Fire Strategy
PUFFING BILLY RAILWAY FIRE STRATEGY
FIRE PREVENTION
Following the tragic and devastating events of “Black Saturday" in February 2009, the Puffing Billy Railway has undertaken a review of it’s Fire Prevention Plans with the intention of further minimising the fire risk within and adjacent to the railway corridor.
Lineside
The annual ground fuel reduction program will commence in middle to late November 2009. In the majority of areas this program covers the railway ground from boundary to boundary and is carried out using hand held brush cutters, tractor and slasher, rail mounted flail mower and a newly acquired wood chipper.
This work which is very much weather dependent has, in past years, consumed some 1000 man days of effort and it is anticipated that the coming year will be no different. In addition to the regular work gangs the railway is intending to take on part time staff to assist with this program. It is also intended in 2009/2010 to carry out additional fuel reduction work between Lakeside and Gembrook.
As in previous years rail mounted Fire Patrol vehicles will operate behind all trains be they steam or diesel hauled for the duration of the declared Fire Danger period. The primary role of the Fire Patrol crew is the detection and reporting of fires. Their secondary role is to fight the fire if it is within their training and resource capacity to safely do so.
Train Operations
All steam locomotives are fitted with stainless steel spark arresting grids in the smoke box and the ash pans located under the locomotive fire boxes are fitted with ash arresting screens which are required to be closed prior to the locomotives commencing operations during the declared Fire Danger period.
These safety devices are checked for serviceability by maintenance staff prior to and during the Fire Danger season . Locomotive crews are required to check the safety devices for serviceability and correct operation on a daily basis.
On days of Total Fire Ban, diesel locomotives will normally be operated in place of steam locomotives. Services between Lakeside and Gembrook may be suspended on these days.
Training/Emergency Services Liaison
Annual training sessions are carried out for Fire Patrol crew members and other railway staff. The railway maintains close contact with local CFA brigades and other emergency service providers.
FIRE POLICY
Please note that on the following Total Fire Ban days when the fire rating is:
- CODE RED [Catastrophic]
Puffing Billy Railway will be closed.
No staff or volunteers will be located on the Railway's premises.
- EXTREME
Puffing Billy Railway will be closed.
No staff or volunteers will be located on the Railway's premises.
We will ensure our website is kept up to date regarding the Railway's operations during the Fire Danger period and Total Fire Ban days. However if you have any concerns or queries, please contact our Customer Service Centre.
