By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
REFINING their skills in the lead-up to summer, 11 Casey fire brigades took part in a training day at the Bangholme campus on Sunday 25 October.
It was an “imperative” day of learning and practice in putting out an actual fire.
Third lieutenant at the Tooradin CFA Megan Angel said the day was full of good opportunities.
“It’s not very often that we get to train with lit fire – usually when we train we can’t set fire to things, so the south eastern training grounds (SETG) is a great chance to do that especially for beginners,” Ms Angel said.
Organised by Casey deputy group training officer, James Conquest, about 70 volunteers suited up for the long day.
“These days are very important to get into the swing of fighting summer wildfires instead of structure fires,” Ms Angel said.
With about five representatives from each Casey brigade, the refresher training day went through gas ruptures and a hazmat and flammable liquids exercises.
“Everyone was in suits and had to identify a spillage and a big drum of chemicals,” Ms Angel said.
“A body had to be pulled out as well.”
The pre-summer CFA briefings have just started and Ms Angel said she was expecting more information station information on the running of this year’s fire season to be rolled out soon.
“The next big training session will be in November at Arthur’s Seat,” she said.
