Author: John Blackburn

Quicklay Attack

Post author By John Blackburn
Post date 18 November 2022

Quicklay Attack Hose System

Wednesday night (16/11/2022) we did practical training on our new quicklay attack packs.

The kits carry all the equipment we need for the rapid deployment of a hose line for a fire attack inside a large building such as the Angliss Hospital, Schools or Burrinja Cultural Centre.

While this is the main purpose of the kits they offer our firefighters different methods of fire attacks at most fires we go to.

The purchase of this kit was made possible due to the wonderful community support we receive. Thank you.

Tags Quicklay attack, Training

News

DLS Starts October 2022

Post author By John Blackburn
Post date 30 September 2022

Daylight Saving Starts 2nd October 2022

Daylight Saving starts 2:00am Sunday 2nd October 2022.

Turn your clocks FORWARD one hour.

CFA also recommends testing your smoke alarms and changing the batteries.

More about smoke alarms

Tags DLS

News

MVA Upwey 20/9/2022

Post author By John Blackburn
Post date 21 September 2022

Motor Vehicle Accident Upwey 20/09/2022

At approx 4:30pm Tuesday we responded to a 2 car accident at corner Burwood Highway and Morris Road Upwey, Victoria.

Ambulance and Police also attended.

Despite both vehicles having extensive damage, fortunately none of the occupants experienced serious injuries.

Crews remained at the scene for approximately 60 minutes.

Click here for more about our emergency incident response roles.

Click here for more information about the role of our operational members.

Tags Response

Brigade Activities

MVA Training Night

Post author By John Blackburn
Post date 15 September 2022

Motor Vehicle Accident Training Night

Wednesday night saw our firefighters practicing their response to incidents involving motor vehicles. They were put through a number of different scenarios that included fire suppression, attending to injured persons and the presence of hazardous chemicals.

Real incidents like these can be quite complex and challenging operations that require a high level of team work so this was a good opportunity for the crews to practice a range of skill sets.

Upon arrival at real motor vehicle accidents, the Incident Controller and their team(s) have to make a number of important assessments about the incident before commencing any rescue, fire suppression or other responses. There is often a lot to take in and digest in a very short period of time. Being able to do this in a calm, measured way despite all that can be going on at the time takes a lot of training and practice. This is why Upwey CFA holds training nights like this regularly throughout the year.

Click here for more about our emergency incident response roles.

Click here for more information about the role of our operational members.

Tags Training

Fire Awareness & Safety

About New Fire Danger Ratings

Post author By John Blackburn
Post date 20 August 2022

About The New Fire Danger Ratings.

A new simplified Fire Danger Rating system came into effect nationally Thursday 1st September 2022.

You will see this new system appearing on all messaging, including road side signage.

Fire Danger Ratings will be issued on days when there is a fire risk.

Each fire danger rating has a clear set of messages including the actions the community can take to reduce their risk.

Watch this short video to learn what each level means and what you need to do to stay safe. ⇒ ⇒ ⇒

Do you think this is a better system?

More about Australian Fire Danger Ratings

Tags Fire Danger Rating

Home Fire Safety

1 Metre From The Heater

Post author By John Blackburn
Post date 9 August 2022

Keep Clothes 1 Metre From The Heater

During the cooler months many of us dry our clothes in front of the heater.

When doing this, always remember the saying Keep Clothes A Metre From The Heater.

Some advice from CFA
Data from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) reveals Autumn and Winter are the highest risk periods for residential fires in Victoria, due in part to the increased use of home heating.

CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said home heating includes open fires, wood heaters, fixed electrical or gas-powered appliances, and portable electrical, gas, or kerosene heaters.

“More than 70 per cent of fatal house fires start in bedrooms or lounge rooms,” said A/CO Cook.

When it comes to home heating, FRV and CFA recommends:

Home heating, including flues and chimneys, are regularly cleaned and serviced by a certified technician.
All heating devices are switched off or extinguished before leaving home or going to sleep.
Drying clothes and other items must be kept at least one metre away from all heating.
Children must be supervised near all types of heating. Maintain a safe distance between children and heating.
For portable heating appliances choose models that have automatic safety switches that turn the heater off if tipped over.
Keep portable electric heaters away from wet areas to avoid the possibility of electric shock.
Brick chimneys and gas heaters should be checked before winter to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
FRV and CFA recommend smoke alarms should be considered “A Bedroom Essential” and recommend they are installed in every living area and bedroom.

More information visit Winter Chill Brings Increased Home Fire Risk (takes you the CFA web site).

Tags Home Fire Safety

Fire Awareness & Safety

New Fire Danger Ratings

Post author By John Blackburn
Post date 25 July 2022

New Fire Danger Ratings

The way we determine and communicate Fire Danger Ratings is changing.

A new national Fire Danger Rating System is being developed using the latest science to be more accurate and relevant to where you live.

The new system will be used across Australia so whether you’re at home, traveling within Victoria or interstate, you will see the same system being used.

The new Fire Danger Rating system has four levels (instead of six); Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic.

There’ll be actions for each level, so you’ll know what to do to protect your life, family and property.

You’ll start seeing the new fire danger ratings online and in your local community from September 2022.

For more information visit About Fire Danger Ratings

Tags Fire Danger Rating

Brigade Activities

Fire Fighting Training Night

Post author By John Blackburn
Post date 13 July 2022

House Fire Fighting Training July 2022

Over the last two weeks, members of the Upwey Fire Brigade undertook live fire fighting training sessions using the CFA structure fire training prop.

These training sessions help our operational fire fighters practice and hone a range of skills needed when tackling structure fires that include;

defensive strategies
direct attack
entry procedures
use of water patterns
hot gas cooling techniques
water conservation
team work and communication

The brigade has access to a range of different fire fighting training props that are used at regular intervals throughout the year.

Member safety is always paramount during training and operational events. Live fire fighting training sessions are conducted under strict procedures to ensure the safety of the members involved.