Joint agency exercise strengthens readiness in Dandenongs
Image: Adam Carrigg - Pearcedale Fire Brigade
More than 130 firefighters and 35 vehicles from CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) took part in a large-scale exercise through the Dandenong Ranges on Sunday (12 October).
The exercise focused on improving understanding of the urban-rural interface, local terrain access and fire behaviour.
CFA exercise controller, Devon Meadows Fire Brigade Health and Safety Co-ordinator Justin Stackpole, said the training was designed to strengthen firefighter preparedness and boost inter-agency coordination ahead of the summer fire season.
“Training alongside our FFMVic colleagues helps us build that shared understanding so when a real incident happens, we’re already working in sync,” Justin said.
“It’s also a great opportunity to fine-tune our communication systems and make sure we’re operating as one coordinated team.”
The exercise tasked four CFA strike teams to travel through the ranges, stopping at key locations to hear from experienced firefighters who shared lessons from past incidents, including the 2009 Black Saturday fires.
Crews discussed how they would respond in similar situations and practised joint planning alongside FFMVic personnel, while navigating steep and slippery terrain.
The day concluded at Parks Victoria’s Olinda Depot, where participants reviewed what they’d learned and explored ways to strengthen collaboration during real emergencies.
Justin said crews handled the simulation well.
“Each agency held a debrief following the exercise to discuss lessons learned and share ideas for improvement,” he said.
“It’s always better to find the weak spots in training than in a real emergency.
“Everyone came away from this with sharper skills, stronger connections, and a clearer sense of how we operate together.”