SOME of Forest Fire Management Victoria\u2019s newest recruits have completed a tough and informative training camp in preparation for the summer fire season.<\/p>\n
The 20 Project Firefighters (PFFs) from the Otway District took part in a five-day training camp at Gellibrand last week.<\/p>\n
Forest Fire Management Victoria\u2019s Otway District manager David Rourke said the course was a mix of classroom and field-based activities to get recruits up to speed with the demands of the fire ground and the varied role of a firefighter.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe training covers a wide range of topics including fire behaviour, fire suppression, planned burning, safety and survival techniques.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe course covers hands-on training around a variety of equipment, from water pumps and chainsaws, to four-wheel drive instruction and fire tanker use.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will also be aviation training, allowing recruits to become familiar with our firefighting aircraft.<\/p>\n
\u201cRecruits will learn how to safely work around fighting aircraft in a variety of scenarios, including working on the fireline when firefighting aircraft are water bombing.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said this summer, like every fire season in the Otways, would present days of significant bushfire risk so PFFs were a welcome and important addition to the firefighting response.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ll play an essential role in fighting fires across the region and across the state if required.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe provide comprehensive training for our PFFs to ensure the highest levels of skill in protecting against and fighting fires.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn addition to increasing our new recruits\u2019 knowledge of fire management, participants will gain an understanding of Forest Fire Management Victoria\u2019s responsibilities in supporting broader emergencies, such as floods and landslides.<\/p>\n
\u201cUpon completion of this course, all of the 33 PFFs who have been recruited for the Otway summer fire season will be fully trained and operational.\u201d<\/p>\n
PFFs in the Otway District will be based at Gellibrand, Barwon Downs, Lorne and Anglesea depots.<\/p>\n
Forest Fire Management Victoria employs more than 600 PFFs across the state each year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
SOME of Forest Fire Management Victoria\u2019s newest recruits have completed a tough and informative training camp in preparation for the summer fire season. The 20 Project Firefighters (PFFs) from the Otway District took part in a five-day training camp at Gellibrand last week. Forest Fire Management Victoria\u2019s Otway District manager David Rourke said the course […]<\/p>\n