The South West Slopes Rural Fire Zone held their Bi-annual District exercise at the Harden Racecourse last Sunday. 25 tankers from brigades in the South West Slopes Fire Zone and even neighbouring zones were present, with 150 people in attendance.
The exercise trained crews in various scenarios such as motor vehicle accidents, house fires, gas fires, relay pumping, water transfers and foam systems.
A strike team exercise was also held. Strike teams usually consist of 4 or 5 trucks working as a team at the flank of a fire, and the strategy has proven to be highly effective in combating fires in the past.
A representative from Isuzu, Robert Butcher, led a truck familiarisation seminar with crews in regards to maintenance and operation.
“I was very impressed with how many young people were there,” said Andrew Dylan, District Manager of the South West Slopes Zone. “They learnt a lot from the exercises.”
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) Cadets, consisting of youths aged 12-16, were also present at the exercises. “The RFS Cadets are the leaders of the future,” said Andrew. “They showed some good leadership qualities by how they conducted themselves at the exercises.”
The RFS South West District Zone would like to thank Terry Brown for the use of his baulk water tanker, Gail Butt and the catering team for feeding the participants, and the Harden Shire Council for the use of the Harden Racecourse.
