Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:44 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:44 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Assist with prescribed burning
Assist with prescribed burning
Unit of competency
National Code
PUAFIR213
PUAFIR213
State Code
WG111
WG111
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/11/2014
Field of Education
039905 - Fire Technology
Original Release Date
07/11/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit of covers the competency required to assist with prescribed burning for agricultural, natural resource purposes or hazard mitigation. It requires the ability to assist with preparations for the burn, support the conduct of the burn and participate in clean-up activities. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assist with preparations for the burn
- 1.1 Equipment and media to be used in the burn are prepared for use as directed.
- 1.2 Safety equipment is checked and prepared for use.
- 1.3 Location and extent of the burn is discussed and clarified with supervisor.
- 1.4 Strategies and tactics for conducting the burn, including contingency plans, are obtained in a briefing and clarification is sought if required.
- 1.5 Assetsrequiring protection during the burn are recognised and noted.
- 1.6 Personal role, crew activities and extent of the burn are checked with supervisor.
2. Participate in conducting the burn
- 2.1 Assistance with pre-burn checks is provided as directed by supervisor.
- 2.2 Burn operations, including lighting and suppression activities, are undertaken in accordance with organisational safety and operating guidelines.
- 2.3 Ignition devices are used in accordance with organisational safety and operating guidelines.
- 2.4 Ignition techniques suitable for the burn objectives are implemented in accordance with directions provided.
- 2.5 Problems or concerns during the burn are raised with supervisor.
- 2.6 Communication is maintained at all times in accordance with organisational procedures.
- 2.7 Conditionsat the burn are observed and their effect on fire behaviour and development are noted and reported to supervisor.
- 2.8 Weather conditions and changes to fire behaviour are observed and reported to supervisor.
- 2.9 Safe escape route or refuge is identified and maintained at all times.
- 2.10 Personal protective equipment is utilised throughout the burn in accordance with organisational guidelines.
- 2.11 Burn perimeter is made safe in accordance with burn plan.
- 2.12 Hazards remaining in the burn area are noted and reported to supervisor.
- 2.13 Burn debrief is participated in.
3. Participate in clean-up activities
- 3.1 Clean-up activities are carried out under direction in accordance with organisational procedure.
- 3.2 Personal protective equipment is cleaned and returned to storage.
- 3.3 Equipment used in the burn is cleaned, maintained and returned to storage.
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Equipment and media may include:
drip torch
hand tools
hose
knapsack
incendiary devices
matches
small gear pump
tanker
Assets requiring protection may include:
area of rare or sensitive flora and fauna
buildings and other property
crops
public lands
tree plantations
utilities (power and telephone lines, water supply structures, communications towers)
Conditions at the burn may include:
fuel characteristics
fire behaviour including flame height, rate of spread, fire shape and smoke development
terrain
Weather conditions may include:
atmospheric stability
relative humidity
temperature
wind speed and direction
Personal protective equipment may include:
eye protection
gloves
hearing protection
helmet/hat
overalls
respiratory protection
safety boots
Clean-up activities may include:
maintenance of ignition equipment
maintenance of personal protective clothing and equipment
maintenance of suppression equipment
use of vehicles to patrol until the burn is declared safe
Equipment and media may include:
drip torch
hand tools
hose
knapsack
incendiary devices
matches
small gear pump
tanker
Assets requiring protection may include:
area of rare or sensitive flora and fauna
buildings and other property
crops
public lands
tree plantations
utilities (power and telephone lines, water supply structures, communications towers)
Conditions at the burn may include:
fuel characteristics
fire behaviour including flame height, rate of spread, fire shape and smoke development
terrain
Weather conditions may include:
atmospheric stability
relative humidity
temperature
wind speed and direction
Personal protective equipment may include:
eye protection
gloves
hearing protection
helmet/hat
overalls
respiratory protection
safety boots
Clean-up activities may include:
maintenance of ignition equipment
maintenance of personal protective clothing and equipment
maintenance of suppression equipment
use of vehicles to patrol until the burn is declared safe
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
work as a member of a team and follow safe work practices
undertake pre-burn checks
assist in lighting a burn using the relevant equipment
use extinguishing media and equipment in suppression activities
follow directions and respond appropriately to instructions given during the burn
communicate effectively with supervisor and members of the team.
Consistency in performance
Competency must be demonstrated in a range of actual and/or field-based workplace environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an agency approved field-based environment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
range of controlled fires or prescribed burns
ignition equipment
suppression equipment
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
work as a member of a team and follow safe work practices
undertake pre-burn checks
assist in lighting a burn using the relevant equipment
use extinguishing media and equipment in suppression activities
follow directions and respond appropriately to instructions given during the burn
communicate effectively with supervisor and members of the team.
Consistency in performance
Competency must be demonstrated in a range of actual and/or field-based workplace environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an agency approved field-based environment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
range of controlled fires or prescribed burns
ignition equipment
suppression equipment
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAZ04 | PUAFIR201 | Assist with prescribed burning | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J523 | PUA20713 | Certificate II in Public Safety (Firefighting Operations) | Qualification |