Firefighters And Farmers Must Know Their Firefighting Equipment.

With the fire season now in full swing, it is crucial for both volunteer firefighters and farmers to be well-acquainted with their firefighting equipment.

Understanding how to operate this equipment correctly and efficiently could be the difference between controlling a fire and facing devastating losses.

Knowing your firefighting equipment is essential because when a fire breaks out every second counts.

For farmers with their own Farm Fire Units and volunteer firefighters in rural brigades, knowing exactly how to use firefighting equipment can help extinguish small fires before they become uncontrollable.

Whether it’s a water pump, hose, or firefighting vehicle, being familiar with the equipment enables quick and effective action.

If a piece of equipment jams or malfunctions, knowing how to troubleshoot it can prevent delays and allow firefighters and farmers to keep the fire under control.

Operational Officer Justin MacKellar said knowing how to operate firefighting equipment boosted confidence during an emergency.

“When an unplanned fire ignites, a well-prepared farmer or firefighter who knows their tools will be more level-headed and able to manage the situation,” Officer MacKellar said.

“Now is the time to check, maintain, and train on all equipment to ensure it’s ready when needed.”

Firefighting equipment, while essential, can be dangerous if used improperly.

Water pumps, hoses under pressure, and vehicles used for fire suppression can pose risks to both inexperienced users and those unfamiliar with their equipment.

Proper use minimises risk and a thorough knowledge of the equipment ensures that it is used safely, reducing the chances of injury or accidents during firefighting efforts.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equally important.

PPE protects firefighters and farmers from burns, heat, and falling debris, and knowing how to maintain it correctly is crucial to staying safe on the fire ground.

PPE includes items such as fire-resistant clothing, helmets, gloves, and boots.

Officer MacKellar said farmers could call the MIA Office if they would like to know what they should need or what would be beneficial to have in their firefighting arsenal.

Alternatively, they could go to the RFS website:

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/farm-fire-safety

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/106814/Farm-Fire-Plan.pdf

“The links will give them a lot of information they need, including a Farm Fire Unit Operational Guide and a Farm Fire Plan to ensure everyone on the farm knows what to do in case of a fire on the farm,” Office MacKellar said.

“The guide and plan kit are also available at the MIA Office in Griffith for anyone wanting a hardcopy.

“As for help to know how to use their firefighting equipment, I would suggest they consider becoming part of their local brigade.

“If they join they will be provided with Nationally Recognised Training and the same PPE our firefighters are issued.”

Log on to https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs if you would like to join the local brigade.

• Topics:

• Firefighting / Bushfires