After an extremely busy spring period where the brigade attended ten escaped burns and a major incident, the summer of 23/24 has been very quiet – to say the least, however, we haven’t been in hibernation. Following a HUGE Christmas party, and a quiet new year, many members of the brigade took advantage of simulated fire and property protection training in February. Members, new and experienced, attended a simulated bush fire approaching Canyonleigh, prepared a property for defending once the fire arrived and participated in a very cramped overrun drill. Developed and directed by Deputy Captain Robyn Wilson, members had to cut firelines with rake-hoes and backpack blower. Hoses and pumps were attached to fire trucks and water tanks, set-up and readied, areas of concern were identified and prepared.  Then, using a driptorch, create a fire-line. But just before lighting up they had to rescue a member that had heat stroke and had collapsed in the bush! The event was an outstanding success and was especially beneficial to our new recruits yet to attend a live incident (but they will).  Another simulated incident will be staged in March – and this time we will be on trucks around the Canyonleigh area.

In addition to brigade training exercises, we conducted Bush Fire Training for two new members: Luke and Graham on two consecutive Saturdays in February – assessment soon.

Here is a range of images from our Xmas Party, brigade training and BF training.

February training