Using the Bushfire Model®

The model’s design supports quick and easy operation from simple set-ups using just a few items to more complex scenarios.  

Exercise scenarios can range from bushfires in grasslands and forests through to fires impacting the Rural Urban Interface.  More complex exercises can be created by replacing fire shapes to imitate fire development. As the exercise unfolds, participants use the resources to respond to the incident. 

In meeting the needs of the group, exercises can be kept simple to ensure new firefighters understand the key points or made more challenging to suit experienced firefighters.  

The model’s design supports quick and easy operation from simple set-ups using just a few items to more complex scenarios.  Scenarios can range from bushfires in grasslands and forests through to fires impacting the Rural Urban Interface.  More complex exercises can be created by replacing fire shapes to imitate fire development. As the exercise unfolds, participants use the resources to respond to the incident. 

In meeting the needs of the group, exercises can be kept simple to ensure new firefighters understand the key points or made more challenging to suit experienced firefighters.
 

TEWTs are exercises that require firefighters to assess a tactical situation, evaluate it thoroughly before developing and applying an appropriate solution.  

Experienced firefighters have successfully used TEWTs to practice roles such as incident control, operations, sector command and crew leader.   Brigade leaders have commented that this practice helps to maintain these skills particularly outside the bushfire season.  

The model has been used successfully by brigades and  firefighting agencies for pre-season training exercises.  These events have been helpful in preparing firefighters for the season ahead.

The model can be used to re-create past bushfires for incident debriefs or sharing experiences.  Sharing these experiences can provide a valuable learning opportunity. 

Bushfires can be re-created to show terrain, roads, assets, firefighting resources as well as the fire’s location and behaviour.   

The model can be used as part of community activities including bushfire awareness, describing bushfire mitigation programs and firefighter recruitment.

Explaining what firefighters will be doing at a fire and the challenges they face helps people understand how important it is for them to be prepared and act in a bushfire situation. 

This clear communication by local firefighters assists communities to be better prepared and contributes to their resilience.

Attracting interest at community events

Displaying the model attracts attention.  People are drawn to the model and the events depicted, questions flow and interest is generated.  

Many community members have a keen interest in the work of firefighters. The model provides an opportunity for firefighters to explain what happens at a bushfire and the work they do.  

Rural Fire Brigades have used the model as part of school visits and cadet training sessions. 

The hands-on nature of the model has made these events more engaging.