VICTORIA. — The Planned Burn Taskforce (PBTF) continues to rapidly evolve as a valued statewide resource of Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteer members who support CFA districts and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) in delivering planned burns.
Established to build capacity, strengthen partnerships and provide volunteers with opportunities to develop skills in fuel management, ignition operations and fireground management, the PBTF has grown from a small initiative into a highly respected capability.
Today, hundreds of volunteers contribute annually to planned burn operations across the state, supporting safer communities.
The 2025-26 planned burning season was another significant year for the taskforce, with more than 350 volunteers participating in 40 deployments across the state – double the number of burns carried out three years ago.
One of those volunteers is John Crozier (pictured left in the photo) whose contribution to CFA spans more than 50 years. A former captain of Barwon Heads and Wando Bridge brigades, John has been awarded the 50-year Life Membership Medal, is recognised as an Honorary Life Member and has received the National Medal with Third Clasp in recognition of his outstanding service.
Reflecting on the season, John described it as both busy and rewarding.
“With a short window for planned burning operations following campaign fires, it was a busy season, and reconnecting with taskforce members from across Victoria was a real highlight,” John said.
“You can work with people from outside your brigade and immediately fall into step as a crew. You understand how each other operates, which makes a real difference on the fireground.
“That camaraderie grows even stronger during strike team deployments from Tallangatta through to the Grampians where you reconnect with PBTF members and work seamlessly together.”
John’s experience during the Grampians fires in 2025 highlighted the adaptability of PBTF members. Originally deployed in a PBTF leadership role, he was reassigned to lead a strike team, demonstrating how taskforce members readily adapt to support broader fireground operations wherever they’re needed.
Another highlight of the year was the PBTF workshop held at Holmesglen Eildon in May 2026. Facilitated by PBTF Support Officer Kerryn Tait and Commander Planned Burning Tim McKern, the two-day workshop brought together volunteers from across Victoria alongside Deputy Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM and Head of Policy, Planning and Partnerships Geoff Morris.
The workshop began with a series of hands-on activities, including tanker operations for roadside burns. Forest ignition techniques and how to establish a full asset protection unit generated strong interest among participants. These sessions were valuable opportunities for members from different districts to share knowledge, build confidence and strengthen operational networks.
The second day focused on reviewing the season, with members reflecting on deployment statistics, safety reporting, lessons identified and continuous improvement initiatives. The discussions reinforced the important contribution PBTF continues to make to planned burning across Victoria.
Reflecting on the event, John described it as the best PBTF workshop he has attended during his time with the taskforce.
“The professionalism of the workshop was outstanding. Every workshop gets better and better, and it’s great to see the continual improvements being made,” he said.
“It was an excellent opportunity to learn from others, share experiences and strengthen the relationships that make PBTF such a valuable team.”
Beyond seasonal deployments, PBTF plays a vital role in developing volunteer capability. Members return to their brigades with enhanced skills, stronger interagency relationships and valuable operational experience that benefits both planned burning and emergency response.
As PBTF continues to grow, so too does its contribution to Victoria’s fuel management program. Through committed volunteers, strong partnerships and a focus on continuous improvement, the taskforce is helping deliver safer communities while building the next generation of planned burning capability.
