ACT Farm Fire Wise (FFW) is an exciting new program that has been developed by the ACTRFS to support and assist our rural community in their prevention, preparedness, response and recovery actions and capabilities. It is a tool that has been tailor made to suit ACT rural landholders, their leasing arrangements as well as farming practices.

Roll out of the program to date has been very encouraging. All three field trials were successful and we have had excellent participation in the 8 Information sessions we have held. We already have individual property visits booked in for the coming November.

Central to the project is the development of a Risk Assessment Worksheet (RAW), which acts as a tool to guide those in the community with less bushfire knowledge and experience through a set process; and at the same time acts as a checklist to those already undertaking the necessary bushfire planning and preparations. A series of property maps accompany the RAW and depict existing property data held by the Emergency Services Agency (ESA) as well as providing a medium on which to record changes or corrections. A detailed Information Guide and supporting documentation are provided to assist the process.

The RAW has been produced to act as a comprehensive checklist with simple yes and no questions. Where possible we have avoided using long-winded questions, which require extensive written answers.

Bushfire Stay or Go kit
A critical component of the FFW program is a comprehensive bushfire Stay or Go kit, which the ACT RFS have adopted from the Western Australian Fire and Emergency Services Authority. Extensive research found it to be one of the most comprehensive and well-designed document of its kind.

Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the support of the Emergency Management Australia's - Working Together To Manage Emergencies Local Grants Scheme and National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund.

For more detailed on the FFW program please refer to the below links or contact Arthur Sayer on 6205 4285 or alternatively on 0438200134.