Plantation firefighting information day at Moss Vale

Forests NSW is conducting a plantation fire fighting information day and field tour at Moss Vale on Saturday 18 November to develop a better understanding of pine plantation fire management, Forests NSW Monaro regional manager Gavin Jeffries said today.

Mr Jeffries said the purpose of the day was for Forests NSW and other fire agency personnel to inspect a range of plantation sites and provide a forum to discuss issues relating to pine plantation fire protection and fire fighting in around the plantations.

“The day will help everyone involved develop a better understanding of plantation fire control and protection strategies, tactics and equipment, and an understanding of concerns for fire fighters when operating in plantation areas,” he said.

“We greatly value the close working relationship Forests NSW has with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and information days like this one play an enormous role in helping prevent major fires.”

Forests NSW 3500 hectares of plantation grown pine in the region supplies customers such as Penrose Pine Products at Moss Vale, which meets a niche market for treated pine products and employs 35 people.

Forests NSW Resource Protection and Infrastructure manager Jason Vincent said the information day and field tour was for interested RFS personnel, NPWS and other representatives of the bush fire management committees in the Southern Highlands.

“It is focussed towards zone management staff, senior brigade members and other interested personnel,” he said.

The tour commences at Belanglo Forest Headquarters, Belanglo State Forest, and will proceed through to Forests NSW plantations in the Belanglo, Penrose and Wingello areas.