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This exercise was actually a series of hazard reduction burns for a local resident. The first in May was a case of 'the night of the long log pile burn'. The second burn was carried out over a Sunday training day in early June. These came about through the Brigade being asked to help burn-out a paddock in Swanbank area with an enormous amount of log piles around some of the area. The plan was to burn those piles around the edges whilst conditions were favourable in Autumn prior to a broad acre burn later in the year when the grass has cured.

Brigade activity actually started long before the use of fire with considerable planning being undertaken by the Officers and Planning Team. In this photo, Jim checks the maps at the beginning of 'Alpha Pile', a 400 metre long old eucalypt tree pile.

Using the OzeExplorer Map program and a hand held Garmin GPS units; the Planning Team' develop an operational map for the HR Burn.

Day One - 27th May 2011

With all Ripley Valley RFB crews on scene; the burn got underway around 16:00hrs. The 'Planing Team' position markers at strategic locations to assist Crew Leaders understand their position in relation to the operational maps. The progress of the burning teams can then be monitored much more easily and accurately.

Clayton having fun at his first fire under the watchful eyes of Steve a.k.a Squirt.

It didn't take long to get the bonfire warmed up.

Meanwhile on the otherside of the log pile; Jason, Warren and Brian worked at it. The considerable growth of grass and scrub since the paddock was cleared only six months earlier was considerable; evidence of the very wet summer of 2010/11.

The view from the east track, a sea of green grass.

Ian going the flame.

With over 400 metres of log piles to burn; the teams were kept busy.

Tracey's first log pile goes up.

The end of the night.

Day Two - Sunday 5th June 2011

Another day; another dozen log piles.

Once again; plenty of preparation needed. Noelene and Jan keeping us all well fed.

Chucka helping Jason with his make-up. Dave had no comment.

And then there was the A+ Team. JB and Tracey with Tony at the wheel setting the pace.

Anybody got marshmellows?

Noelene and Jan out multi-tasking.

Another pile goes up with Redbank Plains in the background.

Jim popped in to help Jan and pose for a Runham Family happy snap.

Chucka and Noelene also shared a log pile.

Most piles went off well that were raked well with minimal shade from nearby trees. The amount of sunlight getting through to the logs made a big difference in the degree of curing of the wood and ease of the burn.

Some piles couldn't be seen thanks to the summer of rain and alarming growth of grass and scrub. Tony gives this one a go but these piles took a lot of effort and drip torch fuel to get going. More evidence that there will be plenty of work around the region when fire season hits us in July / August with the amount of new seasonal fuel on the ground everywhere.

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