Assisting Firefighters in The Fight Against Bush Fires

FIGHTING
BUSHFIRES
AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN REPORT
IDES 4101
NICHOLAS TAY
Figure 1: Firefighter fighting bushfire
[http://www.sbs.com.au/news/sites/sbs.com.au.news/files/Bushfire_131021_AAP.JPG]
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This report would not have been possible without the help of many people and organizations. I would
like to give special thanks to all the full time and volunteer firefighters from many different stations in
supporting my research and allowing me to gain further insight into their heroic sacrifices for the
society. A special thanks would also be needed to go towards the victims that have endured the
horrifying episodes of bushfires that have given me the chance to empathize their suffering through
their experiences. I am grateful to the research guidance for which Dr. Mariano Ramirez has provided
me that enabled me to gather valuable information on fighting bushfires.
Thank you.
Declaration
I, Nicholas Tay, do hereby declare that the content enclosed in this research report is of my own.effort.
External sources and research have been duly acknowledged where possible.
Nicholas Tay. June 2017
1
Fighting For Preservation,
Fighting For Life.
A dedication to all firefighters whose health had been affected by
the bushfires and to those who died in the fight to save lives.
Figure 2: Exhausted Firefighters taking a rest while

fire burns beside them in Cragan Bay Road
[http://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/storypad-5KuvS37emzbaPy9XbUJavA
/60fce544-7eff-4bb7-8129-c373b1ccdaee.jpg/r0_1_1200_676_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg]
2
Abstract
This is a final year industrial design project that investigates
the health impacts of bushfire on firefighters. The project will
primarily be focusing on the factors affecting bushfire and those
who sacrifice to fight bushfire with their lives.
This report aims to distinguish the opportunities in the market

by understanding the form, function and distinctive aspect of a product and
correlate to the work conditions of firefighter in the midst of fighting bushfires.
This report would gather all primary and secondary findings

throughout the project. These findings would be analysed through
knowledge and empathy to create the design brief that would
form the basis of the project.
3
Introduction
1 Pg. 8
Figure 3a: Design Aims
[http://www.milliken.com/en-us/PublishingImages/Innovation/heromeaningfulDesign2.jpg].
Research Methods
2 Pg. 10
Figure 3b: Layers of Research
[https://b.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/620x350/
poster/2016/02/3056335-poster-p-1-7-trends-that-are-defining-web-design.jpg].
Why Australia Burns
3 Pg. 14
Figure 3c: CFA fire trunk in a bushfire

[http://blog.mygenerator.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/australia_bushfires2.jpg].
Occurring Flames
4 Pg. 20
Figure 3d: Cigarette lighting up a bunch of dry leaves

[http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/7013760-3x2-940x627.jpg].
The Fire Fighters

TABLE OF CONTENTS
5 Pg. 32
Figure 3e: Passenger Vehicle at Faulconbridge RFS

[Author’s Own Image - April 2017].
Hazards & Risks
5
6 Pg. 36
Figure 3f: Deputy Captain Greg Martin conducting safety training
Equipment That Protects
7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pg. 42
Figure 3g: Equiqment worn by Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
[Author’s Own Image - January 2017].
Being Professional
8 Pg. 54
Figure 3h: NSW RFS firefighters being activated
Issues Faced
9 Pg. 62
Figure 3i: Exhausted Firefighters taking a rest

[Adaptation from Figure 2].
Design Approach
10Pg. 68
Figure 3j: Human interaction with technology

[http://www.lateral.com.au/getattachment/65027000-37ec-4a33-9e59-56a3547dd96f/
Technology-and-telecom.jpg.aspx].
Analysis of Emerging Products
11Pg.72
Figure 3k: Various Emerging Products In A Box
[http://www.digithaigroup.com/wp-engine/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/products.png].
Design Brief
12Pg.78
Figure 3l: Author experiencing structural protective gear
[Author’s Own Image - Jan 2017].
Project Evaluation
13Pg.90
Figure 3m: Design Reflections

[https://www.noupe.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/31drop.jpg].
References
14Pg.94
Figure 3n: Book Shelves

[http://www.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/sites/yassvalley/files/public/Library-Book-Sale.jpg].
Appendices
TABLE OF CONTENTS
15Pg.100
Figure 3o: Singapore Fire Museum

This page has been left intentionally blank.
7
Introduction
1.1 Intention
1.2 Overview
1
8
1.1 INTENTION
Design can be found being incorporated into every product. Design embodies different culture and influences the way of life.
It has become an unique tool that simultaneously alters the mindset of users and the environment.
I strive to express what i have learnt from the modules in this Industrial Design degree course and my empathy towards the work of
firefighters to formulate a set of research strategies. These research strategies would guide me to adopt a formalized set of design
thinking process that would allow me to create my design brief with a product that aims to improve the working conditions of
firefighters.
1.2 OVERVIEW
Each year Australia encounters natural disasters that devastate the community to differing extents. Bushfires are notorious for being
one of the serious calamities experienced in New South Wales and Victoria [1]. With the possibility of bushfires burning out of control,
the urgent need to contain it becomes inevitable for firefighters. Firefighters racing for time to battling deadly bushfire, inter alia,
increases the risk of fatality and medical conditions. The fight with bushfire in Australia is well known for being treacherous and
exhausting due to the heat intensity, smoke hazard and fatigue. Heart disease, colon cancer, chronic respiratory disease and stress
are just some of the health conditions firefighters develop throughout their working profession [2]. This research would assist my
decision process of designing this final year product that would satisfy the aspects of prevention through design. By using “prevention
through design” methodology, products being designed would improve occupational safety and health of firefighters in their work.
9
Research Methods
2.1 Secondary Research
2.2 Primary Research
2.3 Research Methodology Adopted
2.4 Maintaining Consistency
2
10
2.1 SECONDARY RESEARCH
This portion of research creates understanding towards the main problems that firefighters faced in the fight against bushfire. This
portion includes the environment in Australia, the equipment being used in a fire brigade, the immediate health impacts as a result of
engaging in the fight and the long term harm that increases the possibilities of becoming handicapped.
Secondary research incorporated into this report aims towards a realistic approach with the input of graphs and charts. Information
presented in this report features data collection supplied from government agencies and academic papers on statistics, health risks
and guidelines related to firefighters. The internet was relied to extract basic knowledge from multiple sources to assist in gaining
insights into all areas pertaining to this issue in local and global context.
Product Analysis
Critical analysis on numerous products in the industry could shed knowledge of making them a success in the designs and determine
the design of an improved product.
2.2 PRIMARY RESEARCH

Comprehensive Interviews
In depth interviews were conducted in person, guided tours, through voice recording and photo-taking to compile into a comprehensive
report. To be informed about the issues affecting firefighters in bushfire, the extraction of information is taken from respondents who
were experienced in their field of work. These consists of volunteer fire fighters working in Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) and full-time
firefighters working for Fire & Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) that could provide insight knowledge of what the industry is like.
Site Visits
Due to site visits to fire stations in both Australia and Singapore, I was able to get an understanding of the way firefighters work during
an event of an outbreak. On 07 Jan 2017, I was able to participate in an open day event* hosted by the fire brigade in Sengkang Fire
Station, Singapore (Civil Defence Force). This immersion has greatly allowed me to understand the gears like Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) of a firefighter and size and pressure of water when training is in action. Coupled with my site visits to Huntingwood
Fire Station on 07 April 2017 and Faulconbridge Rural Fire Station from January to May 2017 in Australia, I further understand the
equipment firefighters have to don.
Training To Be A Firefighter
I underwent some trainings by Faulconbridge RFS from April to May 2017 and that experience was crucial in assisting me to empathize
partially the work of firefighters. This volunteering experience gave me a better to understanding of the difficulty faced by a firefighter
first-hand and the opportunity to repay the community.
11 * See Appendix (B)
2.3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ADOPTED
Figure 4a: Flowchart of the Report Process

[Author’s Own Image - May 2017]
This report adopted the research methology shown in Figure 4a. The methodology assists the researcher to think towards the design brief
and also plan the time effectively in the data collection process. The preliminary research that I have undertaken by participating at
Sengkang Fire Station in Singapore, has been useful in understanding the overview of how firefighter works through observations and
sensory experiences. These observations could set the foundation to gather more data via literature research on the various topics like the
deployment of firefighter services. General understanding of how fire is created coupled with the behavior of how bushfire spreads across
lands to form a holistic bird-eye view on the hazard bushfire creates. This information would then assist in the linkage between the bushfire
behavior and the issues faced by firefighters. The issues faced by firefighters supported by the interviews of the intended stakeholders
give rise to new design opportunities. This design opportunities have shaped the design brief of the products-to-be and drive the
development of design concepts.
12
2.4 MAINTAINING CONSISTENCY
This research tools matrix steer the report on
completing opinion with supporting facts. With the
data gathered, claims could form either correlation
or discord in views that would strengthen or
weaken the need for creation of the design brief.
Thus this matrix aims to maintain the consistency
of statements with the use of multiple
sources (Figure 4b).
For the following people/ organisations listed
according to chorological order, key insights into
the industry were obtained (Figure 4c).
Figure 4c: Primary Research Tools

Figure 4b: Research Tools Matrix [Author’s Own Image - April 2017]
[Author’s Own Image - April 2017]
13
Why Australia Burns
3.1 The Burning Issue
3.2 Devastating Destructions
3.3 Recent Fatal Fires
3
14
Figure 5: Kangaroo hopping in a bushfire region
[http://www.skynews.com.au/content/dam/skynews/culture/offbeat/2016/02/19/
skynews_1028493890.jpg/jcr:content/renditions/skynews.img.1200.745.jpeg]
15
3.1
Australia is known to be a nation of disastrous bushfires. Bushfires have been
a part of the Australian landscape for at least 65 million years and will continue
to threaten the society [1]. The occurrence of widespread and uncontrollable
bushfire is due to the combination of hot intense winds and climate that gave
rise to the formation of an arid landscape [3].
With rapid increase in climate change, the appearance of deadly bushfire has
surfaced.
The Burning Issue
16
3.2 DEVASTATING DESTRUCTIONS
Occurrence of large bushfires create devastating destructions towards human beings. New South Wales and Victoria are
ridden with large bushfire disasters with frequency occurring nearly once every 3 years (Figure 6).
Ash Wednesday Bushfires (VIC, SA), 16-18 Feb 1983

A 10 month severe drought along with low humidity and gust of wind gave way to 180 bushfires across VIC and SA which
were reported being triggered by clashing of electric power lines. The destructive fire destroyed more than 2000 houses
and took 75 lives in both areas which includes 14 Country Fire Authority (CFA) and 3 South Australian Country Fire Service
(CFS) volunteer firefighters [4].
Black Saturday Bushfires (VIC), 7-8 Feb 2009

Following the extreme high temperature during the final week of January 2009 in Melbourne, a series of uncontrolled fires
broke out mostly due to direct and indirect human activities and were intensified by the directional changes of strong wind.
This was one of the most catastrophic fires in Australia which caused 173 of death among which there was a firefighter
has his life ended [5].
Blue Mountains Bushfires (NSW), 16-17 Oct 2013

The bushfire which covered nearly 46,000 hectares was accidently incited by a defense training exercise near the Blue
Mountains. This led to 193 homes being ruined and 100 damaged. Deaths accounted for in this calamity were 2 people
in total which involved 1 Rescue Personnel. The Rescue Personnel’s demise was caused by an aircraft accident while
water-bombing onto the Budawang National Park [6].
17
Figure 6: New South Wales and Victoria appear to be
the states with the most occurrence of large bushfires.
[http://elisesnaturalhazardspage.yolasite.com/bushfire-regions.php]
18
3.3 RECENT FIRES
Stanford Merthyr Bushfire(NSW), 26 November 2015
A volunteer who was also a Deputy Captain of the North Rothbury RFS Brigade, died during a bushfire fight [7]. Paul
Sanderson, 48 years old, collapsed due to a heart attack and passed out in the same evening [8]. Bushfires is well-known
for being extremely fatal and could take out an experienced and trained firefighter.
Sir Ivan Fire, 11-12 February 2017

Lands across New South Wales experienced drastic increase in temperate to 40s in February 2017. Due to the worsening
of bushfire conditions, the fire rating of many areas had to rise from Severe to Catastrophic. The bushfire started in Sir Ivan
Doughtery Drive at Leadville, just east of Dunedoo which was highlighted purple on the map (Figure 7). The spread of fire
went as far as the grey areas due to the lack of rainfall. It was severe that it would need to be assisted by aircraft and
heavy machine like bulldozers. Nevertheless, with all the assistance rendered, crew had to work hard into the night to
protect houses and properties [9].
Figure 7: Map showing how the fire progressed over time.[9]
19
Occurring Flames
4.1 The Causes Of A Fire
4.2 Just the Right Time
4.3 Types Of Bushfires
4.4 Bushfire Behaviour
4.5 Climate Change
4
20
4.1 THE CAUSES OF A FIRE
4.1.1 Igniting A Fire
Fire is known as a result of the combination of heat, oxygen and fuel (Figure 8). As long as
there is enough oxygen and fuel, the chemical reaction will sustain, which enables the bushfire
to last a long period of time and increase difficulty for the firefighters in controlling the fire [10].
4.1.2 Understanding The Fire Triangle

For a fire to survive, the three components have a need to be constantly supplied. The level of
oxygen need to keep the fire burning is around 16 percent compared to 21 percent presented
in the air. Fuel, one of the three elements could appear in all types of solid states. However, in
order to be burnt, the fuels have to transform into a gaseous state before a chemical reaction
could be created. The final element that will enhance the conditions for ignition to occur is
heat. The energy from the surrounding heat is necessary before any gaseous state from the
fuel enables the fire to kick-start. Thus the triangle is intertwined to form an inseparable bond
which affects the burning process if one element is missing [11].
Figure 8: The Fire Triangle
Adapted from Bushfires 1: Understanding Bushfire [10]
4.1.3 What Cause A Bushfire Calamity

Understanding how bushfire are created in Australia could effectively
inform the research if most fire are man-made or natural causes.
Human induced actions which consists of accidental (14.1%),
incendiary (2.6%) or suspicious (15.9%) causes are the top
occurrences with nearly 4 times more than natural causes
(8.8%) (Figure 9). Lightning strikes are the main causes of
nature ignited fire with 74 percent, followedby high wind (18%),
high water (0.1%) and others (8%) [12]. Together with the fire
season period, fires flourish extensively and turn into bushfire. The
calamity towards human beings affects lives, properties and vegetation
of the location [10]. Figure 9: Cause of Fires
[http://aic.gov.au/media_library/publications/tbp/tbp027/tbp027_02_nsw.pdf]
21
Bush fires need optimal conditions in order to exist and the appropriate season
would equip the burning of flames with the oxygen, fuel and heat. Oxygen, fuel
and heat on the landscape would translate into humidity of the climate in
Australia, wind speed in the location on that particular season, rainfall
collected in that area.
The perfect condition for the bushfire burning in region falls
into position in different seasons (Figure 10). During this
period, it provides the basic foundation of all the
burnings. This is known as a fire season of an area.
The climate zone that provides the vegetation which
would enhance the fire growth [13].
Bushfire is likely to occur in Southern Coastline and

Tasmania during summer and autumn whilst in Darwin
and Northern Coastline during winster and spring
(Figure 10).
Figure 10: Fire Seasons in different part of Australia

[http://www.bom.gov.au/weather-services/bushfire/about-bushfire-weather.shtml]
4.2 JUST THE RIGHT TIME
22
Figure 11: Ground fire burning tree roots Figure 12: Surface fires blazing topsoil Figure 13: Crown fire igniting the sky
[http://bushfireawarness.weebly.com/types-of-bushfires.html] [http://bushfireawarness.weebly.com/types-of-bushfires.html] [http://bushfireawarness.weebly.com/types-of-bushfires.html]
4.3 TYPES OF BUSHFIRES

From Least To Most Lethal
4.3.1 Ground Fires 4.3.2 Surface Fires 4.3.3 Crown Fires

The smallest of fire, Ground Fire tends to Surface Fire tend to start off as a Ground The pinnacle of the bushfire calamity also known
appear when flammable materials are fire and then intensify by burning the as crown fire due to the intensity of the fire
present. Flammable materials include topsoil (Figure 12). It may burn even the burning into the crown layer of the trees
peat, coal and tree roots (Figure 11). crown of the trees but do not have enough (Figure 13). The intensity of the spread of fire is
The difference between ground fire and energy or speed to travel. Thus it only determined by the wind velocity. Fire tends to
surface fire is the ability for ground fire burns the roots or leaves that are around burn easily as the forest zone is usually dense
not to be seen and burn underground [14]. its proximity [14]. and packed [14].
23
4.4 BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR
Understanding how fires behaves helps the creation of model on fire spread area (Figure 14). Different climate zones and diversified
levels of rainfall generate a relatively low humidity which set the scene for bushfire, while multiform of
wind, pattern and slope of the land boost the spread of the bushfire.
Figure 14: Model of the spread of fire across the landscape

[http://www.bushfirebehaviour.net.au/research-themes/]
24
Figure 15: (Top) The Greenhouse Effect- How atmosphere trap heat.
[http://thehigherlearning.com/2014/10/13/nasa-confirms-that-huge-methane-cloud-in-u-s-southwest-is-real-deal/]
Figure 16: (Right) Monthly Average UV- Index for Sydney and Melbourne.
[http://www.arpansa.gov.au/uvindex/models/syduvmodel.htm]
[http://www.arpansa.gov.au/uvindex/models/meluvmodel.htm]
4.4.1 Solar Irradiance

The temperature of a location can be beneficial to the increase of energy in fires and providing oxygen from photosynthesis of plants as
well as the abundance of fuel by drying up of vegetation. The boost in temperature is caused by the increase of solar radiance on the
covered land in summer and the absorption of radiation in between the atmosphere and earth surface. The process of trapping
re-radiated heat in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases are also known as the greenhouse effect (Figure 15). Roughly about two-third
of the solar energy warms up the land and liquid on the Earth [15]. As Australia is situated at the southern hemisphere, the highest solar
radiance, also known as UV rays, is at its pinnacle during southern solstice. Southern solstice is also considered as December
solstice and is only relatable to the southern hemisphere [16]. As a result, the land in New South Wales and Victoria suffer from
extreme levels of UV rays, which is prone to build the optimal conditions for fires to survive (Figure 16).
25
Figure 17: How wind spreads fire Figure 18: Direction of wind affecting the fire spread
[10] [13]
4.4.2 Wind Velocity

Oxygen in wind is essential for the continuation of fire burning. The level of oxygen is also correlation to the velocity of the wind. This
would greatly increase the rate of fire spreading outwards. Winds assist the fire spreading by transport blazing ash outwards, creating
new fires. This is known as spotting [13]. The combination of direct contact, spotting and air current in burning of fire increase the risk
of firestorm (Figure 17). The slight change in direction of the wind would enlarge the width area of the fire. Having a broader fire would
burn faster and more areas than a line of fire. The wind direction and velocity would ultimately determine the range and momentum of
blaze (Figure 18) [10].
26
Figure 19: Rainfall Rainfall Declies
from 1 October 2016 to
31 March 2017
[http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/awap/rain/
index.jsp?colour=colour&time=latest&
step=0&map=decile&period=cnws&
area=nat]
4.4.3 Rainfall
Rains decreases the energy of a fire, thus the lack of rain helps the growth of burning. Moreover, the lack of rain provides the essential
dry vegetation that acts as a fuel towards burning [13]. New South Wales experienced more areas with below average rainfall than
places with above average from December 2016 till February 2017 (Figure 19). In 2017 summer, New South Wales experienced well
below the average by 34 percent with some stations recording their lowest record ever since 1990. With the lack of rain, Sydney had
set a new record of having 11 days over 35 °C or warmer from 9 days in 1895 [17].
27
Figure 20: Average Daily Relative Humidity at 3pm on December 2017 Figure 21: Drying up of Grassland that produces fuel for bushfires.
[http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/climate_averages/relative-humidity/index.jsp?maptype=3&period=dec#maps] [http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/wind-dry-vegetation-fuel-wildfire-near-walla-walla]
4.4.4 Humidity
The level of humidity is determined by the amount of water vapour in the atmospheric air. Humidity helps to decrease the risk of fire
burning as there are lesser fuel created from vegetation. Relative humidity is the measure of current humidity compared with the
maximum point for the same temperature in percentage. The fire danger increases when humidity drops lower than 30 percent [18].
The farther inland the area is, the lesser percentage of relative humidity (Figure 20). This is due to the lack of water bodies present
around the areas. With the air being arid and dry, it dry out the vegetation (Figure 21). This increase the fuel load that would assist the
spread of fire.
28
Figure 22: Different Climate zones in Australia. Figure 23: Eucalypt forests are the major vegetation group in NSW
[http://www.travel-in-australia.com.au/travel-information/seasons-in-australia.php] coastal hinderland [12]
4.4.5 Vegetation
The creation of fuel optimise for the burning of fire is dependent on the species of vegetation the fire regions appear on. The states
greatly affected by the disastrous bushfire in Australia are New South Wales and Victoria. These states are situated closer towards the
Antarctic Circle thus it is effectively classified as temperate climate zone (Figure 22) [19]. The relative humidity helps to understand how
dry and land fuel bushfires end up becoming calamity for humanity[13]. Vegetation in Australia is adaptive to bushfire yet could also
make firefighters suffer and increase the risk of health issues or deaths. The plant that prevalent in the temperate climate zone with large
amounts of oil in it is Eucalypt trees (Figure 23). Eucalypt woodlands are vegetation that intensify the potency of bushfire due to its oil
found in its tree leaves[20].The dry and scoring weather changes during December to February intensify the creation of dry fuel from
29 Eucalypt forests.
]
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25
.F
ire
Go
ing
Do
wn
hill
[10
] Figure 26. The shape of the land has a strong effect on bushfire behaviour.
[http://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/prepare_for_bushfire/know_your_risk/bushfire_behaviour.jsp]
4.4.6 Slope Of Landscape

The way fires burn aids the understanding of how fast the fire can burn. The nature of fire is to burn upwards due to the need of
oxygen to survive. The emission and transmission of a fire spreading outward and upward creates ease to heat up the land uphill
compared to downhill (Figure 24) (Figure 25). Fire advances faster uphill because they preheat the fuel in front of them which increase
the ease of spreading the area. The distance to the fuel is further from the flames and the tip of ember burning points upwards, thus
making the fire burn relative slower downwards [10]. A slight elevation of 10 degrees speeds up the burning process from 5 km/h to
10 km/h, feeding the fire more fuel to enhance the burning on new areas (Figure 26).
30
Figure 27: Co-relation of Climate Forcing vs Temperature Change. Figure 28: Relationship between average and extremes.
[http://g3.dcdn.lt/images/pix/518x0/daQC-lFFWqo/ [http://wildfiretoday.com/2013/12/09/report-concludes-climate-change-will-
globalinis-atsilimas-gali-vykti-del-kaledu-senelio-veiklos-69935228.jpg] require-the-number-of-wildland-firefighters-in-australia-to-double-by-2030/]
4.5 CLIMATE CHANGE

More Common Fires?
Climate change could influence the planet temperature, humidity and level of sea rise. The change in climate is a study of weather
patterns over a long period of time. Human activities produce the diffusion of four greenhouse gases that pile up as the time passes by.
There is a correlation between the increase in greenhouse gases and the rise in temperature (Figure 27). With all the increase of
greenhouse gases, the climate is unable to release the energy out of the ozone [21].The collection of UV rays produce such climate
conditions that are both hotter and drier [22]. Thus the climate extremes would change with the shift of mean towards hot region,
increasing the probability of record hot weather (Figure 28). With the lands getting hotter and drier, the probability of fire starting
31 dramatically increases. The extremely hot weather requires more resources and more energy to extinguish after fires have been started.
The Fire Fighters
5.1 The Complementary Organisations
5.2 Different Core Roles
5.3 Brigade Structure 5
32
5.1 THE COMPLEMENTARY ORGANISATIONS
Fire Response units stand in the line of defence when an emergency call has been dialled. Citizens rely on the expertise of firefighters
to protect their property and even rescue lives from engulfing flames. Depending on a location, the emergency call would be served
from either a few volunteer fire stations or career fire stations. In suburban areas of Melbourne and surrounding regional cities, the fires
would be tackled by paid firefighters while the other areas are covered by volunteer brigades [23]. Below are the lists of all different
firefighting organisations in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Incidentally, these 3 states are having more bushfire
compared to the other states of Australia (Figure 6).
5.1.1 Volunteer Organisations

New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has been the main organisation that have been battling bushfires in New South Wales
from 1896.Working together with Fire & Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) and other operatives, they attend to structures fires and
accidents and even storms in rural fire districts. With the membership of over 72 thousands, it is the largest fire volunteer service in the
world [24].
Country Fire Authority (CFA) is an emergency services organisation in Victoria that relies on ad hoc community firefighter to help protect
3.3 million people and more than one million properties [25]. Since the official formation of CFA in 1945, the volunteer brigade is now
over 59000 members. 97% of the members are volunteers working in 1200 stations that covers 50% of the population in Victoria.
South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS), a dedicated volunteer organisation that served the South Australian communities by
engaging in fire and rescue services. With a total of 13’500 volunteers, this organisation have over 400 brigades stationed across the
state and covering outside of the metropolitan districts [26].
5.1.2 Paid Organisations
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is one of the key agencies responsible for attending most of the emergency or disaster events in the state
of New South Wales. FRNSW has respond to communities with fast and efficient services with the help of 14300 organisation staff.
Firefighters make up of around half of the total staffing [27].
Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) is the main government agency for fire and rescue in the metropolitan district in the city of Melbourne.
MFB has more than 2200 employees that work on 47 stations across 26 Local Government Areas (LGAs) [28].
The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) is the paid firefighter organisation of the state government of South Australian that
deals in structural firefights. MFS covers over 36 stations in the state, of which 20 are in the metropolitan district and 16 scattered across
the region [29].
33
5.2 DIFFERENT CORE ROLES
Figure 29: Paid Brigade and Volunteer Brigade
in Blue Mountain District
[https://www.google.com.au/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&
ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#tbm=lcl&q=fire+station+nsw&rlfi=hd
:;si:;mv:!1m3!1d28216.491913098136!2d150.57561767424318
!3d-33.69374934852503!3m2!1i1500!2i816!4f13.1]
Volunteer and paid firefighters do have a part in protecting the spread of bushfires which would ultimately affect lives and properties in the
bushfire region (Figure 29). Speaking to both the Zone Commander of Metropolitan West 1 of the FRNSW, Superintendent Graham Kingsland
and Faulconbridge Rural Fire Station Deputy Captain of Team 1, Geoffrey Booth as well as looking into the mission of all the various firefighter
agencies websites have assisted me to develop a better understanding of the different core roles between paid brigade FRNSW and volunteer
brigade NSW RFS.
However there are different priorities on the organisation level that has affected the way they fight bushfires together. In the fight against
bushfire, paid firefighter organisations like FRNSW and MFS main priorities are to save lives and minimise property damage or the fight against
structural fires [27, 29]. Whilst volunteer firefighters like NSW RFS mainly work on bushfire management and mitigation [30].
34
5.3 BRIGADE STRUCTURE
The understanding of the hierarchy within the fire brigades would be useful towards understanding how design would ease their workload
in the event of a massive bushfire fight.
Figure 30: New South Wales Rural Fire Service

Rank & Roles
[http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/
8794/1.2.1-NSW-RFS-Ranking-and-Rank-Insignia.pdf]
Having attended the basic fire training in Faulconbridge Rural Fire Station has provided me with the insights of the structure within volunteer
portion of the fire brigade. The volunteer ranks which make up of the majority staffing in NSW RFS are Firefighters, Deputy Captain, Senior
Deputy Captain, Captain, Deputy Group Captain and Group Captain (Figure 30) [31]. A volunteer have to undertake bush firefighter program
(BF) in order to be operational ready and take on the role of a firefighter. Deputy Captain have to pass Crew Leader Training (CL) and have
the responsibility to control a single crew and a small scale incident while the Senior Deputy Captain and Captain have to uphold all of the
above responsibilities and also control a strike team if needed to. Deputy Group Captain and Group Captain have more responsibilities like
controlling a medium scale incident or a division. They would also need to go through Group Leader Training (GL). The higher the rank of
the volunteer, the more personnel would be under their care. Being a leader not only have to plan the offensive tactics on the bushfire but
also the responsibility of taking care the lives of others under their helm.
35
Hazards & Risks
6.1 Hazards Affecting Physical Health
6.2 Risks Affected By Bushfire Behaviour 6
36
6.1 HAZARDS AFFECTING PHYSICAL HEALTH
Hazards refers to an item or a scenario having the ability to
create harm. In a large volunteer bushfire brigade like NSW
RFS, there are multiple hazards working as a team with the
aim of fighting the bushfire [32]. One of the hazards working
with fire is the risk of fire overrun (Figure 31).
The state of New South Wales had 15 volunteer firefighter

deaths from 2001 to 2011. However 12 out of 15 deaths
towards firefighters fighting a bushfire are not directly
caused by fires. The causes for the death toll were: 5 due
to heart attacks, 3 due to falling trees, 3 due to fire overruns,
2 due to vehicle accidents and 2 due to medical
conditions [33].
There are also about 200 injuries each year and only a
minority of all the injuries were directly cause by fires. The
recurring injuries are sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations,
cuts and bruises. The cause of most injuries are due to
trips, slips and falls[33].
Figure 31: RFS Firefighter Fighting the Fight Front

[http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/image/6260654-1x1-700x700.jpg]
37
6.1.1 Probable Fatality Hazards
Heart Attacks
Firefighting activities are highly stressful and firefighters are normally
fighting overtime and under pressure to contain the fire spread
towards properties [33]. The activities relies on the heart to pump
more blood around the body to keep the firefighter energised. This
leads to heart attacks in some firefighters. According to the
International Association of Fire Fighters, sudden cardiac arrest
accounts for 45% of on-duty deaths per annum among firefighters
(Figure 32) [34].
Falling Trees and Branches
The second major hazard is the falling of trees and branches. As
bushfire tends to burn upwards, it will destroy and damage trees
structure that would fall onto the firefighter underneath. Falling trees
has led to either seriously injured or fatality for the firefighter
underneath [33].
Figure 32: Types of Firefighter Fatalities By Year in United States[34]
Fire Overruns
Fire overruns refer to firefighters trapped by a bush fire on foot or inside
vehicle (Figure 33). Fire overruns in the past affected firefighters in less
than a minute warning when it occurred. However in order for fire
overruns to occur, the conditions leading up to it would have been
developed over a long time [33].
Figure 33: Close Shave of Fire Overrun on a Fire Truck in South Australia.
[https://i1.wp.com/wildfiretoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/SA-near-miss2.jpg?resize=350%2C200]
38
6.1.2 Non-Fatality Hazards
Fatigue
With climate trapping more heat and affecting the temperature to rise by 0.5°C to 0.7°C, the intensity and duration of bushfire seasons
increase [22]. Alliance spokesman from the Fire Brigade Employees Union, Paul Gray stated that even though firefighters are
acclimated to the heat from fires, it is becoming a lot more strenuous to fight for long periods of time in such intense heat [35].
Cuts, Scratches, Burns and Bruises

These injuries are due to working with tools, items that have been in contact with hot embers, burning trees branches that
are blown towards the firefighters and etc. These constitute one of the more common injuries that have been compensated with a
medical claim in the NSW RFS [33].
Bush Fire Smoke

Bushfire smoke consists of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds [36]. Exposure to these
chemicals would incur health issues that are detrimental towards firefighter action in the bushfire fight. The health effects from exposing
to bushfire smoke are irritation of eyes and lungs and even lung collapse. Bushfire smoke could also intensify the fatigue level in a
firefighter and also block a clear vision on what would be ahead [33].
39
6.2 RISKS AFFECTED BY BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR
Risk refers to the probability of creating harm onto the firefighter when a hazard is introduced [32]. There are indeed a lot of hazards to be
faced by the firefighters during any fire fighting.
As highlighted in Chapter 4.4 : Bushfire Behaviour, it lists 6 factors / elements that can affect Bushfire Behaviour greatly as follows:-
4.4.1 : Solar Irradiance

The fatigue or the heat exposure imposed onto a firefighter in a bushfire surrounding is determined by the UV (Ultraviolet) Rays.
4.4.2 : Wind Velocity
As the level of oxygen is positively correlated to the wind velocity, the greater the wind velocity means more oxygen present that would
help in the continuation of the burning.
4.4.3 : Rainfall
As rains decreases the energy of fire, the growth of burning would depend on the lack of rainfall.
4.4.4 : Humidity
The level of humidity indicates the amount of water vapour present in the atmospheric air. The high humidity helps to decrease the risk of
fire burning (due to the presence of higher amount of water vapour) and reduce the risk of burning vegetation like Eucalyptus Trees (which
contains oils in its leaves).
4.4.5 : Vegetation
Certain vegetation like Eucalyptus trees can lead to having more fuels (due to the presence of oils in its leaves) and can thus cause the
bushfire to burn on continuously and excessively.
4.4.6 : Slope of Landscape
Bushfire tends to burn faster upwards (or uphill) than downwards (or downhill) due to the availability of oxygen for the tip of ember to point
& burn upwards.Thus the risks of exposing to the fire hazards would increase tremendously due to the change in bushfire behaviour from
desirable to undesirable ones.
40
41
Equipment That Protects
7.1 Personal Protective Equipment
7.2 Firefighting Appliances
7.3 Communications Systems 7
42
7.1 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
The effective methods to reduce risks would be wearing Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) and by participation in any training exercises [38]. This
methods would help the overall risk of mortality and almost all major causes
of death to reduce for firefighters in Australia [37].
The study of firefighter’s fighting capabilities arising out of the current design
would provide insight into the usefulness of the product and how it help
prevent the firefighter from any harm.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Personal Protective Clothing (PPC)

are wearable products used to decrease the exposure to a risk towards the
health or safety of a person. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protect the
wearer’s body from certain risk of injury. It is the last line of defense against
the fight with fire. All the PPE or PPC given out by the New South Wales Rural
Fire Service (NSW RFS) are certified with Australian Standards [38].
The following section of this report presents the personal protective

equipment in detail. A firefighter protective gear consists of head, clothing
and miscellaneous items (goggles and disposable respirator) (Figure 34).
Figure 34: The protection against a risk when wearing a PPE and not wearing any [38].
43
7.1.1 Head
Bush Firefighter’ Helmet

The bush firefighter helmet issued by the NSW RFS have been designed to be
used in both bush firefighting and defensive structural firefighting. The helmet is
made of light weight Kevlar fiberglass reinforced composite shell coated with
UV resistant hi-gloss paint. Defensive structural firefighting refers to firefighting
from outside of the building. The main use of the helmet gives the firefighter
physical protection. It prevents direct injuries caused by objects that are falling,
or the radiant heat emitted from a fire. The helmet also has a neck flap that is
designed using fire resistant Proban to protect the user’s neck from exposure
against the sunlight [33].
Firefighter’s flash hood

Flash hood is made with 20% Nomex and 80% Lenzing™ FR which could protect
the embers from reaching the firefighter head in the event of a bushfire overrun [33].
Even though it could protect thermal protection for the head, it could also not to
be worn on every single firefighting operations. Wearing flash hood on normal
firefighting operation would increase the risk of having extreme heat stress that
could be unbearable. Flash hood could only protect the head for only limited fire
overrun scenarios [39]. It could also be worn while working in crown fires.
Figure 35: Helmet of Senior Deputy Captain Jamie Carter with goggles placed over it.
[Author’s Own Image- April 2017]
44
7.1.2 Clothing
Firefighters protect their body with a pair of Two-Piece Jacket and Pants,
Boots and Gloves. This configuration is standard for any work the firefighter
may engage in.
Bush Fire Two-Piece Jacket and Pants

For most NSW RFS operational activities, the firefighter would be using a
two-piece set of fire retardant jacket and trousers. This set has been
designed to lessen the heat stress and allow the user body to cool down
quicker. The firefighter could allow more air circulation by having a loose fit,
underarm vents and loose cuffs. Made up of heavy cotton fabric and treated
with Proban flame retardant, the set is supposed to create a barrier to defend
the firefighter from ordinary levels of radiant heat from a fire or some
protection against wear and tear when working. In the event of being trapped
in a fire circle, the firefighter could also raise the collar and clip at the front to
add insulation towards the user [33]. Under the standard distributed by NSW
RFS, it is recommended that the firefighter would wear shirt and
undergarments made out of non-synthetic material which provide additional
insulation against heat [39].
Bush Firefighter’s Boots
On the fireground or bush fire area, the bush firefighter’s boots must be worn
by the firefighter [39]. The boots (Taipan Footwear 5072) are made from full
grain cow hide which provide additional protection to the firefighter’s feet
from radiant heat, scorching ash or water and object that could pierce. It
could also prevent ankle from being injured during the course of duty [33].
Bush Firefighter’s Gloves
The bush firefighter’s gloves aim to enhance protection of the firefighter’s
hands from painful injuries. Gloves that are made of Polyurethane coated fire
Figure 36: Faulconbridge RFS Deputy Captain Geoffrey Booth wearing his PPE. retardant meta-aramid and polyamid, protect hands from contacting directly
[Author’s Own Image - April 2017] with fire or sharp object in the bushfire area [33].
45
7.1.3 Others
Bush Firefighter’s Goggles

The goggles that are made of Polycarbonate, protects the firefighter eyes
from hot radiation from embers, toxic chemicals from the smoke, dust
blowing from burnt bushes or even sharp objects [33]. They could be worn
on duties where the eyes are in risk of being injured like splinters of the tree
flying towards the firefighter when doing chainsaw work [39].
Disposable Respirator
Disposable respirator or smoke mask are to be worn to prevent small
airborne air particles from reaching the lungs of the firefighter.
The P2 mask is also made out of Filter Meda [39].
Figure 37: Firefighters wearing P2 Masks during work.

[http://www.bushfirecrc.com/sites/default/files/managed/inline-pix/d4_-_masks_2.jpg]
46
7.2 FIREFIGHTING APPLIANCES
There are some offensive appliances firefighters use in the
fight against the bushfire from spreading. To prevent a fire
from spreading, the firefighter make use of 3 different
methods to disrupt the fire triangle as elaborated below
[33].
7.2.1 Cutting Off The Oxygen Supply
Laying of Compressed Air Foam (CAF)

Laying CAF on burning fuels is one effective way to rob
oxygen off from a fire (Figure 38). CAF consisted of a
combination of class A foam, air and water [40]. However
the current technologies proved cutting off the oxygen
supply of a large fire in open is usually ridiculously hard
[33].This is due to the large amount of foam need to be
used on a large bushfires from foam trucks or aircrafts.
Figure 38: Laying of Compressed Air Foam (CAF) by RFS in Canberra[40].
47
7.2.2 Removing The Fuel
Hand Tools
Hand tools like rakes can be used to create
control lines to prevent low or moderate
intensity fires by getting rid of fuels [33].
This method rely on understanding the wind
velocity and the intensity to strategically cut
off the fire from reaching out for fuel [10].
Bulldozers
To stop a large fire, machinery like
bulldozers are more effective in breaking
large strips of fertile land (Figure 39) [33].
There is a need to have larger strips of fertile
land being removed due to the fact that
large flames do produce spotting [13].
Thus it would enable the fire to effectively
cut off its feed on fuel.
Figure 39: Volunteer USA Firefighters creating a control line using hand tools.
[http://files.ctctcdn.com/9f68a426201/4964f586-a4e3-4b1f-8826-f2f9b5630d2d.jpg]
48
7.2.3 Reducing the Heat
Fog Nozzle
One of the most effective method to reduce heat on to a fire is to spray
water over it. Water decreases the intensity of the heat energy on a fire
by removing the kinetic energy of the fire through the evaporation of the
water. Adding water to unburnt fuel prevents incoming fire from burning
the fuel. There are three modes of spraying water using the water hoses
nozzles: jet stream, spray pattern, fog pattern [33].
Anodized aluminium construction fog nozzle is designed to be user

friendly with the grip to aim the jet stream and also the handles to turn on
or off the water supply (Figure 40). This product could also switch modes
from jet stream to fog pattern, making this product lighter than
conventional nozzle. This nozzle shown in Figure 40 has been designed
by Chubb and flow rates could be between 19 litre per minute to 1325
litre per minute [41].
Figure 40: Chubb Fog Nozzle being used by Singapore Civil Defence. [Author’s Own Image - Jan 2017].
49
Modes
1. Jet Stream
Jet Stream refers to pressurised water flowing out of a nozzle that shoots
in a single direction (Figure 41). Even though it could direct more water
towards a location and be not affected by wind, the usage of water is high
and it isn’t suitable for firefighters in the event of being overrun [33]. Due
to the limited supply of water around bush fire ground, firefighters use this
mode tactically.
2. Spray Pattern
Spray pattern refers to the spread of water droplets towards a direction.
However it differs from the jet stream by the decreased pressure and
larger total surface area covered. The water spray on the fire helps to
absorb the heat by transforming water into steam, thus reducing heat.
However the spray pattern mode is known to have a shorter reach with
lower penetration than jet stream [33].
Figure 41: Author testing out the jet stream mode on a Fog Nozzle with the assistance of a
Singaporean firefighter.[Author’s Own Image - Jan 2017]
50
3. Fog Pattern
Fog pattern refers to mist-like water shield that has a wider spread area
(Figure 42). It is used by firefighters in the event of a fire overrun as it
gives the firefighters defence against the heat from the fires. However due
to the mist like pattern, the effectiveness of the fog could decrease due to
the high wind in the bush fire area [33]. Fog pattern, being extremely fine
pieces of water, has the lowest penetration level of all the modes. Therefore
firefighters have to directly use it on a fire to cool the hot object.
Figure 42: Fog Pattern on a Fog Nozzle as demostrated by

Singapore Firefighter in Sengkang Fire Station
51
7.3 COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
To contain a small or large bushfire, firefighters rely on various tactics to
attack or enclose the fire spread. However without proper communications
system, firefighters are incapable of reducing the threat of bushfire
spreading and destroying properties. Communication systems are an
interconnected group of radio products that send or receive information to
one another [33].
7.3.1 Vehicle Transceiver

Vehicle Transceiver refers to a vehicle radio equipment with the built-in
functionalities of both transmitting and receiving voice messages via
conversion of radio frequency [42]. The designs of vehicle radio equipment
used in the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) are shown in
Figure 43.
Figure 43: Vehicle Transceiver[33] 7.3.2 Handheld Transceiver
Handheld transceiver also known as walkie-talkie or portable radios uses
the same technology and have the same functions as the Vehicle
Transceiver(Figure 44) [33]. It is used mainly on the ground due to the light
weight and the small size of the device.
7.3.3 Mobile Telephones

Mobile phones are helpful for conversations that require private discussion
about the incident. However there is a need for a mobile tower around to
provide cells [33].
7.3.4 Satellite Telephones

This product is used in remote areas of Australia where mobile coverage is limited.
However it is more expensive in terms of price and operation than mobile phones
[33].
Figure 44: Handheld Transceivers in charging pods
[http://cdn04.androidauthority.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/motorola-solutions-radio.jpg] 52
7.3.5 Pagers
A pager refers to a pocket radio receiver that receive information from
the radio system on the information. It provides one-way communications.
Most pagers that are operational in NSW RFS are alphanumeric pagers
(Figure 45) [33].
Alpha-numeric pagers would display a message of up to 230 characters

of both alphabetical and numerical information. It is normally used in the
rural areas to inform firefighters on new incidents and the seriousness of
the situation.
The coding system of how Rural Fire Service communicate with one
another is covered under “Communication Coding” section in 8.2
Training.
Figure 45: Faulconbridge RFS firefighter’s pager informing of an incident.

53
Being Professional
8.1 Deployment
8.2 Training 8
54
Emergency call services in Australia, known as Triple Zero (000), are provided for the public [43]. This section discusses on how
firefighters are deployed and the training entailed to making them professional as revealed from the (a) government websites and (b)
the interviews of FRNSW Superintendent Graham Kingsland and NSW RFS Faulconbridge Deputy Captain Geoffrey Booth together
with (c) the Bush Firefighter Training conducted by Senior Deputy Captain Jamie Carter and Deputy Captain Greg Martin.
8.1 DEPLOYMENT
Distress Call
The member of public in distress would dial
000. The Triple Zero (000) service connects
the public to the police, fire or ambulance
department in any emergency or life and death
situations [44]. The Triple Zero service is
maintained by Telstra and has to transfer calls
from the public to the relevant organisations
[43]. For all emergency call related to fires in
New South Wales (NSW), it would be then
directed to the Fire & Rescue New South
Wales (FRNSW) communications centre at
Alexandria or New South Wales Rural Fire
Service (NSW RFS) Headquarters at Lidcombe
(Figure 46) [27, 30]. The fire communication
centres would then send details of the fire to
the Local fire stations or Rural Fire Service
(RFS) Fire Control Centres [45]. For example, if
there is a fire in Faulconbridge, the NSW RFS
fire control centre at Katoomba and FRNSW
Fire Communication Centre at Alexandria
would activate both Faulconbridge Rural Fire
Station and Springwood Fire Station
Figure 46: Bushfire Command Centre in NSW RFS Lidcome Headquarters respectively.
[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-22/interactive3a-explore-the-nsw-bushfire-command-centre/5038274].
55
Figure 47: Map of Zone Command in FRNSW Superintendent Graham Kingsland office
[Author’s Own Image - Apr 2017]
Incident Planning
After the distress call has got through the fire communications headquarters,
computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system would then record all the information in
the Zone Command Centre and automatically activate the nearest station to
respond to the incident[46]. The nearest station to the incident would depend on
the district inside the map of zone command (Figure 47)[33]. The information
recorded in the FRNSW Zone Command Centre or NSW RFS Fire Control Centre
would assist in any planning or future inquiry by the government (Figure 48).
Figure 48: Station Copy of an incident report
56
Activation
Most RFS firefighters are made up of volunteers from the local
communities [24]. Thus the volunteers do have their normal day to day
activities like working or schooling. With the fire stations under NSW
RFS being unmanned, the fire command centre activates firefighters by
sending out messaging details to them through their pagers and mobile
phones [33].
While Deputy Captain Geoffrey Booth was activated during the

interview, I was able to quickly take a set of photos of the pager
activation messages (Figure 49). By using photo ethnography and
information supplied by the interviewee, I could decode the meaning
behind the messages.
The Alpha-numeric message is “05 April 2017, 12:36:18, Faulconbridge-

Incident Call- Alarm Sounding, 249 Chapman Parade.” The message
interpreted by the firefighter mean that a fire alarm has sounded at 249
Chapman Parade on 05 April 2017 12:36:18pm and it is an incident call.
Thus he was being told to approach the location as soon as possible to
assist the Springwood FRNSW brigade.
As gathered from interviews with various NSW RFS key personnel, the
activation time for NSW RFS Faulconbridge was about 7 mins. That
means getting to the station, assemble at the fire truck and ready to
head off to the destination. In comparison, FRNSW managed to clock
down a response time of 10 mins, from time of receiving a call to time
of arriving at the location, as revealed from the interview with
Superintendent Graham Kingsland.
Figure 49: Incident call from Deputy Captain Geoffrey Booth pager
57
8.2 TRAINING
In order to be professional and understand the roles
surrounding a firefighter, sufficient training is critical to the
survivability and the operational efficiency of firefighters
working as a team. As most of the volunteers are from the
local community wanting to help out in local rural fire station,
they do not have any prior experience of being a firefighter in
the past [33]. However given some training, they could perform
as effective firefighters.
There are 5 levels of mainstream volunteer training courses

that a volunteer could undertake: Bush Firefighter (BF),
Village Firefighter(VF), Advanced Firefighter (AF), Crew
Leader (CL) and Group Leader (GL). On 11 April 2017, I
attended the Bush Firefighter Training conducted by Senior
Deputy Captain James Carter and Deputy Captain Greg Martin
in Faulconbridge RFS.
Bush Firefighter (BF)

This is basic entry level course a newcomer could undertake
in the organisation. The newcomer would also receive a
manual to study for the assessment to be a firefighter
(Figure 50). Graduation from this course allows the member of
public to be a firefighter handling bush and grass fires with the
close supervision of an experienced staff [33].
The BF Manual informs the newcomer on various topics like

equipment that RFS firefighter dons, the hazards in the line of
duty, bush firefighting techniques, communications and etc.
Figure 50: Author’s Bush Firefighter Manual for training purposes.
58
Figure 52: NSW RFS Deputy Captain Greg Martin illustrating on the proper way of
exiting a truck.[Author’s Own Image - April 2017].
Safety Induction
This induction manual* aims to educate the firefighter with theoretical
knowledge to follow the standard procedures on understanding what is
hazardous and how to control the risk of the hazards (Figure 51) [47].
Other than supplying training manuals, experienced RFS firefighters also
provide basic skills to prepare the firefighters working in a team. With the
permission of Deputy Captain Greg Martin, I was able to understand the
common safety issues operating a fire truck (Figure 52).
* See Appendix (C)
Figure 51: Safety Induction Manual given out on induction training.

59
Communications Coding
Communications systems talk about the existing product firefighters use, especially in the case of NSW RFS. Even with the
communications in place, the need to understand “what to say on the radio” and “what calls to make and when to make them” is vital to
provide concise and accurate information [33].
Communications Phraseology*
To prevent radio communications from being overloaded with unnecessary information, communications phraseology have been
devised by NSW RFS to get messages across quickly and with ease of being understood correctly [33]. A good communications
phraseology set by NSW RFS incorporates Radio Callsigns, Radio Pro-Words, Priority Colour Codes and Discreet Message Codes.
Radio Callsigns refers to a nickname a fixed station, a mobile station or an incident control station uses to distinguish itself. Fixed
stations in the NSW RFS are District, Zone or State Communications Centres [33]. These fixed stations have permanent office location,
are normally termed “Fire-Comm” in radio callsign. Mobile stations associated to the units in the RFS, most likely vehicles of a brigade.
The units identify themselves by using the brigade name followed by the category of the unit and then the letter assigned in the team.
For example, a Category 1 tanker in Faulconbridge that has been assigned A would be called “Faulconbridge One Alpha”.
Radio Pro-Words are words use to express information like “Affirmative” (Yes), “E-T-A” (Estimated time of arrival), “Roger” (I have
received and understand your last message) or etc.
Priority Colour Codes are a set of codes expressing the seriousness of a situation through different level of colours [33]. The 4 levels of
code being used in NSW RFS from lowest priority to highest are yellow (Non incident related call), Blue (Incident related call), Red
(Urgent assistance), Emergency/Black (Grave danger). However FRNSW Superintendent Graham Kingsland shared his insights on
FRNSW colour codes that are different from NSW RFS. In FRNSW, there are green and white colour messages. Green colour messages
are informative debrief messages that could be only sent by the incident commander while white messages are unreported incidents to
inform communications centre on unreported fire.
Discreet Message Codes are codes used discreetly to inform of casualties. The codes are Code Delta (Deceased person), Code India
(Injured person), Code Mike (Missing person), and Code Tango (Trapped person) [33].
* see Appendix (D)
60
Communications Procedures
Procedures to communicate is important to a
quicker deployment of fire brigade to a location.
One procedure to inform fire communications
centre “Firecom” on the deployment of fire truck
unit to an incident is known as a “responding”
radio message (Figure 53) [33]. By informing the
fire communications centre, they would
understand the total strength of units heading or
on standby to assist in the incident call. That
would effectively enable the incident control
station which is manned by an officer on how to
strategize to fight the bush fire. There are also
“approaching”, “at scene”, “back-up proceeding”
and “out of area incident” radio messages that
assist smooth communications between mobile
station and fixed station or visa-versa.
Figure 53: Content of a typical “responding” radio message

[33].
61
Issues Faced
9.1 Filtered Issues
9.2 Communications During The Fire Fight
9.3 Body Beyond Physical Limit 9
62
9.1 FILTERED ISSUES
Covering topics like fatality hazards, non-fatality hazards of the firefighters
and the firefighting capabilities of the appliances firefighter uses to fight
bushfire, has opened up in full view all the risks and also an
understanding whether the current inventory in firefighting industry has
effectively increased their operational safety or efficiency of their work.
The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has prevented various

non-fatality hazards injuries like scratches from trip and falls or even flame
from directly contacting the body [33]. And with new PPE being rolled out
in RFS firefighting units, the equipment have become lighter and greater
breathability in it [38].
Interviewing the various firefighters from NSW RFS and FRNSW provided
me with two issues in the firefighting industry: (a) Communications
between crew members during the mission and (b) firefighters pushing
their bodies beyond physical limits (Figure 54).
I managed to interview 2 ranked volunteer officers from New South Wales

Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) and 1 ranked officer from Fire & Rescue
New South Wales on 05, 18 and 07 April 2017. They are RFS Deputy
Captain Geoffrey Booth, RFS Captain Mark Roberts and FRNSW
Superintendent Graham Kingsland in respective order.
The following sections dive into the reasons why the issues would affect
operational safety or efficiency in their work as firefighters.
Figure 54: Issues arising after primary research gathering
63
9.2 COMMUNICATIONS DURING THE FIRE FIGHT
Figure 56: RFS Firefighter fighting fire with garden hoses.

[http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/crop/2776x1389+0+0/resize/630x315!/format/jpg/quality/85/
http%3A%2F%2Fo.aolcdn.com%2Fhss%2Fstorage%2Fmidas%2Fc771671a5b8800e7b4af27d056d76485%
Figure 55: Typical use of portable radios in bushfire. [33] 2F204551788%2F185529853.jpg]
Communication is vital in the firefighting industry and promote both operational safety and work efficiency (Figure 55) [33]. In order for
a firefighter not to inhale the toxic smoke from the burning forest, he has to don the P2 mask on his mouth (Figure 56). However after
interviewing both career and volunteer firefighters in New South Wales, I found out that effective communication has been hindered with
use of the P2 mask.
Volunteer Firefighter
The captain of Faulconbridge RFS, Mark Roberts, being interviewed on 18 April 2014, found it hard to communicate clearly with a mask
on one’s face. “Quite often you see people having their masks on their hands, and having communicated on what they need to say
before putting their masks back on.” he said. By taking out the mask temporary creates increased exposure towards inhaling smoke
from the burning vegetation and decreased efficiency in bush firefighting.
64
Career Firefighter
The zone commander of Metropolitan West 1, Superintendent Graham

Kingsland, being interviewed on 07 April 2014, has stated in the interview
that the number 1 issue raised during debrief after a fire is the topic of
communications.
The issue of difficulties faced in communication in a mission has been

confirmed by Graham when he discusses to me about his helmet during
the walk-around in the fire station (Figure 57). He stated that firefighters
commonly faced with the problem of unable to speak properly with the
mask on. This is due to the microphone, in the helmet, on the outside of
the mask that is being worn.
He also stated that if it is a big fire day like bushfire, the radio can still get
pretty congested with verbal interactions.
Figure 57: Helmet of Superintendent Graham Kingsland

65
9.3 BODY BEYOND PHYSICAL LIMIT
Firefighters often push their bodies beyond physical limits, increasing the
risk of fatality in the line of work (Figure 58) [48]. Heat exhaustion and
heat stroke occur the most in firefighter’s line of work for non-fatal injuries
and heart attack has also topped in the field of fatality hazards [33]. Thus
it is inevitable to conclude that the trainings that both volunteer and
career firefighters have undertaken were not fool-proof.
NSW RFS Captain Mark and Deputy Captain Geoffrey have also claimed
that heat exhaustion has been a common sight while the crews are out on
duty (Figure 59). While FRNSW Superintendent Graham confirmed that
fatigue is indeed a big issue in the firefighter industry and that he always
tried to rotate his staff and rehabilitate them where necessary.
However no matter how sufficiently trained and motivated the personnel

are, there are always occurrences relating to the hazards [49]. In this
case, the personnel are the firefighters. Due to climate change which
increasingly makes the earth’s temperature hotter & extreme, there is a
trend of increasing the number of occurrences of having more sudden
change in the bushfire behaviour thus leading to more stress & strain
experienced by the firefighters.As such, with the lack of knowledge in the
sudden change in the bushfire behaviour (as mentioned in Para 4.4) & the
changing of climate conditions (as mentioned in Para 4.5), the firefighters
are unable to quickly react and cope in the thick of fighting the bushfires.
Figure 58: Increasing stress and strain affects the safety of firefighter.[48] With the amount of stress and faced with the amount of smoke when
fighting with fire, it has been increasingly difficult for officers to be able to
juggle both the mission of fighting the fire and looking after the well-being
of other firefighters.
66
Figure 59: Fatigue faced by CFS captain due to Heat Stress
[http://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/resize/frm/
storypad-32BMdhde3WuQNVaNVAFXm76/
512c4b9f-816f-4e0d-8157-5f28f241d695.jpg/
w1200_h678_fmax.jpg].
67
Design Approach
10.1 Design Direction
10.2 Prevention Through Design
10.3 Time Makes A Difference 10
68
10.1 DESIGN DIRECTION
Figure 60: “Continuum of Care” Philosophy by Philips.

[https://www.innovationservices.philips.com/app/uploads/2016/12/health-continuum-of-care-philips-innovation-services.png].
In Chapter 6: Risks & Hazards, we have identified main causes of both the fatality & non-fatality hazards as follows:-
Fatality Hazards: Heart Attacks / Falling Trees & Branches / Fire Overruns (6.1.1);
Non-Fatality Hazards: Fatigue / Cut, Scratches, Burns & Bruises / Bush-Fire Smoke (6.1.2).
We have also mentioned that the overall risk of mortality and almost all major causes of death have been reduced by
(a) wearing of better design of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), & (b) participation of any training exercises.
In Chapter 9: Issues Faced, we have identified 2 filtered issues of importance as follows:-
(a) Communications between crew members during the mission; (b) Firefighters pushing their bodies beyond physical limits.
In this Chapter 10: Design Approach, we would like to suggest to adopt the “Continuum of Care” Philosophy created by “Philips
Innovation Services” in their development of devices for the areas of (i) Healthy Living, (ii) Prevention, (iii) Diagnosis,
(iv) Treatment, (v) Recovery, & (vi) Home Care (Figure 60) [50].
To address the filtered issues listed out for the firefighters in our context, the design approach proposed to be taken is the
development of products with the aim to focus on the stage of “Prevention”.
69
10.2 PREVENTION THROUGH DESIGN
The 2 filtered issues of (a) Communications & (b) Body Pushing Beyond Physical Limit could be addressed by the so-called
“Prevention through Design (PtD)” approach. This PtD Approach aims to (a) decrease the risks of dangerous work condition using
design, creation, use or maintenance of equipment, tools, practices, or etc [51]; or (b) increase occupational safety and health of the
firefighters.
10.3 TIME MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Information by communications would alert other firefighters of any issues faced by any firefighter. A better communications system
or network would increase the crew efficiency and speed of firefighting while at the same time, it would inform the firefighters of any
dangers if they are fighting fire especially on those unfamiliar and risky grounds or surroundings. It would be useful to come up with a
medical device that could analyse the health conditions of the firefighters on the ground and where necessary, send a warning
message to the officer-in-charge on the perilous / deteriorating health condition of a firefighter. The officer could then take him out of
the fight and render him some badly needed medical assistance. With the use of technology, the information of the fallen firefighter
could be passed on to the officer-in-charge on a timely manner whereby time is vital to rescue the life of any firefighter in distress.
70
71
Analysis of Emerging Products
11.1 Vision Towards A ‘Smart City’
11.2 Mobile Data Terminal (MDT)
11.3 Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)
11.4 Turbine Aided Firefighting (TAF) Robot 11
72
11.1 VISION TOWARDS A SMART CITY
A ‘smart city’ refers to a vision towards improving urban
infrastructure that aims to combine various information
and communication technology (ICT) and Internet of
Things (IoT) solutions to assist the management of assets
in the city (Figure 61) [52].
Countries around the world are aiming towards being

‘smart city’ ready like Singapore and Australia. “Smart
Nation” is the program spearheaded by the government
of Singapore to catapult the nation into the digital
age [53]. Similarly, Australian Government also
introduced an agenda to drive the nation on
29 April 2016, known as “Smart Cities Plan” [54].
All these goals set by the Australian Government have

driven the emergency services in New South Wales
towards being more futuristic. Fire & Rescue New South
Wales have started to implement new products aimed
towards ‘smart city’ and I have been able to test the
Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) product while having a site
Figure 61: Strategies to unlocking the potential of Smart Cities. visit in Huntingwood Fire station on 07 April 2017
[https://i.nextmedia.com.au/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=
http%3a%2f%2fi.nextmedia.com.au%2fNews%2f20161108110332_HiRes.jpg&w=820&c=0&s=1]. (Figure 62).
By looking to the use of the technologies surrounding the

firefighter industry or even their daily lives, this strategic
move aims to give rise to a design brief that is future-proof
and solving the issue that the firefighter industry faces.
73
Figure 62: Mobile Data Terminal in Fire Truck.
74
11.2 MOBILE DATA TERMINAL (MDT)*
In 2016, Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW)

have started to roll out Mobile Data Terminal (MDT)
across New South Wales [55]. Mobile Data Terminals
(MDT) inform the firefighters on live issues and
information like weather and navigation and etc [55].
MDT used in FRNSW is a capacitor touchscreen mobile
tablet and has been designed by Panasonic (Figure 62).
FRNSW Assistant Commissioner Hamilton believes that

the MDTs are part of a holistic approach to modernising
technology and equipment [55]. The MDT enables the
firefighters to disseminate the information of all their
activities to the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) thus
eliminating the need for communicating many radio
messages through various methods (Figure 63).
Figure 63: New MDT (Mobile Data Terminal in a Fire Truck in Gulgong FRNSW fire truck.
[https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14046101_1584728391821981_
9076711770227279284_n.jpg?oh=b35530fcd9f2654d7bd9e9abfeb80b26&oe=59C03B94]. * See Appendix (E)
75
11.3 REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM (RPAS)*
Figure 64: Trailing of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).

[56].
FRNSW trailing “remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS)” in 2015 has been aimed towards improving the firefighter occupational
safety by informing the firefighters of dangerous locations or areas (Figure 64). RPAS are lightweight drones that can travel for up to
18 mins of flight. The model of RPAS being proposed is DJI Inspire 1 and has a weight of 2.935kg together with the battery [56].
* See Appendix (E)
76
11.4 TURBINE AIDED FIREFIGHTING (TAF) ROBOT*
Turbine Aided Firefighting (TAF 20) is Australia’s first firefighting robot that
could clear the blockade of small vehicles by using the bulldozer blade,
dispel fumes with its in-built fan, project water with a range of 90 metres
(Figure 65). TAF 20 could be controlled from a distance of 500 metres away
thus eliminating the need for firefighter to fight in any dangerous situations
[57].
Figure 65: FRNSW Firefighter controlling Turbine Aided Firefighting robot.

[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CV1AtsdU8AAwrP1.jpg].
* See Appendix (E)
77
Design Brief
12.1 Australian Standards
12.2 Design Parameters
12.3 Tomorrow Today 12
78
12.1 AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS
Australian Standards aim to provide net benefit to Australian
communities with a guideline on some of the regulations across a large
range of different industries and is created by Standards Australia [58].
Most of the firefighter’s Personal Protective Equipment complies with
Figure 66: Australian Standards the Australian Standards to minimize the damage on the wearer
in Bush Firefighter’s Personal (Figure 66) [33].
Protective Equipment.
[33].
The Australian Standards surrounding Bush Firefighter’s Helmet is AS
1801 Type 3 [33]. Australian Standards AS1801 lays out the guidelines
for producing and the use of occupational protective helmets whilst
Type 3 is the classification given to helmets with the intention to be
used in a bushfire fight. The helmets have to undergo numerous
performance tests to ensure the level of protection granted to the
wearer. Bush Firefighter’s Helmet which is type 3 helmets have to
undergo electrical resistance test, stiffness test, shock test, penetration
test, resistance to ignition and extremely high temperature*
(Figure 67) [59].
The Bush Firefighter’s Goggles are another PPE with Australian

Standard that have would assist my design brief. The PPE lies under
AS 1337 which is Eye Protectors for industrial applications. Some of
the requirements of lens to be granted compliances would be
material requirements like visual quality, impact resistance and flame
resistance* [60].
My design brief would take inspiration from the Standards AS 1801 and
AS 1337 to design a product that is rigid and should withstand the high
Figure 67: Table of test on the occupational protective helmet
temperature of the job nature of the bush firefighter.
[58]. * See Appendix (F)
79
12.2 DESIGN PARAMETERS
The design brief should be a compilation of issues found in
primary and secondary research.
From the issues provided from the interviewees and supported

withliterature research, I have concluded that
(a) communications between firefighters and (b) the lack of
information provided to the firefighters are indeed a few of
problems the industry faces. Moreover with the firefighting
industry moving into more digital with the use of
Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Mobile Data Terminal (MDT)
and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and Turbine
Aided Firefighting (TAF), the communications using radio
systems are long overdue. With the understanding of the
4.4: Bushfire Behaviour and 4.5: Climate Change, the
information stored in the MDT and that gathered from RPAS
should be able to be translated into meaningful data to inform
the fire movement (Figure 68). The movement or intensity of
fire could be due to any of the factors listed in 4.4: Bushfire
Behaviour.
Figure 68: Thermal drone with thermal imaging.
[http://thermalcapture.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/thermal-drone-with-ThermalCapture- The design brief should be to develop a product that should
analog-thermal-imaging-solutions-for-forest-fire-management.jpg]. not only assist the firefighter to successfully communicate with
others without hindrances like muffled voice (due to the
speaking into the radio system while wearing a mask), but also
be able to inform the firefighter and his crew members of any
imminent hazards or health implications they may face
in-between duties. The choice of materials need to comply with
Australian Standards so as to allow the product to work in
extreme conditions.
80
12.3 TOMORROW TODAY
The studio brief of applying 3 Speculative Design approaches on my current project research
with the aim towards developing more future-based conceptual solutions are appended in the
following pages of the report. We were told to focus on Probable, Preferable and Possible
aspects of the futures through the modes of Rendering, Illustrations and Film respectively.
The understanding of Probable future is the use of current widely available technology to create
a product, Preferable future looks into the fictional future where a product could be created and
Possible Future enbodies a product that seems far-fetched for its creation now which in turn ends
up being wildcard (Figure 69).
81
12.2 DESIGN BRIEF
Figure 69: Types of Futures

[https://image.slidesharecdn.com/campus-design-of-the-future-1195985024130995-3/95/campus-design-for-the-future-18-728.jpg?cb=1218754375].
82
Tomorrow Today
Approach 1 : Prototypes of a Probable Future
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Figure 71e: Throat Mic
Figure 71f: Heartbeat Scanner
Figure 71c: Thermal Camera
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Figure 73: Engineering Drawing
45mm 135mm
58mm 80mm
48mm
115mm
Figure 72: View From The Back
Taken into the issues faced by the firefighter industry (The lack of information and communications) I have taken into design considerations
that aim to improve communications and provide live feed of information to the user through the current technological trends. This design
concept sets itself in the probable future with the use of smart devices that would override current handheld transceiver. The understanding
of the behaviour of bushfire by the “remotely piloted aircraft system” (RPAS) could appear on the curved LED display for the firefighter
(Figure 71a). The use of technologies like throat microphone (Figure 71e) and bone conductor (Figure 71d) could improve the quality of the
communications. In-built camera (Figure 71b) and thermal camera (Figure 71c) helps officers directly assessing the situation.In the event of
any heart attack, heat stroke or health issues with the firefighter, the design concept would alert the officer and nearby crew
members on the situation through the use of heartbeat scanner (Figure 71f).
84
3D Hologram Jacket
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) That Could Communicate!
Multiple Tools
Strip
1. Projector
2. Thermal
Camera
3. Camera
3D Hologram
Wrist
Colour Alert Notification From Jacket 3D Hologram Upon Lifting Hand

Changing
Words project from the Multiple The firefighter lifts his hand and a 3D
Suit
Tools Strip informing the firefighter of hologramappears to be showing the
the newupdates from the officer. The updated bushfire behaviour. For example,
projectioncould consist of short the wind velocity has induced fire spotting
phrases or icons illustrating the on a slope that has increased the speed
current issues relating to fatigue, towards the firefighter.Thus due to the
surrounding heat or new information slope of landscape that the fireis burning,
from the incident officer. the fire would outrun the firefighter in less
than 5 mins.
Tomorrow Today
Approach 2 : Images of a Preferable Future
85
Changing Functions By Gesture Control Status Calling For On-The-Spot Strategy Planning
The firefighter could switch to other The firefighter could transmit the situation and send real time information
functionsby turning his wrist front and back feed to the officer through the camera and thermal camera located on
and enter the modes by pointing or waving multiple tool strip. The officer could look into the situation and assess from
his hand. The use of gesture control has the firefighter’s point of view on what actions he/she should do next.
been the inspiration of Myo gesture control
wristband. The functions could range from At the same time, the colour on the clothes indicates the danger level of
calling the incident officer, analysing the the wearer at the point of time. As the officer is located at the staging area
surrounding temperature and etc. and isnt in any threat, his suit appear to be orange rather than red where
the firefighter that is fighting on the ground.
86
Figure 74b: An Illustration of a Dystopian Future
Figure 74a: Firefighter fighting bushfire [http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njWVp-brLxs/VSUNZMb3g1I/AAAAAAAAKWI/UspYblzgvgk/s1600/
[http://www.sbs.com.au/news/sites/sbs.com.au.news/files/Bushfire_131021_AAP.JPG]. dystopian-future.png].
Figure 74c: Iron Man Suit Illustrated Into Firefighter Suit Figure 74d: Cloud Pouring Rain
[http://uploads.neatorama.com/images/posts/315/85/85315/ [http://i.imgur.com/mVbmFQp.jpg].
1444260097-0.jpg].
Design Abstract
Video Link: https://youtu.be/Shlh-9oslQg
In order to design a product that would improve firefighters safety in fighting bushfire (Figure 74a) for a possible future, we have to look into the
illustrated knowledge of how that future would be like. As illustrated in Figure 74b, the possible future would possibly mean a
diminished workforce due to the fact of a population decline in countries across the globe and
technological advancement in robots. Looking into the future, firefighters make Project 3: Tomorrow Today
use of robots and geoengineering to fight bushfires (Figure 74c & 74d). Approach 3 : Dystopia of Possible Futures
87
Figure 74e: Author’s impression on the future of firefighters controlling robots and weather
[Adapted from http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/5196794-3x2-940x627.jpg].
Figure 74i: Firefighting Robots

Figure 74f: Holographic Control Figure 74g: Gathering of Information from UAV Figure 74h: Controling of weather [http://wildfiretoday.com/
[https://www.inthow.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ [http://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/ [http://www.activistpost.com/wp-content/ wp-content/uploads/2015/12/
Future_technology_Holographic_Television.jpg]. wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dronePIC.jpg]. uploads/2015/09/GeoEngineering-AntiMedia.jpg]. NSW-firefighting-robot.jpg].
Design Idea
Video Link: https://youtu.be/Shlh-9oslQg
I envision future job of firefighters to not directly fight bushfires but to control robots and weather via radio frequency (RF) and
Geoengineering (Figure 74e). Using Holographic controls (Figure 74f), firefighters could gather surrounding information with
the use of drones like RPAS (Figure 74g) and fight bushfire using controlling weather mechanism (Figutre 74h) and firefighting
robots like TAF 20 (Figure 74i).
88
Figure 75: Trailer of Faulconbridge Rural Fire Brigade
89
Project Evaluation
13.1 Project Summary
13.2 Conclusion 13
90
13.1 PROJECT SUMMARY
9.1: Filtered Issues
2 issues for the firefighting industry that were identified following the interviews with the various firefighters from NSW RFS and FRNSW are:-
(a) Weak communications linkages between crew members during the mission;
(b) Firefighters increasingly pushing their bodies beyond physical limits.
10.3: Time Makes A Difference
To counter the above 2 issues, it would be useful to come up with a device that would not only strengthen the communications linkages
and providing live information on bushfire behaviour, but could also analyse the health conditions of the firefighters on the ground and
where necessary, send a warning message to the officer-in-charge on the deteriorating health condition of a firefighter. The officer could
then take him out of the fight and render him some badly needed medical assistance.
11: Analysis of Emerging Products
Meanwhile, some technological advancements have been made with the implementation of new and innovative products like :-
(a) Mobile Data Terminal (MDT)
(b) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)
(c) Turbine Aided Firefighting (TAF) Robot
that aim towards having ‘Smart City’ vision and help firefighting on a highly structural plane.
12: Design Brief
By applying 3 Speculative Design Approaches, the writer of this project designed concepts that focus on Probable, Preferable
and Possible aspects of the futures through the modes of Rendering, Illustrations and Film respectively. Equipped with these new
innovative products, the firefighters would be able to fight bushfires more effectively with the safeguards of no or minimal risks of fatality.
91
13.2 CONCLUSION
In the bushfire fight, the exposure of (a) risks and (b) hazards faced by
firefighters should be lessened by increasing the information supplied to
them or decreasing the need for them to fight directly with bushfires. The
technological advancement of better designed Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE), drones and firefighting robots in recent years
has improved firefighters safety and information gathering in structural
firefighting. However in bushfire firefighting, there are weak communications
linkage encountered between crews of firefighters and the lack of direct
information given to the firefighters that are on-the-ground fighting.
With climate change affecting the intensity and duration of the bushfire
season, firefighters are more exposed to more dangerous situations.
Through better design approach, the future direction of information
gathering & dissemination provides the firefighters an understanding
towards their surrounding situations and thereby decreasing or eliminating
any risks of fatality.
92
93
References
14
94
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Assisting Firefighters in The Fight Against Bush Fires

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Assisting Firefighters in The Fight Against Bush Fires

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FIGHTING

Nicholas Tay. June 2017

Figure 2: Exhausted Firefighters taking a rest while

This report aims to distinguish the opportunities in the market

This report would gather all primary and secondary findings

Why Australia Burns

Figure 3c: CFA fire trunk in a bushfire

Figure 3d: Cigarette lighting up a bunch of dry leaves

The Fire Fighters

Figure 3e: Passenger Vehicle at Faulconbridge RFS

Equipment That Protects

Figure 3i: Exhausted Firefighters taking a rest

Figure 3j: Human interaction with technology

Figure 3m: Design Reflections

Figure 3n: Book Shelves

Figure 3o: Singapore Fire Museum

2.2 PRIMARY RESEARCH

Figure 4a: Flowchart of the Report Process

Figure 4c: Primary Research Tools

The Burning Issue

Ash Wednesday Bushfires (VIC, SA), 16-18 Feb 1983

Black Saturday Bushfires (VIC), 7-8 Feb 2009

Blue Mountains Bushfires (NSW), 16-17 Oct 2013

Sir Ivan Fire, 11-12 February 2017

4.1.2 Understanding The Fire Triangle

4.1.3 What Cause A Bushfire Calamity

Bushfire is likely to occur in Southern Coastline and

Figure 10: Fire Seasons in different part of Australia

4.2 JUST THE RIGHT TIME

4.3 TYPES OF BUSHFIRES

4.3.1 Ground Fires 4.3.2 Surface Fires 4.3.3 Crown Fires

Figure 14: Model of the spread of fire across the landscape

4.4.1 Solar Irradiance

4.4.2 Wind Velocity

4.4.6 Slope Of Landscape

4.5 CLIMATE CHANGE

5.1.1 Volunteer Organisations

Figure 30: New South Wales Rural Fire Service

The state of New South Wales had 15 volunteer firefighter

Figure 31: RFS Firefighter Fighting the Fight Front

Cuts, Scratches, Burns and Bruises

Bush Fire Smoke

4.4.1 : Solar Irradiance

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Personal Protective Clothing (PPC)

The following section of this report presents the personal protective

Bush Firefighter’ Helmet

Firefighter’s flash hood

Bush Fire Two-Piece Jacket and Pants

Bush Firefighter’s Goggles

Figure 37: Firefighters wearing P2 Masks during work.

7.2.1 Cutting Off The Oxygen Supply

Laying of Compressed Air Foam (CAF)

Figure 38: Laying of Compressed Air Foam (CAF) by RFS in Canberra[40].

Anodized aluminium construction fog nozzle is designed to be user

Figure 42: Fog Pattern on a Fog Nozzle as demostrated by

7.3.1 Vehicle Transceiver

7.3.3 Mobile Telephones

7.3.4 Satellite Telephones

Alpha-numeric pagers would display a message of up to 230 characters

Figure 45: Faulconbridge RFS firefighter’s pager informing of an incident.

While Deputy Captain Geoffrey Booth was activated during the

The Alpha-numeric message is “05 April 2017, 12:36:18, Faulconbridge-

There are 5 levels of mainstream volunteer training courses