Weekly Newsletter - 6th December

Online copy

Date: 2nd December - 9th December

• First Call: Crew B
• Second Call: Crew A

Date: 9th December - 16th December

• First Call: Crew C
• Second Call: Crew D

Called to report of smouldering logs near Martin Rd corss Phillips Rd in Mundaring. Inspected the area but did not find reported logs. Attended by Andrew H., Andrew M., Andy, Dave W., John L., and Tina.

Called to assist Parks and Wildlife Service with a bushfire in Malmalling. Fielded two shifts throughout the day, mainly assisting with mopping-up. This fire provided some challenging conditions, including warm operating conditions, difficult driving, and drafting from a nearby creek. First shift was Andrew H., Andrew M., Andy, Ben, Craig, Dave W., and John L. Second shift was Adrian, Angus, Michelle, Phil, Rob, and Warren.

Small mulch fire in median strip, attended by Mundaring Fire Protection Officer. Stood-down before able to turn out.

One of our members suffered from heat stress while attending a recent fire. The actions by that crew member, and the Crew Leader managed the situation well and allowed the issue to be resolved appropriately.

This is a timely reminder for all operational members to be aware of heat stress; it's signs and symptoms, and how to manage and treat it. Please be aware of your own situation and limitations, and raise any concerns with your Crew Leader. Remember that if not properly managed heat stress can develop into heat stroke, which is a potentially fatal condition.

• DFES: Don't Let Heat Stress Bring You Down
• General Circular 123 - Heat related illness education

The majority of Skills Refreshers have been completed for the 2017-2018 fire season. Many thanks to those who assisted in the assessment, and to all the members who put in a huge effort to complete this important initiative. It is intended that next year's Skills Refresher will be spread more evenly across the winter period, avoiding a rush towards the fire season.

Cameron G., from Mt Helena VBFB has been appointed to the role of Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer, number 5, for the Shire of Mundaring. This is a part-time paid position, with Cameron working at the Shire offices 2 days per week. Having been a Captain of Mt Helena VBFB, Cameron is an experienced fire fighter and a great addition to the Shire officers.

• Safety Circular 13 - Stand alone alternate energy systems
• Safety Circular 12 - Safety of lithium ion battery devices
• Safety Circular 11 - Use of a guide when reversing DFES vehicles
• Operational Circular 83 - Reporting of fire origin and cause
• General Circular 123 - Heat related illness education
• General Circular 122 - Wellness critical incident responses process

No updates.

The date for the Santa Lolly Run has been set as the morning of Sunday December the 24th. Packing of the lolly bags will be completed on Saturday the 23rd. Anyone interested in assisting on either of these days should contact Vicki.

Brigade members and their families are invited to the Christmas Function at the station, 6pm Friday the 29th of December. Meat, beer, wine and soft drinks are provided. Please bring a salad or dessert to share.

RSVP to Michelle by the 24th, including numbers attending, and whether you're bringing salad or dessert.

• Saturday 9th December: Training - Radio Operations

• AVBFB: Newsletter 1/12/2017
• DFES: Youtube: Comcen - School 1 Graduates
• DFES: Youtube: Can we fit?
• BoM: Youtube: Climate and Water Outlook, December 2017 - February 2018