Streaks

My hubbie was a retained (24 hour cover) firefighter in the UK and says it has been one of the most satisfying things he has ever done, it is one of the biggest things he misses about being here, the lads (as he calls them) became more like brothers to him, he still phones the station to speak to them all regularly. Funny thing though, his experience doesn't count for anything over here and if he were to join the voluntary brigade he would have to start all over again (although thinking about it he doesn't have much bush fire experience)

renth

If it were me I'd make sure all me breaks were well maintained and my gutters were regularly cleaned. You definitely have to have a plan and stick to it. Stay and fight, or leave early. I'd probably invest that grand in beefy reticulation and switch that on when the fire is approaching. I'd probably also have the pump too to back it up and I'd make sure the wife and kids were well out of harms way when it was time to use it. Give your local bushfire brigade a call for advice. That's probably the best thing because they advise on your specific situation.

BadgeIsBack

I'd go with what has been said - but advice can vary. It is a bit of a science and some people believe their house is defendable and others disagree.

ie. some people believe that trees actually provide cover and protect, others won't have them near the house. Some people recognise that some fuels are naturally fire retardent.

Most people power their static water supply - I'd say minimum of 4500l tank from their diesel or petrol pump - you cannot rely on mains reticulated water or pressure. You need to be in the house mannning the system - damping down a house with this system and then evacuating before a front comes through would be too early. So the system is only any good if you are in situ and have the means to fight the fire.

You then need to patrol for spot fires for a while - all day. if necessary. This is important if not more important than the sprinkler system. Most houses catch and burn down after the front has gone through. Mats left outside or on decks are a major issue.

As for pools, in Ash Wednesday 1983, people survived in them - but may not have faired too well in metal tanks or enclosures if memory serves. And even above ground pools were burnt all the way down to the water line.

renth

Another thing, probably quite obvious is that most people who stay manage to save their houses. The vast majority of houses lost are to people who leave.

Also, most people who die in bushfires are those that either don't stick to their plan or decide to leave far too late.

cresta57

Or volunteer fire fighters doing a service to their community

BadgeIsBack

In Upper Beaconsfield 1983, double digit fatalities were attributed to Narre Warren and Panton Hills (a brigade from across town) tankers getting trapped down a track with a wind change and no burn over protection. Only a few civilian deaths.

The local brigade itself were fine - and it still causes tension today.

In 1998 there was a burnover in Linton and a few people bought the farm.

cresta57

That's one of the reasons we as RFB DO NOT automatically hand over control to full time urban units in QLD. The Urban unit's are highly trained firefighters yet often lack vital local knowledge regarding forestry tracks etc. What looks like a navigable road on a map can often be cut by a stream or may be impossible to turn an appliance around in.
Do you guys practice getting three blokes completely covered with their "burnover blankets" in a three seater Ute?
Damn near impossible

renth

You have burn over blankets? Luxury, bloody luxury, we don't have these in WA. Maybe the powers that be think burn over blankets will turn us into softies.

cresta57

Every vehicle is fitted with thick woolen burnover blankets one per person. Our primary vehicles are Mitsubishi Canters [light rigid], the light attack ones are a 4X4 Toyota's The blankets are in bags velcro fixed to the inner cab roof, hit a pothole & they come down on your head.

FluffyTheCampfireSlayer

Blimey! Is there no end to your talents?

cresta57

We do our bit for the community we live in, that's one of the reasons I like living out here Plus if I'm driving the fire truck & my place is on fire along with a few others then it's a no contest as to whose house gets damped down

BadgeIsBack

We just spray water all over the vehicles and take cover behind heat shields. Whether or not these will work is something else.

Those not using the hoses also get a blanket. A fog pattern from a hose absorbs heat a fair bit better than a jet.

It's the radiant heat that kills so even a blanket might make the difference.
On Ash Wednesday the local brigade used blankets and climbed into an old truck cab. It was a wonder they all got in!

I was interested to know that QLD has ''retained'' (paid) semi-pro FF and the Rural lot. We just have Met and Country, with Country have some full timers. Noone who is not full time professional gets paid.

chrispy

errr. or fire, that is pretty hot!!!
When i got house insurence i was surprised that liviung in the hills didn't make it more expensive, maybe i had better check it is covered..

May you beer mug be full all New Year...Hope you and the family have a memorable first New Year in Aus

cresta57

Qld only has Urban & Rural brigades. Some of the Urban stations have "part time" firefighters i.e retained.
The Rural Fire Service provides fire services to 93 per cent of Queensland through two regions, 15 districts and 1653 brigades, with 36 uniformed officers and approximately 44 000 volunteers, including 2460 fire wardens.

BadgeIsBack

Thanks for the clarification. I wish we had retained FF in Country (which starts 20k from CBD) as we might even get paid....