This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to assist with prescribed burning for agricultural, natural resource purposes or hazard mitigation.

Prescribed burningis the process of planning and applying fire to a predetermined area under specific environmental conditions to achieve a desired outcome. It requires the ability to assist with preparations for the burn, support the conduct of the burn and participate in clean up activities.

The unit applies to personnel participating in lighting and conducting prescribed burns under direct supervision.

The fire sector is those sections of government departments, statutory authorities or organisations that have responsibility under jurisdictional arrangements for the delivery of firefighting and fire management services.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Assist with preparations for burn

1.1

Ignition devices and fire equipment to be used in the burn are prepared for use, as directed

1.2

Safety equipment including personal protective equipment, is checked and prepared for use

1.3

Location and extent of the burn is discussed and clarified with supervisor

1.4

Strategies and tactics for conducting the burn, including contingency plans are obtained in a briefing and clarification is sought, if required

1.5

Assets requiring protection during the burn are recognised and noted

1.6

Personal role, crew activities and extent of the burn are checked with supervisor

2

Participate in conducting burn

2.1

Assistance with pre-burn checks is provided, as directed by supervisor

2.2

Burn ignition activities are undertaken using ignition devices, as directed

2.3

Ignition patterns suitable for burn objectives are implemented, as directed

2.4

Fire suppression activities are undertaken using suppression equipment, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.5

Problems or concerns during the burn are raised with supervisor

2.6

Communication is maintained with team members and supervisor at all times, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.7

Conditions at the burn are observed and their effect on fire behaviour and development are reported to supervisor

2.8

Safe escape route or refuge is discussed and maintained, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.9

Personal protective clothing and equipment is utilised throughout the burn, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.10

Burn perimeter is made safe, in accordance with burn plan

2.11

Hazards remaining in the burn area are reported to supervisor

2.12

Burn debriefing is participated in

3

Participate in cleanup and burn security

3.1

Clean up and burn security activities are carried out as directed

3.2

Personal protective clothing and equipment is cleaned and returned to storage

3.3

Equipment used in the burn is cleaned, maintained and returned to storage

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

ignition devices must include one or more of the following

drip torch

incendiary devices

matches

fire suppression equipment must include one or more of the following

hand tools

hose

knapsack

other burn preparation equipment

small gear pump

tanker

clean up and burn security activities must include one or more of the following

burn security activities

maintenance of ignition equipment

maintenance of personal protective clothing and equipment

maintenance of suppression equipment

use of vehicles to patrol until the burn is declared safe

Fire

Fire