By Tanya Steele
Winter is upon the Yarra Valley and CFA Brigades across the region continue to train though the colder months of the year.
Yarra Glen CFA held a night time training session on Wednesday 21 June with new and old members alike practising various drills for the brigade.
Bill Boyd, Yarra Glen Captain said the unit spent the time out and about doing structure fire drills, rolling out hoses, getting water in and out of the trucks and sizing up jobs.
“Given that we are in winter and we have already assisted other brigades with structure fires in the last month, we thought it would be a good opportunity to just get the rookies in for some practice with older members and just hone our skills,” he said.
The brigade used a member’s house and there is always an “in-training” sign on display when the CFA is doing training drills, which the public are free to observe from a distance.
Mr Boyd said performing drills at night gives the CFA a chance to practice in different conditions.
“Night time training adds another dimension to our training, things like getting gear out when it’s cold and getting to a location is just a bit different,” he said.
Mr Boyd said members of the public who are interested in joining are always welcome.
We’re always looking for new members, so come down on a Sunday morning and visit us,” he said.
Winter is a time to be diligent and Mr Boyd said home heater and smoke detector maintenance should be a priority for people to reduce the risk of a structure fire in their homes.
“It is a timely reminder to not do things like dry clothes on a heater and check your smoke detectors,” he said.
Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman AFSM said the colder months are some of the riskiest times of the year for fires in the home and most of these fires can be prevented.
“Taking a few moments to check your heaters and fireplaces before winter sets in could mean the difference between life and death for your family,” Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman AFSM said.
CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) firefighters respond to an average of 3,000 residential fires across the state each year, and more than 240 of those are caused by heating systems.
Home heating systems vary and can include fixed electrical or gas-powered appliances, portable electrical, gas or kerosene heaters, as well as open fires and wood heaters.
CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM said as we begin to spend more time indoors, Victorians should ensure they have their gas and electrical heaters serviced every two years to safeguard their loved ones from fire.
“We’ve already seen CFA respond to 23 heater fires this year, and we’re only just entering the winter season,” Acting Chief Officer Cook AFSM said.
“A common mistake we are finding is households are keeping their drying clothes too close to heaters and fireplaces, so it’s best to ensure they are at least one metre away from all heating,” he said.
“Regardless of when you turn a heater on, just be mindful to turn them off before you leave the house or go to sleep.”
Victorians are urged to keep their heating devices well-maintained and remember that 10-year long-life battery or interconnected smoke alarms located in all bedrooms and living areas of the home can save lives for as little as $20.
