South Australian Country Fire Service Promotions Unit

Communications is a vital part of any incident CFS attends. Without proper communications, it becomes very difficult for an incident to run smoothly and effectively.

Depending on the area and terrain, the CFS will utilise many types of radios which may include HF, VHF and UHF radios. The introduction of the Whole of Government Radio Network (SAGRN) in the UHF spectrum, has provided a trunked network which enables all mobiles to have noise free communications with facilities, such as private calls, mobile phone network connectivity and repeater type access.

In each Region, there is a specialist brigade known as an 'Operations Brigade'. These brigades specialise in the Communications and Logistics support to brigades, particularly at large, or long incidents. They have purpose built vehicles, which can be set up in any location required. Each appliance will carry radios, mobile phones, faxes and computers for communications, and maps and GPS equipment to plot the location of the incident.

The role of these brigades is to provide an Incident Controller with constant and reliable communications to the Group, Regional or State Operations Centre, and assist in the logging of radio transmissions. A weather proof work area is also used as a planning room to set up strategies and logistics.

Photographs on this page taken by the CFS Promotions Unit