Seville CFA conducted a special night time training session on Wednesday 23 July which saw the brigade prepare for after dark turnouts while utilising specialised equipment.
“It’s dark, it’s noisy and it’s dangerous. That was the scenario for training on Wednesday night,” the Seville CFA said on a Facebook post about the training.
From donning gear in under 90 seconds, navigating dark and smoky environments with breathing apparatus (BA) gear, using thermal imaging cameras and practicing safe search techniques, it was a busy but productive night for the brigade.
Seville CFA fifth lieutenant Adam Campbell said the brigade turned its station into a garage/workshop setting for the training.
“Using proper search techniques and our thermal imaging cameras, we had crews work in pairs and set up as two teams.
“Teams had to work together to find three warm objects and also members acting as semi conscious props needing aid,” Mr Campbell said.
The brigade borrowed Hillcrest CFA’s vehicle which was set up with BA cylinders and equipment ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Smoke filled environments can pose unique challenges for firefighters and the risks can compound at night due to poor visibility.
“We have torches and lighting but in a smoke filled environment they can make visibility worse, like high beam lights in fog.
“Crews need to know how to use other senses and also the specialised equipment we have at hand to carry out a search in a timely manner.”
The landscape of the Yarra Ranges poses unique challenges for CFA brigades due to the mixture of both urban and rural properties.
It means brigades have to possess a mixed skillset so they’re ready to adapt to any situation.
“Urban environments are becoming a lot more relevant in the Valley but rural properties still occupy a large part of it bringing a need for mixed skills and local knowledge.”
Mr Campbell also raised the need for homeowners to do their part in making sure their properties are as safe as they can be in the event a fire breaks out.
“Home owners should make their properties as safe as they can with removing rubbish and clutter, make sure smoke alarms are checked regularly and appliances regularly serviced to make sure they remain safe to use.”
Mr Campbell recalled the many occasions where firefighters have to navigate cluttered properties, houses and garages.
He said night time conditions only make it more difficult to respond to a fire when other obstacles are in the way.
“There has been many times we have had to traverse less than ideal landscapes at properties in an emergency. Cluttered houses, yards, pathways and garages. Slippery steps, mud, animals, vehicles – you name it. Night, smoke and steam only make these conditions more difficult.”
“If people can start early in preparing properties for summer it will go a long way to reducing risk,” he said.
With this year’s winter recording less than average rainfall, Mr Campbell said more brigades are beginning summer training earlier on in the year to prepare for an earlier fire season.
“Our brigade, like many others, will start switching to our summer skills training very soon in preparation for warmer weather when it arrives.”
Seville CFA is always welcoming new community members who have questions about fire safety or even want to join up to become a member of the brigade.
Both operational and non-operational roles are available, which means there’s multiple ways someone can contribute to CFAs in the Yarra Ranges.