CFA Connect Blogosphere

"On The Land" Launched:
Last week saw the launch of a revised "On The Land" CFA booklet with guidelines on agricultural fire management. Originally inspired by Linda Brownstein (Hume region), this update has taken on board many suggestions on content and layout from senior CFA members, farmers and landowners. Lisa Keedle (Comm Safety), Kevin Sleep (Loddon Mallee), Sharon Linke (Barwon South West), Jenny McGennisken (Grampians) and Alex Caughey (Hume) have produced a valuable reference that we commend to farmers, contractors, hobby farmers and anyone who lives in rural areas. The booklet covers topics such as bush and grassfire planning, fuel breaks, burning off, machinery, vehicles and equipment, electric fencing, managing hay, access for fire vehicles and recovering after the fire has passed. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this great effort.

Towards An Annual "Burn-over Drill"?:
Recently I wrote to every District Planning Committee Chair proposing that CFA consider an annual bushfire "burn-over drill". The drill could entail members donning their wildfire personal protective clothing and then undertaking the bushfire burn-over drill in the vehicle that they are most likely to be crewing during the fire season. It is proposed that brigades would self assess competence at the drill, which could be conducted on an annual or a biannual basis. Feedback so far has been positive. I am aware that many CFA brigades already conduct an annual burn-over drill - it is consistent with our commitment to "Safety First". This proposal would see that initiative being extended to every CFA member who attends the fireground.

In rolling out our vision and mission as part of the "Creating our Future Together" program, we were describing CFA as a community-based fire and emergency services organisation. Feedback from our members is that we should be referred to as a volunteer and community-based fire and emergency services organisation. The Board formally adopted this description, which acknowledges both our volunteer and community base, at its July meeting.

Reaffirming who we are and what we do unites us and helps focus our energies as preparations for the next fire season pick up pace. Final positions on community safety policies for the 2011-2012 fire season were progressed at a multi-agency work shop in July. Plans are in place for multi-agency pre fire season briefings to take place from September.