MERRY CHRISTMAS

Practical Preparation, Positive Action, Pure Survival at Maindample

Media Release Mansfield Group: 14/12/2011

Tom Condon Media liaison Officer Hume Region

Ian Cheeseman, Captain of the Maindample Rural Fire Brigade proposed to the Shire of Mansfield at a recent Municipal Fire Prevention Committee meeting that the Brigade wished to do a burn off around the Maindample Township. Long grass, particularly along the rail trail, presented a real threat to the safety of residents and ‘rail trailers’.

An unqualified agreement to do so was given by the committee and a request to do so as quickly as possible.

Recent rains had provided extensive growth with much of the grass over 150cm high and with no stock now grazing the land due to the rail trail an enormous fuel load had built up.

Ian engaged the services of the shire, Barjarg Rural Fire Brigade, Bonnie Doon Rural Fire Brigade and a number of members with private ‘Slip on” vehicles to ensure the citizenry’s safety during the burn off.

For new Barjarg members it was an introduction to practical asset and people protection.

Set into action about 10 hectares were safely cleared in about 2 hours with no environmental damage as members protected some old trees in primarily grassland.

This activity really highlighted the benefits of Brigades proactively protecting the community. It is a positive side that brigades could well actively promote in the future.

Thanks Ian, three years of lobbying achieved your desire for a safer community.

You really embodied the Prepare, Act, Survive message of the CFA.

Tom Condon

CFA Media Relations Officer

CFA Hume Region

ID 7902661

Ph / Fax 03 57787726

EMail tom2734@bigpond.com

Group Exercise: Feed back and CPR Training

If you were involved in the Group Exercise and you would like to give some feedback click on the  comments section and have a say .

Do you think all CFA members should know basic CPR ? When I ask a member of the public what is  their expectation is of a CFA member  re . CPR  they think that basic CPR  would be a part of our training . Try asking a friend etc. see what they think .
 Make a comment please .

Group Exercise

It was great to see  a good roll up . There were some problems and the weather contributed to these . The Group would welcome comments  so go to the comments section and have your say . The organizers expect some negative feed back but that contributes to the discussion and a better outcome next time .

Media Release Mansfield Group: 27/11/2011

Tom Condon Media liaison Officer Hume Region

Grassfire training and saving lives

Many would consider the Mansfield Shire the base of the high country and think of mountains and forests. However all indications for 2011 fire season are that grassland fires will be our main concern. Think of the rich grassland of the Merrijig area and those around Lake Nillahcootie or Bonnie Doon to Yea. Rich beautiful grass is as “high as the elephants eye” and in a short time could become the recipe for disaster.

Mansfield Group CFA took all that into devising a training exercise on Sunday 27^th for all member brigades and two visiting brigades, Swanpool and Lima South and a private crew from Hancock Victorian Plantations, that involved the control of a large grass fire that had its origins near the Midland Link Rd. at Barjarg and quickly spread through the farmlands towards the Strathbogie Ranges.

The exercise was planned by Roger Coates and Sharron Jones of the Barjarg Brigade, Milton Taylor of Tolmie and John Valcich Group Training Officer.

Exercises were conducted in grassfire tactics, drafting to refill from a local dam. Fire overburn protection for crews and 4 wheel driving on local tracks.

Two strike teams were formed with Strike Team leaders being Mike Fisher from Boorolite and Stuart Evans from Bonnie Doon.

A simulated car accident on one road caused a call from assistance from the SES and required the use of the Jaws of Life to remove a trapped passenger.

Discovery of a crew member who appeared to be suffering a heart attack and without a discernable pulse or breathing required a trained CFA member to apply CPR to resuscitate him.

Mansfield Brigade member and local MICA Paramedic, Brett Cooper, then introduced all to the new Defibrillator that will be available through the Group Command Vehicle at future fire scenes. Brett Stressed that initial CPR (Coronary Pulmonary Resuscitation) is still the most important and immediate action to take in saving lives in this situation. Most Brigades now have trained CPR members and a comprehensive training program for the Defib is to commence.

CFA Regional Operations Manager, Stewart Kreltszheim, attended the exercise and stressed the necessary tactics to control fires are, Hit Hard and Fast, Give back constant Situation Reports to Divisional Command and Know your Communications Equipment and its local capabilities.

Divisional Command was located at Group Headquarters and was attended by Victoria Police who also stressed the need for constant Situation Reports to assist them in traffic and people management. Div. Com was being tested as all level 2 and parts of level 3 incident that will be run out of Mansfield Div. Com and this was an opportunity to test the system and give the people responsible for managing an emergency valued practice.

Div Com was able to track crews through its GPS tracking system, Spidertracks, provided by the Calvert Jones Trust. Mark Calvert-Jones was at Div. Com to observe the outcomes of their generous support.

Div Com would also be responsible in a real event for the issuing of Emergency Warnings through OSOM on the CFA website or Telephone Alerts (EA) and number of trained and authorized Information Officers are now available in the Mansfield Area.

The Exercise concluded with a great BBQ catered for by the ladies of the Barjarg Rural Fire Brigade.

Reminder Mansfield Shire fire restrictions are due to come into force on Sunday 5^th December 2011.

Tolmie Supports Targa

 Tolmie CFA spent time supporting the Targa Rally .The tanker is bigger and will go where some of the cars won't but the Tolmie crew wouldn't mind having either the Lamborgini or the Porsche to compliment the truck , they would certainly get on scene quickly !

HI all another reminder about the group exercise on the 27th Nov. some of the skills that will be assessed during the day are off road driving .hand tools. first aid. grass fire attack methods. Crew leader and Strike team leader skills. log keeping. and communications. Participants will also be able

to work with other agency's. This will be a good opportunity to see how well we work together and show areas were we can improve. Hope to see as many brigades as possible.

A level 2 Div Comm will also be stet up so members can practice their skills before the fire season is upon us.

John Valcich

Training , Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)

Last Sunday a small group participated in training to become familiar with an AED  . The unit used was the same as will shortly be placed in the Group Command vehicle .  More training sessions will be undertaken but even if you haven't been trained and there is an event which could require the use of the AED  you are expected to use it . You may wish to refresh your knowledge by going back to the  video which is on this site .The Group are grateful to Rod and Brett for giving up there time to assist with the training .

Training on New Radios

Due to the new radio roll out training is required for all members.

At this stage there is 3 sessions arranged to be held in Mansfield on the 24/10/11 at 1900hrs

Sunday the 6/11/11 at 1000hrs and on Tuesday 15/11/11 at 1900 hrs.

At Maindample 25/10/11 at 1930hrs.

Booroolite 6/11/11 at 1500hrs

Bonnie Doon 6/11/11 in morning

Barjarg 11/11/11 at 1830 hrs

Captains from other Brigades who wish to have a session at there station please contact John Valcich or Rob Gardiner asap.

The roll out for District 23 will begin an about 14/11/11

Group Training

Minimum Skills Training will start in Mansfield on Monday 7th of November any new member who wishes to become operational must attend. All currently trained members my also attend as part of their skills maintenance. See your Captain for course schedule or you can contact me on

0428 992 039.

The group exercise will be held on Sunday 4th December, we would like a full strike team plus one or two slip-on's so please let me know if you wish to attend. We will also have the Div Comm operational so any one endorsed as a Div Comm operator who would like to tack part let me know.

Chief Officer's Newsletter # 29

“Well done!” also, to SSO Greg Chapman, LFF Steve Brodie and FF Alex Batty from Hallam Station who arrived at a washaway to find a victim in cardiac arrest. They took over CPR from bystanders and used recently gained Emergency Management Response training to use their defibrillator to shock the patient twice to get his heart back into normal rhythm, followed by CPR until the arrival of a MICA unit. Their actions combined with the early intervention of a bystander performing CPR prior to their arrival have saved the patients life.

* This is extremely timely given the discussions re the purchase of a Defibrillator by the Mansfield Group.

Tak

Take C!

Advance Crew 2011 team Challenge

During one prac session we like to have a team challenge this allows the winning team(s) to have bragging rights, and also a prize.

Two challenges were "walk the plank" and "hose lay "

The Winning teams were Barjarg and Jamieson.

Advance Crew 2011 Pracs

We work in these teams when we are doing our CFA training. It is good to have teams because it helps us work together. We’ve worked in these teams since the start of our CFA adventures and will continue to do so.
Teams
Mansfield
Bonnie Doon
Barjarg
Jamieson

Absent:
- Jameson: Luca Cherubin
-Barjarg: Jordy Maloney

Advance Crew 2011 Pracs

August 26th- Drafting Day

The year nine and ten CFA crew of Mansfield Secondary College today learnt about drafting and the procedures it involves. Each team member participated in the practical session where they pumped water out of a collar tank, and into the trucks. The CFA volunteers showed the students how drafting is orchestrated and highlighted its importance.

(Melanie Challen)

Automatic External Defibrillators and CPR

There has been discussion on the merits of purchasing an Automatic External Defibrillator ( A E D) for the Group Command Vehicle .  There is little doubt that an AED is life saving if used with in 5 minutes of a cardiac arrest . After this time despite  CPR the probability of a successful out come drops dramatically .The majority of cardiac arrests are due to ischaemic heart disease , a blocked vessel to the heart . There are a number of other causes but virtually none of these can be resolved in the field with the exception of electrocution.
In rural Australia the survival rate following a cardiac arrest is less than 5 %.
A collapse from a cardiac event is often preceded by a brief period of distress followed by collapse to the ground, breathing is often absent or it may be gasping . There is no time to waste , do not bother feeling for a pulse .
 If a collapse is witnessed the following should occur in this order , initiate  000 call ,ensure personal safety .  Commence immediate chest compressions  30 ,at least 5 cm depression .mid chest position,rate of 100 per minute .Then if not alone check airway ,tilt head back and give 2 expired air breaths .Recommence chest compressions immediately  . Ensure that the chest recoils completely .If alone do not attempt rescue breathing maintain  chest compressions . If you are alone it is going to be VERY difficult .
If an AED  is available use it ASAP avoiding as far as possible any interruptions to chest compressions .
You will do no harm in undertaking CPR on a collapsed patient who didn't need it . Most will die despite of your very best efforts but you will have given them their best chance .
Watch the video on the use of an AED for you may be called to use one .

Automatic External Defibrillator Demonstration

This is a brief demonstration .Although training aids confidence it is not absolutely necessary.Follow the instructions and know how to undertake chest compressions .

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Fire Action Week ,Command and Control Arrangements

Fire Action Week:

This week, the Government announced that Fire Action Week in Victoria will be from 13^th to 20^th November.  The week will culminate in “CFA Sunday” on 20^th November.  CFA Sunday will be an opportunity for CFA Brigades to open their doors, invite the community in to see what we do, and to celebrate the values and men and women who are the CFA.  The CFA is providing funding to support brigades host a barbeque on CFA Sunday. 

State Bushfire Command And Control Arrangements:

Recently the State Fire Control Team and the Fire Services Commissioner signed off on the revised arrangements for bushfire command and control for this fire season.  I commend the document to you and encourage you to thoroughly read and familiarise yourself with the arrangements found at: 

http://www.firecommissioner.vic.gov.au/images/stories/State_Command_amd_Control_Arrangemments_for_Bushfire_August_2011.pdf

Chief Officer’s Newsletter #28.

Minutes August Group Meeting 2011

VFVB – M Jones

·       Guest speaker Hans van Hammond spoke about the deeds. Motions were put before the Board and passed re lack of confidence relating to consultation/ representation of volunteers. Meeting to be held with Government representatives to discuss.

·       A digital recording device with software used at meetings was described

·       Fire service levy – referred to documentation

·       22^nd Sept meeting in Benalla re the Jones Inquiry. Bookings to M Jones

·       OH&S – mod on seatbelt arrangement for tankers was described

·       Issue re fill points on water tanks was detailed

Group Officer - R Neely

·       OH&S – other people who have helped on the fire ground in the past need training. Types of possible training eg DSE short course for wildlife rescue etc were discussed. The organization has to give as much protection as possible.

·       Structure fire at Merrijig – the tanker must roll first

·       Radio support – the Group command vehicle aims to reach the fire as quickly as possible to assist in dissemination of information.

·        CFA Board meeting in Wangaratta on Monday – A Edwards and R Neely to attend.

·       Exercises – Alexandra with Mansfield not to be on the Long Weekend this year. Benalla also interested in joining in Group exercise.

Coms Officer – R Gardiner

·       Hand pieces on the radios are not waterproof

·       Radio channels are not corresponding to Mansfield’s

 

Ops Officer – P Horton

·       See attached

·       Grass fires – look out for areas that are drying out. These can be mapped in Wangaratta.

·       Sect 29s have been of a good standard. Most problems result from forgetfulness

·       VESEP – Brigades can pool the grant money within the group which could give a better result, if desired.

·       IMFP landscape maps divided Mansfield Municipality into 5 areas. Brigade Captains in each area are to meet under the chair of a DGO to flesh out details listed in the attached report. The aim is to have this complete by next meeting and to be in operation for the 11/ 12 fire season.

Broadband Service – R Coates

·       R Coates read a letter to the Group in which he outlined the short comings of the current Broadband service in the Mansfield area and some of the consequences of this in terms of protection of the community in times of fire or other emergencies.

·       Discussion was held re the operations with which the CFA was connected that were affected by the situation and possible recipients of a letter of concern in addition to those outlined in the letter, including .the MFPC.

·       Motion was put to the meeting that: “The Mansfield Fire Brigades Group expresses its concern at the unsatisfactory broadband services and requests an urgent review of the situation.”   Proposed R Coates    Seconded: S Wadsworth.   Carried

Barjarg Training August 2011

Correct use of a dry chemical extinguisher.
 From a distance  of about 2 metres and upwind aim at the base of the fire.

Use a sweeping motion  and keep discharging until certain that re ignition won't occur.It is wise to have a backup plan to deal with re ignition if the dry chemical attack fails .

 SOME FACTS ABOUT DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHERS
The powder in the extinguisher is sodium bicarbonate( baking soda) it releases carbon dioxide when heated and the powder starves the fire of oxygen.
The propellant is nitrogen .
Once a dry chemical extinguisher has been used ,even slightly the propellant will bleed off over a few hours  and it must be serviced after this . Always check the pressure gauge of any extinguisher you are about to use . 
 A 9 kg. extinguisher will discharge for between 60 and 90 seconds 
These  extinguishers make a huge mess  in a confined space , consider using a "flame blanket " for small cooking fires . Large commercial kitchen  fires should be dealt with by a wet chemical extinguisher .

The brigade also practiced using a variety of  foam branches and a  simulated  MCAwith a trapped occupant

Advance Crew 2011

Here is the first installment of the Advance crew updates for 2011, the crew has been running for the past month

So far the crew have studied:
Prespond to Wildfire
Fire Science
Elements of Fire behaviour
Combat Wildfire
Work in teams
Maintain safety
Taking refuge in a Life Threatening situation
Hazards relating to wildfire
Personal Safety
Managing Health Hazards

Some of the practicals they have been perticipating in are:

Tanker Familarisation

Taking Refuge

Operate pumps

Small gear/hydrants/rakehoes

A/Class foam

Some special guests to attend the training have been David Kilpatrick (District 23 Wildfire instuctor), Paul Horton (District 23 Operations Officer)

Theory trainers have been Neville Mathieson, Mary Anne Egan, Stuart Evans, Andrew Peachey, more to come when holidays are over.

Practical trainers Chris Badrock, Chris Brett, Howard Hey, Brad Plumridge, Roy Grafton to name a few.

This Friday 26th the students will be conducting draughting with tankers from a static supply most likely the collar tank.

More Pics and details to follow in the coming weeks

Book a Burn

On the 5^th August, the Mansfield and Tolmie tankers were called out to a grass fire on the Mansfield- Whitfield Rd. Someone was burning off and was reported by a passing motorist via mobile phone. If the person who was responsible had contacted the Dept of Emergency Services reporting their intention to light the fire, considerable time and energy would have been saved. All they needed to do was :-

·         Ring Book a Burn
·         Phone No 1800 668 511
·         Give the details requested by the operator

If the fire is then reported, it is checked against the “booking” and no further action is required. Perhaps this service is not widely publicized. It might be useful to pass the phone number to others in your community.

Sharron Jones

Fire on Farm Land

Dear Roger,

Would you please add the following to the blog?

In the Newsletter  #26 form the Chief Officer there is an announcement of the availability of the revised version of the CFA booklet On the Land. It provides guidelines on agricultural fire management. It includes such topics as fuel breaks, machinery, electric fencing, managing hay and much more.

Regards,

Sharron Jones

News from Sharon

Dear Roger,

Would you please mind posting the following two entries on the blog? They are from Newsletter #25  from the Chief Officer. As yet, I have not got a gmail address confirmed.

National Cadet Championships.

One Junior per district along with eight Junior Leaders will be selected to spend a week in Sydney to attend the National Cadet Championships in October. This will incorporate two days of sightseeing, including climbing the Harbour Bridge. Expression of interest forms can be found on Brigades on Line.

Recognizing CFA Service During the 2009 Bushfires

A campaign badge is about to be struck for members who served in the fires of 2009. Should you wish one, they can be ordered either through your Brigade Secretary of you can email your name, Brigade and contact details to 2009badge@cfa.vic.gov.au

Regards,

Sharron Jones

Secretary M’field Gp

Training

For any training ideas please eMail me at johnvalcich1@bigpond.com or contact me on

0428 992 039

How to register on this blog with your own email address

This blog is open to anyone to view, but in order to be able to post an article on it, there are two things you need to do:

1. Be invited by the blog administrator. At present, because there is a limit to how many people can be registered, it has been proposed that there be several designated people from each brigade. In order to be invited, send an email from your normal email account to rogercoates.c@gmail.com. You will, some time later, receive an invitation by return email.

The invitation will look a bit like this:

The Blogger user Roger Coates has invited you to contribute to the blog: Mansfield Group CFA.

To contribute to this blog, visit:
http://www.blogger.com/i.g?inviteID=1294124569924177165&blogID=5547033732019890598

You will need to sign in with a Google Account to confirm the invitation and start posting to this blog. If you do not have a Google Account yet, we will show you how to get one in minutes.

To learn more about Blogger and starting your own free blog visit http://www.blogger.com.

2. In order to sign into the blog, you have to be registered with Google. If you already have a gmail email account, then you are already registered, and all you have to do is sign into the blog using your normal gmail credentials. If however, you do not have a gmail account, then you can register your normal email address with Google.

Fire Behaviour by Dr. Kevin Tolhurst

On Thursday the 23 rd of June Dr. Kevin Tolhurst spoke about extreme fire behaviour . This is a podcast that can be listened to or downloaded  and is well worthwhile listening to ,it will almost certainly alter some of your views about fire behaviour in extreme conditions .www.abc.net.au/rn/bushtelegraph

Off Road Tanker Operations

A number of drivers have been fortunate enough to have undertaken a specialized off road driving course . If there are any drivers would like to read the material provided I have a copy which I can email out .The material was produced by the Albury/Wodonga TAFE . Please contact me by email and let me known which brigade you are a member of .My contact details are rogercoates.c@gmail.com

Sonnberg Control

Media Release Mansfield Group: 18 June 2011
Tom Condon Media liaison Officer Hume Region


Diesel fueled large shed fire at Peppin Point

Over 40 CFA firefighters from Bonnie Doon, Merton, Maindample and Mansfield responded to an emergency callout to a large shed fire in Sonnberg Drive Peppin Point late Saturday afternoon.
The fire engulfed a large Denning Coach and a station wagon stored in the shed. The coach had around 1000 litres of diesel that fed the fire and restricted the firefighter efforts to containing the fire for a number of hours. The new Mansfield pumper and specialist crew was brought in to use specialized foam to contain the fire to the 30 metre shed.
Bonnie Doon Breathing Apparatus trained members could not enter the shed due to fears that the concrete brick clad shed might collapse.
“Sonnberg Drive itself presented a hazard to crews attending as recent rain had made the road extremely slippery and required use of 4 WD” said Incident Controller, Captain Stuart Evans of Bonnie Doon Brigade .“ We were out of the station within 3 minutes of the emergency call but not on scene for nearly 30 minutes because of the location and difficult access. Whilst there is a large number of properties in Sonnberg Drive it really is remote for the Brigade, this property is over 20 kilometres from Bonnie Doon in an area with really bad roads and mountainous terrain. Fortunately the property had excellent supplies of water in tanks that we were able to access and draft into the tankers.”
A new home on the site was not damaged. The property has extensive and spectacular views over the High Country and Lake Eildon.
Mansfield ambulance attended and the property owner was conveyed to Mansfield hospital suffering minor burns and some stress related injuries.
Mansfield SES provided portable lighting as the fire burnt into the night.Cause of the fire is under investigation. Police and CFA Fire Investigation from Wangaratta attended and secured the scene.
Damage is estimated to be in excess of $150,000.

Invitation

As the site is active it is hoped that there will be regular contributions from interested CFA members . If you wish to contribute you will need to do two things . Contact  Rob Gardiner or me ,Roger Coates, you need an invitation to contribute which we are able to extend and secondly you will need to open a Gmail account from Google ,this is free . Our contact details are listed under the Brigade details . So please get started .

Group Exercise

Information obtained from Tracking system

Mansfield Hotel

Mansfield Hotel Aug 2010

Mansfield Fire Brigade Info

Meetings : First Tuesday of Month 2000hrs

Training : Third Tuesday of Month 1930hrs

Mansfield

Mansfield
Captain        Rob Gardiner
1st. Lieut     Mick McCormack
2nd.Lieut     Mick Jones
3rd Lieut     Andrew Peachy
4th.Lieu       John Doeven
Comms.       Neville Mathieson 
Secretary     David Mimms