Weekly Newsletter -

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Date: 7th October - 13th October

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

It has long been identified that fire fighting activities expose fire fighters to potentially harmful substances, including smoke, soot, asbestos, etc. Whilst PPE can help mitigate some of these risks, the risks associated with ongoing exposure post incident remain. DFES have developed SOP 7.01.2 - Operational Hygiene] to provide guidance and direction in how to best reduce the risks posed by this exposure. In addition to ensuring correct PPE is used during an incident, the SOP describes procedures for cleaning down PPE and appliances prior to departing an incident, as well as properly cleaning PPE and appliance once back at the station. Other directions include avoiding wearing contaminated PPE into common areas (mess tents or food service areas, IMT facilities, etc), ensuring face and hands are clear prior to eating, washing PPE at the station (rather than at home), and showering as soon as practicable post incident. Due to the design of our station, as well as all other bushfire stations within the Shire of Mundaring, not all of directions within the SOP will be achievable. However it is requested that members read and understand the attached SOP and make every effort to adhere to its directions in a common sense manner. If you have any questions or concerns please contact [[Captain@SawyersValley.bfb.asn.au|Adrian.

As some of you have already seen, the Shire have fitted a combination lock to the side entrance door of the station. This replaces the previous mechanical keys.

To reduce the risks associated with a simple combination lock, disbursal of the combination shall be limited. All members can still access the station using their individual RFID key-job or DFES Volunteer Card.

The decision to fit this lock was made at a Shire level, and did not reflect the wishes or requirements of the Brigade. If you have any questions please contact Adrian.

The Shire are planning a hazard reduction burn at Lake Leschenaultia next week on Tuesday the 10th. The burn is planned to run all day. If you are interested and available please contact Adrian.

• Standard Operating Procedure 7.01.2 - Operational Hygiene

No updates.

Darlington Brigade will be holding a Bushfire Ready and recruitment stall at this year's Darlington Arts Festival, Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th of November. The brigade is seeking volunteers from other brigades to assist with running the stall. If you are interested please contact Adrian.

The Brigade Annual Lunch will be held on Saturday the 28th of October at the Parkerville Tavern. If you have not yet RSVP'd please email Vicki, and include your meal order. RSVPs close on Monday.

• Saturday 7th: Training - Initial Control at Wildfires, 09:30 at the Station
• Tuesday 9th: Weekly Vehicle Checks, 19:30 at the Station, Crew D

• ABC News: Bushfire risk register to determine which NSW state schools close in extreme weather
• ABC News: South Australian firefighters on standby in high-risk areas as long weekend brings hot conditions
• ABC News: Less than 24-hours after fires ravage Victorian communities, they're now preparing for floods
• ABC News: 'It was a little piece of paradise': Saunders family lose beloved Briagolong home in Gippsland bushfires
• ABC News Video: Tasmanian authorities say rainfall won't be enough to extinguish Flinders Island fire
• ABC News Video: Fires in Victoria reaches emergency level
• ABC News: Premier Chris Minns warns NSW to 'be prepared for horror summer' as man hospitalised, homes lost in Coolagolite fire
• ABC News: Outgoing Queensland fire chief mistakenly provided incorrect hazard reduction figure ahead of bushfire season, ABC investigation finds
• ABC News Video: Properties destroyed as multiple fires uncontained in NSW
• ABC News: Huge NT bushfire shuts down Barkly Highway, surges towards Queensland border