A dozen custom-fitted ocean containers will provide much-needed space for planning, logistics and operations during WA's upcoming bushfire season
December 11, 2012
A dozen custom-fitted ocean containers will provide much-needed space for planning, logistics and operations during the upcoming bushfire season in Western Australia.
Sited at pre-determined, safe locations near emergency events, the new “mobile incident control offices” will assist Western Australia’s fire fighting agencies work together to effectively protect lives, property and the environment.
WA Environment Minister Bill Marmion says the air-conditioned, dust-free containers have been decked out with transportable, high tech gear based on lessons learned from previous seasons.
He says the 12 containers have been hired for the last two years by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) about six times a year.
“This produced great results but there were a number of features that could be improved,” Minister Marmion says.
“Previously, fire agencies were forced to carry a big cache box that was completely full, but now the equipment is permanently fixed to the mobile offices,” he says.
“This significantly lessens the load when travelling to a bushfire.”
The 6 by 2.4 metre offices are designed to assist the many people who carry out work behind the scenes during bushfires.
One of the containers is specifically for the incident controller, two others for people looking after resources and two designated for public information and media liaison.
“Incident control teams used to operate in difficult locations like on the bonnet of vehicles, which was always a challenge, so this will ensure they have the tools they need such as white boards, USB ports for quick information transfer and desk space,” Minister Marmion says.
The mobile offices can be deployed and set up within hours and stored at three locations across the metropolitan area and South-West.