Protecting the Community - Research and Development
Summary of Initiatives: Item Status:
- Brigade GPS Mapping System Currently being assessed by the Rural Fire Service & DES.
- High Pressure Pump Pump with 12mm Hose / Nozzle in operation, awaiting RFS Approval.
- Portable Pumps Portable Pump In operation.
- Full Face Masks Full Face Facemasks In operation.
- New Pacific Helmet - fitted goggles Successfully trialed, awaiting membership approval.
- New IMT Trailer Base trailer donated thanks to Energex with fit-out to commence shortly.
Brigade GPS Mapping System
The Brigade was one of four Rural Fire Service Brigades invited to a technology forum at the Dept of Emergency Services at Kedron last year to advance the understanding of computerised mapping and the practical use of GPS systems. Through the integration of satellite tracking technologies, GPS hand held units and computer mapping programs; an important information tool is now available for teams that are involved with managing fire both in a preventative manner as well as in response to an incident. The aim of the group ultimately is to identify a new standard approach to utilising this technology in the future in the management of wildfire.
Hose and Nozzle Trials using a small High Pressure Pump and Motor
The brigade has recently installed self winding, self guiding hose reel stands onto both our Medium appliances thanks to donations from the public. In addition we are trialling a smaller 12mm rubber hose system on one reel stand for long distance fire attack (up to 100m) on low intensity fires such as on grassy hills.
Central to the performance of the new high pressure system is the new pump when coupled with the 12mm hose is capable of putting out a jet of water over 15metres or twice the distance we can reach with current pumps and hoses. At close distances, the high pressure jet can clear a wet break and remove debris.
For further information; please contact First Officer John Bowles at:
rv1@ripleyvalleyruralfire.org.au
Portable Pumps
Each medium appliance now has a portable fire fighting pump that can be dropped off near a pool or dam to either re supply an appliance or be used to feed a hose and fight fire in property protection mode.
Full Face Masks
The Brigade has purchased a number of full face masks for trial and evaluation when fighting fire in heavily smokey areas. These units are now in operation and offer very good protection of the face as well as dual air filters to assist fire fighters when tackling damp or dense scrub fires that produce considerable smoke. They are not for structure fire fighting and in those cases, Urban units would attend who have proper self contained breathing apparatus.
New Fire Goggles
The Brigade is also trialling the new fire goggles from Pacific Helmets that click directly to the helmets. This set is being modeled by JB with smokey yellow lenses. These goggles are supposed to offer greater convenience in storage on the helmet and the ability to quickly be fitted when needed when fighting standard grass and scrub fires.
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© Ripley Valley Rural Fire Brigade and Brigade members.