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CFA’s Planned Burn Taskforce recently undertook intensive Asset Protection Unit (APU) training to strengthen their capability to protect communities and critical infrastructure during bushfires.
Around 27 members participated in a two-day workshop in Woods Point in the state’s north east on 24-25 October that included hands-on training focused on APU deployment, water supply establishment, sprinkler protection systems, vegetation management and incident planning.
The workshop was led by Tim McKern, Commander Planned Burning and Kerryn Tait, Planned Burn Taskforce Support Officer. Tim initiated the APU sprinkler system design and capability now used to support community asset protection across Victoria.
Kerryn said crews worked through practical scenarios designed to replicate the challenges faced during bushfire response and community asset protection operations.
“The training centred on protecting key community assets within Woods Point and provided members with the opportunity to apply operational principles including risk assessment, crew leadership, communications and safety,” Kerryn said.
“As part of the exercise, members undertook improvement works at the Woods Point Neighbourhood Safer Place (NSP), helping ensure the site remains accessible and functional should it ever be required during a bushfire emergency.
“They worked on vegetation management, drainage improvements and site maintenance activities, and gained an understanding of the role NSPs play in bushfire preparedness.
The workshop was deliberately scheduled to coincide with CFA’s Dandenong Ranges Strike Team training weekend, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking and shared learning.
The two-day training was further supported by CFA Research and Development Officers Nick McCarthy and Kristy Butler, along with Mark Holland, Senior Manager Land Use Planning, who delivered a presentation on defensive firefighting.
“The presentation provided members with insights into current research, lessons identified and risk-based approaches to community and firefighter safety, complementing the practical training undertaken throughout the weekend,” Kerryn said.
Woods Point Fire Brigade Captain Andrew Merlo welcomed the training activity and the opportunity to showcase the township’s preparedness needs.
“We were pleased to host this training in Woods Point. Having CFA members here undertaking APU exercises demonstrates CFA’s commitment to protecting communities,” Andrew said.
Todd Fenwick, 3rd Lieutenant at Lilydale Fire Brigade and Crew Leader during the Woods Point workshop, said the APU provides a safer and more efficient way to protect critical assets.
“A key benefit of the workshop was improving our understanding of local water sources, water pressures and critical community assets, which helps future operational planning,” Todd said.
“It was also encouraging to see the positive response from local residents, who appreciated seeing how the system works and the additional protection it can provide. Clear communication between crews ensured everyone understood their role and objectives throughout the exercise.”
