Automatic Vehicle Location and Tracking System (AVLTS) launched

12/6/99
A new device which tracks fire fighting appliances at the coalface of a bush fire will not only significantly improve firefighter safety but could potentially save lives, Emergency Services Minister Kevin Prince said today.
Launching the Automatic Vehicle Location and Tracking System (AVLTS) in Parkerville, Mr Prince said the device was the first of its kind in Western Australia and would eventually be utilised by fire services fighting bush fires State-wide.
"This tracking system allows fire management teams to quickly determine the location of a firefighting vehicle during a bush fire without relying on the current requirement for constant radio communication," the Minister said.
"It will not only enable fire management teams to establish unsafe or exclusion zones and warn firefighting vehicles not to encroach on those areas, but it will dramatically improve the operational ability for tactical and strategic planning and post incident analysis.
"The end result is not only a significant improvement in firefighter safety and duty of care responsibilities but the potential to save more lives in the event of a fire."
The AVLTS system took more than 18 months to develop at a cost of $20,500. In addition, more than 3,500 volunteer hours were involved in the project. Mundaring Shire Volunteer Bush Fire Service is presently the only fire fighting service in the State with the system.
The Shire of Mundaring Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades at Parkerville, Darlington, Chidlow, Sawyers Valley and Stoneville initiated development and funding of the system which may be utilised by other shires and agencies.
"More than 18,500 volunteers throughout the State are involved in local fire prevention and fire fighting duties and over the past 10 years six volunteers have lost their lives fighting a bush fire while trying to protect and serve the rest of their community,"
Mr Prince said.
"This device ensures greater protection for firefighters at the coalface of a fire and could potentially save lives by guaranteeing a faster, more accurate information system."
Shire of Mundaring Chief Executive Officer Max Williams said the AVLTS project was a fantastic example of the community benefits which flowed from the utilisation of the diverse skills and backgrounds of community volunteers.
"We at the Shire of Mundaring are extremely fortunate to have such a large number of highly skilled volunteers, including those at the Bush Fire Brigade, making positive contributions in so many different ways to our community," Mr Williams said.
Western Australia last year experienced more than 12,000 fires, including 3,000 property and 9,000 bush and grass fires.
Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9220 5000