Bushfire CRC research has shown that teams comprised of highly skilled individuals working in dynamic environments have under certain circumstances, failed as teams, sometimes with devastating ramifications.
In the South West Area, CFA volunteers are working closely with newly established Municipal Fire Management Planning Committees (MFMPCs) to plan and manage fire across prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
Over the period 22-24 September, I was fortunate enough to be one of around 70 CFA staff and volunteer members who headed to the Gold Coast for the 2009 Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) Conference, incorporating the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Conference.
This Bushfire CRC fire note reports on an investigation into the principles supporting high reliability organising and adaptive teamwork practices in the management of fire and emergencies in Australia and New Zealand.