====== Weekly Newsletter - 21st August 2024 ======
[[newsletters:20240821|Online copy]]
===== Operations =====

==== Roster ====

=== Starting Saturday ===
Date: 24th Aug - 30th Aug

  * First Call: **Crew B**
  * Second Call: Crew A

==== Incidents ====
None

==== Mid-Band VHF Radio Replacement ====
DFES have kicked off a project to retire the Mid-Band VHF radios across the metropolitan fleet ahead of the coming fire season. This project will see all mid-band VHF radios replaced with a high-band VHF radio, giving each appliance two such radios. In support of this change the pre-formed communications plans have been updated to contain only high-band VHF channels.

Along with the replacement of the mid-band radios, there will be some minor configuration changes made to the high-band radios;

  * F2 button will enable/disable the scan function
  * F4 button will enable/disable talk-around
  * The GPS function will be accessible only through the radio menu.

More details of the planned changes, as well as an overview of the anticipated roll-out schedule is available through the [[https://www.volunteerhub.dfes.wa.gov.au/home/news-circulars/projects/metro-mid-band-radio-replacement|Volunteer Hub]].

==== Updates ====

=== Circulars and SOPs ===

  * [[https://wiki.sawyersvalley.bfb.asn.au/_media/newsletters:general_circular_120_2024-recording-battery-fires-in-irs-pdf.pdf|General Circular 120/2024 - Reporting Lithium Battery Fire Incidents]]
  * [[https://wiki.sawyersvalley.bfb.asn.au/_media/newsletters:general_circular_122_2024-afdrs-first-season-review-pdf.pdf|General Circular 122/2024 - Australian Fire Danger Rating System First Season Review Findings]]
  * [[https://wiki.sawyersvalley.bfb.asn.au/_media/newsletters:operational_circular_46_2024-metropolitan-mid-band-radio-replacement-project-pdf.pdf|Operational Circular 46/2024 - Metropolitan Mid-band Radio Replacement Project]]

=== Mundaring Fire School and Training ===

Places remain available for the Level 1 Incident Controller training course being held on the 7th of September. If you are interested please contact [[Training@SawyersValley.bfb.asn.au|Shane]] or [[Captain@SawyersValley.bfb.asn.au|Adrian]].

===== Administration =====

==== Michelle, 2024 Hasluck Volunteer of the Year ====
Congratulations to our very own Michelle for being awarded the 2024 Hasluck Volunteer of the Year. This award recognises the fantastic work that Michelle does with the Perth Hills Fire Chat Facebook group. Not only does Michelle go to great lengths over the fire season keeping the community informed of bushfire incidents, she provides regular posts throughout winter with useful preparation information.

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===== Weekly Calendar =====

  * Saturday 24th: Training - Personal Diary / Scribe Practical, 09:30 at the Station
  * Monday 26th: Brigade General Meeting, 19:30 at the Station
  * Tuesday 27th: Weekly Vehicle Checks, 19:30 at the Station, Crew B

===== News =====

  * [[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-18/wildfires-rage-across-five-turkish-provinces/104239946|ABC News: Wildfires rage across five Turkish provinces in third day of firefighters' struggle]]

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