08/1128 - Response to Information Request [As Published] · 132008.1128

GRASS TRAILS CAN BE USED A ‘CONTROL LINES’ TO ALLOW
FIRE FIGHTERS WITH APPLICANCES TO CONTROL ‘BACKING
FIRES’ LIT TOWARDS MAIN WILDFIRE OR

UNDERTAKE PRESCRIBED BURNING OPERATIONS OR
‘DIRECT ATTACK TECHNIQUE ON SMALL WILDFIRES

   

 

static
. " <

 

AND GRAPHICS

  

POSSIBLE FIRE FIGHTING STRATEGIES

The fire mitigation measures outlined in the bushfire assessment
report enable fire fighters to undertake the following possible fire
fighting responses to a wildfire threatening the development.

Direct Attack

This strategy involves fire fighters working directly on the fire line
typically using wet fire fighting methods such as the application of
water or foam. Direct Attack can generally only be used on low
intensity fires (i.e. below 4,000kW/m). The fire break and access
on the southern and western boundaries enable fire fighters

to easily use this technique as the fire approaches

 

Indirect Attack

In an indirect attack back burning is used as a method of suppres-
sion to control the fire within a defined area or boundary bounded
by existing or prepared fire control lines. Indirect attack is a likely
bushfire strategy used in this development if the development
was threatened. Existing fire control lines in the National Park may
be used for this purpose as an alternative to the trails provided in
this development. The figure to the left indicates how this may
occur.

 

Observe and Patrol

The observe and patrol technique involves fire fighters stepping
back from the main fire front, observing fire behavior and patrol-
ling for spot fires. This technique is used when the fire front is too
intense for an offensive technique. This is sometimes referred to
as an ‘ember defense’ or ‘backstop defense’. When the fire front
Passes crews re-enter the affected area and extinguish small spot
fires with a preference for preventing involvement of savable
property. The first aid firefighting and a prepared staff would also
ist in this fire fighting technique. Construction of bi ngs to
Australian Standards greatly increases the resilience of buildings
making this technique much easier to u

  
  

 

 

EXISTING TRAILS

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service does not have a fire trail construction standard. Fire Trails in National Park s are constructed and maintained by the Queensland
Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). In this regard existing trails in the National Park and their condition are the responsibility of QPWS.

Communication with Noosa Urban Fire Station in June indicated that the existing trails in the National Park have been used by Fire Service vehicles with success in previ-
ous years. The existing trails within Council land on the western side of houses on Ben Lexcen Drive are in very good condition and could also be accessed by 2WD vehi-
cles.

As outlined in the Bushfire Assessment Report QPWS should be encouraged to maintain the trails annually and especially before each fire season. This may
involve slashing or grading the trails to clear any heath and or weeds that have colonized the trails.

 

VEHICLES OF THE QFRS

The following ve
of these vehicles could access the ex
use.

 

les are common 4WD fire fighting appliances used on the Sunshine Coast. All
ing trails in the National Park and are designed for off road

 

The Medium Response and Light Response vehicles belong to Rural Fire Brigades while the Urban
Pumper Tanker typically belong to Professional Urban or Auxiliary Brigades. 2WD drive tankers
are unsuitable for unsealed roads and would be employed along internal roads only, hoses from
these vehicles would be run along the side boundaries of buildings to their southern and western
sides.

 
 

Hoses may be connected directly to hydrants. Hydrants are also used as a water source to refill
tankers.

Medium Response Vehicle

Make | Isuzu

Weight | 6000kg

6000mm

Length

Water

 

 

Make Nissan Patrol
Weight 3700kg
Length 5300mm
Height 220mm
Width 1930mm
“Water =| G00 ites

Capacily (Nominal)

Pump Davey Twin Impeller

Urban Pumper Tanker 4x4 Medium
(Type 2)

      

 

 

 

   

 

  

Make Isuzu FTS750 |
Weight 13,000ka |
Length 7800mm |
Height | 3300mm _
Width 2460mm |
Walter Capacity 2000 litres

~ Pump a ___|__Hatz/Rosenbauer -

100 lives —_