Gavin Parker
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I joined Country Fire Authority (CFA) as a volunteer member of at the age of 16 in 1976 and commenced a full time career with CFA in January 1995. I have been working in the Latrobe Valley since 2000 and since that time have attended numerous fires and incidents in the power industry including several significant mine fires and currently working as a Senior Station Officer at the Traralgon Fire Station on D Platoon. Apart from my normal duties I have had a long term interest in firefighting aircraft operations, thermal imaging and the coal industry.

The thermal camera detects infrared energy and allows firefighters to ‘see’ in smoke and darkness.
Articles
Visual perception

Visual perception refers to the mind’s ability to process and make sense of what the eyes see. Our perception of the displayed image on a Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC), will affect our ability to interpret information for making quick and…

30,000 litre, contract tanker supplying water to large capacity panel section tanks erected on the site.
Articles
High-volume water supplies for firefighting in rural or remote locations

There are several situations where continual and large quantities of water over long distances are required by fire services. These can include asset protection during wildfire, large peat, coalmine, waste processing and landfill fires, for example. If available we can…

At first glance it may be difficult to estimate distance, length, height, or width of items. However, we can interpret the interposition, relative size and linear perspective of objects. We may also be able to consider the dimension of some items that are known from previous visual observations and experience that may be familiar to us, such as the expected distance between the rungs on the ladders, the usual height of a handrail, the comparative size of the two 205-litre oil drums (lower centre of the screen). This can assist us in interpreting depth perception of the scene.
Articles
TICs and depth perception

Depth perception is a visual processing skill and the ability to determine the distance between objects and perceive our surroundings in three dimensions. Visually when we look at an object or scene we can discern width, length, height and how…

In the examples above, the images show a dual occupancy/duplex home sharing a common fire-rated wall separating both. Significant fire conditions can be identified in the home on the right. On initial assessment, although some heat transfer is apparent in the roof space and roof eaves on the home on the left, fire spread appears to be contained to the right side of the ‘firewall’. The potential origin, seat of the fire and its spread, as are points of possible access, can also be seen. The thermal view and other information gained during further ongoing 360º size-up using both the TIC and traditional size-up methods will assist in determining the priorities and actions taken for both homes. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
Articles
Using Thermal Imaging Cameras during size-up

Although Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs) can be used for size-up, unfortunately they are often underutilized for that purpose.  A high-resolution, decision-making camera with a fast refresh rate can enhance size-ups and our planning process. If used in addition to traditional…

Water being applied from a safe distance from the machine and to avoid smoke, extinguishing burning material and reduce dust emissions. Images supplied by Author / Contributor
Articles
Suppression strategies for peat fires – Part 3

The main factors that affect fire spread in peat are moisture content, oxygen supply, and the type and density of the fuel. This article covers some suppression options for shallow peat fires burning to a depth of 1 metre. Logistics…

The TIC can be used to assess the extent of a hot spot once opened up with hand tools.
Articles
Selecting and using a thermal imaging camera for wildfire – Part 2

A thermal imaging camera (TIC) like any other item of firefighting equipment has limitations. This together with the misinterpretation of the displayed image and the failure to follow standard practices and procedures could result in the inability to identify and…

The image below left is from a 160x120 sensor with horizontal FOV of 47°; the image on the right is from a 384x288 sensor with a FOV of 57°. The difference in both the sensor resolution and the FOV is evident.
Articles
Selecting and using a thermal imaging camera for wildfire – Part 1

For wildfire, the use of a thermal imaging camera (TIC) can have significant benefits. However, like any other item of firefighting equipment it also has limitations and standard practices and procedures must still be followed. Incorrectly interpreting displayed images could…

Smoke from a peat fire.
Articles
Assessing peat fires for health and safety
Peatlands cover about 5% of the earth’s surface. Their total reliance on water to maintain natural processes makes them highly significant terrestrial ecosystems. They are under increasing pressure from human development and drought conditions. In this concluding article, Gavin Parker…
Water is applied from a safe distance to assist in extinguishing the fire and reduce dust as an excavator with a rake attachment is used to uncover the remaining burning fuel.
Articles
Assessing peat fires for planning and control

Peat is an accumulation of partially decomposed plant debris in a water-saturated, anaerobic environment. Peatlands cover about 5% of the earth’s surface. Their total reliance on water to maintain natural processes makes them highly significant terrestrial ecosystems. They are typically…

Loading a “Kress” coal hauler at the North American Coal Corporation, “Feedom Mine”, located near Beulah, ND. The mine supplies Antelope Valley and Leland Olds Power stations, as well as the Great Plains Synfuels Plant.
Articles
Emergency response to coal and energy production incidents in Victoria

Fire and emergencies in coal mines, handling and power generation facilities as proven with the fires in February 2014 at the Yallourn and Morwell open cut mines can have a devastating effect on the health and wellbeing of residents close…