Recently, Kalorama-Mt Dandenong CFA invited their neighbouring brigades of Sassafras-Ferny Creek, Olinda and Montrose to join them on a combined training session at Skyhigh, Mt Dandenong.
The volunteers from these brigades joined up to assess the access and resources on site and plan for possible events.
The training was coordinated by Alex Felich, 1st Lieutenant at Kalorama-Mt Dandenong CFA, with a view to expanding the knowledge of the responding and assisting brigades.
“Having a good working knowledge of the premises, the site and the resources can save critical time”, said Lt Felich.
The Emergency Response Area for the Kalorama-Mt.Dandenong Fire Brigade is extremely unique, not only in terms of bushfires but also for the critical social and
economic infrastructure.
Economically, they are responsible for the TV towers (communications to Melbourne), an electrical substation and water pumping stations. Socially they have large businesses such as Skyhigh Mt.Dandenong and Panorama Retreat, and a number of small businesses, cafes and B&B.
Lt Felich said, “In order to protect these valuable assets, we need to prepare not only our ourselves but also our supporting Brigades. It is not only the training but knowing what resources we have in terms of water, vehicles, manpower, equipment and importantly the role we all need to accomplish.”
Captain of Sassafras – Ferny Creek brigade, Jeff Harbourd, said that Sky High is a location that their brigade would also be called to, to support and assist Kalorama – Mt Dandenong and when that occurs, it would be under the worst possible conditions, be it bush fire or structure fire.
“Training like this offers valuable familiarisation and allows for the identification and clarification of each and every one’s roles and responsibilities, enables members and appliances to
practice at the venue, sort out difficulties and provide workable solutions prior to a fire.”
Captain of the Olinda brigade, Deb Weber said getting to know the people we work with from our neighbouring brigades in a more relaxed training scenario makes for a better, cohesive working relationship and allows members to build the trust required to endure certain emergency situations.
“Which can lead to better outcomes for all involved”, she said.
The exercise was deemed successful in bringing the brigades together and giving them a view to how they each operate and can support each other in an emergency.
Having the training on-site also allowed for a hands-on approach to the unique location.
Brigades can then tailor training for the technical aspects of fires that may occur at Sky High and its surroundings.
“When an emergency occurs, no matter where across the state, we work as one to protect our communities,” said Captain Harbourd.
