Forestry Corporation staff fit and ready for fire season

Forestry Corporation firefighters who will be called on to protect the State’s valuable pine plantations in the south west slopes are already undergoing rigorous fitness tests to make sure they are prepared for the coming fire season.

Forestry Corporation resources and protection manager Mr Charlie Taylor said Forestry Corporation now required all staff who attend fires to undergo medical examinations and task-based fitness assessments to ensure they are ready to meet the physical demands of the job.

He said more than 100 staff from Tumut, Tumbarumba, Batlow and Adelong are being assessed.

The assessments began in September with medical examinations and continued in October at sports fields in Tumut and Tumbarumba.

Mr Taylor said firefighting was a very demanding task and it was important for firefighters to be fit and ready for on-ground firefighting.

“Wild fires often require a quick response for the first attack followed up by long periods of strenuous fire fighting, frequently in arduous conditions,” he said.

“To cope with these conditions, health and fitness is an essential part of safely approaching the fire season from an individual and team perspective.

“Speed is also essential. If we get there quickly a fire caused by lightning strike can be contained to just a few metres.

“This requires men and women who can move quickly with heavy equipment or hoses.”

He said Forestry Corporation highly trained fire-fighting team comprises permanent staff and seasonal employees who are ready not only to fight in the region but also to travel to other areas of the State to fight fires.

Mr Taylor said all Forestry Corporation staff who perform fire-related roles are required to demonstrate an appropriate medical and physical fitness level that meets an international standard.

The medical and physical fitness tests have been designed after reviewing similar programs both overseas and in other states.

The physical test involves carrying an 11.3-kilogram pack over 3.22 kilometres in less than 30 minutes.

“It was not a problem for most of our staff as many have been in training and others already have a high level of fitness.

“To date, more than 90 per cent of our staff have passed the test on the first time around,” Mr Taylor said.

“It was pleasing to see our firefighters approach the assessment in a very positive manner as they see it as a way of further ensuring their personal safety and ultimately the safety of those around them.

“We know that the bushfire threat is relatively severe in northern NSW and on the south coast and that we could be called upon to assist there at anytime.

“We are still not sure what the fire season here has in store for us. It will depend on spring and summer rains. But in any case, our firefighters will be physically fit and ready to go whatever the fire season brings.”

Media contact: Charlie Taylor or Rod Baker on (02) 6947 3911.