111202 Support Plan Bunbury Bush Fire Response Plan-1

8/3/2019 111202 Support Plan Bunbury Bush Fire Response Plan-1

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BUNBURY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

BUNBURY BUSH FIRERESPONSE PLAN

(BBFRP)


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City of Bunbury Bush Fire Response Plan

1

INTRODUCTION

The majority of the municipality of Bunbury lies within the Fire and RescueService (FRS) Gazetted Fire District and as such the fire response andprotection is the responsibility of the FRS

The City of Bunbury Volunteer Bush fire Brigade (BVBFB) has a well trainedand equipped service that has several areas of responsibility outside the FRSgazetted district area. Although these areas are not of significant size theBVBFB is extensively used to assist the FRS with fire in bush areas and onrare occasions at large structural fires.

The BVBFB is also active in assisting in other areas throughout WesternAustralia. Reciprocation of this arrangement is met when other brigades fromother local authorities come to the assistance of Bunbury brigades at large fireincidents.


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CONTENTS

PART A - AIM, SCOPE & OBJECTIVES1. Aim 32. Scope 33. Objectives 34. Distribution List 45. Review Responsibility 56. Review Schedule 57. Review History (Amendment List) 5

PART B CITY OF BUNBURY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA8. Localities 69. Population 610. Specific Bushfire Risk Areas 6

11. Environmental & Cultural Issues 912. Residential Commercial & Industrial Areas 913. Specific Hazards 914. Special Elements at Risk 1016. Water Resources 10

PART C - INCIDENT MANAGEMENT17. Incident Notification 1118. Call-out Procedures 1219. Handover Protocols 1220. Initial Appliance & Resource Turnout 12

21. On Call Rosters 1422. Mutual Aid Arrangements & Plans Across Districts 1423. Australian Interagency Incident Management System 1524. Incident Management Structure 1725. Communications 1826. Control Point Arrangements 2027. Coordination Centres 2028. Air Support 2129. Adopted Standard Operational Procedures 2230. Safety and Welfare Protocols 2231. Traffic Management Protocols 23

32. Post Incident Procedures 2333. Funding Arrangements & Protocols 2334. Current List of Members 2435. Brigade Rules 2436. Logistical and Resource Contacts 24

PART D EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT INTERFACE37. Evacuation and Safe Refuge 2538. Recovery 2639. Public Broadcasting Procedures 27

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Logistical and Resource ContactsAppendix 2 Welfare Centres


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PART A AIM, SCOPE & OBJECTIVES

1. AimThe aim of this plan is to document preparedness, response and recoveryrequirements for the City of Bunbury in order to minimise the impact ofbushfires in, or threatening the area, so reducing the fire threat to life, propertyand the environment.

2. Scope

This plan is for the City of Bunbury and covering an area of 65.7 Sq. kms.

3. Objectives

To foster a good working relationship with all parties and agencies that cancontribute towards the ongoing effectiveness of this plan

To provide a fire management plan supportive of the overall managementobjectives and concepts for the area.

To identify fire hazard areas

To identify elements at risk and where they are located

To identify individuals and organisations responsible for implementing fireprotection strategies

To promote awareness and understanding of the impact of fire onelements of heritage, cultural and natural environment

To have a co-ordinated and effective communication strategy

To provide procedures for the co-ordination of support functions


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4. Distribution List

Name Number

CHIEF BUSH FIRE CONTROL OFFICER 1DEPUTY CHIEF BUSH FIRE CONTROL OFFICER 1SHIRE RANGER 1CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 1MANAGER ENVIRONMENT HEALTH BUILDING PLANNING 1BUSH FIRE CONTROL OFFICERS 6CITY OF BUNBURY VOLUNTEER BUSH FIRE BRIGADE 2FESA SOUTH WEST 1BUNBURY STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE 1BUNBURY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE 1DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAND CONSERVATION (BUNBURY)

1

WA POLICE (BUNBURY) 1SHIRE OF HARVEY 1SHIRE OF DONNYBROOK/BALINGUP 1SHIRE OF CAPEL 1SHIRE OF DARDANUP 1


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5. Review Responsibility

The responsibility to review and update this document rests with the CEO ofthe City of Bunbury, as the Local Government is determined as the Hazard

Management Agency (HMA) for fire on local government (Non Gazetted)lands. This responsibility may be delegated by the CEO. It is anticipated thatother agents will participate (i.e. BVBFB and the LEMC).

6. Review Schedule

This document will be reviewed in 2009 and every 2 years subsequent fromthe approval date unless an earlier review is recommended by the CBFCO.Contact Details will be reviewed by the CBFCO and the DCBFCO annuallyprior to every fire season. The CBFCO and Bunbury LEMC will endorse theplan as effective at the pre- season meeting annually

7. Review History (Amendment List)

Review Number Date Plan Section Reviewed by

Original V1 October 2007 LRW

V2 Jan 2008 All C. Widmer

Final Feb All L.Winter


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PART B CITY OF BUNBURY LOCAL GOVERNMENTAREA

8.Localities

Bunbury is the largest regional centre in the State of Western Australia. Itoccupies a land area of 65.7 square kilometers.

Significant employment sectors include: mining; administration; retail;manufacturing; construction; health; education and community services; otherprofessional services; property; and business advisory services. The regionseconomic health is driven by the resource sector, traditionally: mining;agriculture and forestry; and the port export activity these sectors generate.

Bunburys deepwater port moves more than 12 million tonnes of cargo eachyear, with alumina, woodchips and mineral sands making up the bulk of theexports.

The City is serviced by the South West Highway, Old Coast Road and BussellHighway Bunbury is bounded by the Shires of Dardanup, Capel and Harvey.

The majority of the land in the City is privately owned.

There are a number of bushland reserves vested in the Government

departments, including vacant Crown Land. The remaining land is freehold,with some pastoral.

Fire statistics show the main cause of fires as escapes from deliberately litfires.

9. Population

The City of Bunbury local government area is home to 33,000 residents.

Growth is so strong it is predicted that more than 110,000 people will live inthe Greater Bunbury Urban Area by 2030, making Greater Bunbury theeighteenth largest City in Australia. The lifestyle and opportunities available inBunbury are attracting new residents at a rate of 5% per annum, the fastestgrowth of any region in the nation. Bunburys strength is driven by a diverseeconomy.

10. Specific Bushfire Risk Areas

The City of Bunbury has several large reserve areas that pose a significant

fire risk to adjacent residential, commercial and public facilities.


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Manea Park

Manea Park reserve covers 206 hectares of natural bushland situated

immediately east of South West Regional College, adjacent Robertson Drive.It extends south behind the College Grove sub-division, abutting the RegionalPrison complex and Regional airport.

A significant asset of the park are the biodiversity of species, the relativeintegrity of the natural resources and provides a unique display of WesternAustralias natural heritage within an urban setting. With increasing pressurefrom urbanisation and other land users along the Swan Coastal Plain,conserving of the natural resources within Manea Park cannot beunderstated.

Vegetation is made up of Jarrah, Marri and Banksia woodlands withMelaleuca on the low lying areas. Dieback is prevalent throughout the Park.

Several areas of peat in the swamps poses significant challenges tofirefighters in the mop-up phase of response to fires within the park.

Manea Park has had significant multi-agency response fires on an averageevery 2 years. These fires pose significant threats to several institutions andresidences with evacuation being undertaken in one circumstance.

Due to the nature of the vegetation fires quickly escalate and usually result insignificant damage to the native vegetation.

Manea Park has an extensive firebreak strategy that divides the reserve intoseveral compartments. These firebreaks are maintained on an annual basisalong with various construction and upgrades.

Maidens Reserve

There have been several fires in the Maidens Reserve 1999/2000 and one in2003 which occurred in the coastal heath areas in the northern portion of theReserve. This reserve is an important coastal reserve with low coast heatharea, Tuart Woodlands and Eucalypt Banksia woodlands. It is used by

bushwalkers gaining access through the Reserve to the beach.

The City of Bunbury is concerned about the fire risks to the private propertywest of Ocean Drive from wildfires, the impact of wildfires on the Reserveenvironment and Council facilities.

The Maidens Reserve is located in the SW corner of the City of Bunbury.It is bounded by the ocean in the west and Ocean Drive in the east and WaterCorporation land in the south.

This area is of high conservation significance, in terms of its vegetation and

flora, habitat for fauna, unusual landforms and cultural heritage significance.


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The area forms a large area of remnant vegetation within an increasinglyurbanized area.

Access in the area is served by firebreaks of varying widths generally 3-4metres which are not sealed and only some have crushed limestone road

base material to improve trafficability.

At present no hazard reduction is carried out by burning mechanical orchemically to reduce fuels.

In recent years, the Maidens area has suffered a number of burns over largeareas. The most recent a large fire in January 2007 in the area west ofMaidens Park Rd. Previously in December 2003 the area west and north ofMaidens Park Rd burnt, another fire in 1999 affected the coastal heathlands.Around 6-7 years ago a relatively large section of the Tuart woodland wasburnt.

Fire statistics indicate the main causes of fire are from deliberate acts ofarson. History also attributes fires starting to lightning strikes and electricalpower pole faults.

Fire Risk

Fire risk is the likelihood of fires starting, and the probability of theirdevelopment into wildfires. It can be expected the human element willcontinue to feature in most fire causes. Bunbury has a significant history ofdeliberately lit fires within its reserves.

Fire HazardFire hazard is the features and conditions affecting fire behaviour. The size ofthe bushland area, topography, vegetation types, adjoining properties andestablished wind conditions combine to present a very significant fire hazard.Fires occurring in the dunal areas on afternoons under southwest windconditions which are prevalent in summer, have potential to develop rapidly,whilst strong easterly winds which are also common are a constant hazard tobush fire operations.

Fire Threat

Fire threat is the product of fire risk and fire hazard, and is the impact or

consequence of unplanned fire. The natural bushland, neighbouringproperties, and most importantly the safety of users of the area particularly inthe walk trail areas, of Maidens Reserve and Manea Park have a high to veryhigh exposure to fire threat.

Fire Problem Summary

Increased use of the reserves in coastal areas and Manea Park not onlyincreases the risk of fires occurring, but increases the danger of injury or lossof life by fires to users.The influx in population and property development put further pressure on thefire fighting resources within the City of Bunbury.


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In addition to private properties adjoining large bushland reserves, aspreviously stated there is a significant threat to critical infrastructure,commercial and industrial areas and public facilities. During large fires in thepast protection of these vital assets remained a priority concern for fireservices.

11. Environmental & Cultural Issues

Native vegetation within the Manea Park and Maidens is vulnerable to thedisease Phytophthora Cinnamomi (Dieback).

To ensure that the soil borne fungus is contained, vehicles and machinerymust be free of soil before entering these areas. Officers of the Departmentof Environment and Conservation or FESA Fires Service may advise onadequate hygiene procedures for particular areas.

A registry of important sites to local indigenous people is available through theCity, from the Department of Indigenous Affairs. Such significant sites shouldbe treated with the appropriate level of respect.

The use of fire-fighting foams (BFFF) and retardants should be avoided in andaround water catchments and streams and wetlands namely the Hay ParkReserve off Bussell Highway.

A register of Rare Declared Flora and Fauna, is managed by DEC. The HayPark Reserve is a significant site for rare and endangered species.

12. Residential Commercial & Industrial Areas

Bunbury land area is primarily made up of residential dwellings.

Residential areas bounding and adjacent to coastal reserves, and ManeaPark Reserve (i.e. College Grove) are at significant risk to fire activity.

There are few areas of special rural sub-divisions being acre blocks northof college Grove area and larger blocks in the Glen Iris area along Moorlands,Jeffery and Vittoria Roads.

Bunburys primary LIA and Industry area is situated at Halifax. This area isimmediately adjacent to the north side of Manea Park and has at times beenat significant threat due to fires in this reserve.

13. Specific Hazards

Areas of developed land are maintained in a low fuel condition inkeeping with fire management responsibilities and adequate fire breaks

are maintained as required by the councils firebreak notice


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There are significant areas of undeveloped private property areenclosed within roads, firebreaks and buffer systems and maintained inaccordance with the councils firebreak notice

Large Bushland Reserves namely, Manea Park, Maidens Reserve,Valentyne-Flynne Reserve, Irwin Street Reserve and several overCouncil managed reserves are subject to a fire management strategiesand regular maintenance of fire trails.

14. Special Elements at Risk

Biodiversity

The City has 18 wetlands, four threatened ecological communities, fourthreatened flora species, and 18 fauna species that area rare or likely tobecome extinct. These areas are part of the Southwest Eco-region, one of 34global hotspots which are highly threatened. This is Australias only global

biodiversity hotspot and is a significant part of nation and worlds naturalheritage and is recognised as being of immense value for the communityaesthetically and ecologically, and should be conserved.

Recreation Areas

The bushland reserves contain facilities and assets and have considerablevalue and use by community for walk trails and interaction with the naturalfeatures.

Infrastructure

The larger reserves are free from infrastructure intrusion. The Bunbury

Regional air drome servicing private, commercial, flying doctor and firebomber operations has come under threat on many occasions due to beingsurrounded by Manea Park Reserve.

Private Properties

There are also semi rural sub-divisions and residential blocks throughoutBunbury that abut bushland reserve areas.

15. Access

Internally within the reserves there are strategically located tracks many of

which have been used unsuccessfully in the past for fire operations, Recentlythe City of Bunbury, under grant funding from Federal and State sources,have upgraded the coastal tracks with limestone to offer better access andsafety for firefighters Many of these tracks were unsafe for fire personnelduring strategic fire suppression operations, and where not locatedappropriately for containing large fires.

16. Water Resources

The AqWest organisation supply water to the townsite area of Bunbury via

ground hydrants. Other areas of Bunbury not within AqWest operations area,and therefore require the presence of an alternative water source such as


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tankers or static water supplies. The Pelican Point area is serviced by WaterCorp ground hydrant system.

Water Supplies

With regards to the AqWest areas, water service is provided at a highvolume/pressure hydrant.

Water Points

Water Points available in the Bunbury area are indicated on the BunburyEmergency Management Arrangements within the mapping area. The keysymbol is a red dot. A further point of reference can be obtained from theEmergency Services Directory (ESD) when released in 2008. The symbol for

water in the ESD is: W

PART C INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

17. Incident Notification

NOTIFICATION OF WILDFIRES

(NOTE OVER 90% OF THE CITY OF BUNBURY LIES WITHIN THE FIRE AND RESCUE GAZETTEDAREA AND AS SUCH RESPONSE AND TURNOUT ACTIVITIES FALL WITHIN FRS SOPS ANDMANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR THE INCIDENT )

All fires should be reported by the public by telephoning 000. They shouldthen ask for the Fire Service to the location (referring to street location)

and including callers name. The person receiving the call from FESA Communications, then rings the

Bunbury fire notification contacts

The CBFCO/ DCBFCO will contact the BVBFB for turnout to the fire.

Local brigade will be activated internally by brigade contacts via FESASMS callout

The FESA Regional Duty Officer is to be notified when two Brigades and

/or 4 appliances are deployed to an incident on 9725 4318.

COORDINATION PROCEDURES

For the coordination of resources to an incident or emergency, requirementsand resources above those of local brigades, will be requested via theRegional Fire Incidents Response Plan, from the FESA Regional Office inBunbury.

Coordination is the process of providing for the resourcing of a major incidentor emergency. The responsibility for coordination is with the HMA (IC) andthe WA Police.

INCIDENT CONTROL

The CBFCO (or delegated officer) shall be the Incident Controller at all major

fires and will establish a Forward Control Point.


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Control of bush fire suppression efforts will be based on the principles of theAustralian Inter-service Incident Management (AIIMS-ICS) and authority isdefined by the relevant Act (Bush Fires Act, CALM Act or Fire Brigades Act).

The Chief Bush Fire Control Officer of the City of Bunbury has the

responsibility under the Bush Fires Act (1954), to ensure that all brigades aremanaged to provide the most effective response to all incidents, within thescope of that Act.

As Incident Controller, the CBFCO (or delegated officer) shall have overallcontrol of the fire incident.

18. Call-out Procedures

The Bush Fire Organisation will respond to all reported incidents with trainedBrigade members, with the required equipment. Back up would be requested

as required, upward through the Bush Fire Brigade chain of command.

19. Handover Protocols

In the event that the incident escalates beyond the capability of the currentofficer/resources, a more senior officer of the LG Brigade network may berequested. They may assume control of the incident from the current OIC.

In the event that the fire is in, on or near DEC estate, a Forest Officer maytake control (Bush Fires Act (1954) section 45) of the incident, from a BrigadeOfficer.

Under section 13 (4) of the Bush Fires Act (1954), local Government maypass control of a significant event to FESA. An agreement to this effect washas been endorsed by the City of Bunbury

20. Initial Appliance & Resource Turnout

Any requests for Bunbury VBFB resources to attend incidents shouldcome via FESA COMCEN who will in-turn contact the CBFCO or DBFCO.

ON RECEIPT OF THE CALL FROM FESA COMCEN - IT WILL BE THERESPONSIBILTY OF THE CBFCO OR DCBFCO TO INFORM FESA

COMCEN TO ACTIVATE THE BUNBURY BFBS THROUGH THE GROUPCALL. SMS. CAN BE ACTIVATED THROUGH COMCEN OR FESA SW

DURING OFFICE HOURS

The Chief or Deputy will then contact the Captain (in the Captainsabsence contact next OIC) of the Bunbury VBFB (Brigade Mobile 0419 818013) who will in-turn activate the brigades group call facility tomobilise the Bunbury BFB.


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THE BUNBURY BFB WILL NOT SELF MOBILISE TO ANY INCIDENTWITHOUT THE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE/CONSENT OF THE CBFCO ORDCBFCO

All other requests for brigade resources to attend any incidents other

than through FESA COMCEN (i.e. Regional Duty Officer) shall follow theabove procedure. In these cases, it will again be the responsibility ofthe Chief or the Deputy to contact FESA COMCEN to notify of theBunbury VBFB activation and to request that COMCEN activate theBunbury VBFB SMS. FESA COMCEN contact is 1800 198140.

They will be related to the Brigade response profile, as detailed in the tablebelow included into the individual Brigade response plans.

Incident response will be indicated as a result of consideration of the followingfactors:

Fire Danger index (FDI) for the forecast day,

Nature of the asset at risk, Size of fire at time of notification.

Brigade Response Matrix

The following table is drawn from the document Greater Bunbury MobilisationPlan 2005 and is the agreed treatment for incident turn-out, within thejurisdiction of the Bunbury Bush Fire Brigade.

This table relates call to Fire Danger Index and incident size/complexity.


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BUNBURY BUSH FIRE BRIGADE (VOLUNTEER)

INITIAL TURNOUTINCIDENT

H.M.A. SUPPORT COMBAT

Property Fire1st Alarm Bunbury 3.4/Bunbury LT Bunbury M/P

2nd Alarm Bunbury 3.4/Bunbury LT Bunbury M/P

3rd Alarm Bunbury 3.4/Bunbury LT Bunbury M/P, GPA & Gelorup 2.4

Grass, Scrub Bushfire

1st Alarm Low to High FDI Bunbury 3.4/Bunbury LT Bunbury M/P & LT

2nd Alarm Very High FDI Bunbury 3.4/Bunbury LT Bunbury GPA & LT

3rd Alarm Extreme FDI Bunbury 3.4/Bunbury LT Bunbury M/P, LT & GPA

4th Alarm Plantation Bunbury 3.4/Bunbury LT Bunbury M/P, LT, GPA & Gelorup

2.4

Rescue Incidents1st Alarm Bunbury, MP & LT

2nd Alarm Bunbury, MP & LT Eaton LP & LT, Bunbury 3.4

Hazmat Incidents

1st Alarm Bunbury, MP & LT

2nd Alarm Bunbury, MP, LT & HT Bunbury GPA

3rd Alarm Bunbury, MP, LT & HT Bunbury GPA, Eaton LP & LT

Special Service Bunbury 3.4/Bunbury LT

DBA None in district

1st Alarm None in district

2nd Alarm None in district

Late Call Bunbury 3.4/Bunbury LT

21. On Call Rosters

The On-call arrangements for the fire-fighters in the Bunbury VBFB, is self-managed at Brigade level. Officers of the Brigade take the responsibility toensure an appropriate turn-out with respect to the incident requirementsand/or the FDI.

22. Mutual Aid Arrangements & Plans Across Districts

Response To Request For Assistance From Outside Agencies

The CBFCO has the authority to dispatch appliances subject to the availabilityof the brigade. It is recognised by the CBFCO that the protection of lives andproperty within the City has priority when considering allocation of fireappliances outside the City boundaries.

Resources Deployment

a. Brigades respond as per brigades response plan.b. If attending appliances are insufficient to control the fire, contact the

CBFCO/DCBFCO who will liaise with FESA Duty Officer for the dispatch ofexternal brigade assistance.


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FESA Support and Mutual Aid Assistance

1. The responsibility for determination and provision of combative andnon-combative fire response and support lies with the relevant FireAgencies;

2. Requests for mutual aid assistance can be made through the SWFESA Duty Officer, the FESA Communications Centre, or LG;

3. FESA will normally dispatch a District Manager(s), to any incident, ifavailable, in the following circumstances:

On request from a local government.

When the available resources of the local government arecommitted and further resources outside the local government arerequested.

On notification that fire fighters or members of the public have beeninjured or substantial property or life is, or is likely to be, lost.

When ongoing water bombing operations are likely.

In any circumstances considered appropriate by the FESA RegionalDirector or Chief Executive Officer of the City of Bunbury or his/herdelegate (CBFCO) where there may be a requirement tocollaborate to ensure effective support for the communities underthreat or affected by the incident.

If incident management is dysfunctional and/or key tasks are notbeing achieved; and

4. The role of FESA Officers in support of local government is describedwithin the stated intentions of Section 13 of the Bush Fires Act 1954and Section 11 of the FESA Act.

23. Australian Interagency Incident Management System(AIIMS)

1. FESA, DEC, the City of Bunbury and Local Governments adopt theAustralian Interagency Incident Management System (AIIMS), definingthe functional areas of Control, Operations, Planning and Logistics asthe operational basis of these arrangements;

2. All agencies recognise the AIIMS and its establishment on the fireground through the formation of an Incident Management Team (IMT);

3. At all multi agency incidents, all agencies will recognise a single IMTnormally identified through a common Incident Control facility;

4. Regardless of jurisdictional and geographic boundaries, agencycommand structures are utilised through the formation of divisions orsectors or through the appointment of liaison officers;

5. If appropriate, the Incident Controller is encouraged to nominateexpertise of other fire agencies as formal members of the IMT;


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6. At multi-agency incidents, or incidents where locality, tenure orconsequence is complex, the appointment of an Incident Controller isbased on:

Identification of land tenure and the responsible hazardmanagement agency;

An agreement in the field, recognising any threat to life, propertyand community wellbeing and extraordinary consequence;

As outlined in formal area response arrangements;

Through the nomination by the Minister for Emergency Services asoutlined in Section 21 of the Bush Fires Act 1954.

7. The designated Incident Controller has the decision-making authority atthe incident and is respected by all services and rank.

Typical Functional Structure of Incident Management(in this case with 2 Sectors)

PLANNING

APPLIANC E APPLIANCE

APPLIANCE

SECTOR

APPLIANCE APPLIANCE

APPLIANCE

SECTOR

OPERATIONS LOGISTICS

I.C


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Incident Control

The CBFCO shall be the Incident Controller at all major fires and will establisha Forward Control Point.

As Incident Controller, the CBFCO shall have overall management of the fireincident. In the absence of the CBFCO, the Incident Controller shall be aDeputy CBFCO or Senior Fire Control Officer.

24. Incident Management Structure

Level One Incidents

Initial responding officer will maintain control. It is conceivable that this officermay maintain logistics and planning functions, but may pass operations toanother officer, if the incident requires this.

A report to the CBFCO will be made with SitReps, for SOP B1

The incident will probably be made safe within less than 8 hours, with minordisruption to community.

Local Brigade resources will be sufficient to contain and patrol until safe.

Level Two Incidents

The escalation to a level II incident would be obvious when the initialresponse is insufficient to manage the incident, due to its scale or complexity.

It is conceivable that the competencies required for the control of the incident,would be such that a senior officer (CBFCO) would be required to relieve thefirst arriving officer, who may take a lesser role in the incident managementstructure.

A full Incident management (IMT) structure will be implemented, using theAIIMS. Officers should be fully competent (formal training and experiential) inthe roles that they will occupy, at the level that they are expected to operate.

It is likely that the time to control may be greater than 8 hours (potentiallydays) with significant community involvement. It is likely that the pre-

determined triggers for LEMC/IMG involvement would be reached.

It is also likely that significant external resources would be required tosupplement local ones. The FESA Regional Duty Officer/Coordinator shouldbe involved, if only for coordination functions. Reporting to the RegionalFESA Office should be regular and accurate.

If it is apparent that the incident may escalate beyond local resources, orbecome more significant in terms of losses, consideration should made for theactioning of the Handover of Control to FESA protocols (Bush Fires Act(1954) section 13(4)).


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Level Three Incidents

For an incident of this size and/or complexity, the OIC should have alreadyestablished contact with the Regional Duty Officer of FESA for assistance. Atthis stage, significant assistance should have been gained from FESA andresources from surrounding local government resources. It would be prudentto seriously consider hand over of control to FESA (Bush Fires Act 1954-Section 13(4)) through the existing MOU, should this not have alreadyoccurred. This assistance would be dependant upon FESA having sufficientresources to be able to assist.

The OIC and the remainder of persons within the IMT should have sufficientcompetencies (formal training and experiential) for any functions that they areto perform.

It would be necessary that support would be available through the LEMC(IMG) for any or all of the community affected by this incident. Due tothe nature of the incident size, it is probable that the DEMC (OAMG)would also be active in the coordination support to the LEMC (IMG).

25. Communications

1. Communication at the fire scene will be established as soon aspossible by the IC, who will advise personnel of relevant channels andprocedures to be used.

2. Channels will be as per the FESA network of channels. The BunburyVolunteer Bush Fire Brigade and FESA Brigade have VHF radiocommunications capable of communication on the FESA network.

3. The FESA SW Incident Control vehicle (ICV) is fitted with the completerange of fire control radio frequencies.

4. Portable radios (with appropriate Channels) can be provided via FESASW to support services.

5. Communications to the brigade and other fire agencies will be via VHFradio and telephone.

6. Communications with the SES will be by VHF compatible portable ortelephone available from FESA SW

7. Communications to the Police will be via VHF fire command radio ortelephone


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Regional Communication Band-Plan FESA & DEC


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26. Control Point Arrangements

Routine fire operations are generally controlled/managed through theprovision of Forward Control Points (FCP). This may be the OICs vehicle, ormore formal through the provision of a dedicated facility or vehicle (South

West Regional Incident Control Vehicle (ICV) is available through FESA DutyOfficer). Where the incident becomes more significant, it may be necessaryto establish the Cities Local Emergency Coordinations Centre (LECC).

Bunbury Local Emergency Coordination Centre (LECC)

The City of Bunbury Local Emergency Coordination Centre will be at theCouncil Offices in Bunbury. This will be established whenever the incident issignificant enough that the routine Forward Control Point (FCP) would beinsufficient and more sophisticated facilities would be required.

Forward Command Points may be established in support of major Incident

Management, closer to the operations.

Communications to the Brigade and other fire agencies will be via VHF radioand telephone.

Communications with SES, Ambulance and/or Police will be by telephoneand/or loaned hand-held radio, available through the Council Office or agencyliaison officer.

Communications at wildfires will be via VHF channel 79 or simplex VHFchannel 47. (Refer to default Communications Plan page 15)

27. Coordination Centres

Operations Area Support Group (OASG)

This is likely to be provided by the FESA or DEC Regional Office, but may belocated locally.

Primary Location Alternative Location

FESA Regional OfficeSouth West Highway

BUNBURY9780 1900 or

Local Emergency CoordinationCentre (as above) when not required

for Control centre

Incident Support Group (ISG)

In the event that the LECC is not established (nor is likely to be) for a controlcentre, this facility may be available for the IMG.

The Incident Support Group will be formed in support of the incidentmanagement and will be formed through consultation between the HMA andthe WA Police. It is likely to consist of members of the LEMC who areinvolved by virtue of their expertise. Other members may be co-opted, as

required.


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The main focus of the ISG is to ensure community interests are served andthat they are informed of the situation, as required. The ISG is a coordinationorganisation, for the provision of effective support to an incident managementteam (or multiple within an area).

The BVBFB Fire Station may also be utilised as a coordination centre forLevel 1 incidents . This area has base station two-way radiotoilet/showers and kitchen facilities.

28. Air Support

Available from FESA/DEC to assist with fire support. Water Bombing aircraftand DEC spotter (complete with Air Attack Supervisor (AAS)) availablethrough DEC District Duty Officer on 9752 5555. Fires within VFRSgazetted areas (Bunbury) can receive air support by the Brigade calling FESAComCen on 1800 198 140.

Air reconnaissance aircraft can be requested through the FESA RegionalDuty Officeron 9725 4318, but will need to be prioritised against state-widepriorities.

The RAC Rescue (medical support) helicopter is available to assist withurgent rescue tasks by calling the FESA ComCen and requesting the FESADuty Director to authorise its deployment. Contact for the Duty Director is via1800 198 140.

Fire Suppression Strategies

The main strategy for any fire in the area that cannot be quickly suppressedand is likely to escalate, is to contain it within the defined boundaries of therelevant compartment, with minimum use of earth moving machinery.

Water bombers will be turned out at the first report of a fire when responsearrangements are in place.

Water bombers should also be used where such action minimises the use ofearth moving machinery, and enhances containment of a fire withinestablished compartment boundaries.

Any alternative strategy aimed at more direct attack on the fire should beconsidered only after the main strategy, concept has been addressed.

A complete map set of the Bunbury area including aerial photographs arecontained within the Bunbury Emergency Management Arrangements andhas been distributed to all operational fire service units.


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29. Adopted Standard Operational Procedures

All Bush Fires Board SOP from 1994 (specificallyB1-B12, LA1-LA13) havebeen adopted by the City of Bunbury

30. Safety and Welfare Protocols

On a Fire ground

All members are to be dressed in and use all issued safety equipment whilston the fire ground. Compensation under the Workers Compensation Schememay be withheld if an injured member was found not to be using issued safetyequipment at the time that the injury occurred.

Protective clothing matrix

Emergency Type Protective Clothing required (BFB)

Bush FireFull Protective (level 1) c/w goggles,boots (leather-upper), helmet andgloves.

Defensive As above

Structural FireOffensive

(internal attack)

Fire & RescueService

Full Protective (level 2) c/w goggles,boots (leather-upper), helmet and

gloves. Breathing apparatus maysupplement for offensive attack.

Bush Fire Refreshment for Fire Fighters

When a fire crew has been called to a fire at least 2 hours before a mealperiod and it has been established that they will still be required for at least 2hours after the meal period, Council will provide the refreshments required,food and drink (not including alcoholic beverages).For continuation of fire fighting duties after this period, refreshments will be

supplied at the various meal periods.The CBFCO has the delegated authority to implement this policy

Information RequiredThe following information will be required for ordering of meals:

The number of personnel Location a) forward control pointb) fire line

Type of meals Drinks a) numberb) type

Time to be provided Min. time required after activation


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31. Traffic Management Protocols

Traffic management needs to be considered whenever fire-fighting activities

(including hazard reduction and training activities) occur with in the City. Anyactivity that causes fire-fighters or the motoring public, to be at an increasedrisk, needs to include a traffic management plan.

Training is available to qualify traffic management persons to control or diverttraffic. It is Main Roads WA policy that such people are engaged to design,implement and manage traffic for routine, planned events.

In the case of fire or emergency activities, fire officers may cause roads to beshut (Bush Fires Act (1954) section 39g), for the protection of fire-fightersand/or road users.

Traffic management for emergencies can be arranged by Main Roads TNCContractor Southern Road Services, by telephoning 9724 9724, or MainRoads on 1800 800 009. They will respond but, with a delay where the roadwould remain closed. WA Police may be contacted to affect the road closurein the interim.

Guidelines for road safety for planned short duration delays (i.e. hydrantmarking), are indicated in FESA SOP 35 (included as Appendix 5), SafeWorking on Roadways. These shall be followed by BVBFB for such events.

32. Post Incident Procedures

For level I incidents it is the responsibility of the OIC to ensure that a hot-debrief is conducted, at the BVBFB station, with any recommendationsentered to the fire report. This report is to be submitted to the SW RegionalOffice of FESA. Any recommendations from the debrief need to be consideredby LG, and FESA.For incidents Level II or above, a formal PIA should be conducted usingFESAs Policy 54 or BFB SOP LA5 templates. The OIC of the operationshould ensure that this occurs.

Where an accident, injury or near miss occurs, this needs to be consideredcarefully, following BFB LA6 and any LG insurance requirements. LG needsto be notified, through the CBFCO. All damage to Bunbury fire-fightingresources must be reported to the LG, via the CBFCO.

33. Funding Arrangements & Protocols

For major wildfires assistance is available through the FESA Regional Officethrough SAP 12. The trigger for this assistance is through the Regional DutyOfficer on 9725 4318 at the time of the incident (before any money is

expended). A request will be considered on its merits, at the time of request.


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34. Current List of Members

A list of BVBFB members is located at FESA South West Regional Office andthe City of Bunbury Administration Centre and within Brigade records. Due tothe confidential nature of this information access must be authorised by the

FESA District Manager, or the CBFCO.

35. Brigade Rules

The City of Bunbury has adopted Bush Fire Brigades Local Laws. The Firstschedule to these Local Laws contains the Rules Governing the Operation ofBush Fire Brigades.

36. Logistical and Resource Contacts

A list of Logistical Contacts is attached in Appendix 2


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PART D EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT INTERFACE

37. Evacuation and Safe Refuge

Evacuation Categories

The decision to evacuate is made by the HMA Incident Controller andimplemented by the WA Police Service; there are two categories ofevacuation, namely Immediate and Planned.

Immediate Evacuation

Evacuation of this kind will require an instant decision by the HazardManagement Agency. The Incident Controller should advise the WA PoliceService Liaison Officer of:

1. The urgency of the evacuation

2. The estimated area of evacuation

3. The likely duration of the evacuation

4. The safe direction for evacuation

The WA Police Service Liaison Officer should then arrange the immediateevacuation of the area to any convenient safe area. It should be notedstatistics show that more than 25% of people will ignore this instruction andwill, in preference, proceed to friends or relatives. The remaining evacueescan then either be allowed to return to their homes once the all clear isconfirmed, or, in the case of a longer duration of evacuation, transported to a

designated Welfare Centre as nominated by the Welfare Coordinator (DCD).

Planned Evacuation

Where circumstances permit, an orderly evacuation may be achieved. Onceagain a significant proportion of the evacuated population will make their ownaccommodation provisions.

Evacuation Considerations

The State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC), Policy Statement No5 Bushfire Evacuation Decision Policy (Annexure F), provides direction to theWA Police Service Liaison Officer.

Welfare Organisation

Welfare Co-ordination Centre - The Welfare Coordinator will operate from awelfare co-ordination centre located as detailed below.There may be two types of Welfare Centres established to assist victims ofbushfire. These are:

Welfare Assembly Centres - Established within or near the disasterarea to meet the immediate needs of disaster victims and todisseminate information. A welfare assembly centre is to provide thefollowing facilities:


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1.Emergency Clothing/Covering 2. Drinks and Meals

3. Registration 4. Shelter

The locations of welfare assembly centres to be used will be determined atthe time in accordance with the effects of a particular threat.

Welfare Centres - Established as an emergency facility to provideshelter, food, clothing and all other welfare services until alternativearrangements can be made. A welfare centre is to provide the followingfacilities:

1. Administration Manager 2. Registration and Inquiry

3. Emergency Feeding 4. First Aid

5. Emergency Clothing 6. Emergency Accommodation

7. Personal Services 8. Personal Hygiene and Sanitation

To gain access to the identified Welfare Centres and all planninginvolving welfare arrangements refer to the Welfare Plan, a sub-plan ofthe Bunbury Emergency Management Arrangements.

38. Recovery

1. Local government are the managers of Community Welfare and Recovery;

2. In line with SEMC Policy Statement No. 7, recovery includes all activitiesintended to return the community to normal as soon as possible after theimpact of a disaster or emergency;

3. Recovery Activities should begin to be planned during the incident as soonas a community is identified as under threat;

4. Community Welfare and Recovery Plans have been prepared at the locallevel (through the Local Emergency Management Committee) with an

established, prearranged structure that identifies the role of a coordinatingrecovery committee; and

5. The Fire and Emergency Services Authority may be represented on thiscommittee.


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Post Fire Recovery Strategies ResponsibleOrganisation

Remove any dead animals away from public sight (tracksand fence lines)

City of Bunbury

If required, obtain carers for injured fauna DEC

Clean up the fire site and appropriately rehabilitate areasadversely affected by the fire or fire suppression activities.Close and rehabilitate any unwanted firebreaks during firesuppression activities.

City of Bunbury orDEC

Consider safety of public facilities close if unsafe City of Bunbury

Consider restricting public access to the area until safe toenter. Possible burning Peat, trees etc

Incident controller

Check power lines for safety if in the fire area. Western Power

39. Public Broadcasting Procedures

1. The Incident Controller is responsible for the management andauthorisation of media releases during an incident. The City of Bunburyand FESA will work together to coordinate information released to themedia and define a single point of contact.

2. The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) may dispatch aMedia Liaison Officer in the circumstances to work for/on behalf of, theIncident Controller, in association with the local government. Media

Liaison Officers can be requested through the District Manager/On CallOfficer or via the FESA Communications Centre. In thesecircumstances, the Media Liaison Officer (MLO) is responsible forcoordinating the actions of the media and ensuring their safety while onthe incident ground. Information provided to the media by the MLO is ofan operational nature only;

3. The Incident Controller will rely upon an officer from the localgovernment to provide local knowledge and expertise in thedevelopment and provision of media releases and communityinformation bulletins, for dissemination to the public through the localgovernment, or FESA Media, as agreed at the time of the incident;

4. FESA may release media statements that reflect the Regional andmulti agency perspective of the status of fire incidents throughout theSouth West Region; and

5. FESA Media and Public Affairs may also be requested to releasepublic information alerts through radio and television (in extremecircumstances) as well as updates on the FESA website and arecorded message dial in and dial out service.

NB: It is vital that timely and accurate information is relayed from thefireground to FESA Media and Public Affairs for this public alert

system to be successful.


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Transcript of 111202 Support Plan Bunbury Bush Fire Response Plan-1