ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify burn areas and burn objectives

1.1 Areas requiring prescribed burning are identified in the prescribed burn plan in accordance with organisational procedures

1.2 Burn objectives and actionsrequired are developed in accordance with organisational procedures

1.3 Target groups are identified and consultation process is initiated in accordance with organisational procedures

2. Prepare plans for prescribed burning

2.1 Fuel types and quantities within the burn area are determined

2.2 Fire behaviour and intensity required to meet burn objectives are determined

2.3 Burn ignition strategies and tactics suited to the location and that provide the fire behaviour required to meet objectives, are nominated in accordance with organisational procedures

2.4 Result of consultation undertaken and input is factored into the planning process in accordance with organisational procedures

2.5 Legislative requirements are identified and complied with

2.6 Hazards, the safety of people, and protection of property, assets,and the environment are taken into account through proposed ignition and control strategies and tactics

2.7 Required preparatory hazard mitigation and asset protection works are identified

2.8 Type and quantity of resources required are identified

2.9 Conditions for implementation of the strategies and tactics are specified in accordance with organisational procedures

2.10 Contingencies are outlined in prescribed burn plan

3. Gain prescribed burn approval

3.1 Burn plan is submitted for approval in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational procedures

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

3.3 Burn plan approval is gained

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

Required Skills

assess fuel types and quantities

assess risk

communicate effectively in writing

consult and liaise with the community

predict fire behaviour

prepare plans

read maps

recommend actions to be taken and communicate these actions with others

Required Knowledge

effects of fire on vegetation, fauna and accumulated fuels

effects of fire on areas and places of cultural significance

fire behaviour for fuel type being prescribed

legislation relevant to the application of prescribed fire

prescribed burning ignition and suppression strategies

safe work practices

organisational procedures

wildfire hazards

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:

develop timelines for burn planning and conduct of burn

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

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual and/or field-based workplace environments.

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

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.

Prescribed burn plan includes:

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 address:

asset protection

community protection

habitat management

hazard reduction

management of cultural sites and activities

vegetation management

Target groups may include:

adjacent land owners and/or managers

commercial operations within the impact zone

community groups with specific interests

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 or weather conditions

falling trees and limbs

flammable vegetation

flammable hazardous materials

road traffic

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

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:

consideration of location of native flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species

safe use of chemical fire suppressants

smoke management

soil conservation

water quality

Resources may include:

crews for ground ignition and suppression

equipment back-up

ignition and suppression equipment and supplies

logistical support

other vehicles

tankers