Powers of the CFA

To prevent, manage fires and protect life, the chief officer of the CFA has the following powers, under the Country Fire Authority Act1958(Vic):

control and direct any brigade, brigades or volunteers present at the scene of the fire;
enter land, buildings, vessels, jetties, wharves, piers or premises;
force open doors and buildings;
pull down or destroy buildings, vegetation, fences, etc.;
shut off water to gain greater water pressure elsewhere to fight a fire;
close roads and redirect traffic;
remove any people interfering with the CFA's duties;
shore up buildings to ensure safety;
carry out any other measures necessary to protect life and property;
enter land, buildings or premises at all reasonable times to check the storage of dangerous explosives, fuel and other flammables, or other items such as hay, sawdust and debris; and
take water from any source for fighting fires.

The CFA, with the approval of the chief officer, also may attend and provide assistance to any person or protect any property involved in any accident or emergency not connected with the suppression or prevention of fire (Country Fire Authority Act1958(Vic)).

Benambra Bushfires

Organising shifts of local people to act as lookouts at strategic locations, day and night, to report any fire or spotting activity;
Establishing a most effective Divisional command post in the town;
Establishing a community UHF operational network; and
Organising support for operations.

Source: Country Fire Authority, From the Foothills to the Alpine Heights, CFA's Submission to Victoria's 2002-2003 Bushfire Inquiry 2003

Fire Safe Inspections of Buildings and Premises

Fire Safety Inspections of Buildings and Premises

One of the CFA's duties is to make sure that fire safety services in structures are built and maintained in accordance with the Building Code of Australia. The CFA's Chief Officer is responsible for reporting on fire safety matters, including:

Fire mains;
Hydrants, hose reels;
Control valves;
Booster assemblies;
Emergency vehicle access;
Fire indicator panels; and
The location and contents of fire control centres.

The Chief Officer has powers to instruct fire brigade officers to inspect and require the maintenance of essential services.

The CFA also provides a consultancy service to inspect and report on fire safety matters relating to buildings. For example, you may ask the CFA to give you a comprehensive fire protection report. To do this you need to:

complete an Application for Fire Protection Report (download an application form at www.cfa.vic.gov.au)
provide three sets of plans of the site/premises with:

Site plan showing all boundaries, entrances, structures and details of adjoining premises
Floor plan of all structures showing all doors, exits and production equipment where applicable
Elevations
The location of existing and proposed Fire Protection.

If you do not own or occupy the building (for example, you are considering buying the building or the business at this stage) you will also need to obtain a Consent to Inspection / Evaluation of Premises / Site form completed by the current owner/occupier (download this form at: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/).