Firefighters tackle skills fun day with a twist

By Iris Huizinga, Rural Fire Service Community Engagement Officer

The aim of the firefighters on the business end of a hose can make a huge difference in a bush fire.

Getting water down the inside of a smouldering trunk is essential to prevent later flare-ups. The hose operator also needs to have the correct jet setting on the nozzle at all times to conserve water, as fire trucks have a limited supply and a static water supply (SWS) could be a long distance away.

Aiming was among many skills and techniques practised on Saturday, 20 February, when 15 Helensburgh Volunteer Fire Brigade members ignored the rain and took part in a major training day.

Training officer Marc Rayner designed the day. He called it a “skills fun day with a twist”.

Accuracy with a hose was needed to fill a bucket so that it lowered down from a tree. This represented the method used to douse a tree-top hollow fire.

Golf balls on witches hats simulated grassfires, where firefighters stand on the back of a moving truck to attack the fire. The firefighters needed to knock off the golf balls with water, without knocking the witches hats over. This exercise hones precision skills for hitting spot fires and conserving water.

“Reel soccer” was created with a soccer ball, four hoses and two goals. As you can see from the pictures, everyone involved had a great day!

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