FlindersUniversity Bushfire Plan

  1. Preamble

This Plan sets the specific steps which will be taken in the event of a bushfire:

  • approaching, within particular distances, the University campus; or
  • beginning on the University’s BedfordPark campus

This Plan is to be read in conjunction with the Incident Control Policy and Procedures.

  1. Background

2.1The Bedford Park Campus is susceptible to bushfire threats from adjacent undeveloped land on the southern boundary (SturtCreekConservationPark), the heavily wooded suburb of BelleviewHeights on the eastern boundary and the University’s own pine forest and native woodland adjacent to University Drive /Ring Road.

2.2Bushfire threat could come from an external bushfire that migrates onto the campus or from a fire on University grounds.

2.3The University in its Capital Plan provides for the maintenance of fire tracks and the progressive removal of feral olives to reduce the fuel load on University grounds. In addition the Maintenance Manager is responsible for the pre-bushfire season slashing where safe to do so, to reduce fuel loads.

3Scope and Activation Authority

3.1This plan applies to any person who is on the University’s Bedford Park Campus.

3.2The Incident Control Coordinator (ICC) is responsible, until relieved by the Country Fire Service (CFS), and/or the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS), for:

  • activating this Plan; and
  • managing the implementation of the Plan.

4High fire risk and total fire ban days

4.1On high fire risk and total fire ban days the ICC will monitor the designated bushfire warning radio station and the CFS web site for warnings.

4.2If a bushfire is reported within a 20km radius of the University’s campus clauses 5 and 6 of this Plan will be implemented.

5Bushfire reported within a 20km radius of BedfordPark Campus

If a bushfire is reported within a 20km radius of the University’s Bedford Park Campus, the ICC will:

  • advise the Vice-Chancellor and the Executive Director of Administration;
  • liaise with the Head, News & Media (Marketing & Communications Office);
  • alert the response team, (consisting of the ICC, Maintenance Manager, Director of Buildings and Property, Director of Information Services and the Head of Health and Counselling);
  • instruct Security and the Caretaking staff to close all windows on campus and advise building occupants not to re-open these windows;
  • alert the Maintenance Manager that the air-conditioning plant may need to be shut down should the fire advance closer to the University; and
  • advise Chief Wardens of bushfire status and the need to be prepared for a possible evacuation should the bushfire advance to within a 5km radius of the campus.

6Bushfire Reported within a 5km radius of BedfordPark Campus

6.1If a bushfire is reported within a 5km radius of campus the ICC will:

  • advise the Vice-Chancellor and the Executive Director of Administration;
  • liaise with the Head, News & Media (Marketing & Communications Office);
  • commence an orderly evacuation of campus, building by building, using the EWIS system;
  • direct those who do not have their own transport to assemble at the following points on campus:

Campus Location / Assembly Area
Staff, students, contractors and visitors located within and around the Sturt Buildings / DeCafe
Staff, students, contractors and visitors located within and around the University Hall and Village / Hall Refectory
Staff, students, contractors and visitors located within and around all other University buildings / Plaza level indoor food court area
  • when safe to do so the ICC will allow these persons to leave the campus by public transport or private pick-up;
  • call in all available Security Staff;
  • lock down the campus; and
  • direct Security staff, Caretakers and volunteer Buildings and Property staff to post fire pickets in buildings.

6.2Throughout the steps detailed above the ICC will ensure that the Vice-Chancellor, the Executive Director of Administration and the Head, News & Media (Marketing & Communications Office) are kept informed of all relevant details regarding the bushfire.

7Bushfire on Campus grounds

7.1To keep roads clear for fire fighting and other emergency vehicles and to keep people safe from radiant heat, smoke and the danger of being trapped in their vehicles, the emphasis is on keeping staff, students, contractors and visitors in buildings.

7.2If the bushfire is controlled the ICC will:

  • advise the Vice-Chancellor and the Executive Director of Administration;
  • monitor the situation and implement steps at clause 7.3 should the bushfire become uncontrolled.

7.3If the bushfire is uncontrolled the ICC will:

  • advise the Vice-Chancellor and the Executive Director of Administration;
  • direct Flinders Housing to evacuate the Village to the Hall Refectory;
  • assemble the response team (as in clause 5);
  • instruct Chief Wardens to check all windows are closed and advise occupants by EWIS of the threat and that they are required to stay in the building, leave rooms with windows facing the fire and not use their vehicles;
  • close roads and car parks to maintain access for fire fighting and emergency vehicles;
  • maintain contact with Chief Wardens and allow the evacuation of occupants when safe to do so.

7.4Throughout the steps detailed above the ICC will ensure that the Vice-Chancellor, the Executive Director of Administration and the Head, News & Media (Marketing & Communications Office) are kept informed of all relevant details regarding the bushfire.

Approving Authority: / Executive Director of Administration
Establishment Date: / February 2009
Review date: / February 2013
Date Last Amendment: / NA
Nature of Amendment: / NA
Date Last Reviewed: / NA
Contact Officer: / Incident Control Coordinator

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