Volunteers from CFA's Planned Burns Taskforce joined members came together for a coordinated preparation day in Dallas Brooks Park Scout Camp on Sunday, 19 February ahead of a large planned burn in the area.
This is the first time that the taskforce has been drawn on to undertake preparation works for a planned burn, with the volunteers in attendance enjoying the day.
The 12 CFA members undertook preparation works of the proposed planned burn as part of the Joint Fuel Management Program so the burn can be delivered safely.
This included creation of control lines around the perimeter, which included brush cutting, rake hoeing and removing of cut vegetation, hazardous tree works, including removal of fallen limbs and branches across the control lines and protruding into the control line.
The Joint Fuel Management Program is a state-wide program managed by a strong, collaborative partnership between CFA and FFMVic to manage fuel on public and private land.
The program integrates a risk-focused bushfire management approach.
The aim of planned burns is to reduce fuel loads in strategic locations.
There is a considerable level of strategy involved in the coordination of planned burns, which involve assessments of conditions, risk of fire, terrain and local resource availability.
Rowville Firefighter Michelle Tie said the preparation session was challenging but rewarding work.
"We got to learn more about the planning aspects of burning," she said.
The crews will return to the area to deliver the burn when weather conditions are suitable.
CFA's Planned Burn Taskforce was launched to help increase fuel management activities.
The taskforce is comprised of more than 600 volunteers across the state who are activated when required to assist in the delivery of planned burns across Victoria when conditions allow.
