Ninety-four Forest Fire Management Victoria’s project firefighters have been recruited to the Loddon Mallee region for fire season – 10 more than usual. – in preparation for bushfires.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
They will undertake a second extensive training course this week in Swan Hill.
Covering essential elements including fire behaviour, fire suppression, planned burning, safety and survival techniques, the course is a mix of classroom and field-based activities.
FFMVic Loddon Mallee Regional Training Coordinator Travis Storer said the second training course in the Loddon Mallee was due to an increase in the number of project firefighters recruited in the region this fire season.
“This second training course has been added to train the additional Project Firefighters in our region, but it is also an opportunity to train DELWP regional staff who take on a firefighting role during the fire season in addition to their day-to-day jobs,” he said.
“Representatives from Dja Dja Wurrung and Barapa Barapa will also undertake the training as FFMVic works with these Traditional Owner groups on Country to manage public land.
“Once they’ve successfully completed the course, attendees will be equipped to work alongside FFMVic’s permanent staff to undertake fire protection work and respond to bushfires.”
During the fire season, 94 Loddon Mallee PFFs are based at DELWP and Parks Victoria depots at Swan Hill, Hattah, Mildura, Robinvale, Speed, Underbool, Werrimull, Rainbow, Avoca, Bendigo, Echuca, Castlemaine, Cohuna, Heathcote, Inglewood, Maryborough, Rushworth and St Arnaud.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.