Agencies combine at Budj Bim for pre-season preparedness

 

Volunteers and staff from CFA recently joined counterparts from Parks Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) to run through fire season preparations at Budj Bim National Park.

 

On Friday afternoon, 21 November, the group gathered to share thoughts around preparedness and plans for Budj Bim National Park, with Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger Darren Shiell and Macarthur Group Officer Hughie McFarlane initiating discussions.

Budj Bim National Park is a UNESCO world-heritage listed area with a significant history of fires, the most recent being a 2,200-hectare fire in March this year. The group had an opportunity to run through post bushfire recovery actions and planning and went for a drive to a few parts of the park to familiarise with seasonal conditions.

The previous major fire was in 2019-20, and members present shared their local knowledge of fires going back many years. The park contains the largest remaining area of stoney-rises woodland in Victoria and includes a volcano crater, picnic area, walking tracks and campground. 

It is an area of significant Indigenous heritage and also includes European heritage such as stone fences.  It is also perfectly suited for koalas, with a manna gum dominant tree canopy and good snake country, with two medium sized tigers spotted on the day.

Attendees included Broadwater Fire Brigade Captain Linton Price, Bessibelle Fire Brigade Captain Jonno Dyson, and Byaduk Fire Brigade Lieutenant Craig Dettling. These members have property adjacent to or in the vicinity of the park and all are involved in response to the park.

Darren led the discussion and tour, which looked at areas unburnt, the areas burnt last year and those burnt in previous seasons. 

“The park has specific response principles, which include not using machinery unless absolutely necessary for the saving of life,” Darren said.

“This is because machines such as dozers are relatively ineffective in the volcanic rock country and the significant amount of Aboriginal cultural heritage and European heritage.

“It was insightful to hear from the volunteers who have many years of history responding to bushfires in the park. Their local knowledge is invaluable when it comes to formulating a successful plan to contain a fire.”

FFMVic Acting Senior BEM Preparedness Officer for the Far South West District Troy Jenkins also attended and provided insight into planned works in the park including proposed track upgrades that would improve access and anchor points, and lines for backburning in the event of a fire. 

Direct and indirect attack using aircraft and backburning, along with waiting for the fire to come out into open country, are the primary strategies for dealing with fires in this area.

CFA District 5 Commander Rob Howell enjoyed the day, and was appreciative of the efforts of the volunteers and staff for leading the session where he gained significant local knowledge and insight.

“We all now have a better appreciation of the landscape and the challenges it presents to firefighters of all organisations,” Rob said.

 

Submitted by	David Ferguson