Map reading course helps prepare Forests NSW for fire

More than 20 Forests NSW field staff and casuals attended a two-day course at Bombala on 11-12 December to hone their skills in map reading and navigation in preparation for the fire season.

Forests NSW fire equipment and technology officer Steve Brown said accurate mapping and navigation skills were very important when dealing with day to day work such as harvesting and fire fighting.

"Map reading is particularly significant as many forests roads are not marked on conventional maps," he said.

Mr Brown said one of the practical points covered by the course was the location of water points close to the fire.

"We check the accuracy of maps and identify additional water points that may not have been identified on the maps.

"In drought times some of these water points dry up and should be checked before the fire season," he said.

As part of the course, staff went into the field to locate water points on the maps to see if they could access them with either a slip-on unit on the back of a four-wheel-drive or a fire tanker.

Forests NSW resource protection and infrastructure manager Jason Vincent said Forests NSW fire management branch from Sydney had been conducting the course and their input into fire planning in the Monaro region had been most welcome.

"The course is very timely as we intend to roll out our new fire mapping atlas within the next week or so to enhance Forests NSW response capability," he said.

The region is also conducting a dozer boss course on 13 December for eight members of staff.

"Bull dozers play a key role in Forests NSW fire suppression strategy and it is very important that our staff have the necessary training to undertake the work successfully and safely," Mr Vincent said. 

Photo available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au