Asignificant recent fire at Mount Muirhead was the catalyst for a meeting in Millicent focussed on Farm Fire Fighting Units.


They are considered a valuable resource to assist CFS crews in combating fires in regional areas.


The Woakwine CFS Group staged the meeting at the George Street headquarters in association with the Millicent CFS Brigade.


It was held within a week of the Mount Muirhead blaze when it was still fresh in people’s mind.


Around 20 people were in attendance from local farming properties.


The meeting covered CFS structure, what happens when you call “000” with both ground and air response, farm fire fighter safety and farm fire fighter registration process.


Woakwine CFS group officer Chris Mathias said farm firefighting units had to meet criteria.


Once this was done, the units are allowed on fire grounds.


“The owners are covered by insurance and provided with food and beverages while at fires,” Mr Mathias said.


“They are also eligible to apply for equipment grants worth up to $2000.”


Millicent CFS Brigade captain Phil Richards also drew on his long experience as a volunteer firefighter.


“A lot of the chaos and demand that ensues from the out-of-control nature of a fire in the early stages can be dealt with way easier when all resources are coordinated,” Mr Richards said.


“Like air and ground crew, the very best value is generated when both communicate, look after their safety and can bring the combined force to bear on the fire itself.


“The same is the case between CFS resources and the farm fire-fighting units.


“In the end the aim is the same.


“Keep everyone safe, operate efficiently and go home early.”