WITH summer approaching, firefighters have sharpened their skills on the Mid North Coast as preparations ramp up for the coming bushfire season.
Forty-five firefighters took part in an intensive five-day training camp at Mount Seaview near Wauchope, completing training across Fire Fighter, Advanced Fire Fighter and Crew Leader roles.
The preparation carries particular significance for communities around Port Macquarie and the Hastings, where the devastating 2019 bushfires provided a stark reminder of the threat posed by fires during prolonged hot and dry conditions.
Fire Training and Operations Coordinator Nathan Fischer said the camp combined theoretical studies and practical learning that would translate to firegrounds.
“The training combines classroom learning with practical field exercises, helping firefighters build confidence and capability in fire behaviour, tactics, leadership, communications and equipment operation,” Mr Fischer said.
A live fire scenario gave participants experience responding to a realistic fire situation, while training also focused on recognising hazards, assessing changing conditions and communicating information between crews and those coordinating an incident.
Crew leader participant Mat Newberry said leading firefighters required a broader view of an unfolding emergency.
“The biggest shift as a Crew Leader is moving from being on the tools to looking at the broader operation,” Mr Newberry said.
“You’re responsible for the safety and wellbeing of your crew, identifying hazards and risks, monitoring changing fire conditions, and making sure critical information is communicated from your position on the fireground to those managing the operation.”
Mr Newberry said fighting fires in the bush required specific knowledge.
“Forest firefighting is vastly different to structural firefighting, and it presents a unique set of challenges, as we often see across the state over spring and summer,” he said.
The Mount Seaview training also allowed firefighters from different areas to work together before they may be called upon to respond alongside each other during major bushfire incidents.
By Sis HIGGINS
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