74CObjects and functions of community fire units

74C Objects and functions of community fire units

74C Objects and functions of community fire units

(1) The objects of a community fire unit are to assist with the defensive protection of homes during bush fires and to carry out other fire protection work under the direction of the Commissioner.

(2) The functions of a community fire unit are as follows—

(a) to undertake fire prevention work by encouraging the preparation of properties in advance of the bush fire danger period and assisting with hazard reduction work such as clearing and pile burning,

(b) to assist fire fighters during a bush fire, particularly through the defensive protection of homes from spot fires and ember attacks before fire fighters arrive or while fire fighters are working at the main fire fronts,

(c) to assist with recovery operations after a bush fire such as bushland regeneration and removal of debris that could pose a future bush fire hazard,

(d) to educate members of the community in relation to fire safety and the prevention of bush fires.

(3) The functions of a community fire unit may be exercised only in the geographical area for which the unit is established.

(4) The functions of a community fire unit may be exercised by any member of the community fire unit.

(5) A member of a community fire unit is, in the exercise of his or her functions as a member of a community fire unit—

(a) subject to the direction and control of the Commissioner, and

(b) subject to the operational guidelines of the Commissioner.