Farm Fire Units Can Help Protect Properties From Bushfires

As fire season approaches, farmers across New South Wales are being reminded of the importance of having Farm Fire Units ready and equipped to assist in protecting properties from bushfires.

These mobile firefighting units, often built on utes or trucks, are an essential tool in rural areas, allowing landowners to respond quickly to fire outbreaks on their own properties or assist local brigades during emergencies.

A Farm Fire Unit is typically a ute or truck outfitted with a water tank, pump, hoses, and necessary firefighting equipment.

These units are designed to provide immediate fire suppression capabilities, especially in remote areas where emergency services may take longer to respond.

• Water capacity and pumps: A good Farm Fire Unit should have a sizable water tank and a reliable pump to deliver water under pressure. This allows farmers to douse small fires or create firebreaks on their land.

• Essential equipment: Hoses, nozzles, and protective gear should be part of every unit, ensuring safety and efficiency during firefighting efforts.

Communication is Key:

To effectively coordinate with professional firefighting teams like the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), all Farm Fire Units should be equipped with UHF radios or other forms of communication.

These radios allow farmers to stay in touch with RFS crews and other farm units during a fire event, ensuring a unified and safe response.

Coordinating with RFS

Clear communication is essential to avoid confusion or dangerous situations during firefighting efforts. UHF radios allow real-time updates on fire movement, resource allocation, and evacuation instructions.

While Farm Fire Units are not required to be road-registered, they must meet certain minimal standards to be safe and effective.

These include having:

• A functional water tank and pump

• Basic firefighting tools, such as hoses and nozzles

• Proper communication devices like UHF radios

These standards are designed to ensure that Farm Fire Units are able to provide adequate fire suppression and can operate safely during an emergency.

For those looking to set up or upgrade their Farm Fire Unit, the NSW RFS website offers valuable resources.

Simply visit the site and type "Farm Fire Units" into the search box at the top right corner for

detailed guidelines, tips, and equipment recommendations.

Preparing a Farm Fire Unit can make a critical difference in defending your property from fire and supporting your local community during the fire season.

• Topics:

• Bushfires