Long Point Review
Published Date: 22 Mar 2013
Summary
The following was the review of the Long Point Bushfire which burnt from January 1st 2013.
WHAT WE SET OUT TO DO
Extinguish
Utilise a mix of resources
Keep as small as possible
Maintain Firefighter safety
Protect property and assets
Utilise available local knowledge
Warn / notify the public / campers
Close off access to public
WHAT WENT WELL
Local control established
Sectorised the fireground early
Aircraft outstanding capability – Helos did a good job
Resources available and sent – very appropriate
Plant management appointment
Pre-planning by FCC very good
Skill level of specialists excellent – plant operators and pilots
Helo assistance – Mop up Day 3
Fireground management remained on fireground
Fireground is Cat 7 / 9 country – worked well
Brian Doberer - good job day 1
Vehicle maintenance on site
Goldings plant use – excellent. 6 x 6 grader – encourage Council to purchase
Co-operation with other DTZ's (Mudgee/Chifley)
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
Group Officers (fire boss) needs scribe assistance
Comms personnel on site
Initiative of some crews NOT always up to requirements of task
Blacking out techniques and attitude poor with some crews
Briefings to set "expectations"
Location of fire fighting water (1 hour)
Lack of southern crews Night 1
Skill of tanker drivers need to be high in this topography
Access and egress issues on trails – Goldings
Utilisation of local knowledge important in first response
Brigades be put on standby – first night if possible to be ready
Heavy plant list requires good drivers who can drive in this topography
Consider track loader for night work
Water issue – conservation by some crews not practised
Night shift meals – crews should have snacks for overnight
Refrigerated trailer coolroom for distribution of food across fireground
Fireground signage to group officers
Training in changing channels
Earplugs
