A new Brown Coal Mine Firefighting training package is available to CFA people.
The package has been developed to ensure firefighters responding to a fire in a brown coal mine understand the differences to other incidents and the unique challenges they may face.
The package will help firefighters to work safely and effectively if responding to a brown coal fire. It includes information about brown coal mine fires, responder safety and the approach to fighting brown coal fires.
The training is a direct outcome of an inquiry into the Hazelwood Mine Fire of 2014, a fire that started from bushfire ember attacks.
The fire burned for 45 days sending smoke and ash over Morwell and surrounding areas for much of that time.
Acting Executive Director Training Tony O'Day said members had the option of completing the training online via the Learning Management System or in person during brigade training nights.
"We're committed to ensuring that CFA firefighters are trained on relevant systems, practices and protocols in relation to the management of brown coal mine fires," he said.
The training package was developed in conjunction with District 27, subject matter experts, MFB and mine operators.
Members can complete the training online via The Learning Hub or speak to their brigade management team or district training office to arrange in-person training.
The training package is funded under the State Government's $60M investment in the Victorian Fire Services, as part of the 2017 Fire Services Statement.
