Can DSE and CFA increase their use of dry fire fighting techniques?
DSE uses mostly dry fire fighting techniques however water is used as necessary, especially for water bombing and to try and extinguish a new fire while it is still small. Both DSE and CFA are exploring greater reliance on fire fighting techniques that use less water and rely more on constructed fuel breaks. Water is an effective fire fighting tool and can lead to more rapid containment and mop up of bushfires. Bringing a bushfire under control by rapid and aggressive first attack is a critical part of fire fighting. A fire is easier to control and suppress when it is small. Sourcing water from the nearest source is critical to prevent a fire from spreading. Q: How does DSE locate water for fire fighting during a fire? A: Water points across the state have been identified by DSE Office of Water, where it is feasible to obtain water for first attack or for a sustained attack on the fire. These points are mostly located on public land i.e. National Parks and State Forest.
