IT would be fair to say that there are situations where there is no such thing as too much training.
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It is a philosophy that is applicable to our emergency service operators such as fire fighters.
Such ongoing training not only ensures the greater protection of our community - both people and property - but also the safety of the many fire fighters who step into the forefront often risking their own lives in times of fire emergencies.
The Aviation, Communication and Evaluation (ACE) course for field commanders held recently in the Highlands is indicative of such invaluable ongoing training.
This training is providing these brave and dedicated volunteers with the tools they need to combat fires in the safest and most effective way so that they can protect communities and better ensure their own safety while on the job.
We only need look back in time to last summer to understand the devastation that can be caused by fire.
The blazes that swept through the Highlands last summer are still fresh in the minds of many.
You only need to travel the Hume Highway or venture into Balmoral Village or Yanderra to see the signs of the damage caused as scrub and bushland showcase new growth.
Much of this bushland is located dangerously close to homes.
However, the skill of fire fighters helped guard against potential tragedy from these blazes.
In contrast, the devastation that can be caused by fires as they sweep through communities has been driven home by the recent $500 million compensation settlement handed down to survivors of the Black Saturday fire in Victoria on February 7, 2009.
A total of 173 Victorian lives were lost that day, 119 were in the East Kilmore-Kinglake region, with 1242 properties destroyed in the same community.
It is a stark reminder of the possible tragic consequences of fire.
Continued training, quality equipment and programs that educate the community about fire safety are essential.