Weekly Newsletter -19th January 2022

Online copy

Date: 22st January - 29th January

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

Call due to enhanced mobilisation to a grass fire in Wooroloo. Quick response resulted in the 1.4 being stood down before arriving, with the Light Taker released a short time later.

Attended by Adam, Ben M., Dave R., Denise, John R., Shane, and Warren.

With the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, coupled with the expected opening of state borders early next month, DFES have reiterated a number of policies and SOPs concerning COVID-19 precautions.

The most immediately relevant policy requires the wearing of P2 or N95 masks whilst attending an incident whenever a community mask mandate is in place (as is currently the case).

The Chief has called a meeting with the brigade Captains to discuss specific COVID-19 precautions and to formulate measures and controls which may sustainable into the future.

• Interim Operational Procedure 2 - COVID-19 Operational Response Precautions
• Operational Circular 02/2022 - Increased Self Isolation and Quarantine Activity in the Community

• Operational Circular 103/2021 - Spraying Water on the Public at Community Events
• Operational Circular 03/2022 - Unexploded Ordinance Area (UXO) Information

No updates.

The media have recently reported upon the arrest of charging of an arsonist who is alleged to have started a number of fires around Wooroloo and nearby areas. Unfortunately the accused is a volunteer fire fighter and member of a local bushfire brigade.

Most volunteer fire fighters will have witnessed the sorts of light hearted jokes associated with fire bugs and volunteer fire fighters. Whilst it is true that there have been a number of volunteers convicted of arson across the history of the Bush Fire Service, this is largely due to the service representing a cross-section of society.

At the time of the arrest being made public there was a significant amount of commentary in the media and on social media. It is advised that our Brigade members not engage with any negative comments and generally refrain from commenting on the incident overall.

If you have any concerns regarding this matter please contact Adrian or Warren.

• Saturday 22nd: Training - PPE and Personal Equipment Checks, 09:30 at the Station
• Tuesday 25th: Weekly Vehicle Checks, 19:30 at the Station, Crew C

• ABC News: Perth heatwave declared as firefighters contain blaze burning near Karrakatta cemetery on 42-degree day
• ABC News: Upper Murray Black Summer fires featured in bushfire recovery photographic exhibition
• ABC News: Volunteer firefighter, 19, charged with deliberately lighting nine fires in Perth hills
• Bureau of Meteorology - Climate and Water Outlook, issued 13 January 2022