FIREFIGHTERS were put through their paces at Dubbo Showground yesterday as part of a three-day learning and development forum.
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More than 150 NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) trainers and industry experts from across NSW and interstate travelled to Dubbo for the event.
Entry-level firefighters took part in three small scenarios to test their bush firefighting skills that included filling up with water from a simulated dam, rolling out hoses and knocking out witches' hats that were set up as targets to simulate fire.
The firefighters also had to identify hazards and secure possible evidence for investigators.
Senior field commanders undertook incident management exercises that simulated the use of radios, maps and communications centres.
RFS E-learning systems officer Bernie O'Rourke said the weekend also saw the launch of Next Generation RFS training, which would aim to make greater use of technology to deliver learning.
"Obviously for instance you can't learn to use a pump without using it in person, but we aim to use a blended approach, including more computer simulation in learning," he said.
Theory sessions at the Dubbo RSL Memorial Club enabled personnel to review the practical aspects of the learning modules.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimons also visited Dubbo during the forum to present awards to staff and volunteers.
