aka ‘Jezza’ - has called it a day after completing more than 38 years of dedicated service with

TFS, including periods in operations (Burnie Fire Brigade), regional field work and commercial training.

An official send-off was held for Gerard at North West Regional Headquarters on 4 May, attended by a cross section of TFS employees from the region. Gerard was given a fitting send-off by the Regional Chief John Streets and his work colleagues.

Gerard commenced as a firefighter in Burnie in 1973, progressed to Leading Firefighter in 1979, and became a Station Officer in 1980.

Gerard never tired of drilling his crew in the backyard, and because the training role came naturally, they often won the coveted ‘battered branch’ award in the 80’s.

Gerard later spent time in the field in the Arthur District and worked as a Training Officer across the North West Region. More recently he has been delivering commercial training with TasFire Training (TFT).

Gerard built on his already solid training reputation with TFT’s clients, and particularly enjoyed skilling-up emergency response teams in the mining and manufacturing sector.

During the official presentation, Gerard talked about his experiences over his years of service, including the influence of

Farewelling ‘Jezza’: (left to right) Manager TasFire Training Justin Young, Instructor Consultant TasFire Training Eric Braithwaite, Gerard, or ‘Jezza’, himself and wife, Kathy, and Regional Chief Officer North West John Streets.

his mentors – Eric Braithwaite, who attended the presentation, and the late Dennis Gleeson.

Gerard shared how he would hand-write essays detailing the things he learned along the way in the form of a work skills dictionary, which he has retained as a keepsake of his working life.

Gerard and his wife Kathy are about to load up the Ford Explorer with caravan in tow and head off on an Australian adventure. We wish them a safe journey and a long retirement.

Chuck Goes ‘Troppo’ By District Officer, Learning and Development, North, Danny Richardson

Former member of the TFS Learning and Development Unit in the northern region, Darren ‘Chuck’ Berry, recently

went ‘troppo’, successfully transferring north of the Tropic of Capricorn to the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS).

Darren took up a position as Training Officer with the QFRS, based in Townsville.

He already has a seven-year history with QFRS and has previously been with the Australian Defence Force.

Darren commenced his TFS career eight years ago as lateral entry firefighter, and since then had worked his way up to the rank of Station Officer.

He also had time in Operations, Building Fire Safety, Tas Fire Training and Learning and Development.

Darren reported that accepting the offer to move back to QFRS had not been easy because he had thoroughly enjoyed his time in Tasmania, acquiring significant skills and experience with TFS.

Regional Chief, North, Andrew Comer (left) and District Officer, Learning and Development, North, Danny Richardson (right) congratulate Training Officer Darren ‘Chuck’ Berry on his career move.

Everyone at the TFS, and in particular his northern colleagues, wish Chuck, his wife Tracey and their family all the best with their new adventures in the sun. DR

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OUR PEOPLE

If volunteer Triabunna Brigade Chief Will Sullivan gives an order to one of his crew at the scene of a fire, chances are that not

too much earlier he might have shared breakfast with them, cuddled their child or reminisced about growing up together.

That’s because most of the brigade are either direct family or related to Will in some other way!

“They know that if I have to shout at them for some reason at an incident, I would never have the temerity to do it at home or at a family gathering,” Will laughs.

Just some of his close relations in the brigade include wife, Clare, as well as a son, two daughters, brother, two brothers-in-law and three sons-in-law.

“People with the surname ‘Sullivan’ or ‘Rose’ make up a big part of the brigade,” Will said.

“At 57, I’m the oldest member of the family in the crew, but pretty soon we hope there will be a new generation of young firefighters coming on – I have a five-year-old grandson who is already very keen.”

Will is happy about that, because he reckons it’s harder to get people to put their hand up these days.

“In our heyday, there were about 40 volunteers at Triabunna,” he said.

“Today, we’re sitting at a just over half that number, and I guess that is reflective of the huge demands that people have on their time and energies these days.

“However, I am very hopeful that we are going to see resurgence in interest from the younger generation.

“I already have a young fellow, aged just 10, who has been pushing me for the past two years to become involved, and, yes, he is related to me!”

Will himself will clock up 40 years’ service with Triabunna later this year, just behind fellow stalwart Laurie Cowle who achieved that milestone earlier in the year, and slightly ahead of Max Berry who will add that notch to his belt in 2013. (For the record, neither Laurie nor Max are related to Will!)

Will says that, like most fellow members of the brigade, he initially joined and has kept serving, out of a sense of camaraderie and a desire to contribute to the close-knit Triabunna community.

“You just never know – in a small place like Triabunna, the next house you might need to save from fire could well be a member of your family’s or a close friend’s.”

Triabunna Brigade is also road rescue qualified and those close community ties and relationships were never more obvious, nor

poignant, than when members were called out to a crash where the victim was one of their own.

There have been many other challenging fire incidents too, the one at the top of Will’s mind being the big blaze that gutted the Swan Motor Inn at Swansea.

“I wasn’t Brigade Chief at the time, but that was a really tough fire to fight because of its size and intensity,” he said.

Because you never know what’s around the corner in terms of structural fires or what nature might throw at you during bushfire season, Will and his crew are vigilant about keeping up their training.

“We do it every Thursday night, and only a little less regularly during Winter,” he said.

Will has recently completed a leadership course at Mt Macedon, and in his spare time is a keen AFL footballer, playing for the Triabunna East Coast Roos and representing Tasmania in the Super Rules competition.

Keeping it in the Family at Triabunna

Family ties – many members of the Triabunna Fire Brigade are either ‘Sullivans’ or ‘Roses’. Front row (left to right): Charles Rose, Chloe Horn, Will Sullivan, Leerae Rose. Middle row (left to right): Max Berry, Peggy Berry, Tracey Rose, Clare Sullivan, Danny Sullivan, Melissa Sullivan. Back row (left to right): Jason Gibson, Frank Rose, Aaron Shaw, Simon Deegan, Thomas Rose, Ian Izzard, Laurie Cowle. (Will’s daughter, Emma, took this photo, and his son, Nicholas, and John Ashlin, are missing from the shot.)

“You just never know – in a small place like Triabunna, the next house

you might need to save from fire could well be a member of your

family’s or a close friend’s.”

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ValeBy District Officer Midlands, Southern Region, Gerald Crawford

The TFS sadly farewelled two members of its ‘family’ recently – one a serving brigade chief and the other who retired from

the service almost two decades ago, but who was still strongly connected and remembered.

John Archer Jago

The TFS and Brady’s Lake community were shocked and deeply saddened at the death of serving Brigade Chief John Jago in February this year.

John was a pillar of the community and did a huge amount to promote and improve fire services in the area.

Born on 19 July 1942, John first joined the TFS in 1990.

During his time with the brigade, he served as a volunteer firefighter, 4th Officer, Permit Officer, OH&S representative, Central Plateau Fire Management Advisory Committee member and over the past seven years headed the Brady’s Lake brigade.

John was a very keen and dedicated member of the brigade and always eager to expand its activities.

He was instrumental in seeking a new fire station to replace the old single-bay building and always endeavoured to ensure his brigade received as much training as possible.

He was successful in developing services in the area, with some members also joining the State Emergency Service, permitting them to operate a Road Accident Rescue unit from the station.

John was awarded the national medal in 2006 and received the TFS 10-, 15- and 20-year long service badges.

John passed away after a short illness on 11 February this year and is sorely missed not only by the brigade, but the people of Brady’s lake and Bronte.

Keith Richard Hawkes

Keith, or Peter as he was known to most firies, was born in Hobart on 2 March 1937 and joined the TFS in 1983.

He saw more than a decade of service before his resignation in 1994.

During his period with the Fire Service he was the Storeman/Driver and later the Logistics Officer at the Training Centre at Cambridge.

Over those years there were not too many people in the TFS who did not come across Peter.

My first recollection of him was the day that he was introduced to the Training Officers at Cambridge.

Those officers were Mike Brown and David Downham, as well as Alex Thompson (ex Regular Army, SAS) as the Senior Instructor (Country) and Allan Shaw as Senior Instructor (Urban), and myself.

We were all sitting in Alex’s office and in marched Peter. I can’t remember whether he actually saluted Alex or not. I do remember that I thought: what have we got here?

Well, what we had got was one of the most loyal and trust-worthy people you would ever want to have working with you.

When the late Peter Coppleman met Peter Hawkes, the nickname ‘Ferret’ was applied because if there was anything you needed, as a Training Officer, he could always ferret it out.

If Ferret couldn’t supply it, then it hadn’t been made!

Many would remember him being instrumental in the establishment and operation of the ‘Wombat Club’ at Cambridge.

Recruits who went through Cambridge during Ferret’s time would have many a story to tell. He was camp commandant for bushfire skills, navigation, and leadership training at the Buckland Army Military range.

Peter was a man of ‘spit and polish’. During this time the TFS was more paramilitary in appearance and ideas. Saluting senior officers and calling them ‘Mister’ was still the go, as were polished boots and creases in shirts and trousers. Peter loved it and fitted right in.

There are 1,000 stories that could be told about the Ferret. He was well respected by all who came across him and was a legend in his time.

Farewell Ferret - we salute you. GC

Farewell Brady’s Lake Brigade Chief John Jago – pictured on the far right here at the opening of the area’s emergency services building at the end of last year with (left to right) TFS Chief Officer Mike Brown, State Emergency Service (SES) Director Andrew Lea, Central Highlands Council Mayor Deirdre Flint and Unit Manager SES Central Highlands Leigh Blackwell.

Larger than life – the ‘Ferret’ (Keith Hawkes) is fondly

remembered.

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OUR PEOPLE

Fond farewell: Railton Primary School students (back, left to right) Daniel Williams, 11; Kyi Jacobson, 5; Shikayla Sheehan, 9 and Tarnae Bryan, 9, and (front, left to right) Teri Rand, 12; Makenzee Tuttle, 8; Lachlan Dawkins, 10, and Ashley Jones, 11, are pictured with their favourite firefighter, Greg Williams.

After 18 years’ service, over which he has delivered some 24,500 lessons to 90,000 primary school students, School

Fire Educator Greg ‘Bungy’ Williams retired on 1 June.

Greg, commonly known as ‘Firefighter Greg’ on the North West Coast, is so popular and well respected that he can’t even walk down the street or go shopping without someone saying, “Hi Firefighter Greg”!

A school teacher once told him: “If the kids could vote they would elect you Prime Minister”!

Greg was recently acknowledged by his fellow educators when they named the main character of the School Fire Education Program after him. His ‘legend’ will live on long after him leaving the TFS.

We thank Greg for his professionalism, dedication and friendship over the years and wish he and wife Joan all the best in the next exciting chapter of their lives. CT

Bungy Bounces into RetirementBy Senior Station Officer, Community Education, Chris Tomes

FireComm Legend Calls it a Day

TFS lost a legend when FireComm Communications Officer Judy Jones retired after a career spanning 40 years.

Judy commenced working with the Rural Fires Board in 1972 at the Region 4 Sorell Office as a casual office assistant, before moving to a full-time position at the Cambridge office for Southern Region in 1981.

In 1994 Judy took up a position in the new State headquarters as an administrative assistant and two years later was promoted to office supervisor.

In 2000 Judy then moved to FireComm when she undertook many roles in the communications centre as an acting leading communications officer.

Judy will be remembered at TFS for her wicked sense of humour.

Her legacy will live on, with two sons - Brendon and Craig – continuing the family tradition as TFS members.

TFS wishes Judy every enjoyment in her retirement, particularly the time she spends with her grandchildren.

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By Curator Interpretation and Displays, Tasmania Fire Museum, Terry Gill

The centenary of the opening of Hobart Fire Station on 1 December 1911 provides an opportunity to reflect on

advances in facilities, technology, staffing and above all working conditions.

Firies everywhere will thank heaven the 112 hour week has been consigned to history!

On Friday, 2 December 2011, a ceremony was held in the appliance room of the Tasmania Heritage Register-listed old head station, 79-83 Argyle Street, to commemorate its centenary.

Designed by Hobart architect R. Flack Ricards, the building was of the classical revival style, using a combination of red bricks and rendered dressings - features common to the Federation era of architecture.

Builder James McKenzie won the contract with a tender of £2,669, and the foundation stone was laid by the Board Chairman, Col. T.M. Evans, on 16 March 1911.

On its ground floor, the building had a two-bay appliance room for horse- and hand-drawn carts, a watch room to monitor incoming fire calls from the brigade’s network of street corner fire alarm telephone boxes, a single men’s dormitory, a recreation room and horse stables.

The appliance bays are now used to house part of the Tasmania Fire Museum’s collection, with a particular emphasis on displaying appliances and other artifacts that saw service with the Hobart Fire Brigade in the building.

Preserving our Rich History

The Head Station in 1911 – Exterior. Photo courtesy Tasmania Fire Museum collection

The commemorative centenary plaque. Photo courtesy Tasmania Fire Museum collection

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38 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

On the first floor were two married quarters flats for the Superintendent and his deputy.

At the time, the staff of four permanent (career) firemen and two officers were required to live on the station. This was because they had to work a 112 hour week - from 0700-2100 hours for six days a week, with one day off. After stand down and on their duty days, they were still ‘on call’ overnight!

The several part-paid (retained volunteer) firemen on staff, while not living on the station, all had to reside in houses close to the fire station in Melville, Argyle or Brisbane Streets.

The building, with extensions to come in 1925 and 1952, was destined to be the brigade’s operational headquarters for the next 92 years - until the new head station was completed in Melville Street as recently as 2003.

The centenary occasion was marked by the joint unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the Lord Mayor of Hobart and the oldest living former Hobart Brigade Chief, Brian Baker (1972-1991) AFSM.

A centenary medallion was also struck to mark the event, which can be bought through the Tasmania Fire Museum.

The centenary ceremony was also used to mark a number of other significant events, including:

• Thereturntothestationofa1913Leyland (the brigade’s first motor driven appliance) 51 years after its 1960 decommissioning following a recent three-and-a-half-year restoration carried out by members of the Tasmania Fire Museum.

• Reinstallationoftheoriginalbi-foldwoodendoorsontheentry ways to the station’s appliance room. A condition of Hobart City Council’s 1997 approval to remove them for replacement by roller doors while the station continued to remain operational was that, on heritage grounds, they were to be put into storage and eventually reinstalled.

P R E S E R V I N G O U R R I C H H I S T O R Y

The Head Station in 1911 – Interior. Photo courtesy Tasmania Fire Museum collection

Photo courtesy Lionel Williams

HFB Station Centenary Medallion. Photo courtesy Tasmania Fire Museum collection

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39FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

P R E S E R V I N G O U R R I C H H I S T O R Y

The new history on the colonial antecedents of today’s fire service, Fight the Fiery Fiend, is now available. With the Foreword written by Chief Officer Mike Brown, this fascinating book is available at a special price of $15 per copy for brigades who order 10 or more.

STOP PRESS!

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P R E S E R V I N G O U R R I C H H I S T O R Y

Lord Mayor Damon Thomas and former Brigade Chief Brian Baker AFSM, unveil the centenary plaque. Photo courtesy John Ling

Bill Johnson receives his TFS Volunteer Medal, for combined Wellington and Museum Brigades service, from Group Officer Lyndsay Suhr AFSM. Photo courtesy John Ling

The 1913 Leylend appliance arrives under its own power at the Argyle Street Head Station. Photo courtesy Helen Richardson

Phil Mettam receives his TFS Volunteer Award, for Museum Brigade service, from Group Officer Lyndsay Suhr AFSM. Photo courtesy John Ling

In the absence of a ‘key’, Museum president Roland Hill AFSM, hands over the Leyland’s bell clapper, to current Hobart Brigade Chief Tony Davidson AFSM. Photo courtesy John Ling

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P R E S E R V I N G O U R R I C H H I S T O R Y

• Acknowledgementofthewiderangeofprojectsundertaken by museum members to conserve and record Tasmania’s fire service heritage, which cover not only appliance and equipment restoration, but historical research and the maintenance of two public display sites, including the Hobart Fire Brigade 1911 head station appliance room.

• Recognitionoftheservicegivenbysomeindividualmuseum members through the presentation of a TFS Volunteer Medal to Bill Johnson and Volunteer Awards to former Hobart Fire Brigade career members Roland Hill, John Mason, Philip Mettam, Graeme Newbury, Lindsay Voss and Lionel Williams.

• Recognitionofanumberofcurrentlyservingandformerbrigade members recently added to the Hobart Fire Brigade Roll of Honour, including: Fraser Herbert, John Tyrell AFSM, Ian McLaughlin, Peter Plummer, Eugene

Banasik, Mark Cullen, Peter Tavasz, Gulia Russo, Wayne Smart, Barry Bones, Marcus Skelly, Darren Gray, George Auchterlonie, Brendon Burridge, Warren Frey, Stuart McKinlay, Michael Goldsmith, Tim McKay, Phil Douglas and Shane Batt. Those able to attend were each presented with a medallion by Brian Baker and fellow former Hobart Brigade Chief Roland Hill (1995-1996) AFSM.

The Museum, while not normally open to the public, may be visited by prior arrangement. TG

Senior Firefighter Gulia Russo receives her Roll of Honour medallion from Brian Baker AFSM. Photo courtesy John Ling

Station Officer Michael Goldsmith receives his Roll of Honour medallion from Roland Hill AFSM. Photo courtesy John Ling

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The sixth Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Research Advisory Forum was held in Hobart over 23 and 24 May.

The CRC includes all the fire and land management agencies in Australia and New Zealand, CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, the Attorney General’s Department, other fire-related organisations and several Australian universities.

Research projects address a range of issues stemming from the tragic 2009 fires in Victoria. They focus on increasing understanding of bushfire risk, communicating that risk, and managing the bushfire threat.

The May forum was hosted by TFS, with Director, Community Fire Safety, Damien Killalea opening the proceedings at the impressive circular function room at the Baha’i Centre of Learning in Hobart.

The Bushfire CRC holds a forum every six months to review progress on a broad suite of research projects. Researchers and lead end-users provide an update on their activities and invite discussion from attending researchers and fire and land management agency representatives.

The forum provides an invaluable opportunity to get broad feedback from all stakeholders to support the research.

At the Hobart forum, the audience heard presentations from around half the current research program - from researchers, PhD students and lead end-users.

Bushfire research in the spotlight in Hobart.

It seems there is still strong support internationally for a ‘stay and defend if well prepared’ approach for those faced with a

manageable bushfire threat.

At least that was the message from delegates to the third Human Dimensions in Wildland Fire Conference that I attended in Seattle, Washington, from 17-19 April this year.

The biennial conference brings together mainly North American practitioners from rural fire and land management agencies, as well as leading social scientists conducting bushfire-related research with a ‘people’ dimension.

Given that a significant amount of related research is being conducted in Australia by the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), I was one of 17 Aussie speakers who featured in the three-day program.

My presentation was on behalf of the Bushfire CRC and the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council about bushfire-related policy developments in Australia since the ‘Black Saturday’ fires in Victoria.

Featured were updates on:

• researchintoriskcommunicationandassessment;

• theenvironmentalimpactsofbothcontrolledburnsandwildfires;

• incidentmanagementorganization;

• fireconsiderationsinurbanandregionalplanningsystemsand in fire, legal and policy sectors;

• fire,fuelsandriskplanning,and

• firebehaviourunderextremeweatherconditions.

Presentations on the research project updates are available online at the Bushfire CRC website: http://www.bushfirecrc.com/research/event/2012-raf6

Spotlight on Bushfire Research

Not Just Blue Skies and Green Hills in SeattleBy Director, Community Fire Safety, Damien Killalea

Other Australian presentations also covered the key findings from social research projects being conducted for the CRC at RMIT, the Australian National University, Melbourne and LaTrobe universities, and the University of Western Australia.

Successful community engagement and development initiatives from Australia, New Zealand, North and South America and Britain, also featured. DK

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43FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

ProjectWakeUp!

Project Wake Up! is a TFS home fire safety program which provides free installation of, or checks on, home smoke

alarms and identification of fire risks for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Tasmania is expected to have the oldest population in Australia by 2019 - with approximately one in every four people being 60 years and over – making this a very important program.

A review of the program in 2010 identified a number of areas for improvement, with resulting benefits including:

• Moretargetedidentificationofat-riskhouseholds;

• Betterfollow-upandrectifyingofidentifiedfirehazardsbyagencies through their existing community support services;

News from Community Education By Community Development Officer Peter Middleton

• Moreopportunitiesforagencystafftoreceivetraininginhome fire safety awareness, and the

• Thefreeingupoffirefighters’(bothcareerandvolunteer)time to enable more targeted fire education activities.

The new approach involves the TFS Community Education Unit identifying, building and maintaining relationships with partner agencies including those in the health, aged care and disability sectors.

The aim is to explore opportunities for collaboration to improve client safety Statewide.

Working with Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Communities

Getting key messages about fire safety to people from diverse backgrounds is an important initiative for the Unit, with a

key target audience being international students at the University of Tasmania.

UTAS residential accommodation sites for these students have traditionally been responsible for a high rate of alarm call outs for the Hobart Fire Brigade.

In many instances, cooking practices have been responsible, including:

• Placingmeats,otherfoodsandkettlesdirectlyonto hot plates;

• Leavingcookingfoodunattended;

• Lackofsafetyaroundtheuseofappliances,suchaskettles, in rooms;

• Overcookingfoodinmicrowaves.

Many of the alarm calls could be avoided.

The Unit has been working closely with UTAS staff and international students to develop strategies for improving fire safety. Partnership initiatives include:

• Developmentofposterswithclearmessagesforaccommodation areas;

• Currentwinterfiresafetytelevisioncommercialsbeing shown in common areas;

• Competitionbetweencollegestoseewhichcanrecord the least amount of alarms;

• Developmentofacookingtutorialassistingstudentswith the use of appliances;

• Socialmediaandwebsiteinformation;

• Incorporationoffiresafetyinformationintoinductiondays;

• Meetingswithfirewardensaboutthewinterfiresafetycampaign.

For further information please contact me on

tel.: 03 6230 8642 or

email: [email protected]

PM

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44 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

The Hobart Fire Brigade Recreation Club is marking its 100th anniversary later this year, with a celebratory “Firefighters’

Ball” in keeping with past tradition.

The Recreation Club has played a vital role over 100 years in supporting firefighters both operationally and socially, and has allowed us to build membership rapport, with many strong and life-long friendships forged as a result.

It all started back on 16 May 1910, when the HFB Board agreed to the setting up of a Recreation Fund for the brigade, with both permanent and part-time staff making a small contribution from their weekly wage.

On 20 August 1912 the Hobart Fire Brigade Recreation Club was born, with its first President permanent Fireman A.J. Walker.

The Club had an initial membership of 33. Today, there are 161 current members who pay a fortnightly membership.

Over the years, the Club has provided funds to support a wide range of recreation and social initiatives that benefit members while they are not on duty, or while awaiting alarm and fire calls.

These have evolved from paying for upkeep of the Club’s billiard table (which remains in the upstairs billiard room at HFB headquarters), to the purchase of sporting equipment, support of sporting teams, helping out colleagues in times of hardship and funding farewell functions for retiring members.

Over the past century, the Club has arranged a variety of social activities such as billiard tournaments, football and cricket

matches (with station records still available to prove our best players!), cabarets and other social occasions which to this day are spoken about with a smile.

The Recreation Club is a proud part of HFB history, reminding us of the firefighters who were here before us protecting our community.

At the same time, it benefits the firefighters of today and will continue to be just as important for those who follow.

As a fitting mark of the Club’s 100th year, the Committee has chosen to recreate a “Firemen’s Ball” – or, more appropriately these days, “Firefighters’ Ball” – an event that was started during the early years of the Club.

Our planning for the Ball on 20 October this year stems from a 1956 invitation discovered at HFB – Firemens’ Ball to be held at the Hobart City Hall.

We are delighted to be returning to that venue for our big event this year.

Members who accept their invitations will receive a copy of this piece of history on the reverse side of their ticket.

We are very much looking forward to the grand event in October, and hope that all members will support the Club as they have done over the past century.

For further information please contact Kylie Cornish on tel.: 6214 8835. AW

Having a BallBy Secretary, Hobart Fire Brigade Recreation Club, Alison Wigston

The Hobart Fire Brigade Recreation Club is proud to announce their

To commemorate this momentous occasion

Will be held on Saturday 20th October 2012 at the City Hall Hobart

All past and present HFB Recreation Club members

Will be officially invited by a personal invitation

For further information please contact: Kylie Cornish 6214 8835

“The Firefighter’s Ball ”100th year

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45FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Opening Doors to Our History

One young firefighter in the making really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look around the station.

A door on local fire service history was opened recently, with the TFS again

invited to participate in Heritage Tasmania’s popular Open Doors program.

The highly successful program has been operating since 2008, giving Tasmanians the opportunity to see inside buildings and visit places not usually open to members of the public.

Members of the Tasmania Fire Museum again participated this year by conducting guided tours of the old Hobart Fire Station on Argyle Street in Hobart.

Indicating very strong interest, the tours were almost fully booked, with close to 100 guests enjoying being guided through the building by informative former Hobart Fire Brigade officers and firefighters.

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46 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Australian Fire Service Medal Two senior Tasmanian firefighters were recently awarded the top honour in fire service, the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM):

Gongs Galore

Colin Edward Triffitt – Brigade Chief

Colin joined the TFS as a volunteer firefighter with the New Norfolk Fire Brigade in May 1973. In 1995 Colin was elected by his peers to the position of Third Officer, and later to Second Officer in 2000. In December 2003 he was elected to the brigade’s senior leadership position of Brigade Chief, and remains in that position today.

Colin has been a committed motivator and mentor in his brigade and is an active supporter of junior and cadet development, as well as a valued volunteer training instructor.

For several years Colin has also worked actively on the executive of the Tasmanian Retained Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, representing and supporting volunteers on a number of committees and working groups.

His extensive and dedicated commitment to the Fire Service and the New Norfolk community has been recognised with the awarding of his National Medal in 1988, his first clasp in 1998 and second clasp in 2008.

Anthony(Tony)Blanks - Manager, Fire Management, Forestry Tasmania

Tony Blanks’ career in firefighting and fire management spans more than 30 years – initially with the Lands Department, then Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service and now with Forestry Tasmania.

Tony has been a keen driver in developing effective interagency partnerships and protocols across the three main organisations that provide for bushfire protection in Tasmania (TFS, Parks and Wildlife and Forestry Tasmania).

He has worked tirelessly to develop the cooperative spirit which exists to ensure that the management and suppression of bushfires in Tasmania is safe, efficient and cost effective.

He has the respect and understanding of all Fire Service members developed through his continued commitment to ‘working together’ and the tried and tested interagency arrangements that are now known as a ‘best practice’ model by interstate fire services and land management agencies.

Tony has participated in, and supported, incident management arrangements on many major campaign fires locally, interstate and overseas.

He also serves as a board member on the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council.

AFSM recipients (left to right) Manager, Fire Management, with Forestry Tasmania, Tony Blanks, TFS Chief Officer Mike Brown and New Norfolk Brigade Chief Colin Triffitt.

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47FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

National Medal and ClaspsPresentations in the North West recently saw seven firefighters awarded National Medals and the National Medal Clasp.

Pictured at a presentation night at Sheffield are (left to right): Brigade Chief Michael Huett (Beulah Brigade), with Second Officer Shaune Jones (Sheffield), Firefighter Stephen McCullum (Sheffield) and Firefighter Geoffrey Creely (Sheffield) - all receiving National Medals – and Second Officer Frank Perkins (Beulah), who was presented with the National Medal Clasp.

Lorinna Brigade Second Officer Howard Mulvey received the clasped National Medal recognising 25 years of diligent service.

At Penguin Brigade, Joel Seymour receives his National Medal Clasp with Brigade Chief Steve Webster and District Officer Mersey Paul Hill.

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48 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

National Medal and Clasps cont.

Two National Medals were also presented to members of A Platoon for long and diligent service to the TFS and the community. Senior Firefighters Andrew Pitt (left) and Mark Wilkie (right) were presented with their medals by Northern Regional Chief Andrew Comer.

District Officer for Arthur Jodi Armstrong wishes Taffy Finney well after three decades of service with the TFS.

District Officer for Arthur Jodi Armstrong congratulates Wayne Marthick on five years with the service.

Irish (town) eyes smiling

Length of Service Awards

Irishtown Brigade recently honoured two of its members, with Taffy Finney being presented with a TFS plaque on his retirement after 30 years of service with the brigade, and Wayne Marthick receiving his five-year service badge.

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49FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

TFS Sweeps

Successful nominees at the 2011 Emergency Services Volunteer Awards pictured with TFS Chief Officer Mike Brown (second from left) at the presentation ceremony. Left to right: Andrew Johns (Mt Nelson Fire Brigade), Mike Brown, Parssey Memorial winner Kim Brundle-Lawrence (Carrick Fire Brigade), Ian Neilson (SES Smithton), Lyndy Smith (Rosebery Fire Brigade) and Veronica Atkins (Wesley Vale Fire Brigade).

VOLUNTEER AWARDS

TFS volunteer members were outstandingly successful in the 2011 Tasmanian emergency services volunteer awards, taking four out of five regional awards, as well as the State title – the PJ Parssey Memorial award.

Our successful nominees were:

Kim Brundle-Lawrence, Carrick Fire Brigade

• NorthernRegionLAFM/ChilliFMemergencyservices volunteer of the year

• PJParsseyMemorialTasmanianemergencyservices volunteer of the year

VeronicaAtkins,WesleyValeBrigade

• DevonportRegion7AD/SeaFMemergencyservices volunteer of the year

Lyndy Smith, Rosebery Fire Brigade

• WestCoast7XSemergencyservicesvolunteer of the year

Andrew Johns, Mt Nelson Fire Brigade

• SouthernRegionHOFMemergencyservicesvolunteer of the year

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50 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Every year, many thousands of Tasmanians give a huge amount of

time and energy to keep our emergency services operational, selflessly stepping up to the mark to help others in situations of crisis and disaster.

In recognition of this invaluable volunteer contribution to TFS and other emergency services, the annual PJ Parssey Memorial Award was established by the Tasmanian Division of the Australian Institute of Emergency Services some 22 years ago.

The prestigious award is in honour of Peter Parssey, who was a staunch and dedicated volunteer with the State Emergency Service until his tragic death due to heart disease at a young age.

The award is presented each year to an emergency services worker who has excelled in serving their respective service and community.

The latest winner was recently announced as Kim Brundle-Lawrence, in recognition of her more than two decades’ volunteer work with the TFS, based at the Carrick brigade, but having also attending numerous fires across the State.

Kim has also volunteered for some 47 years with the Australian Red Cross and is part of the Rapid Response Team which has seen her deployed around Australia in many lead positions at events that have included the Victorian ‘Black Saturday’ fires, floods and cyclones in Queensland and locally Branxholm and Railton floods.

In evidence of Kim’s ability to ‘volunteer multi-skill’, after attending fires on the East Coast of Tasmania, and helping get them under control, the story goes that she quickly changed from her TFS overalls, only to put on her Red Cross hat to aid residents who had been displaced by the blaze!

The name Kim Brundle-Lawrence is a very worthy addition on the PJ Parssey Memorial Shield.

Winner of the PJ Parssey Award, Leading Firefighter Kim Brundle-Lawrence of Carrick Brigade, pictured with Ron Jones of Sprent and First Officer Andrew Johns of Mt Nelson. Photo courtesy of The Mercury.

TFS Chief Officer Mike Brown (left) and Tasmanian Red Cross Emergency Manager Howard Colvin with very worthy PJ Parssey Memorial Award winner Kim Brundle-Lawrence.

Carrick’s Kim takes Parssey Memorial

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51FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

HOFMVolunteeroftheYear

Left to right: Emergency services volunteer award winner Andrew Johns, 7HOFM Promotions Manager Alex Harwood and TFS Chief Officer Mike Brown.

•SignificantcontributiontotheMtNelsonBrigadeandcommunity and the wider community through his role in incident management teams

•MemberoftheVolunteerConsultingWorkingGroup

•AndrewalsoworkscloselywiththeFireServiceinhis role with Telstra, particularly in areas such as internet and communication matters

•NationalMedalin2004

•20-yearServiceMedalin2011

Mt Nelson volunteer Andrew Johns has been named the inaugural 7HOFM Emergency Service Volunteer Worker of

the Year.

Andrew was presented with the award at the Mt Nelson Fire Station.

Members of the brigade, along with Chief Officer Mike Brown and District Officer Hugh Jones, attended along with Andrew’s wife and children.

7HOFM Promotions Manager Alex Harwood presented the award and thanked Andrew for his service to TFS and his community.

Andrew was also presented with a certificate from Volunteering Tasmania, recognising his contribution.

Mike Brown spoke briefly on Andrew’s role within the Fire Service, in particular as incident controller and his contribution to improving TFS communications.

Highlights of Andrew’s career include:

•JoinedSouthHobartFireBrigadein1990

•2ndOfficerin1996

•MovedtoMtNelsonwiththeamalgamationwith South Hobart in 1997

•FirePermitOfficersince1997

•1stOfficer–February1999(apositionhestillholds)

•MemberoftheSpecialFireManagementCommittee

•RepresentativeontheOH&SCommittee

Jock Gets Just Reward

The Northern Midlands Council has capped 47 years of service to firefighting in Tasmania by Longford’s Jock Bryan with an award recognising his contribution

to the next generation.

Jock, after 34 years as a career firefighter at Devonport and Launceston, took over the training of juniors and cadets at Longford when he retired in 2005.

Firefighting is in his blood. His father, Mervyn, served for more than 30 years with the Devonport Fire Brigade after returning from active service in the Middle East in World War Two.

Jock joined the Devonport Brigade Auxiliary in 1965 before signing on to a career position in 1971. After 17 years at Devonport, he transferred to Launceston as Station Officer in 1988.

His work with the juniors and cadets at Longford has been productive for the brigade, with five well trained youngsters so far joining the senior brigade.

At present, he has a squad of 12, including four girls, aged from 10 upwards.Jock Bryan receives his award for volunteer service to the Northern Midlands community from Mayor Kim Polley.

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52 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Rosebery Brigade volunteer firefighter Lyndy Smith was recognized both for her own contribution and her

representation for all volunteers when she was named the West Coast 7XS emergency services volunteer of the year.

Lyndy was the organiser of a fire brigade auxiliary at Rosebery between 1996 and 1998, when she became an official volunteer firefighter. She has since attended over 200 incidents.

She was placed in charge of administration and brigade training and has also been in a mentor role for new members.

In 2001 Lyndy was elected both the North West branch secretary and State secretary of the Tasmanian Volunteer Fire Brigades Association.

In her Association role Lyndy has been actively involved in several TFS consultative committees, including –

• 2001 & 2008 Volunteer Training Advisory Committee

VERONICAPUTSTHEWOWINWESLEYVALEBy John Streets, Regional Chief, North West

Wesley Vale Brigade member Veronica Atkins has been awarded the 2012 7AD and SeaFM 107.7 Emergency Services Volunteer Award. Veronica is pictured with (left to right) Regional Manager SES Wayne Richards, Regional Chief TFS John Streets and Tasmania Police Commander Lauchland Avery.

Veronica Atkins, the Devonport Region 7AD/SeaFM emergency services volunteer of the year, has given

outstanding service to TFS and in particular to volunteer, junior and cadet recruitment and training.

Veronica’s contribution as a volunteer member has so far spanned 28 years.

She joined TFS as a firefighter with the Branxholm Brigade on 1 June 1983. In 1990 she was elected Fourth Officer and held that position until being elected Third Officer in May 1997.

In September 1997 Veronica transferred to Wesley Vale Brigade as a firefighter and is still a serving member, supporting her husband Robert, who is Brigade Chief.

She has been an active member in all facets of brigade activities at Wesley Vale for the past 14 years.

Veronica became a member of the Volunteer Association in 2003 and has held a number of committee positions aimed at encouraging and supporting new volunteer members.

During her service, Veronica has taken a leading and active role in the TFS junior and cadet programs, including being heavily involved in running junior exercise weekends.

She has also become a mentor for brigades that have junior and cadet members, and those wanting to start a junior and cadet program.

Veronica has also been involved in the development of the

LYNDY’SSTRONGVOICEFORVOLUNTEERSBy John Streets, Regional Chief, North West

Volunteer Firefighter Handbook and the Junior and Cadet Coordinator Handbook.

In addition, she has had extensive involvement in organizing and running many State and regional volunteer firefighter competitions. JS

• 2001 – 2011 Volunteer Recruitment

• 2009 – Volunteer Leadership Program

• 2010 – Volunteers Learning and Development Committee

Lyndy has facilitated many forums across the State to identify the concerns of volunteer firefighters, and was a member of the committee which aimed to seek more recognition for volunteers.

This resulted in a five-year service badge for volunteers, who previously didn’t receive any formal recognition until they had served for 10 years.

Lyndy continues to give her time generously to TFS and fire safety. Most days she is involved in some type of fire-related activity, whether it’s for the Rosebery Brigade or talking with volunteers Statewide.

She also continues to travel around the State visiting brigades and meeting and assisting volunteers. JS

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53FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Six years ago Campania Brigade took the plunge

to establish a Junior/Cadet Brigade. I can’t say it was without reservation, but the proof of its success and the worth of our efforts is evident now as our junior members join the ranks as firefighters.

In January this year young Rupert Calvert finally turned 10. Since he was just five years old, Rupert had been counting down the years until he could join TFS.

First job on the list on his birthday was to head straight to Cambridge to meet with East Coast District Field Officer Claudio Muench, to submit his application.

I have to say it was a day that made me proud to be a part of an organisation that is based on community and has the heart to embrace the excitement of a 10-year-old, make him feel welcomed and valued, and give him the opportunity to climb aboard a big red truck!

It’s our capacity to embrace this whole of community spirit and foster our junior members that will ensure the future of our brigades.

Having a junior brigade brings a wealth of opportunities.

For some of our members it brings together family and brigade responsibilities, ensuring that volunteering for the community and commitment to firefighting and prevention have a positive impact at home.

Having younger members about the station with all their enthusiasm and dedication has been motivating and inspiring for senior brigade members. These members learn so much and so fast that older members of the brigade can’t help but follow their lead, often rekindling energy and pride that might have dulled over the years.

Providing our junior members with a high quality of training is challenging for us all, but also a great opportunity to keep our own skills current.

It reminds us of the importance of doing our job well and safely - you can count on junior member to pull you up for unsafe practices!

If we train them well as juniors, they are certain to progress through the ranks to competent and confident firefighters.

During the 2011-2012 fire season, Campania started to reap the rewards of our Junior Program, with three cadet members progressing to be active firefighters.

As these three young men joined us on the truck to fight their first fires, they had confidence that they were already trusted members of our brigade. They knew their team, they knew they had the skills - and we knew it too!

It goes without saying that the Junior/Cadet Program is our best chance of maintaining our brigades into the future.

Our future is in their hands so it’s worth the effort to support them and train them, not only with the skills to be excellent firefighters, but to share with them the dedication, camaraderie and community spirit that is the TFS.

Currently Campania Fire Brigade has 11 junior members and seven cadets.

The support we receive from the East Coast District staff has been strong and ongoing.

We are feeling confident about the future of our brigade. KG

Recruits Reward Campania CampaignBy Junior/Cadet Coordinator, Campania Fire Brigade, Kate Gillham

Rupert Calvert’s first training night.Claudio Muench welcomes Rupert Calvert, who celebrated joining TFS on his 10th birthday.

From cadets to firefighters: (left to right) Aaron Zantuck, Brad Pearce and Sam Duggan.

Olivia Tapp is pictued with cadet Kyle Grice at her first training.

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54 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Awards

Beaconsfield Robert Gilley National Medal (25 years)

Todd Russell National Medal (15 years)

Bishopsbourne Bruce Goss National Medal (25 years)

Bruce Goss Long Service (25 years)

Peter Scott Long Service (15 years)

Bradys Lake David Hean Long Service (30 years)

John Jago Long Service (20 years)

Lawrence Peters Long Service (20 years)

Cambridge Geoffrey Kent Long Service (20 years)

Andrew Charlton Long Service (15 years)

Chudleigh Terry Pickett Long Service (20 years)

Cressy Chris Cashion National Medal (25 years)

Chris Cashion Long Service (25 years)

Emita Simon McCulloch Long Service (15 years)

Frankford/Birralee John Penney Long Service (35 years)

Denis Hall Long Service (30 years)

Gerhard (Flocky) Bock Long Service (30 years)

Neville Hall Long Service (25 years)

Geeveston Carissa Armstrong Long Service (15 years)

Golden Valley Erik Bierens National Medal (15 years)

Ian McLachlan National Medal (15 years)

Ali Nielander National Medal (15 years)

Gravelly Beach Trevor Clark National Medal (25 years)

Hadspen Ian Gabites National Medal (15 years)

Tom Marik National Medal (15 years)

Ian Gabites Long Service (15 years)

Tom Marik Long Service (15 years)

Trevor Parker Long Service (15 years)

Hobart Greg Turner Long Service (25 years)

Kingston Dale Nicolson Long Service (15 years)

Lady Barron Don Bailey Long Service (20 years)

Lenah Valley Eric Percival National Medal (45 years)

Kevin Donovan National Medal (25 years)

David Deveraux National Medal (25 years)

Evan Cram National Medal (25 years)

Colin Quon National Medal (25 years)

John Wilson National Medal (25 years)

Margate Stewart Quinn Long Service (15 years)

Memana Scott Anderson Long Service (20 years)

Northern Region Admin Carol Davey Long Service (30 years)

Old Beach Barry Ryan Long Service (15 years)

Ross Jason Farrelly Long Service (15 years)

TFS Musem John Mason Long Service (40 years)

Leon Dewhurst Long Service (35 years)

Edward Wilson Long Service (30 years)

Philip Mettam Long Service (20 years)

Iain Watson Long Service (20 years)

Triabunna Laurence Cowle Long Service (40 years)

Whitemark Gerald Dilger Long Service (45 years)

Les Pitchford Long Service (45 years)

Tom Rhodes Long Service (30 years)

A list of recent awards presented within the TFS

Location/Brigade Name Award Location/Brigade Name Award

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55FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

LibraryNews

NEWARRIVALSINTHELIBRARY

Flammable Australia: fire regimes, biodiversity and ecosystems in a changing worldEditors RA Bradstock, AM Gill & RJ Williams

CSIRO, 2012

Explores the interactions between fire,

ecosystems, climate change, environmental

and social issues, with contributions

from 45 authors.

‘Fire monks: Zen mind meets wildfire at thegatesofTassajara’Colleen Morton Busch, New York, 2011

A gripping account of the defence of the Tassajara Monastery

in California in the face of massive wildfires in 2008, using both

firefighting skills and Buddhist ‘mindfulness’.

The author was also a keynote speaker at the 3rd ‘Human Dimensions of Wildland Fire’ Conference, Seattle,

April 2012. Her presentation can be viewed online at:

http://www.events27.com/iawf/home

Landscaping for bushfire: garden design and plant selectionCFA, Victoria, 2012

“Provides information on garden design

and plant selection which can be used for

new or existing gardens in high bushfire risk

areas.”

Also available online at

http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/

Kirk’s fire investigationJohn D De Haan, David Icove

7th edition, 2012

A new edition of this classic, comprehensive text on fire

investigation.

Perfectdisaster(DVD)2009A stimulating discussion-starter, this documentary series was

originally broadcast in 2006. Each episode depicts a natural

disaster hitting a major city, with scientists and weather experts

analysing the worst-case scenario. Episode 3 shows Sydney

being hit by a firestorm.

Australian Emergency Management Handbook 2 Community Recovery: Building a disaster resilient Australia Australian Emergency Management Institute, 2011

Also available online at

http://www.em.gov.au/Publications

National Emergency Management VolunteersSummit30–31 May 2011‘The future is in our hands’Partnerships•experiences•solutionsReport and transcripts from the summit, which recognised the

enormous contribution of emergency services volunteers across

Australia, discussed the challenges they face and proposed

strategies for the future.

Also available online at

http://www.em.gov.au/Volunteers

Did you know...

The TFS Library is often able to obtain raw footage of significant

incidents attended by TFS from the TV networks, for training

purposes, provided the library receives your request soon after

the incident.

CONTACT

For a wide range of books, journals, historical reports and DVDs

on fire and emergency management, and for assistance with

information and research, please drop in to the library when

in Hobart, or phone Helen Richardson on 6230 8679 or email

[email protected]. The library is located in the TFS SHQ

building, corner of Argyle and Melville Streets, and is usually

open 9-5, Monday – Friday. (Please phone or email first to

confirm opening hours.)

For a full listing of library resources, please go to our catalogue at http://talis.education.tas.gov.au/uhtbin/fire/

Page 58: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

PHOTO GALLERY

Easter Monday at the Great Lake Hotel and the fires would only be for warmth!

IN AID OF A GOOD SHOT

Deputy Chief of the Zeehan Brigade,

Shirley Garwood, took this super shot

of volunteer firefighter Aidan

Hodge.

It’s all in aid of Shirley’s tilt at

getting her Diploma in Professional Photography.

She’s on her way if this image is

anything to go by!

Nice to be appreciated!

56 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

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57FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

If it’s too hot in the kitchen – take a snap! Arthur Field Works Officer Shayne Andrews took these photos recently looking through the window of an old house used in a training exercise at Somerset.

Page 60: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

When photos are received for Fireground, they are not necessarily submitted by the photographer. In these instances the names we have received will be published and the prize money will be split between the person submitting the photo and the actual photographer. Remember, please advise the name of the photographer for each photo submitted.

The winning photo from this edition is:

Photo Competition

Winner

How to enter:

Simply send your photo with details of the incident and name of photographer.

Please ensure digital photos are of 3 mega pixels and above, also ensure date stamp is off.

If emailing photos, please don’t reduce the size when Outlook asks you if you want to keep original size or send smaller, this affects the quality and therefore the size of the photo we can print.

Photos may be of any TFS event or incident, and may include TFS personnel in turnout gear or uniform.

Any photo submitted to Fireground automatically becomes an entry to the competition.

All photos become the property of the TFS and may be used in any publication or displays with acknowledgment given to the photographer.

Post them in to:Editor – FiregroundGPO Box 1526HOBART TAS 7001

or email them to: [email protected]

58 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Fire at Coningham by Stephen Palmer

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59FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

On the Move

The following Career personnel changes have occurred

Arrivals

Community Education Peter Middleton Community Development Officer 9 January 2012

FireComm Nicole William Communications Officer 30 March 2012

Departures

TasFire Equipment Adam Lewtas Regional Supervisor 4 November 2011

North East District Kevin Robertson Field Officer 7 December 2011

Devonport Brigade Marc Herbert Senior Firefighter 27 December 2011

Launceston Brigade Darren Berry Station Officer 27 January 2012

Devonport Brigade Daniel Beamish Senior Firefighter 7 February 2012

A list of recent personnel changes within the TFS

The following Volunteer Brigade Officers have been elected by their brigades

BRIGADE OFFICER APPOINTMENT

Prospect Matthew Buck First Officer

Nicholas Dahl Third Officer

Risdon Vale Wade Stewart First Officer

Michael Petterwood Second Officer

Robyn Leahy Third Officer

Rokeby Joshua Mulcahy Fourth Officer

Rubicon Michael Dickson Brigade Chief

David Harris Second Officer

Jamie Bunn Third Officer

Runnymede Rick Birch Brigade Chief

Paul Fergusson Second Officer

Harrex McConnon Third Officer

Chris Tate Fourth Officer

Swansea David Batchelor Fourth Officer

Taroona Simon Cooper Brigade Chief

Ulverstone Robert Cunningham Brigade Chief

Upper Huon Steve Woolley Brigade Chief

Andrew Melton Second Officer

Wattle Grove Robin Dance Brigade Chief

Stephen Walter Second Officer

BRIGADE OFFICER APPOINTMENT

Page 62: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

60 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

LETTERS

From: Maree Badcock

Sent: Friday, 24 February 2012 2:13 PM

To: Peter Ockerby

Subject: Training today

Hi Peter,

I attended Fire Training today with Steve Webster.

It was one of the best training days I have been to

( and during my time I have been to a lot)

He was just a really good trainer.

All the staff thought the same.

Regards

Maree

Maree Badcock

Service Development Officer

www.coastalresidentialservice.com.au

Page 63: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

61FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

United Firefighters UnionState Secretary - Vincent MalesEmail: [email protected]: PO Box 20, North Hobart 7002Phone: 6234 9331Website: www.ufutas.asn.au

Tasmanian Retained Volunteer Firefighters AssociationState Secretary - Mathew PhilpottEmail: [email protected]: 0417 499 088Website: www.trvfa.org.au

Tasmanian Volunteer Fire Brigades AssociationState Secretary - Lyndy SmithPhone: 6473 3169Mobile: 0408 577 576Email: [email protected]: www.tvfba.org.au

CPSU (SPSFT) incGeneral Secretary - Tom LynchEmail: [email protected]: GPO Box 54, Hobart 7001Phone: 6234 1708Website: www.cpsu.com.au

As a courtesy Fireground now offers contact details for members’ representative organisations.

From: Nick Bloomfileld

Sent: Thursday, 8 March 2012 2:52 PM

To: Andrew Mc Guinness

Subject: Meadowbank Lake Fire

Dear Andrew,

Let me start off by offering my apologies for not stopping up and saying good-bye in person

before I left Tasmania for Canada, but as you well know things were a bit hectic with the fire at

Lake Meadowbank and timing just did not work.

The primary reason that I am writing this is to inform you of the excellent job that was done by

the two TFS air crew that I flew with during that incident. I have flown in other areas where we

have a forest person riding with us to do the radio work as well as to be an extra pair of eyes to

watch for wires and other hazards when we work a fire line. In many of these cases I find the other

person is more interested in just riding around in the helicopter looking at the view or nodding

off. In the case of Grant Patterson and Marcus Skelly I found them to be both professional and

very helpful in doing their duties during the nearly 40 hours of flying we did at the Meadowbank

Fire. In Australia, unlike Canada, there are many unmarked wires in the vicinity of, or across water

dip sites. I found Grant and Marcus’ assistance very helpful as they were always alert to wire and

other hazards. They were also very enjoyable to work with.

As this will be my last shift flying in Tasmania I felt I should pass on to yourself and all of the folks

that I was exposed to in the TFS a very heartfelt thank you for your wonderful hospitality. it was a

true pleasure to work with all of you.

Thank You, Nick Bloomfield

Page 64: Fireground - Tasmania Fire Service

62 FIREGROUND WINTER 2012

Community Protection PlanningWhat is it?

An innovative emergency planning project to identify protection priorities for bushfire prone Tasmanian communities.

Outputs

Community Bushfire Protection Plan

- A simple plan for community members, it includes information on the location of nearby safer places and safe exit routes

Community Bushfire Response Plan

- A plan for firefighters & emergency managers, it includes information on public safety priorities, hazards, community assets, and operational features

Nearby safer places

- A place of last resort for people during bushfire emergencies that may afford protection from radiant heat

- Not without risk – degree of safety will depend on the severity of the bushfire

- Not a place to relocate to when leaving early

- Not a replacement for a Community Fire Refuge

Playing YOUR part

- Help our planners develop Community Protection Plans

- Utilise Response Plans when responding to bushfires

Further Information

www.fire.tas.gov.au – Community Bushfire Protection Plans

www.fire.tas.gov.au members area – Community Bushfire Response Plans

Contact [email protected] 1800 000 699

Be informedplay your partCommunity Protection Planning


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