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Brigade Training Memories for 2007

November

Matt Carter runs us through what the brigade did for training in November. "The Brigade went through extinguisher theory, classes of fire, extinguishers to be used, considerations, etc and then each member proceeded to have a go with the various extinguishers on the gas burners examining the effectiveness of each type. It was also demonstrated the explosive nature of instantly vaporised water on a fuel fire."

 

"All vehicles were then assembled and proceeded to go on area familiarisation along the new development between Ripley and Springfield. The amount of surfaced bitumen is deceptive, and the convoy soon found itself snaking its way through the 4wd tracks and access roads. Progress was slow as a few new dead end's were discovered with the changing landscape but we eventually made our way through to the Centenary Motorway at Orion Springfield where we were again on a fully sealed road. We then returned along Redbank Plains road turning off at the sandblasting facility at Swanbank and coming out at the back of the Swanbank historical railway pretty much where we were on friday night (PR Activity) at which point Unit 51 was suprised with a flashover drill. The convoy then returned via Fischer Rd to station for debrief."

 

October

The brigade attended an Ipswich Group exercise at Marburg RFB Station in early October. Also attending were crews from 645M and several neighbouring Auxilliary Units. The main attrraction was a first hand glimpse of the 668 Helli-Attack aircraft. An exercise simulating a wildfire approaching a structure tested the IMT process as well as exposing RFS members to other brigades and QFRS teams.

Matt and Squirt getting up close and personal.

A small water drop demonstartion as part of the days exercise.

 

September

The brigade learnt about reading maps and using compases to supplement the use of the hand held GPS units. Thanks to Darren from the SES for his time in presenting the theory session. For the Sunday training, members were given a field challenge which tested both their new orienteering skills as well as their physical fitness as they hiked across a remote property over looking Ripley.

Ripley Valley Unit 91 on location with the IMT Centre in the background.

Our Guys know what they are doing!

Not sure they know where they were going though..

 

Another new training initiative that commenced in September was a Group Rookie Training Weekend held at Boonah. This new intensive training program is designed to enable all new recruits to build the same basic skills at the one location in a team environment. A selection of photos from the Rookie weekend are contained below.

One of the reported highlights of the training week-end was a fire demonstration table designed to highlight the differences in fire behavior on different slopes.

August

In a definate first for the year, the brigade had to train in the rain for the main August session. The day extended on previous Urban/Rural cross training exercises and looked at I-Zone collaboration as well as further appliance familiarisation. Ripley Valley Units 91, 51 and 52 met up with 645J from Ipswich Urban Station 45 at Deebing Heights and looked at various incident management as well as operational issues. A big thanks to John and Steve for organising the training, the Ripley Crews that attended and especially the crew from 645J for braving the rain.

 

July

You never know quite how your Sunday will finish up lately with Steve's Training Days. One of the activities planned as part of recent cross training exercises with the Urban's was a visit to 45 Station in Ipswich for those members who hadn't visited previously. Just as the crews were looking at ways of connecting 645J and Ripley Valley Unit 52, a call came out for 645J to respond to a grass fire on Briggs Road. The Ripley crews were invited to attend as observers but once on scene, both crews quickly joined together to help manage the situation.

Understanding the different plumbing on the different appliances.

June

The brigade commenced some cross training exercises with instructors from 45 Urban Station in Ipswich in June. The brigade would like to thank Shane and Peter from 45 Station for their time and happiness to share their experiences with the brigade members on a pleasant drive into some ugly countryside. Throughout the day, members were familiarised with 4WD techniques and guidelines and then allowed to practice in a billy goat area recently burnt out by a bushfire.

A quick review of 4WD theory followed by some in field familiarisation. Appliances from left: Ripley Valley 52, Bundamba 643Y, Ripley Valley 51 and Ipswich 645Y on site and off road near Ripley.

From left: John, Danny, Jim, Dave and Josh enjoying the view at the top of George's Road.

The I-Zone Mitsubishi Canter and Isuzu Medium Attack appliances both came through the tracks with flying colours.

Vehicle familiarisation came with the warning, do not scratch the paint-work.

Peter (left) and Shane explain the equipment on 645Y.

The high pressure 12mm hose system on 645Y is excellent for small grass fires etc.

Members are run through the business end of 643Y.

The very high pressure 12mm hose system on 643Y is excellent for small fires in hard to reach areas and can create a great fire break even more effective than a blower unit with minimal water usage.

 

 

Also in June, brigade members visited 45 station in Ipswich central. During the visit, the brigade had an initial familiarisation session on the I-Zone unit which is a dual cab Mitsubishi Canter. We got a good look at the station and also Unit 644A from Karana Downs which was visiting at the time. A special thanks must go to Peter from 45 Station for his time.

Great parking facilities at the station but our trucks didn't look as big there.

Familiarisation of the I-Zone vehicle known as 643Y.

Jim trying on the new mask/respirator units and Glen trying out the new high pressure 12mm hose system.

Peter explains the equipment held on 645M.

Getting an overview of the back end of 644A whilst Glen and Steve check out the cabin.

May

Training during May focused on a visit to FireCom South East in Southport as well as firefighter safety. For our FireCom visit, we would like to thank Tom, Karen and Caroline for their hospitality and showing us how the 'system' works.

What was intended to be a Sunday session covering part theory and part practical exercise was switched to a live grass fire call-out at the last minute which give the members a very real exercise in thinking about safety aspects. For more information on the incident, please Click Here.

April

April started with surprises as the brigade did a skills and drills night using pumps and hoses and night time response. At the Fire Station members were split into crews of three and performed practical exercises doing: two repeats by each crew, bowling hoses, pump operations, delivery of water case 1, 38mm/25mm adaptor use, hand signals, problem solving and making up.

Unknown to members a pre arranged mock fire occurred at 2000 hours and Unit 52 was responded. On arrival at the scene crew were told of a fire ninety metres over a hill and that they were required to use 2 - 38mm layflats and 1 - 25mm rubber hose to reach it. Unit 51 was responded some time later and repeated the tasks of Unit 52. Other Brigade members followed in Unit 21 and observed both crews. Crews on scene were assessed in a number of areas: positioning of the Unit, use of lights, PPE, radio use, hose use, hand signals, pump use, communication between crew members and crews, equipment use and making up.

All members at the debrief said the real life response was great and highlighted areas where skills could be further improved. A great job done by all involved.

.

and then the "Call-Out"

March

A family fun day was combined with an area visit to White Rock Conservation Park during March also. It was a great opportunity to share some knowledge and experience with the family members and great fun to watch the kids practicing to be future firefighters.

Thanks to Steve for organising the day and for Squirt for being the Chef.

The brigade also covered communications and GPS theory as well as a full day exercise in March.

Two teams raced through-out the brigade's area for the GPS Trophy as part of the exercise. Congratulations to Michael, Tony and Jim; the crew of RV51.

February

This months training included a review of the SMEACS process and then a practical review of the chainsaw and blower.

January

Our first training session for the year covered an update on the new pumps and equipment on our new medium appliances. The brigade then went on an area visit to check out the changing scenery of Ripley Valley as the new transport corridor linking the Centenary Highway and Yamanto ploughs on at a remarkable pace. The corridor is also an excellent fire break in case it's needed!

 

  © Ripley Valley Rural Fire Brigade and Brigade members.