This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to develop simple prescribed burn plans for specified burn areas and to prepare the plans 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. A simple prescribed burn is characterised by low risk, low intensity, small area, low potential impact on assets, completion in one shift and minimal variation of fuel and terrain.

A prescribed burn plan is an approved plan for the conduct of prescribed burning, it includes a map identifying the area to be burned and incorporates the specifications and conditions under which the operation is to be conducted.

The unit is applicable to personnel responsible for the development of simple prescribed burn plans.

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

Identify burn areas and burn objectives

1.1

Areas requiring simple prescribed burning are identified, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.2

Burn objectives are identified, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.3

Target groups are identified and consultation process is undertaken, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.4

Legislative and regulatory requirements are identified and complied with throughout planning process

2

Prepare prescribed burnplan for simple burn

2.1

Key features of the burn area are identified including variations in terrain, fuel types and quantities control lines and weather

2.2

Risks from proposed burn, both on and off site, are assessed and considered in planning process including operational hazards, safety of people, protection of property, assets, environment and ecological risks

2.3

Results of consultation are factored into the planning process, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.4

Fire behaviour to meet burn objectives and to account for variations in fuel, terrain and weather is determined

2.5

Burn ignition strategies and tactics required for fire behaviour, intensity and that are suitable for location are determined, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.6

Lighting techniques and lighting patterns are identified

2.7

Hazard and risk mitigation are determined and asset protection works are identified

2.8

Strategies for mitigating hazards and risks are identified and required preparatory works are identified

2.9

Strategies and tactics for controlling prescribed burn are identified

2.10

Type and quantity of resources required are identified

2.11

Prescriptions for implementation of burn plan strategies and tactics are documented, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.12

Contingencies are outlined in the prescribed burn plan

2.13

Prescribed burn plan is prepared, in accordance with organisational procedures

3

Gain approval ofprescribed burnplan

3.1

Prescribed burn plan is submitted for approval, in accordance with organisational procedures and legislative requirements

3.2

Modifications and amendments to prescribed burn plan are made based on feedback received

3.3

Prescribed burn plan approval is gained

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.

simple prescribed burn plan must include

an approved plan for conduct of simple prescribed burn

map identifying area to be burned

specifications and conditions under which operation is to be conducted

simple prescribed burn objectives must include one or more of the following

asset protection

biodiversity protection

community protection

habitat management

hazard reduction

management of cultural sites and activities

management of cultural sites and activities

protection of fire sensitive ecological communities

vegetation management

target consultation groups must include one or more of the following

adjacent land owners or managers

commercial operations within impact zone

community groups with specific interests

government organisations including local, state and federal

groups or individuals that may be adversely affected

other groups and people within prescribing organisation

lighting techniques must include

hand held

wind and/or waterproof matches

lighting patterns include one or more of the following

contour lighting

echelon

grid

line

multi-line

spot

operational hazards must include two or more of the following

adverse terrain or weather conditions

crew size

falling trees and limbs

hazardous material

high fuel loads

ignition methods

plant

powerlines

road traffic

vegetation type

safety of people must include two or more of the following

impact of smoke on vulnerable communities near burn area

safety of any people permanently or temporarily in burn area

safety of people involved with burn implementation

safety of people on areas adjacent to burn area

property and assets must include two or more of the following that are near the burn area

camps or recreational areas

commercial land use such as crops or industry

cultural sites or historical buildings

other property and assets

plantations

research plots and reference areas

stock

urban areas

utilities - power and telephone lines, water supply structures and communications towers

environmental and ecological risks must include

impact on

native flora and fauna including rare and endangered species

smoke

soil

use of chemical fire suppressants

water quality or supply

resources must include one or more of the following

crews for ground ignition and suppression

equipment backup

ignition and suppression equipment and supplies

logistical support

other vehicles

tankers

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