Agricultural Fire Management Guidelines - Guide to Rural ...

13. Fire suppressionan important way to help protect properties from fi re.a. Private firefighting equipmentAnyone operating vehicles, machinery and equipment isrequired to have some fi refi ghting equipment (see Operatingvehicles, machinery and equipment, pages 37 to 39).In addition to this, landowners and managers areencouraged to have access to additional private fi refi ghtingequipment to stop the spread of fi re. This may range fromsuch simple tools as rakes and shovels to fi re extinguishers,farm fi refi ghting units, slip-ons, or tankers depending on thetype of fi re risks present. Guidelines for Operating Private Equipment at Fires (CFA 2004)b. Response planningLandowners and managers are encouraged to have afi re response plan for their property as part of an overallproperty fi re plan.c. Forest Industry BrigadesIn accordance with legislation, plantation owners withan aggregate of more than 500 ha of plantation withina radius area of 25 km may be required to form aForest Industry Brigade or form a partnership with otherplantation owners to form such a brigade. CFA Regulations 2004, Part 5d. Preparedness and response plansPlantation owners and managers are encouraged tohave access to heavy equipment, such as bulldozers,graders and excavators, for fi refi ghting purposes. It isadvised that this access be documented and that therange of equipment available can be scaled up or downas needed.Include Department of Sustainability and Environment inthe development of a fi re response plan if the plantationis near a Fire Protected Area.Consider using early fi re detection systems, such aslookouts and aerial and ground patrols.Seek advice for helidam requirements when planning touse helicopters for fi re suppression.Section 3 AdviceOn the Land: Agricultural Fire Management Guidelines49