As you can see, I (David) have joined the Rural FIre Service.  The RFS is a volunteer organisation, heavily subsidised by the state governments, and needs people like me to offer their time.  Clearly some training is required to make it safe, and much equipment is needed for each “brigade”.

I went on my first assignment today – after months of training.  As you can see from the picture, my first job as a firefighter was to light a fire !  Hazard Reduction burns are aimed to reduce the “fuel load” in the bush, by burning all the low undergrowth in a controlled manner, whilst allowing the trees to survive.

This was  “small” HR burn – about 200m x 200m, and to do this takes lots of organisation – there were four brigades involved and ten or twelve “trucks” – four-wheel drive fire engines.

The HR burns can look just as dramatic as a bushfire.

We all have to have fire-resistant clothing, helmet, boots, etc.

We have to lay out all the hoses in advance, and it all has to meticulously planned – after all a burn which got out of control is not a good idea !

As much time is spent putting out the flame afterwards as was spent lighting the bush up initially with “drip torches” (I’m holding on in the top picture) which ar aimed to spread burning Diesel fuel/petrol mixture over the dry undergrowth.

It was a very interesting day, but very tiring – hauling the hoses around is very tiring

It is seriously hot work as well – the radiant heat from flames even 5m away is too hot for your face without a mask or cloth covering.