NATTE YALLOCK, VIC. — In late October, District 2 held the first of its private equipment engagement and information sessions at Natte Yallock Fire Station as part of Get Fire Ready 2026.
Local farmers, grain and hay contractors and landowners were invited to come along to learn about operating private equipment at fires and to register their equipment.
It was an ideal opportunity to connect with the local community, help people prepare for fire season and to raise awareness of practical steps they can take to stay safe when they support CFA with private vehicles on the fireground.
Items discussed included:
- Is your vehicle ready?
- How to work efficiently with reliable and suitable equipment;
- Working cooperatively with emergency services (including fire-bombing aircraft);
- UHF CB Ch 30 (477.1500MHz FM) (District 2 generic UHF fireground channel);
- Personal protective clothing requirements;
- How to integrate a private tanker into the CFA operational plan;
- Harvester and machinery operations; and
- General fire awareness.
Commander Hugh Kelly registered 16 private firefighting tankers at the session, with another session likely to be held due to the high level of interest in the initiative. This is a positive outcome and highlights the value of making fire preparedness information and resources accessible to our local communities.
A big thank you to Natte Yallock Fire Brigade for supporting and hosting the event, helping to share important information with the community, and providing a delicious BBQ dinner. Their support and local knowledge helped make the evening welcoming and worthwhile for everyone involved.
The second of the District 2 Get Fire Ready information days on operating private equipment at fires was hosted by Whipstick Group at Hunter-Diggora Fire Station at 9am on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
A further operating private equipment session will be held at CFA Goldfields Group HQ in Maryborough next Tuesday, November 10, startng at 7pm.
