FIRE GROUND NOVEMBER 2020 - Tasmania Fire Service
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
FIRE GROUND OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF TASMANIA FIRE SERVICE NOVEMBER 2020 FINGAL FIRE SEASON. P2 ANSWERING THE CALL. P11 A UNITED COVID-19 RESPONSE. P14
MESSAGE
from the Chief Officer
W elcome to another exciting edition
of Fireground.
A lot of the stories in this edition of
Fireground focus on our people and the
many ways they contribute to their local
In this edition, volunteers involved in the
Fingal and Pelham bushfire campaigns communities. We have also received a lot
share their experiences from the front line of feedback from members of the public,
and we also hear some personal accounts sharing their appreciation for the work
from people who were deployed to New we do.
South Wales. TFS is fortunate to be underpinned by
Summer bushfires around the country our people’s strong commitment to
were commonly described in public protecting others and it is this willingness
circles as ‘unprecedented’. While they to respond that makes me proud to lead
sadly included loss of life, major property our service.
losses and environmental impacts, Whether responding to a local call out
Tasmania experienced a moderate over summer, getting on a plane to help
bushfire season in comparison. fight fires interstate or redesigning your
As everyone began to wind down station to meet COVID-19 requirements,
from summer, we were hit by another everyone has demonstrated a great
unprecedented event. Navigating the amount of resilience. Thank you for
challenges of COVID-19 has required us your unwavering commitment and for
all to makes changes to our daily routine continuing to respond when asked. I look
and adapt to an extremely dynamic forward to our organisation continuing to
situation. grow even more in 2021 and beyond.
Together with SES volunteers and I hope you can take a few moments out of
Australian Defence Force personnel, our your busy schedules to relax with a cuppa
volunteers have assisted with compliance and enjoy reading this edition.
checks of those in mandatory quarantine. Stay safe.
It was this collaborative approach with our
emergency service colleagues and other Chris Arnol
Government agencies that contributed
to keeping Tasmanians safe. It also
demonstrated that our skills can extend
beyond responding to fires and we
should remain flexible in our approach
to public safety.
CONTENTS
Fingal fire season 2
Pelham fires 7
Answering the call 11
A united COVID-19 response 14
Reducing the risk 16
The importance of
post-fire decontamination 17
In this together 19
7 12 Training Reform Project 26
Fire Training - keeping it real 28
Getting to know you 31
Recognising a lifetime of
service to the West Coast 34
Collaboration in action
at Ansons Bay 42
Aerial Fire Appliances
in Tasmania 43
Letters of appreciation 46
26 38
41
Official magazine of Tasmania Fire Service
Chief Officer Chris Arnol
State Fire Commission Members
Rod Sweetnam (Chair), Chris Hughes,
Graeme Brown, Lindsay Suhr, Bruce Corbett,
Dana Faletic, Leigh Hills
fireground@fire.tas.gov.au
fire.tas.gov.au
The opinions expressed in Fireground are not
necessarily those of the State Fire Commission
Published by Tasmania Fire Service
Design & production: Digital Ink
ISSN 0727-6087
Printing: Mercury Walch
Printed on Hanno Satin, totally chlorine free
from FSC Mixed Sources
Cover photo: Dungay Creek, NSW
by D’Wayne Leonard
November 2020 FIREGROUND 1
Fingal fire season
The 2019-20 fire season is one that I will never forget.
I am an 18-year-old
volunteer with both the
O ver the past fire season, Australian
firefighters were battling fires all
over the country. In the Fingal Valley, we
destruction that was incinerating the bush
and threatening our local communities
were terrifying.
Fingal and Ansons Bay experienced a fire season that threatened While other members of our brigade
brigades. I first joined a number of towns and assets. Our went out in the trucks, I was based at the
community was in the grip of drought
TFS as a junior member at and people were on edge when we faced
staging area in Fingal. I worked alongside
many hardworking individuals from TFS,
Fingal at the age of 11, and scorching temperatures on 30 December SES and Sustainable Timber Tasmania
recently became a member 2019. The land was ready to burn, and that
is exactly what it did.
(STT), as well as contractors and other
local community members. I spent the
of the Ansons Bay brigade. majority of my summer school holidays at
Following the initial ignition of the
Fingal has a tradition of fire mid-afternoon that day, my family the staging area, and while it was not what
family membership, with returned to Fingal from our shack I had planned, I couldn’t think of anything
more valuable than the experience I
both parents and children at Ansons Bay to find several local
communities at emergency alert levels. gained while working with these
participating. My father is The conditions changed swiftly as the fantastic people.
a member and when I was fire spread from the initial site and was During my time at the staging area,
spotted to the south of the valley into I experienced things that I never would
growing up, I could not wait Mt Malcolm. I was 17 at the time, and have had I been on the ground. I built
until I was old enough to this was my first up close and personal a better knowledge of processes,
get involved. experience of a severe bushfire. The such as handling logistics, emergency
height of the flames, the darkness of the management, incident control, the
smoke, the constant roar, and the sheer forward command structure and the
2 FIREGROUND November 2020
effort it takes to bring all these things If anyone, young or old, were offered the As a child, my involvement with the fire
together in an ever-evolving situation. opportunity to be involved with anything service taught me the value of community
I discovered the wonderful world of like I was, I would highly recommend service, and as an adult, I have developed
T-Cards, and why it’s so important that taking it. an assortment of skills that can be applied
they are filled out correctly! I experienced in many situations. My involvement in the
the challenges and stress of making sure 2019-20 fire season has taught me even
everyone received their lunch, while at Being involved in something more, and I have obtained many new skills
the same time updating maps so that the
forward control team could stay on task. like this helps you to that I know I can use in the future as I
continue to volunteer and complete more
My local knowledge was also put to good understand all the hard training. The knowledge and experience
use, whether it was providing directions
to accommodation, where to get a hot work that happens behind I gained when my own community was
under threat will not be forgotten.
breakfast or ensuring that no-one got lost the scenes to make things
run as smoothly as possible.
on the back streets of Fingal. Catherine Bean
Fingal and Ansons Bay Brigades
As a young member working with people
who were far more experienced than
It teaches you the reasons
me, I was unsure of how I would fit in. why plans can change so
These concerns completely vanished the suddenly, and why your
minute I walked in the door. Everyone was
friendly and inclusive, which provided a lunch is late.
great motivation boost and helped me to
learn the ropes quickly.
Fingal - credit Andrew Taylor
November 2020 FIREGROUND 3
On 30 December 2019, Fingal - credit Brad McDonald
Northern Region staff were
bracing for a tough day.
We knew the weather
forecast would make
firefighting extremely
T he Regional Operations Centre
had been stood up, and staff were
monitoring the day’s weather and incident
We hit the road, radios dialled in to local
frequencies, trying to build that important
situational picture en route. The further
difficult, and it was not responses. Field staff were asked to I travelled, the more resources I heard
remain at headquarters in case we were called for. At this point, most reports
lost on South Esk District needed to provide incident management were from locals phoning triple zero
staff that our volunteer or support to the areas most likely to for assistance.
firefighters had already be affected. As TFS crews started arriving and
About 4pm I was in my office and thought
gone above and beyond in we may have dodged a bullet, but soon
reporting back to FireComm, our fears
were confirmed – we had a very large
their efforts to protect the after, District Officer Steve Lowe came fire aided by horrific weather conditions
areas of Mathinna/Fingal and in and asked me to head to Mangana. heading towards the communities of
A fire had started up at Calder’s Gully and Mangana and Fingal. I was a little to
Scamander over the the community of Mangana was under the east of Avoca and could see the
preceding two months. ember attack. huge columns of pyrocumulus cloud
4 FIREGROUND November 2020
As we flew towards the fire front, I could see
30-metre high flames tearing up bush ridges and
spotting onto the next ridges kilometres away,
assisted by wind direction and fuel loads.
During the flight, we were told of local I turned to see a glow from what was
residents who decided not to evacuate. obviously an established secondary fire,
Given what we could see, we had grave some five kilometres to the south-east.
fears for their lives. We deployed a water This was to become the Mount Malcolm
bombing helicopter to their property for fire that would go on to burn over
the purpose of knocking down the fire 8,000 hectares.
front enough to provide them some time It turned out that embers from the
to evacuate. Thankfully, we found out later Mangana fire had travelled approximately
that although they stayed and defended 10 kilometres to start the secondary fire.
their property, they stayed safe thanks to
What ensued was a huge effort from our
some intrepid water bombing pilots and a
people alongside personnel from State
well-prepared property.
Emergency Service, Tasmania Police,
I returned to the fire station and was Sustainable Timbers Tasmania, Parks and
asked to manage the incident at ground Wildlife, our aviation industry partners,
level, ably assisted by local Group Officer earthmoving contractors and operators,
Gerald Aulich and Brigade Chief Richard local businesses and landowners, and
Gee. We started to formulate our plans of course our multi-agency Incident
by sectorising the fire, developing a Management Team.
communication plan (difficult in some
We endured and overcame many issues
areas not suited to clear reception),
and emotions ran high, but these
providing the community with pertinent
things are all part and parcel of a major
information and speaking to the media.
incident. It’s how we respond that counts
I had good support over the phone
and everyone should be proud of their
from District Officer James Newstead
professionalism in trying times.
providing information on weather
forecasts, resourcing, catering and other
information that helped me do my job on
the ground. These fires went on to burn
At around 7pm that day, TasWater for more than five weeks
advised that the local water supply was at
approximately 40 per cent, meaning we
in total, with a formalised
had to initiate fill points and pumps for all incident management
sectors at the river. structure stood up for
I remember clearly thinking crews had
done an amazing job of protecting houses
approximately 26 days.
at Mangana. The sitreps coming back were
pleasing, we had firmed up our sectors, It is heartening to see the way people
formations. It was at about this time I nominated sector commanders and and communities work together in a time
realised I probably wasn’t going to be communications were working about as of need, and this was especially evident
home for dinner. well as we could hope for. during the Fingal fires of 2019-20.
When we arrived at Fingal, people and Although the main front of the fire had I am particularly proud of our local
resources were gathering at the local seemed to skirt perilously close to brigade members for their efforts and
fire station. At this point a pre-deployed Mangana, by and large it missed most their families for the sacrifices they made.
North West Strike Team had responded of the community. For a minute I think Many of them put their own lives on hold,
to Mangana alongside other local units we all thought, “Well that wasn’t so bad. day after day, to assist others and keep
for structural protection. If we can pull this up before Fingal, then the community safe. It is this spirit that
happy days!” is synonymous with the TFS brand and
Air Attack Supervisor Neil McEachen met
me at Fingal and asked me to accompany We were looking to swap out the North certainly one to be proud of.
him on a flight, so we could see what we West Strike Team and rotate our crews, Clynt Allen
were dealing with. and it was about then someone came up Field Officer, South Esk
to me at my field ute and tapped me on
the shoulder.
November 2020 FIREGROUND 5
Mangana Hills at night - credit Jamie Loane
For our brigade, the 2019-20
bushfire season was a long,
frustrating and challenging
one. The Fingal Valley was
experiencing prolonged
drought conditions with
minimal rainfall, high
temperatures, low humidity,
dry soil moisture indexes and
heavy fuel loads. The scene
was set for a long summer.
W e started to receive call-outs for
multiple vegetation fires in the
Mangana and Mathinna areas as early Mangana Hills - credit Jamie Loane
as September.
During October, November and
December our brigade responded to There were many call-outs to the Calders The request was made for more
many deliberately lit vegetation fires. Gully area near Mangana leading up to assistance and brigades came from near
This created an unsettling feeling in the new year, with over six separate fires and far, which was greatly appreciated by
the community, but our brigades in the and often multiple ignition points. We our brigade and the local community.
Golden Gate group, (Avoca, Rossarden, managed to control any new fires up The Calders Gully fire went on to burn
Mathinna, St Marys and Fingal) pulled until the afternoon of 30 December 2019 over 20,000 hectares and was out of
together and all did a fantastic job in – a day of Total Fire Ban and one I will control for five weeks.
controlling and extinguishing any fires never forget.
that started. Assistance was also provided I am extremely proud of our brigade
High temperatures and wind speeds and the way we helped protect our
by other brigades, STT crews, aerial combined with low humidity meant if a
support and contractors. community, with the broader TFS network
fire started, it would spread rapidly. The also working tirelessly, under extremely
We held community information evenings pager went off in the afternoon, and challenging conditions, to ensure the
for the public, which ultimately helped even with a quick response from multiple damage was kept to a minimum.
when the major fire started and people brigades, this new fire developed quickly
were required to prepare their properties and soon put Mangana and Fingal under Richard Gee
and evacuate. threat. Fingal Brigade Chief
6 FIREGROUND November 2020
Pelham fires –
an account from the ground
Pelham - TFS RATS talk with a PWS member
over dangerous trees - credit Phil Pyke
On 30 December at around Brigades from all over
2.45pm, the temperatures Midlands, Brighton and Kempton the state spent the next
were in the high 30s when a Brigades had arrived, as well as more
Broadmarsh members. Trucks were
two weeks staging out of
thunderstorm went through being sent to surrounding houses for Pontville, blacking out and
the Pelham area in the property protection. tackling flare-ups. Many
Central Highlands. The fire was starting to get very active.
Just after 4pm, the pager went off again.
kilometres of tracks were
“A fire in Cockatoo Gully Road” – about bulldozed for containment.
N ot long after, the pager went off
– “Vegetation fire, Pelham Road.
Pelham lightning strike, Taylors Tier”.
seven kilometres away. This was quickly
extinguished by Bagdad Brigade.
On 14 January, the fire was handed
With more crew on the 3:1, another back to local brigades to patrol. This
We had a crew of two for the 3:1 and 5:1. brigade member and I returned to our was carried out by Kempton, Bagdad,
When we arrived on scene the fire was own homes in Bluff Road to protect them. Brighton and Broadmarsh until early
quite small but burning in steep, More brigades were turning up, all the February, when the incident was closed.
inaccessible terrain near the road and time hitting spot fires and for property
being pushed by winds from the protection. On 14 February, Broadmarsh was called
north-west. out to a root system that had been
Just after 5pm, the fire was impacting burning from the first hours of the fire.
Shortly after, the fire jumped the road, Bluff Road, with several properties under
burning in similar terrain on both sides – threat. Tea Tree 3:1 turned up at my place Overall, the Pelham fires spread for
not somewhere you would want to for property protection and left later in 2,100 hectares with a 43 kilometre
put crews. the evening when the threat had eased. perimeter. One home was lost, as well as
12 outbuildings and a small amount of
There were eight houses on Pelham Road Later that night, more rain fell, which livestock.
that would imminently come under threat, allowed everyone to go home. A lot of
and another dozen or so on Horners Road hard work was done by locals, TFS and Michael Gaskell
in the next hour. choppers to save numerous properties. Brigade Chief, Broadmarsh
November 2020 FIREGROUND 7
Pelham - Brendon Burridge (Midlands FWO) chats with TasNetworks
representative over fallen power pole - credit Phil Pyke
Pelham - TFS light tanker is refilled from Norske Skog
heavy tanker - credit Phil Pyke
8 FIREGROUND November 2020Pelham - FWO (Midlands) Brendon
Burridge briefs crews at the
Pontville Staging Area - credit
Phil Pyke
Pelham - Sector Commander Mitch Raspin from STT briefs
crews before entry to the fireground - credit Phil Pyke
Pelham - TFS PWS and STT crew move through
burnt forest - credit Phil Pyke
November 2020 FIREGROUND 9A united
effort
L ast summer saw a large contingent of
Tasmanian crews deploy interstate to
help with some of the biggest fire events
estimated was
eight kilometres
away from their
in recorded history. destination. The
Amongst the crews were Tasmania Strike fire had spotted
Team 73 and 74. Made up of Tasmania nine kilometres
Fire Service (TFS), Parks and Wildlife ahead of the main
Service (PWS) and Sustainable Timber front.
Tasmania (STT) firefighters, they all As they
united to support their NSW colleagues approached the
who were battling fatigue in the face of next fire front, they
overwhelming fire conditions. were confronted by
Strike Team 73 were tasked with back a wall of flames and
burning operations and path clearing, had to pull into a safe zone.
while Strike Team 74 were assigned to While they waited, local Wytaliba crews
help local farmers and property owners called over the radio to say their fire
with asset protection. station was alight and the only bridge in
Cameron Roper, PWS Firefighter, was part and out of town was also on fire.
of Strike Team 74 and shared an account The team decided the only option was
of his experience in Wytaliba, a small to get out. At the same time, Tasmanian
inland town between Glen Innes and Strike Team 73 had been sent in to try and
Grafton in northern NSW. reach the town from the other side.
“The first property owner we met was As the crew made their way out, they
at breaking point. He told us he had saw houses, car sheds and machinery
been dealing with fires for basically three completely burnt out. They also came
months straight, in and around their farm. across people walking bare foot along the
He was down to his last paddock of feed,” road, trying to flee the devastation.
he said. “I think we picked up five people on our
Cameron particularly recalls the first trip back,” Cameron said.
significance of 8 November 2019. “We also passed a guy heading back to
“It started like any other day. We received find his neighbour who lived alone.“
our briefing and headed out from base The team made it back to the bridge,
camp to the same place as the day where they again encountered the man
before. with his neighbour.
“The weather was off the charts. Nothing She was severely burnt but the decision
I or the Strike Team leader with over was made to get her across the river so
30 years’ forest fire fighting experience she would have a better chance of getting
had ever witnessed. out of the area quickly. from different firefighting backgrounds,
“Fires were still predominantly burning from TFS, PWS and STT and they
They constructed a makeshift stretcher united to work together and protect the
in the ranges to the south of us. As the out of a ladder, towels and fire blankets,
minutes ticked by, the fire activity kept interstate communities when they were
transporting her to the other side of the in need.
increasing. Then, all of a sudden, all bridge to administer first aid.
hell broke loose and fire just came from “I’m extremely proud of the measures
Tragically, they found out the next taken, under challenging and adverse
everywhere. We had six buildings to look
morning that the woman had passed away circumstances.”
after and four crews plus farm units.
in hospital from her injuries.
“Our team worked for the next two hours St John Ambulance Australia also
Chief Officer Chris Arnol said he was recognised Strike Team 74’s significant
jumping from house to house, putting out
proud of the efforts of those involved in efforts in April this year, presenting them
spot fires and trying to get on top
both strike teams and other interstate with a Save a Life Award. The Award
of things.”
deployments. recognises those who have rendered
There were numerous calls to assist
“We send our firefighters away to assist first aid to save or preserve a life, either
residents, including an elderly man whose
other jurisdictions without hesitation, through extraordinary actions or in
house was engulfed by fire.
knowing they are trained and capable of exceptional circumstances.
As the team moved along Old Grafton dealing with whatever comes their way.
Road outside of Wytaliba, they passed Stephanie Webb
“The people in these strike teams came Communications Officer
an approaching fire front which they
10 FIREGROUND November 2020Answering the call NSW deployment
- credit D’Wayne Leonard
Late one Friday afternoon,
the phone rings. Acting
District Officer Bones is on
the other end. “Can you
mobilise a crew at short
notice to deploy to NSW?”
he says. “They have a few big
fires and are asking for help
from other states.”
“No problem,” I say. “I’ll
canvas the guys and get
back to you.” By Sunday
morning we were on board
the C117 at Hobart Airport NSW deployment
NSW farewell - credit D’Wayne Leonard
amid tight security and were
away – point of destination,
Port Macquarie, NSW.
T he crews deployed were made up of
25 volunteers from the south of the
state, led by deployment chief ASO Jason
Prime Minister and the NSW Premier out
the back of Port Macquarie airport, then it
was on to our home base of Kempsey.
death adders also liked to camouflage
themselves in the undergrowth to ambush
someone’s unsuspecting ankle.
Fitzpatrick from Hobart Fire Brigade. The staging area was NSW Rural Our main roles were asset protection and
The flight there was certainly very Fire Service’s Lower North Coast burning out edges to containment lines.
interesting. We were told to rug up as headquarters at West Kempsey. This gave Kempsey is a large regional town that was
we’d be flying at 20,000 feet with no us a central point to deploy from, as the directly in the firing line, with fire travel
heating. Let’s just say the TFS beanie environment was constantly changing. predictions ending further up on the coast.
and soft-shell jacket came in handy! The Hot changeovers with CFA crews at the One of the standout moments was
highlight was entering the cockpit and compound and out on the fireground was undoubtedly the opportunity to go
talking to the pilots during the flight. the preferred option due to the amount of and meet locals who had lost their
Crossing into NSW it became obvious travelling at dusk in unfamiliar territory. home or relocated to the local refuge.
from the air that these fires were Night-time firefighting has many dangers. We heard their personal stories and the
not going to be extinguished until a Unfortunately, the areas we were working gratitude they showed towards the Tassie
substantial amount of rain fell. Looking in had hundreds of kilometres of fire edge firefighters was definitely a humbling
out the window, we all began to focus on that was left to burn out. Trees posed a experience that brought a few tears to the
the huge job that lay ahead. danger, as they were constantly dropping eyes of more than one person.
We had a quick meet and greet with the unannounced in the dark. The local
November 2020 FIREGROUND 11One of the standout moments was
undoubtedly the opportunity to go and
meet locals who had lost their home or
relocated to the local refuge. We heard
their personal stories and the gratitude
they showed towards the Tassie
firefighters was definitely a humbling
experience that brought a few tears to
the eyes of more than one person.
Start of 9km backburn to Firefighter Christopher Stephens
stop fire front, Mackville, NSW assisting with a tactical
- credit Brett Carhart backburn in Dungay, NSW
- credit D’Wayne Leonard
A special shout-out must go to Jason Fitzpatrick (aka Boss Man).
Jason’s leadership skills and his ability to engage people to get
the best out of them went a long way towards everyone being
kept safe and content. Jason made a lot of great decisions
based on the wellbeing of his deployment crew. Most notably
was after the all-day bus trip back to Sydney from Coffs Harbour,
due to the airport being smoke logged. Jason received
information that we would most likely be spending our last
night at Richmond Airbase on camp stretchers in the mess hall.
Instead we secured bookings at the Novotel in Sydney’s CBD
courtesy of the RFS. King-size beds and a meal voucher were a
welcome alternative!
The effort of all firefighting crews from different agencies
across Tasmania during the summer deployment is something
that everyone can be extremely proud of. The friendships and
respect that were formed is something that will stay with people
for a long time.
N SW farewell
Paul Baker
Brigade Chief, Lauderdale
Strike Team 273 - NSW being briefed by Strike Team
Leader D’Wayne Leonard prior to deploying for night
shift in the Dungay sector Fire in NSW - credit Brett Carhart
12 FIREGROUND November 2020Interstate deployment - credit Paul Baker
Fire front, Mackville NSW - credit Brett Carhart Tassie Crew NSW
Fire front, Mackville NSW - credit Brett Carhart Briefing at Kempsey RFS Headquarters - credit Brett Carhart
November 2020 FIREGROUND 13A united COVID-19
response
N ot long after many TFS personnel and volunteers had started
settling back into life after a busy local bushfire season and
a heavy rotation of interstate deployments, COVID-19 arrived
in our state and the Tasmanian Premier declared a State of
Emergency.
The COVID-19 pandemic response
provided a unique opportunity to
demonstrate flexibility and resilience
in unprecedented circumstances.
Consistent processes and procedures TFS and SES volunteers followed a process of calling ahead a
few minutes before arriving at the registered address to make
had to quickly be implemented to comply sure the person in quarantine was at the property.
with public health directions, and ensure Once this was established, the teams checked whether
the person had been complying with their quarantine
the workforce was kept regularly informed requirements and asked whether they required any
as the situation evolved. assistance.
Most of this was done over the phone, with the person
standing in the window or in a doorway to meet strict social
distancing requirements.
TFS members were brought into the DPFEM planning team
alongside SES and Tasmania Police representatives, tasked with Scott Marriott from Taroona Fire Brigade said many people
developing and enacting response plans across all agencies. were pleased about the visits.
Early in the planning process it became apparent that TFS and “Most residents were happy to see a fresh face and have
SES volunteers had the skills and relevant training to support someone to chat to, from an appropriate distance of course.
Tasmania Police with compliance checks of those in mandatory “We enjoyed the polite, relaxed and friendly reception,
quarantine. which mirrored our own approach.
After a trial weekend in the south, the process was rolled out “It was great to see how many people thanked us for
across the state, with Australian Defence Force reservists also checking on them,” he said.
called in to assist.
Compliance checks -
Dillon Monks Risdon Vale Brigade Compliance checks -
& Evan Cram Lenah Valley Brigade personnel briefing at SES staging area
- credit Leon Smith - credit Leon Smith
14 FIREGROUND November 2020“As trusted organisations charged with
protecting the community, TFS and SES
volunteers have been playing an integral
role in keeping Tasmanians safe during the
ongoing COVID-19 response.
SES Assistant Director Leon Smith said the COVID-19 response “Their work in ensuring that people are meeting quarantine
demonstrated innovation and flexibility. requirements and conducting welfare checks is a great
“I am immensely proud of the collaborative effort that took support to the broader effort,” he said.
place,” he said. While compliance checks are ongoing, at their peak TFS
“This was a unique opportunity to use the wide range of and SES volunteers, together with Tasmania Police and ADF
skills that volunteers from all respective agencies can offer. personnel, were completing up to 550 checks per day around
They worked hard to develop a sense of ‘one team’ that places the state.
us in an exceptional position for the future.” Leon ‘Alfy’ Smith
State Controller Darren Hine commended the efforts Assistant Director, Operations and Resources, SES Tasmania
of everyone who participated in the compliance checks.
Compliance checks - SES and TFS volunteers reporting to SES staging area - credit Leon Smith
Credit – Mark Forteath
November 2020 FIREGROUND 15Reducing the Risk
The Bushfire Risk Unit (BRU) undertook a
high-priority burn near Hydro Tasmania’s
Poatina Power Station in March 2020, as part
of the statewide Fuel Reduction Program.
T he aim of the 210-hectare burn was to provide protection The window of opportunity to burn in the area is only about
to the power station and the community of Poatina. As three weeks per year. With the majority of Hydro Tasmania staff
Poatina Power Station is one of the primary sources of energy working underground, a weekend burn was planned so the
for the north of the state, powering critical infrastructure such power station’s ventilation could be shut down.
as hospitals, water treatment and irrigation, this burn had a very Attempts to conduct the burn in 2019 were cancelled due to
strategic outcome in risk management. unfavourable weather. In 2020, the weather again intervened on
Station Officer Jeremy Ripper consulted with Hydro Tasmania’s the first attempt, but subsequent favourable conditions enabled
Ed Gwynne on the many complexities, including burning near the burn to proceed.
high voltage powerlines and keeping smoke out of the power Lighting was conducted over three days, including aerial
station’s air intakes. COVID-19 protocols were also implemented ignition on day two. Volunteers from Bracknell and Hadspen
for fire crews. worked alongside the Bushfire Risk Unit and Sustainable Timber
Tasmania fire crews. Three Senior Firefighters from Launceston
Fire Brigade also attended the burn, being mentored as sector
commanders as part of their Leading Firefighter training.
“Undertaking a large-scale fuel reduction The burn was ultimately a success. Hydro Tasmania was pleased
burn around one of our major power with the work undertaken to protect its assets without affecting
station facilities aligns with our asset the community’s energy security needs. In particular, Hydro
Tasmania praised the work of Station Officer Jeremy Ripper and
management activities and bushfire Burn Coordinator Brad Williams.
preparedness,” Ed said. David McIntee
Community Engagement Officer, Bushfire Risk Unit
Hydro FRB Poatina - credit Stu King
16 FIREGROUND November 2020The importance of
post-fire decontamination
W hen I started my career, you could
tell the experience of a firefighter as
The following decontamination
procedures are required for each zone:
soon as they stepped into the fire truck to Hot Zone
complete a gear check. It was not only by Hot Zone – Once internal firefighting
their knowledge of the equipment, but by operations are complete, firefighters
their ability to pinpoint the type of incident This is determined by the associated will exit the structure and, while still
the crew before them had attended. hazards of the structure fire. wearing breathing apparatus, use
Consideration of wind direction is their hose to spray down each other
They could smell the difference between essential for determining the hot from head to toe. This removes visible
a car and a house fire and even taste the zone – a good rule of thumb would solid contaminants from breathing
oil residue in the air left over from a motor be to consider if structural collapse apparatuses and protective clothing,
vehicle crash. The soot-stained helmet occurred, what area would this and wets down any fine particles
and blackened turnout gear was regarded impact? on clothing that may become
as a badge of honour.
In the hot zone, the minimum airborne during disrobing. Particular
Over the years, as we gained a better requirement of personal protective attention should be made to washing
understanding of the adverse health clothing is: the underside of boots and any
issues associated with the cleanliness firefighting equipment to prevent
of our uniforms, trucks and equipment, • Full structural firefighting ensemble
cross contamination in the appliance
procedures have been developed • Self-contained breathing and clean areas.
to reduce our exposure to these apparatus.
contaminants. A culture of cleanliness Warm Zone – A designated
is the new badge of honour. As an This workspace should be tactics disrobing station should be set up
organisation, we must continue to adapt driven and focused on direct and the station will have laundry packs
and enhance our procedures so we firefighting requirements. available for each firefighter to disrobe
can create a safe and healthy working and bag contaminated turnout gear.
environment for each other. A tool dump will also be located near
Firefighters are potentially exposed to the disrobing station for all tools,
chemicals while performing their duties, including breathing apparatus, to be
cleaned as per the doctrine. Once at
particularly during fire suppression and
overhaul. There is potential for harmful Warm Zone the disrobing station firefighters will:
chemicals to be absorbed or inhaled -P lace any potentially contaminated
if personnel do not practise adequate tools in the tool dump area
personal hygiene procedures. These -R emove structural gloves and put on
Like a Hazmat incident, this area
chemicals may exist as vapours, gases nitrile gloves
should be determined by the lack of
and particles, and means of contact may
contaminants and hazards. -R emove BA face mask and put on a
occur through:
P2 or half-face silicon respirator
• Inhalation of gases released from In the warm zone, the minimum
personal protective clothing (PPC) -R emove BA and place in the tool
requirements for personal protective
after the fire response dump area
clothing may include:
• Skin exposure to smoke -R emove structural PPC and bag in
• Full vegetation firefighting accordance with TFS laundering
• Post-fire inhalation of gases released ensemble procedures.
from poorly ventilated structures
• P2 dust mask (preferably a half-
during fire investigation and overhaul C old Zone – This area is designed for
operations face silicone respirator).
firefighter rehabilitation and may also
• Skin exposure to combustion products be set up in conjunction with the fresh
• Skin exposure to contaminated PPC air base. Once at the fresh air base
and equipment. firefighters will:
- Remove P2 mask/half-face silicone
When we talk about decontamination,
we often relate this to a Hazmat incident. Cold Zone respirator and nitrile gloves
- Use fire wipes to clean critical areas,
As firefighters, we should understand that including face, neck, abdomen, lower
every structure fire we attend will have legs, arms and hands
elements of a hazardous materials incident. This area will be free from all
- Don disposable coveralls, return to
Tasmania Fire Service has implemented a hazards associated with the fire
station and wash hands.
post-fire decontamination procedure to itself, up wind and away from any
reduce the amount of contaminant we exhaust emissions. The required Firefighters should also shower with
are exposed to. personal protective clothing would lukewarm water within one hour of the
be dictated by the specific tasks incident, as this is scientifically proven to
Like in a Hazmat situation, the attending reduce skin exposure post-incident.
Officer should establish a hot, warm and being undertaken.
cold zone, which will then determine the Adrian Adams
level of personal protective equipment Station Officer, Operational Training,
required: Northern Region
November 2020 FIREGROUND 17New PPC storage for
Hobart Fire Brigade
A new Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) storage and isolation
facility at Hobart Fire Brigade was completed this year.
It replaces a temporary storage place for our Gemini structural
turnout gear.
The new facility protects firefighters from contamination and
ensures that structural turnout PPC is maintained to the
highest level.
It provides clean areas for firefighters to don PPC when
responding, as well as areas for off-gassing gear that has been
exposed to contaminants. There are cleaning facilities for
contaminated gear and showers for firefighters when they return
from a job.
Completed PPC works at HFB
Hobart Fire Brigade is over 130 years old, with the oldest part
- credit Philp Lighton Architects
of the station built in 1911. This meant we needed to ensure the
historical significance of any old structures was preserved during
excavation.
As well as this, the new building has been designed with future
expansion needs in mind, allowing for the addition of a second During this project, we identified several
storey if required.
The donning area now has sufficient space for firefighters to
factors that should be considered when
have all their structural and bushfire gear on hand, allowing other projects like this are undertaken.
them to dress efficiently in a clean area during shift. Examples are larger doors with push plates
After dressing, firefighters move to the vehicles through a one-
way, airlocked area that prevents diesel and other contaminants
rather than handles, hardy floor and wall
from entering the PPC storage rooms. This system also ensures linings, and clear markings for traffic flow.
that the station’s offices and accommodation are kept clean.
When returning from an incident, firefighters enter the building
via the warm zone where they can shower and dress, prior to Phil Smith
being back in service. Acting Deputy Regional Chief, Southern Region
The Tasmanian Disaster Resilience Strategy
2020-2025
The Community Fire Safety Programs and • understanding their disaster risks
Last summer’s mainland Fuel Reduction Program within Tasmania • reducing disaster risks where possible
Fire Service are great examples of disaster
bushfires and our own resilience and disaster risk reduction.
• being prepared for disasters
2019-20 bushfires in Following extensive consultation, the
• knowing what to do when a disaster
happens and what support is
Tasmania, as well as the Tasmanian Government released the
available.
Tasmanian Disaster Resilience Strategy
current pandemic and other 2020-2025 in December 2019. The Where possible, people should reduce
recent disaster events, Strategy describes the many current risks in ways that have everyday benefits,
show that now more than and recent initiatives that contribute to even when a disaster does not occur. They
should also embed disaster risk reduction
Tasmania’s disaster resilience and seeks
ever, Tasmanians need to to build on them. in everyday plans and operations, so
proactively prepare for all The Strategy is aligned to the United
disaster resilience becomes part of
normal business.
types of emergencies. Nation’s Sendai Framework for Disaster
Risk Reduction and the National Disaster The Strategy provides some quick
Risk Reduction Framework. This means hints on how individuals and families,
D isaster resilience is about everyone
working together and using the best
available evidence to understand and
disaster resilience actions in Tasmania
can be aligned with current international
businesses and other organisations, local
government, community organisations
and Tasmanian Government agencies can
standards of best practice.
reduce risks and prepare for disasters. be more disaster resilient.
The Strategy emphasises that disaster
It is about acting beforehand to reduce risk reduction and preparedness is To see the Strategy, go to
the impact of disasters on communities everybody’s business, not just the www.alert.tas.gov.au/resources.
and the environment. It means focusing responsibility of response agencies. Lynley Hocking
on managing disaster risks proactively, Project Manager, State Emergency
Response and recovery efforts are more
rather than just managing disasters when Service
successful when everyone plays their
they happen.
part by:
18 FIREGROUND November 2020In this together New Aboriginal flag flying at Launceston Fire Brigade
- credit Steven Richardson
I n this together. These are the words
used to describe National Reconciliation
Week 2020, which was held from 27 May
In addition to placing the flag atop our
building, LFB also undertook cultural
awareness training in Launceston
the impacts on culturally sensitive assets,
and how we can minimise our impact.
You will no doubt continue to hear
to 3 June. This theme was developed last towards the end of 2019. Around 25 reference to culturally sensitive assets at
year – now resonating in ways no-one participants came together to join in a briefings you attend. Equal consideration
could have foreseen. journey with the Tasmanian Aboriginal is given to a wide range of Tasmania’s
Last year, I began to reflect on a recent Centre. The aims of the sessions were to sensitive assets, whether historical,
addition to the Launceston Fire Brigade offer knowledge and understanding natural or artificial.
(LFB) – the Aboriginal flag flying together about Aboriginal history and the impact it
Once we all get through COVID-19, TFS
with the Tasmanian flag atop our beautiful has today, and to reflect on our work
will hold a small ceremony in Launceston
building in Paterson Street. practices to ensure they are culturally safe
to mark the significance of installing the
for Aboriginal people and their families.
The LFB building is listed with Heritage Aboriginal flag at LFB, with members from
Tasmania, meaning the planning to Everyone who attended the day found the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, the
install the new flag took some time, and a it to be challenging and confronting at Aboriginal Elders Council of Tasmania and
complex approval process was required times, but also very worthwhile. TFS staff.
before any changes to the façade could The lessons from this training will be
Steven Richardson
be made. implemented in future responses to fires.
Acting Deputy Chief, Northern Region
I’m pleased to say this is now a permanent Our people will take the time to consider
fixture for Tasmania Fire Service. As LFB is
staffed day and night, both flags are flown
24 hours a day and are lit up at night.
Seeing these flags when driving to work
each day gives me that little bit of pride
to start my day, something I hope other
members enjoy equally.
Half-face respirators
L ast year, a review into the suitability
of the P2 respirators used by TFS was
undertaken.
TFS personnel were deployed to different
places in Queensland and NSW to assist
our interstate counterparts in the trying
Conducted by the Personal Protective conditions. Many who were deployed
Clothing and Equipment Committee, would testify that the air quality while
the review ultimately recommended interstate was less than ideal.
that TFS adopt half-face respirators, to Fortunately, the last few deployment
provide personnel with a higher level of crews were issued with the new half-face
respiratory protection. respirators.
P2 filter six hours after use in Queensland
A tender process was carried out, with Reports from those who used them on the bushfires - credit Jason Fitzpatrick
Honeywell the successful supplier. Their fireground were positive, and there were
7700 series silicon mask, paired with an examples of members using their masks
ABEK1 gas & vapour filter and P2 pre-filter, for a 12-hour shift and returning with the
provides a vast increase in protection. P2 pre-filter completely full, as pictured. Anyone who has any questions about
PPC should contact their PPC Committee
As this procurement was underway, Trials of protective goggles to fit with representative.
Australia was hit with the worst bushfire the masks are now underway and are
season in recorded history, in summer expected to be complete in time for Jason Fitzpatrick
2019-20. fire season. Acting Field Works Officer
November 2020 FIREGROUND 19The Tasmanian Emergency
Management Arrangements (TEMA)
T he Tasmanian Emergency Management Arrangements
(TEMA) outlines the ‘who’, ‘what’ and ‘when’ of emergency
prevention (mitigation), preparedness, response and recovery.
After outlining the context in which Tasmania’s emergency
management arrangements operate, the TEMA describes roles,
authorities, responsibilities and agreed arrangements for the
This document provides essential information for people who four phases of emergency management, abbreviated to PPRR:
have a direct involvement in emergency management, whether: • Prevention (mitigation)
• full time • Preparedness
• as an occasional part of their normal duties • Response
• as an emergency service volunteer. • Recovery.
With so many parties involved in emergency management,
clearly defined responsibilities, shared language and concepts
are critical. This better ensures Tasmanian communities’ safety The TEMA outlines governance, administrative
and wellbeing in the face of emergency events.
The TEMA is a useful tool in helping TFS operational staff and
and legal frameworks. It also defines the
volunteers understand the context of their work and the process planning and management arrangements that
of coordination during operations, particularly: bring all the different elements together.
• understanding the roles of the different levels of government
and different agencies, so all parties can work together
effectively This consistent and coordinated approach to emergency
• knowing who to liaise with when needed, for example, to management is essential when Tasmania faces increasing
close roads, organise evacuation, facilitate relief and many disaster risks. Climate change and increased complexities due to
other activities the risks of concurrent, cascading or compounding emergency
events, for example, managing a flood or bushfire during the
• knowing when municipal, regional or state operations pandemic, are further drivers for agreed and well-understood
centres need to be set up and scaled up or down. emergency management arrangements.
Nationally agreed principles guide Tasmania’s approach to TEMA Issue 1 was finalised in February this year and provides
emergency management. This means Tasmania is consistent more comprehensive definitions of responsibilities than the
with national and international standards of best practice. previous Tasmanian Emergency Management Plan. It covers
Such consistency helps to ensure state and national all parts of the emergency management spectrum, particularly
governments can work more effectively together before, recovery, and recognises that response and recovery agencies
during and after emergencies. work in partnership with individuals and communities to ensure
The TEMA covers all hazards, including ‘man-made’ ones, so Tasmanians’ safety during and after emergencies.
these arrangements apply to emergency events in this state The SES website has a short online course introducing TEMA,
irrespective of cause. Commonly understood processes and which is available on the TasEMT page. To view this and find out
approaches across all hazards means everyone can work better more, visit www.ses.tas.gov.au/emergency-management-2.
together, no matter what risks the state faces.
Lynley Hocking
Project Manager, SES Tasmania
TasGRN Project
The Tasmanian Government
Radio Network (TasGRN)
T he end result will be a more reliable
and resilient network, enabling
the provision of better services to the
TFS was well represented at the
workshops with participants from a
broad range of areas, including Brigade
is a collaborative project Tasmanian community. Operations, Planning & Capability,
Central OH&S Committee, Engineering &
transitioning eight core user When complete, the integrated radio
network will be used by Tasmania Fire Fleet Services, Communications Systems
organisations (currently Service, Tasmania Police, Ambulance & Technology, as well as representatives
from the United Firefighters Union and
using five separate radio Tasmania, State Emergency Service, the
Volunteer Associations.
Department of Primary Industries, Parks,
communications networks) Water and Environment, Sustainable Led by the TasGRN Technical Team,
onto one unified, digital and Timber Tasmania, TasNetworks and upgrades to the paging network have
interoperable radio network. Hydro Tasmania. been undertaken over the last few months
Earlier this year, a series of workshops were and were carefully timed, following fire
held with representatives from all eight season and before wintery conditions hit
user organisations. Participants had the mountainous locations.
chance to see radio equipment firsthand The upgrades were done in the south of
and give their feedback on how they think the state in early May amidst some frosty
the different technology options will meet conditions, with the north and north-west
their needs into the future. upgrades taking place in early June.
20 FIREGROUND November 2020State
Air Operations
Air Operations is rapidly expanding and
continues to be a valuable asset to TFS and the
Tasmanian community during bushfire season.
A ir Operations is a new and dynamic function of State
Operations. It plays an integral role in helping TFS and partner
agencies Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) and Sustainable Timber
Tasmania (STT) keep Tasmania safe and resilient from bushfires.
Air Operations provides air support to TFS, PWS and STT during
bushfires, enabling a rapid weight of response to suppress fires
quickly, and transporting remote area firefighters to otherwise
inaccessible fires.
During bushfires, State Air Operations Station Officer, Adam
Salter, is responsible for maintaining an overview of state level
firefighting aircraft operations and liaising with regions and
incident management teams on air operations and personnel
resource requirements.
He also provides strategic support to the State Fire Controller
during incidents and develops State Air Operations planning in
the months before bushfire season.
“Having specialist staff managing the statewide air response
operations all year round enables interagency policy, procedure
and protocols to be constantly reviewed and dynamically
improved for the next bushfire season,” he said.
“Aircraft are relied upon to give quick intelligence to Incident
Controllers for incident action plans and decisions.
“As one of the largest conservation areas in Australia, Tasmania is
made up of vast wilderness and world heritage areas,” Adam said.
Air Operations is currently based out of Cambridge.
“The inaccessibility of some parcels of land, as well as the
terrain, can make extinguishing fires extremely difficult.” “Although still part of State Operations, the separate office and
warehouse dwelling enables the Air Desk to function within
TFS has contracted aircraft from the National Aerial Firefighting close proximity of the airfield, aircraft and staff.”
Centre (NAFC), as well as access to local air operators
throughout the state, to ensure that further resources are Alison Wigston – Fire Education Officer
available on demand. (formerly Acting Station Officer, State Operations)
TasGRN - Paging End of Life
Hardware upgrades at Millers
Bluff, Central Highlands
The Emergency Dispatch Messaging
- credit TasGRN Project
and Alerts (EDMA) Working Group is
continuing to work on identifying options
to replace the existing ageing paging
system.
District Officer Claudio Muench is
seconded to the TasGRN Project as the
TFS Agency Lead and can be contacted at
tasgrn@fire.tas.gov.au for any questions.
You can also stay up to date with the
TasGRN Project by visiting www.tasgrn.
tas.gov.au and signing up for the quarterly
newsletter, or looking out for regular
updates on Conexus.
TasGRN - Claudio Muench, TFS
Agency Project Lead and Anthony
Dick, SES Agency Project Lead
- credit TasGRN Project
November 2020 FIREGROUND 21New appliances rolling out
New appliances continue to be rolled out
across TFS, ensuring personnel across the
T he current build of compressed air foam (CAFS) enabled
medium tankers is progressing well. Six of these new
appliances are now in service, and the current forecast
state have access to high standard equipment. indicates one new appliance will be available for delivery
every five weeks. The project and delivery of all 30 medium
tankers is on schedule for completion by mid-2022.
A working group has also been formed to determine the
operational requirements of replacement medium pumpers.
Vehicle insurance reimbursements were used to fund the
assembly and delivery of two new light tankers in early 2020.
It is anticipated an additional two light tankers will be made
available through proceeds from the sale of decommissioned
vehicles at upcoming auctions.
As part of the heavy pumper replacement program, five new
heavy pumpers will be delivered over a four-year period.
At a cost of $1 million each, these new pumpers are the most
technologically advanced in the country and provide many
advanced safety and firefighting features including CAFS.
They come equipped with a full cache of brand-new
equipment, including upgraded battery-operated road
crash rescue tools, and can deliver 4,000 litres of water a
minute when at capacity. Two of the new pumpers have been
manufactured and are in service in Launceston and Hobart.
The remaining three pumpers will be delivered in the coming
financial years.
Three new aerial appliances are in the final stages of
construction in Germany and are due for delivery later this year.
TFS has adopted a whole-of-state aerial appliance operational
strategy, which will result in three new aerial units in each
region to replace the current snorkels.
The installation of roof-mounted crew protection system helos
on 2014 Hino heavy tankers is also underway and scheduled
for completion this financial year.
A medium pumper working group has been formed to
determine roles, specifications and configurations towards
the replacement of the current medium pumpers.
A Vehicle Configuration Working Group is also being
established to better capture and streamline operational
requests for vehicle modifications. Group membership
includes representation from both volunteer associations.
There’s a lot happening in the appliance space so keep
watching for updates on Conexus and through WordBack.
Alex Lee
Manager, Engineering and Fleet Services
Launceston 1.2 at night - credit Scott Anderson, LFB
Medium tanker Heavy pumpers 05.11.19
22 FIREGROUND November 2020An overview of
Engineering and Fleet Services TFS GTV Pod
The amalgamation of Tasmania Police and
Tasmania Fire Service mechanical workshops PWS, including 10 medium tankers, 65 light tankers and two
SES rescue units. It has also conducted significant upgrades
in 2015 saw the formation of the current on heavy pumpers, and designed, constructed and placed in
Engineering and Fleet Services (EFS) Unit. service 43 GTV pods.
Three Regional Mechanical Units located at Cambridge,
Youngtown and Burnie look after the statewide servicing, repairs
A s a result, the former Engineering Services, as many in TFS
used to know it, does a lot more these days. The services
it provides, the premises it operates from, and its staffing and
and maintenance of over 1,400 vehicles. Among them are a
variety of passenger vehicles and GTVs, various fire pumpers,
tankers, aerials and rescue appliances along with specialist
structure have all expanded. police and SES response units.
The Cambridge complex has grown significantly, with the
construction and occupancy of a new 500-square metre
purpose-built automotive electrical workshop specifically
for the wiring, commissioning and decommissioning of new
The Fleet Services Unit is responsible
vehicles and appliances. The workshop services a wide range of for the coordination of the entire fleet,
clients including Tasmania Police, Tasmania Fire Service, State including vehicle purchasing and disposals,
Emergency Service, Department of Health, Ambulance Tasmania,
Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) and Sustainable Timber researching and providing leasing options,
Tasmania (STT). It commissions over 200 vehicles annually. insurance claims and fuel card distribution.
The Fabrication Unit located at Cambridge, which traditionally
manufactured TFS fire appliances, has diversified its services.
It is now responsible for designing and manufacturing fire While a lot has changed in the last few years, EFS is now able
appliances for TFS, PWS and STT along with the design and to offer a broader range of services to TFS members and other
fabrication of SES rescue units and the manufacture of slip on emergency service and government agencies.
pumps and group transportation vehicle (GTV) mounted pods. Frank Howe
Since the amalgamation, the Fabrication Unit has manufactured Acting Area Manager, Operations,
and refurbished multiple firefighting tankers for TFS, STT and Engineering and Fleet Services
PWS Heavy STT Light SES Rescue
PWS Light SES Pod Police Pod
November 2020 FIREGROUND 23You can also read
