Research boost with new short-term projects

The Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC is set to commence three new short-term research projects as part of the CRC Tactical Research Fund.

The fund is intended to support short term projects that address strategic issues for the sector and have national significance.

The second round of projects have been accepted and are described below.

A guide to develop bushfire case studies – A case study of cropland fires

End-user: CFA, DEWLP, CFS, NSW RFS and DPCA

This project will develop a procedural guide for developing consistent bushfire investigation case studies for fire behaviour analysts across Australia. It will test the utilisation and application of this proposed guide in cropland fire incidents. Current fire behaviour and risk modelling in cropping areas is based on a grassland spread model that was not designed for the purpose. The research will examine how fires behave in crops and stubble by implementing this guide for cropland fires during the 2017/18 fire season.

SES physical fitness for role

End-user: VICSES, Australian Council of Emergency Services

To help reduce the risk of injury and improve the health and wellbeing of volunteers, this project will develop physical selection tests for SES volunteers. Physical demand task analysis will focus on specialty roles such as alpine search and rescue, road rescue, swiftwater rescue and high angle rescue. The project will also develop prototype tests and/or screening measures for these roles.

Cladding in high rise buildings

End-user: AFAC Build Environment Technical Group

This project will investigate the fire risk to residents and firefighters resulting from the use of non-compliant cladding in buildings.