VFBV Acting President Gary Nash said global warming was a major issue for firefighters.
“We literally have skin in the game”, Mr Nash, a Wangaratta volunteer firefighter and head of the local area CFA volunteer members’ organisation, said.
“We know from the 2020 Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO State of the Climate report that there has been an increase in extreme fire weather, and in the length of the fire season, especially in Southern Australia.
Benalla’s Stolz picks up two industry awards
“The Black Summer of 2019-20 was the most severe in memory”.
The webinar has been organised by the VFBV District 23 Council, and will hear from Dr Lynette Bettio from the Bureau of Meteorology, Dr Arnagretta Hunter, a cardiologist specialising in the medical impact on firefighters, and Dr John Hewson from the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University in Canberra.
Dr Hunter, a part-time resident of northern Victoria and a member of Stanley Landcare, has pointed out that the World Health Organization regards climate change as the biggest threat to global health this century.
“In Australia we see climate change affect our health through increased extreme weather events - heatwaves, floods and bushfires,” Dr Hunter said.
Woman facing charges of poisoning about 100 birds of prey near Violet Town
“Now is the time to learn from the Black Summer, how bad bushfire seasons can be, how communities are impacted, and health suffers.
“And learn what we can do differently in the future.
“There are many health benefits to reducing use of fossil fuels - better air quality, less pollution, and more physical activity.”
“CFA brigade members in District 23 will be invited to join the webinar, and to ask questions through the Zoom Q&A function.
Estia Benalla marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
“The recorded version will be made available to interested volunteers throughout other CFA districts as requested.
“Our volunteers as first responders need to be up to date and fully informed on these environmental trends that will impact on the intensity of fires and consequences on safety of firefighters.
“We realise we are breaking new ground with this approach. As an emergency service our volunteers deserve to have as much up to date and current information available to them as possible.
“This is paramount for firefighter crews’ safety and that of communities”, Mr Nash said.
If you would like to send a letter to the editor on this, or any subject, click this link
