With a high potential for a hotter and drier summer, it is more important than ever that the three Latrobe Valley coal mines make sure everything possible is being done to lessen the chances of fire.
The Earth Resources Regulator is working with the coal mine operators and Fire Rescue Victoria to ensure operators are well prepared, reducing the risk of fire and have everything in place to respond should there be an incident.
Earth Resources Regulator teams regularly check operations at each coal mine to make sure the necessary safeguards are in place and fire risk planning and response preparation completed.
Fire risk management plans are required to be in place at the Latrobe Valley coal mines. This ensures important preventative, monitoring and response capabilities are established through day-to-day activities, with the ability to escalate readiness on high fire risk days.
Firefighting response planning at each site matches the fire danger level in the area, including the daily fire danger rating and any local active fires. Site plans outline a range of measures, specific staffing and equipment levels to support both surveillance and a firefighting response.
Quotes attributable to Earth Resources Regulator’s Executive Director Anthony Hurst
“Each of the coal mines has a fire management plan and it’s important that these sites do all that is required to reduce the risk of fire at the mine each and every day.”
“The coal mine operators have been responsive in preparing for summer and are aware of the likelihood of a hotter and drier summer. We will continue to inspect the sites to ensure operator are properly prepared with the necessary response crews and equipment in place.”
