Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:08 AM AWST

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Develop simple prescribed burn plans

Develop simple prescribed burn plans

Unit of competency
National Code
PUAFIR413
State Code
WG124
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
02/05/2013
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/06/2013
Field of Education
039905 - Fire Technology
Original Release Date
19/06/2013
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit covers the competency required to develop simple prescribed burn plans for specified burn areas and to prepare the plans to achieve identified objectives.A prescribed burn is the controlled application of fire under specified environmental conditions to a predetermined area and at the time, intensity and rate of spread required to attain planned resource management objectives.A simple prescribed burn is characterised by low risk, low intensity, small area, low potential impact on assets, completion in one shift and minimal variation of fuel and terrain.A prescribed burn plan is an approved plan for the conduct of prescribed burning, includes a map identifying the area to be burned and incorporates the specifications and conditions under which the operation is to be conducted. Compliance with legislative requirements will be required.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify burn areas and burn objectives
  • 1.1 Areas requiring prescribed burning are identified in the prescribed burn plan in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 1.2 Burn objectives and actionsrequired are developed in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 1.3 Target groups are identified and consultation process is initiated in accordance with organisational procedures
2. Prepare plans for prescribed burning
  • 2.1 Fuel types and quantities within the burn area are determined
  • 2.2 Fire behaviour and intensity required to meet burn objectives are determined
  • 2.3 Burn ignition strategies and tactics suited to the location and that provide the fire behaviour required to meet objectives, are nominated in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.4 Result of consultation undertaken and input is factored into the planning process in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.5 Legislative requirements are identified and complied with
  • 2.6 Hazards, the safety of people, and protection of property, assets,and the environment are taken into account through proposed ignition and control strategies and tactics
  • 2.7 Required preparatory hazard mitigation and asset protection works are identified
  • 2.8 Type and quantity of resources required are identified
  • 2.9 Conditions for implementation of the strategies and tactics are specified in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.10 Contingencies are outlined in prescribed burn plan
3. Gain prescribed burn approval
  • 3.1 Burn plan is submitted for approval in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational procedures
  • 3.2 Modifications and amendments to burn plan are made based on feedback received
  • 3.3 Burn plan approval is gained
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.
Prescribed burn plan includes:
approval of the plan for the conduct of prescribed burning
map identifying the area to be burned
specifications and conditions under which the operation is to be conducted
Burn objectives may address:
asset protection
community protection
habitat management
hazard reduction
management of cultural sites and activities
vegetation management
Target groups may include:
adjacent land owners and/or managers
commercial operations within the impact zone
community groups with specific interests
government organisations including local, state and federal
other groups and people within the prescribing organisation
Burn ignition strategies and tactics may include:
contingency planning
fire behaviour to be achieved
ignition methods, lighting patterns, sequencing and timing of ignition
Hazards may include:
adjoining land use, proximity to urban areas
adverse terrain or weather conditions
falling trees and limbs
flammable vegetation
flammable hazardous materials
road traffic
People may include:
people involved with burn implementation
people on areas adjacent to the burn area
people permanently or temporarily in the burn area
smoke vulnerable communities
Property and assets may include:
commercial crops or other assets on the burn area
cultural sites, historical buildings, etc.
property and assets adjacent to or within the burn area
stock
Protection of the environment may include:
consideration of location of native flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species
safe use of chemical fire suppressants
smoke management
soil conservation
water quality
Resources may include:
crews for ground ignition and suppression
equipment back-up
ignition and suppression equipment and supplies
logistical support
other vehicles
tankers
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:
develop timelines for burn planning and conduct of burn
identify risks and hazards
develop burn objectives
develop strategies and tactics to meet burn objectives
identify actions required to minimise unacceptable impacts of burn preparation and conduct
identify and consult with target groups
Consistency in performance
Competency should 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 simulated and/or workplace environment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
area requiring the application of fire under prescribed conditions
existing management plans and data relevant to the area being prescribed
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
OAY65 PUAFIR406 Develop simple prescribed burn plans Unit of competency