Weekly Newsletter - 20th May 2020

Online copy

Operations

Roster

Starting Saturday

Date: 23rd May - 29th May

  • First Call: Crew C
  • Second Call: Crew B

Incidents

None

Announcements

Weather Briefing: 21st - 25th May

The Bureau of Meteorology have issued an Emergency Services Weather Briefing for the period covering Thursday the 21st until Monday the 25th of May. 

SOUTHERN WA (INCLUDING THE SOUTH WEST LAND DIVISION AND GOLDFIELDS)

Gusty northerly winds are expected during Saturday and Sunday ahead of a significant trough and cold front. These winds will bring relatively warm, dry and gusty conditions to the majority of the SWLD that are unseasonable for this time of year. One of our metrics indicates that a wind pattern similar to this occurs approximately five times per year, however this metric does not consider whether these occurrences have happened before, during or after winter, and this context should be considered. 

Furthermore, fire Danger Ratings and Indices may not capture the risk in some areas depending on the assigned curing values.

There is a significant risk to the containment of any existing fires in the landscape. Given the northerly direction of the winds, there is also a significant risk of turbulent winds resulting in erratic and anomalous fire behaviour along slopes and near elevated terrain including the Darling Scarp and particularly the areas near and south of the Stirling Ranges and Porongorup Ranges.

This risk will likely become significant from the morning of Saturday 23rd, with strong and gusty winds expected to continue through Sunday 24th ahead of the approaching trough/front. Rainfall from this system is likely to reach approximately 10-30mm during Sunday over areas of the Lower West and South West.

Although some rain is possible over remaining parts of the SWLD, the amount and extent of rainfall becomes unreliable as a source of fire suppression east of a line approximately from Perth to Walpole. 

Furthermore, abnormally high tides and significant waves are expected with the passage of this system, with these conditions expected to include waters inside Geographe Bay due to the northerly wind direction. A large, but somewhat typical, south westerly swell is expected to follow behind the system on Monday 25th.

Burn Smart

DFES is launching a new campaign on Monday 25 May 2020 to educate private landholders on planned burns.

The Burn SMART campaign will aim to raise awareness about the responsibility and accountability of private landholders when lighting a fire as well as educate the community on how to undertake planned burning on private land.

A How to Use guide, Planned Burning Fact Sheet, and Talking Points sheet are attached.

Brigade Hazard Reduction Burns

With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions the Brigade will again be looking to ramp up its hazard reduction burning program. All members are encouraged to make themselves available to assist with future burns, where possible. Hazard reduction burning provides an excellent opportunity to develop and maintain your practical bush fire skills, build team work within our Brigade, and support the bush fire safety of our community.

Anyone interested in being involved with any hazard reduction burns, in particular their planning and preparation, should contact Adrian.

Circulars and SOPs

Mundaring Fire School

The Bush Fire Training Co-ordinator is seeking feedback on which courses should be prioritised once formal training recommences. If you have any training courses which you wish to complete this year, please contact Rob or Adrian.

Administration

Receipts for Reimbursement

Jen has asked that anyone with outstanding claims for reimbursement to email them to her by Saturday, so they can be processed ahead of the General Meeting on Monday.

AGM Deferment

The Committee of Management met via teleconference on Monday night to discuss the Brigade AGM. The meeting gave consideration to the restrictions associated with COVID-19, the direction from the Shire of Mundaring, and how best to serve our diverse Brigade membership. The current proposal is to plan for a July AGM, with the condition that all relevant restrictions having been lifted by that time. If restrictions are still in place by the proposed date, the AGM will continue to be deferred.

Weekly Calendar

  • Saturday 23rd - Sched and training to be attended by members of Team 2 (see attached roster). Training will cover team management at bush fires.
  • Monday 25th - Brigade General Meeting. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom
    • Meeting ID: 847 4782 0583
    • Password: 960631

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