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WICEN Victoria on stand-by as bushfires
rage
Australia's Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network
(WICEN) is expecting to be deployed soon as Victoria faces the worst bushfire
conditions since the Black Friday disaster in 1939.
Two weeks after the alpine country in north-east Victoria was hit by multiple
lightning strikes, sparking 14 major fires, the situation has only steadily
worsened.
Based on what occurred during the major Bogong fires in 2003, WICEN operators
were not deployed in the first three weeks.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment relied on WICEN operators
in 2003 to operate its communications network.
Meantime, WICEN ran training courses yesterday for its members on the
operation of State Mobile Radio Trunked equipment that they are likely
to use when deployed.
The fires will need experienced operators. This means that WICEN's ability
to provide safety communications for the Red Cross Murray River Canoe
Marathon, could be reduced.
Experienced operators, currently rostered for the Marathon, need to be
freed for bushfire communications.
If you can help out for a day or two, please contact Bruce Bathols
VK3UV by phone on 0418 386 030 or email vk3uv@wia.org.au
Jim Linton VK3PC
Source: Wireless
Institute of Australia
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