SA Firefighter

I remember when we were lucky to be fed at all BUT that's not to say that any part of that was ideal...

It's not easy catering for everyone's dietary needs either...and to sustain a crew from your snack pack doesn't always work..especially if you've had a busy time and not been able to restock...

They also have to consider food hygiene and how to keep food from going off and giving all the crews food poisoning...at least I haven't heard that happening...surprising sometimes..I know how grateful I was on Black Tuesday to find a ham & cheese sandwich (at 15.30) as I hadn't eaten since 4am...

Catering will always have it's issues..and if we don't speak up about the standards..they can fall away pretty quickly..

On another note about the Eyre Pen. fires if you think what the CFS did the night before when they were trying to contain those fires. I forget exeactly CFS rules but i think it is something like 5 hours that you are allowed to be on the fireground for at a time. How close is the next briagade over there, it is almost the same time for us to get 4 full group strike teams here as it takes to get one striketeam here. With such a vast area with little resources it just doesnt work.

Sam,

Our group has 16 brigades..within 1.5hrs of the fire starting, all appliances in our group were committed and we had a strike team from the adjoining group helping...you are right...any strike team further than that is at least 1.5hrs away...as for shift length...they shouldn't be longer than 12hrs..

Del,

The CFS Home page does have some updates but unfortunately, they have to be super careful with what goes on there...they can't be seen to be giving any opinion or slant on the proceedings..otherwise they can be charged...

A strong tip, don't bother relying on the media for any accuracy...their stories tend to have about 1% fact and the rest a fairytale..

It is true, Brenton has resigned, I've heard he is going to work for SAFECOM part time, not sure what doing...Andrew Lawson seems to be doing a good job Acting..maybe he'll have a pitch at it..

I agree about the Chief Officer not being paid enough..he certainly earns his money and I'm sure that there is plenty of times when he can't say what he really wants to but has to pass on the minister's message.

As for SAFF being in charge of SHQ..no thanks..I think that they do a great job considering how many other organisations and people are trying to put their two cents worth into every decision. It can't be easy to make decisions that make 16,000 people happy and keep them safe...

what is the "field uniform"?  you obviously know more than most of us..what colour is it??

Ask yourself why these vollys are wanting to sue the CFS. What went so terribly wrong that makes them want to do this. I think there is more to this than us outsiders see.

David,

We ask ourselves often why they are seeking compensation..I believe as I have said previously, it is linked to their own guilt about what they did or DIDN'T do themselves on the day...I don't believe that they have been really informed of what could happen..I know that the insurance companies will be asking for their money back IF they ever won it...you may also find that some of them aren't insured and are using it as an avenue to generate money...

the bloke leading the group wasn't even here on the day..he was holidaying in QLD..so how is he in a position to comment??

we are looking to provide all new recruits (especially) and other group members with a kit bag...it's all part of keeping PPC in the right place etc.

I have a bag (lovingly known as my "body bag") which lives behind the seat in my ute...I am most often called away during the day and from work...wouldn't be without it..has my complete PPC plus under clothes, spare gloves etc (for those crew who can't find theirs)

You can factor it into your group budgets and purchases of PPC..

You have it completely Robert34..it was a filthy day..and any fire of any size burning on that day..probably would have resulted in the same outcome..

Unfortunately, you are also right about Bushfire Prevention Plans...8 of those tragically taken were in vehicles..many more were miraculously spared as they fled...instead of staying in their homes..we need more effective education.

It is also difficult to understand the hypocrisy associated with current volunteers looking to sue the organisation that they belong to ..and some claim to love being a part of..that sticks in my throat!

Hi There,

I was involved with Black Tuesday..and Dr Bob Smith's report..trust me..his report is not completely accurate.

Unfortunately, it has created some issues with volunteers going to the media and having their public say...

I hope that nobody has to have the same experience that we have had or are having!