By BRIDGET COOK
A PLANE crashed killing the pilot, a large fire broke out in a nearby restaurant and 12 people were missing at the Tooradin Airfield this week.
Fortunately, this was not a real situation but a simulated scenario as part of a training drill for fire-fighters on Monday night to ensure they are well-prepared if a similar emergency was to occur.
About 70 CFA members from Tooradin, Warneet-Blind Bight, Devon Meadows, Clyde and Pearcedale participated in the exercise, which simulated a light plane crash at the airfield and resultant fire at the Wings and Fins Restaurant nearby.
Participants were not only faced with dealing with the plane crash but also a simulated fire in the restaurant with 12 staff from around the complex reported missing.
Crews wearing breathing apparatus undertook a search and rescue operation in the buildings filled with thick, fake smoke around the site, while other crews combatted the simulated blaze on the tarmac and the restaurant building.
Tooradin Captain and Casey Group deputy group officer David Bulman performed the role of Incident Controller for the exercise.
“These types of training exercises are critical in the preplanning for potential incidents at this facility as both the airfield and the restaurant get busier,” Mr Bulman said.
“I want to thank the operators of the Tooradin Airfield and Wings and Fins Restaurant for providing the opportunity to conduct the exercise highlighting the benefit of local businesses supporting the efforts of CFA volunteers in serving their community.”
The Southern Casey brigades train collaboratively each month to improve the working dynamic of neighbouring brigades.
Tooradin 2nd Lieutenant and Casey Group training officer Tony Riley said the cluster initiative delivered a real benefit at incidents as crews develop solid working relationships through training together in dynamic and realistic scenarios.
