Darling Range Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade (Communications)

Callouts:

A call out is usually initiated by the Shire of Mundaring. The relevant pager message to the Brigade is sent by the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) communications branch (COMCEN). The pager message will usually indicate the general location of the incident.

Upon call out, the rostered crew is responsible for the deployment of the Incident Control Vehicle (ICV) at the designated Incident Control Point (ICP).

Whilst a crew of three is adequate for initial deployment, other non-rostered Brigade members may be requested to assist in the crewing of the ICV at an incident. The full crew complement at a major incident is eight members.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s):

The Brigade issues each member with a set of SOP’s and a Training/Information Manual. These outline the various tasks undertaken by Brigade members, and general information on the Brigade’s operations.

Brigade training and meetings:

All members are expected to attend:

• Training: First Sunday in each month - 0900 hours to 1200 hours.
  Third Tuesday in each month - 1930 hours to 2130 hours
• Meetings: Second Tuesday in each month - 1930 to 2130 hours

held, unless otherwise advised (check News), at the Darling Range Station, cnr Wandeara Crescent & Cockatoo Drive, Mundaring

Although family and employment must come first, it is important for members to be committed to attending as many training sessions and meetings as possible in order to maintain a high level of competency and knowledge.  

Formal training requirements:

On joining the Brigade new members will complete the Volunteer Fire-fighter's Induction.  

Brigade members are required to undertake and complete a minimum of the Bush Fire-fighter's Introduction to Firefighting and  Bush Firefighting (conducted by the Mundaring Firefighters School, located at Stoneville, several times per year).

These courses are minimum standards for the Shire of Mundaring. Members are encouraged to obtain further ongoing qualifications. Recommended Courses are: Initial Control at a Wildfire and Structural Firefighting. 

Additionally, members are required to attend two Hazard Reduction burns.
Other training is “in-house” within the Brigade.
Insurance:

Under the Bush Fires Act, Brigade members (though volunteers) are treated as employees of the Shire of Mundaring, and, as such, are fully covered under worker’s compensation insurance.
Funding:

The Brigade is funded by the Shire of Mundaring for essential operational and capital expenditure, through the Emergency Services Levy (ESL). However, independent fundraising is undertaken from time to time to cover other expenditure.

Field uniform:

All Brigade members are required to wear approved personal protective equipment and footwear at incidents, and Brigade training sessions. This equipment is supplied at no charge to Brigade members. An authorised FESA polo shirt is a requirement and is supplied at no charge. This must be worn as uniform whilst operational. It can be worn at Brigade functions and social gatherings. Issued uniform remains the Brigade’s property.