Readying for fire season

Preparedness of Strzelecki group fire brigades for the bushfire season stepped up with a major training exercise late last month.

Thirteen brigades were involved in techniques and equipment to utilise in fighting fires.

The brigades were from Allambee, HallstonMt Eccles, Kongwak and district, Koonwarra, Poowong, Thorpdale, Ruby, Korumburra, Leongatha, Leongatha South, Loch, Mirboo North and Narrena.

The exercise started from the Leongatha recreation reserve and encompassed a number of varying locations and potential situations.

Controller Gary Williams said personnel were through challenging stands in drafting water, a burnover/entrapment drill, a car fire simulator and the use of drip torches, foam and radios.

Forest Fire Management Victoria also attended to demonstrate the G-Wagon appliance.

The burnover/entrapment drill is an annual requirement for fire fighters and participants were given the added task of protecting a forward command vehicle not equipped with water protection systems.

The mobile car prop was used to assess how members sized-up situations with multiple hazards.

After a busy session the fire fighters were served lunch by the Longwarry CFA brigades catering unit.