The training of forest firefighters in Indonesia

This is one of 2 reports prepared during 1999 jointly by the EU-funded Forest Fire Prevention and Control Project (FFPCP), South Sumatra, and the GTZ-funded Integrated Forest Fire Management Project (IFFMP), East Kalimantan. The second report covers fire management in the logging concessions and plantation forests of Indonesia. This document, in the light of the shortage of competent fire staff at all levels which severely limits fire prevention and control efforts throughout Indonesia, proposes a broad framework within which firefighter training can be developed and implemented. However, it is not a substitute for the (government) development of a national or regional course in firefighter training. Within the framework proposed, priority is given to the teaching of the basics. These can be summarized as the training of (i) fire crews of 5-20 people organized as a unit, (ii) the men in charge of the fire crews, and (iii) those responsible for all suppression and service activities at a fire. It is, however, recognized that fire prevention is preferable to later fire control, and both FFPCP and IFFM run extensive prevention programmes. The report brings together the current thinking and priorities on firefighter training from countries with a long history of combating forest fires, and tailors these to Indonesian conditions. The adaptations are based firmly on the long-term field-based experience of IFFM in Kalimantan and FFPCP in Sumatra. They have been tested and shown to be appropriate. Regency level staff of the Ministry of Forestry and Estate Crops have to form the backbone of an upgraded firefighting system although people from many other agencies must also be included. At present private timber concession companies are the major source of trained manpower as these companies are required by law to appoint fire control staff. They thus have a nucleus organization that can be further trained and strengthened. Volunteer village firefighters and members of NGOs also have a part to play, as do the armed services. The theoretical and practical training of firefighters is best carried out by local instructors. The first step is thus to train the trainers. The second is to spread the knowledge to ensure the establishment of a modern, well-adapted organization. The report details the minimum theoretical knowledge and practical experience that is required to train the forest firefighters at regency and provincial level. Topics covered include the terminology and theory of firefighting, the chain of command, the need to anticipate, and the importance of communications. Practical components covered in the training course are intended to acquaint trainees with the essentials of fire behaviour and fire suppression techniques. Hands-on experience in the use of equipment under controlled conditions is seen as an essential pre-requisite before new recruits face a wildfire. Firefighting is dangerous and physically demanding. Safety is stressed and a module on first aid is included.