Joint agency fire day prepares Monaro region for fire

A joint fire preparedness day with 60 participants was held at Bondi State Forest near Bombala on Friday 30 November. 

Forests NSW operations manager Jason Vincent organised the day, which included training sessions from Chris Farrell (Forests NSW Eden office), John Cullen (Bega Rural Fire Service), Ian Dicker (Jindabyne National Parks and Wildlife Service), and Anthony Reed (Bendoc Department of Sustainability and the Environment).

Mr Vincent said the participants learnt about protecting buildings in bushfires, radio communications on the fire-ground, and fire tanker operation.

Acting regional manager Mark Chaplin said that during the past two months Forests NSW had been working closely with other fire fighting agencies to refresh its fire management capabilities in the Monaro Region. 

"Close relations with fire control personnel in the Bombala, Delegate and Bendoc areas continues to be an important part of protecting the interests of the people in the Monaro Region," he said. 

Mr Chaplin said Forests NSW had taken an active role to integrate its fire resources with NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Parks Victoria and Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment.

"Every bushfire season has the potential to greatly harm the community. The Eastern Border Management Group, made up of cross border agencies, forms a solid foundation to integrate resources and training to help protect the region," he said.

Mr Chaplin said Forests NSW recently employed 12 people in the Monaro region for seasonal fire work.

Also as part Forests NSW preparation for the fire season, specialised fire tanker operators from Forests NSW Bombala, Eden and Moss Vale centres conducted a training workshop at Bombala on Thursday 25 November.

The workshop was run by Forests NSW Fire Branch based at Sydney and included revision of maintenance procedures and safety on the fireline. 

Forests NSW has six heavy tankers and 11 light fire fighting vehicles located in the Monaro Region. 

Photo available by contacting sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au