By Tanya Steele
Coldstream CFA along with many other local CFA groups hosted a pumping training event at their local winery Domaine Chandon on Sunday 30 April, with great success.
The training was designed to simulate setting up and transporting large volumes of water in the event of a larger fire event and to practice setting up and laying the hoses.
“The day went really well,” said Sean Bethell, CFA Captain in Coldstream.
“A lot of planning went into the lead up for this,” he said.
Lilydale, Heasleville, Chirnside, and Socresby brigades assisted with moving water on the day and Yarra Glen, Healesville and Badger Creek were also in attendance.
Some brigades from further afield in Kinglake and District 13 brought along specialised equipment for the training.
Mr Bethell said there were about 15 different types of fire trucks and crew carrier-type vehicles involved overall and at least 50 firefighters.
“There was a number of brigades there and all had roles in helping us set up and pack up at the end of the day,” he said.
The training involved practising hose layout, familiarising pump operators with how to move larger volumes of water and giving new volunteers an insight into larger operations.
“You might have dams a kilometre away from the building and we’re able to relay water long distances in large quantities to give them knock that fire down,” Mr Bethell said.
The event used a 100ml hose from the Scoresby Hose Layer which is a specialised fire truck from the Scoresby brigade, a normal firefighting hose is only 38ml.
“100ml is really specialised for moving large amounts of water, its capable of moving 3,500 litres per minute,” said Mr Bethell.
The training pumped water from the bottom dam at Domaine Chandon and Mr Bethell said the winery was left in good condition with all the vines still standing.
“They’ve been really supportive of the brigade,” said Mr Bethell.
Leading into summer the CFA units will continue with seasonally appropriate training.
“We try to run different scenarios and mix it up a bit,” Mr Bethell said.
