Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

PUAFIR513 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Develop complex prescribed burn plans

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PUAFIR513 - Develop complex prescribed burn plans
Description This unit covers the competency required to develop complex prescribed burn plans for specified burn areas to achieve identified objectives.A prescribed burn is the controlled application of fire under specified environmental conditions to a predetermined area and at the time, intensity and rate of spread required to attain planned resource management objectives. An approved prescribed burn plan includes a map identifying the area to be burned, and incorporates the specifications and conditions under which the operation is to be conducted.Complex prescribed burns are characterised by moderate to high risk, a range of fire intensity, medium to large areas, significant potential impact on assets and involve a variety of fuels and terrain.The burn operation may involve a large number of resources requiring the establishment of a formal management and support structure. It may require several separate ignitions (ground and/or aerial), possibly over several days. It may have a number of high value assets requiring complex protection actions. Compliance with legislative requirements will be required.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to personnel responsible for developing simple and complex burn prescriptions.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites PUAFIR303B Suppress wildfire
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Identify burn area and burn objectives
  • Areas requiring simple and complex prescribed burn plans are identified in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • Burn objectives and actions required are developed in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • Target groups are identified and consultation process is initiated in accordance with organisational procedures.
       
Element: Prepare plans for prescribed burning
  • Fuel types and quantities within the burn area are determined.
  • Fire behaviour and intensity required to meet burn objectives are determined.
  • Impact of variations in fuel, terrain, weather and season on the required fire behaviour is identified and mitigated.
  • Burn ignition strategies and tactics suited to the location that will provide the fire behaviour required to meet objectives, are nominated in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • Result of consultation undertaken and input is factored into the planning process in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • Legislative and regulatory requirements are identified and complied with.
  • Hazards, the safety of people and protection ofproperty, assetsand the environment are taken into account through proposed ignition and control strategies and tactics.
  • Required preparatory hazard mitigation and asset protection works are identified.
  • Type and quantity of resources required are identified.
  • Conditions for implementation of the strategies and tactics are specified in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • Contingencies are outlined in the prescribed burn plan.
       
Element: Gain prescribed burn approval
  • Burn plan is submitted for approval in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.
  • Modifications and amendments to burn plan are made based on feedback received.
  • Burn plan approval is gained.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

work effectively as part of a team

develop timelines for burn planning and conduct

identify risks and hazards

develop burn objectives

develop strategies and tactics to meet burn objectives

identify actions required to minimise unacceptable impacts of burn preparation and conduct

identify and consult with target groups

document prescribed burn plan

develop tactics for a complex burn involving multiple fuel types

develop ignition patterns and sequences for proposed conditions.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated workplace environment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an agency approved simulated and/or workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

area requiring the application of fire under prescribed conditions

existing management plans and data relevant to the area being prescribed.

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

assess characteristics of multiple fuel types

communicate effectively in writing and orally

consult and liaise with the community

implement prescribed burn strategies

prepare plans

predict fire behaviour

read maps

recommend actions to be taken and communicate this with others

undertake risk assessment

Required Knowledge

effects of fire on vegetation, fauna and accumulated fuel

effects of fire on areas and places of cultural significance

fire behaviour in the fuel types being prescribed for

legislation and regulations relevant to the application of prescribed fire

organisational procedures

prescribed burning ignition and suppression strategies including ignition patterns and sequences

resource capabilities

risk management

safe work practices

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Simple prescribed burn is characterised by:

completion in one shift

low intensity

low potential impact on assets

low risk

minimal variation of fuel and terrain

small area

Complex prescribed burn ischaracterised by:

medium to large areas

moderate to high risk

range of fire intensity

significant potential impact on assets

variety of fuels and terrain

Prescribed burn plans may include:

approval of the plan for the conduct of prescribed burning

map identifying the area to be burned

specifications and conditions under which the operation is to be conducted

Burn objectives may include:

asset protection

biodiversity protection

community protection

habitat management

hazard reduction

management of cultural sites and activities

protection of fire sensitive communities

vegetation management

Target groups may include:

adjacent land owners and/or managers

community groups with specific interests

commercial operations within the impact zone

government organisations including local, state and federal

other groups and people within the prescribing organisation

Burn ignition strategies and tactics may include

contingency planning

fire behaviour to be achieved

ignition methods, lighting patterns, sequencing and timing of ignition

Hazards may include

adjoining land use, proximity to urban areas

adverse terrain and/or weather conditions

falling trees and limbs

flammable hazardous materials

flammable vegetation

high fuel loads

powerlines

road traffic

Safety of people may include

people involved with burn implementation

people on areas adjacent to the burn area

people permanently or temporarily in the burn area

smoke vulnerable communities

Protection of property and assets may include

commercial crops or other assets on the burn area

cultural sites, historical buildings, etc

property and assets adjacent to or within the burn area

stock

Protection of the environment may include

native flora and fauna including rare and endangered species

safe use of chemical fire suppressants

smoke management

soil conservation

water quality

Resources required may include

aircraft and crews including incendiary operations supervisor and incendiary machine operator for aerial ignition

aircraft ground support

crews and supervisors for ground ignition, control and patrol work

equipment and supplies (fuel, incendiaries)

planning and logistical support

tankers, other ignition and suppression vehicles, equipment and fuel

Contingencies may include

dealing with escapes

period for which the burn will be ‘live’

resource requirements

safety considerations (such as escape routes and safety zones)

resource breakdowns

special resources/secondary control lines

wind changes

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Areas requiring simple and complex prescribed burn plans are identified in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Burn objectives and actions required are developed in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Target groups are identified and consultation process is initiated in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Fuel types and quantities within the burn area are determined. 
Fire behaviour and intensity required to meet burn objectives are determined. 
Impact of variations in fuel, terrain, weather and season on the required fire behaviour is identified and mitigated. 
Burn ignition strategies and tactics suited to the location that will provide the fire behaviour required to meet objectives, are nominated in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Result of consultation undertaken and input is factored into the planning process in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Legislative and regulatory requirements are identified and complied with. 
Hazards, the safety of people and protection ofproperty, assetsand the environment are taken into account through proposed ignition and control strategies and tactics. 
Required preparatory hazard mitigation and asset protection works are identified. 
Type and quantity of resources required are identified. 
Conditions for implementation of the strategies and tactics are specified in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Contingencies are outlined in the prescribed burn plan. 
Burn plan is submitted for approval in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements. 
Modifications and amendments to burn plan are made based on feedback received. 
Burn plan approval is gained. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUAFIR513 - Develop complex prescribed burn plans
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

PUAFIR513 - Develop complex prescribed burn plans

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: