News
14 May, 2024
Readying for fire season
More than 100 volunteer firefighters from South east Queensland took part in a training exercise at Woodford last weekend, simulating responses to several scenarios. The annual event was a crucial exercise for volunteers to brush up on vital skills in structural protection, operational driving, land navigation, vehicle fire, hazard mitigation and more.
Although bushfire season will not officially begin until August, firefighters are making the most of the cooler weather to prepare for heightened conditions.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is undertaking a variety of mitigation activities in the lead-up to bushfire season, including training for volunteers, land clearing and hazard reduction burns.
Residents are reminded to follow suit and start preparing their homes, properties and families urgently.
Mitigation activities like clearing vegetation, creating fire breaks and ensuring properties can be accessed by emergency services are simple methods to decrease fire risk.
Rural Fire Service (RFS) Brisbane Region Acting Regional Manager, Shaune Toohey, said the RFS was undertaking crucial mitigation activities and volunteer training across the state to ensure Queensland was best prepared for bushfire season.
“Much of the state has experienced significant rainfall in recent months, so there is lots of opportunity for mitigation to remove excess vegetation,” he said.
“It’s also important for volunteers to use this time to brush up on critical operational skills so they can best support their communities in the event of a bushfire.
“This weekend at Woodford, brigades were put through their paces in scenarios including structural protection, off - road driving, navigation and vehicle fires.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our volunteers to increase their operational skills and gain valuable experience working alongside other brigades to respond to emergencies.
“RFS staff and volunteers work year-round to protect
