Program structure

Bushfire Prepare consists of an e-learning package comprising  seven modules:

  1. Basic fire behaviour
  2. Your bushfire plan
  3. Fire management arrangements
  4. Fuel management options
  5. Managing safety
  6. Equipment operation
  7. Planning and conducting your burn
 

The first two modules basically mirror the existing CFA Fire Safety Essentials program, adapted for online learning and providing an accessible delivery mechanism.  These modules can be completed by anyone with an interest in bushfire safety and preparing a bushfire plan.

Modules 3 to 7 are mainly aimed at owners of properties with a bushfire risk who want to better understand how to go about reducing their bushfire risk.  While these are aimed at those properties in the Bushfire Risk Engagement Areas the modules will be suitable for any rural areas. 

Following completion of all modules, there will be an option for participants to take part in a practical workshop in which the skills learnt in the theory component will be able to be put into practice.  

To register your interest in a practical workshop session, go to the practical workshop expression of interest form or to register for the online learning go to e-learning registration.

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Practical workshop

The Bushfire Prepare workshop provides participants with the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge from the online learning in a practical workshop.  

Workshops are held outdoors and (if conditions are suitable) demonstration burns will be lit.  As the location of the workshop will simulate an actual planned burn site, participants will need to wear suitable clothing and familiarise themselves with the site safety instructions.

Workshop outcomes

Participants will:

·       Understand the safety considerations relevant to undertaking a planned burn.

·       Be able to apply their knowledge from the foundation online/face-to-face learning sessions in preparing a burn plan and understand the legal requirements.

·       Become familiar with common planned burning and firefighting equipment.

·       Be familiar with the fuel assessment process.

·       Demonstrate how to prepare control lines using a rakehoe. 

·       Demonstrate identifying assets of value and potential hazards.

·       Demonstrate the safe use and maintenance of rakehoes and drip torches.

·       Where possible, undertake a small, controlled burn to demonstrate fire behaviour for test burn observation and demonstration of lighting patterns.

·       Undertake mop up of the site and ensure all fuels are safe.