DSE Port Phillip Region’s Fire Prevention Coordinator John Van de Paverd conducts a humidity check with other firefighter trainees.By Melissa Donchi
THE Department of Sustainability and Environment held a general firefighter training course at Wesburn last week in preparation for a long, hot summer.
Members of DSE, Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water attended a weeklong course of theoretical and practical exercises including a fitness test, which involved a 4.8 kilometre walk with a 20-kilo backpack in 45 minutes.
DSE Port Phillip Region’s Fire Prevention Coordinator John van de Paverd said the program was run every year to prepare for the fire season.
“We’re in our 11th year of drought so we don’t have much access to water which is a problem,” Mr Van de Paverd said.
“The course is teaching fire suppression techniques, health and safety, mapping and regulation as well as working around aircraft and heavy machinery.”
