Geelong West returns to the site of the Linton tragedy

 

Members of Geelong West Fire Brigade recently took part in the Linton Staff Ride, reflecting on one of the most significant and sombre events in the brigade’s history.

 

On 2 December 1998, five Geelong West brigade members lost their lives when their tanker was overrun by fire during the Linton bushfire.

The Staff Ride provided members with an opportunity to examine the conditions faced by firefighters on the day, consider the decisions that were made and reflect on the factors that may have influenced those decisions.

The purpose was not to assign blame or judge decisions with the benefit of hindsight. Instead, it encouraged members to place themselves in the position of those involved, consider what they knew at the time and reflect on how CFA has learned and developed since the tragedy.

For Geelong West members, the experience carried deep personal significance. The brigade has worked hard to ensure the five members are enshrined in its history and that the lessons arising from the tragedy are never forgotten.

The Staff Ride was particularly valuable for the brigade’s newer members, allowing them to understand more than the names of those who were lost. It helped them develop a deeper appreciation of what occurred, the conditions crews faced and the lessons learned at the highest possible cost.

All CFA members are strongly encouraged to participate in a Staff Ride when the opportunity arises. Regardless of rank, role or level of experience, a Staff Ride offers valuable insights into operational decision-making, leadership, teamwork, situational awareness and the human factors that influence emergency response.

Walking the ground and discussing an incident in the place where it occurred creates a level of understanding that cannot be achieved through a written case study alone. It provides a safe environment for honest reflection and allows lessons from the past to be applied to the decisions members may face in the future.

By continuing to tell the story of Linton, CFA members can honour those who came before them while strengthening the knowledge, awareness and decision-making of today’s firefighters.

Geelong West Fire Brigade thanks the facilitators and everyone across CFA who contributed to delivering the Staff Ride and providing members with such an important learning and reflective experience.

 

Submitted by	Stephen Robertson