SOUTH AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADES ASSOCIATION (SAVFBA)

VIRTUES OF A
CFS VOLUNTEER

The eight-pointed star is the traditional insignia of the SA Country Fire Service (CFS), formerly known as the Emergency Fire Service (EFS).

RootCFS Insignia.jpg RootEFS Logo.jpg

The star is not unique to the CFS as it is recognised by fire services all over the world.

It is otherwise referred to as the Cross of Saint John which originally emerged from the Maltese Cross.

Used by the Knights of Saint John during the Crusades in Jerusalem, the points on the Maltese Cross represented eight different virtues of Knighthood:

•    Tact
•    Loyalty
•    Dexterity
•    Observation
•    Sympathy
•    Explicitness
•    Gallantry
•    Perseverance

Over time, firefighters have adopted these same virtues bringing about a commonality between fire services all over the world.

In most cases the only difference between fire service insignias is the centrepiece, which is specific to the organisation.

The CFS Star is seen on the official uniform worn by volunteers and staff.

However, the CFS also has a corporate logo, which represents the State in Australia in which it serves and is displayed on all vehicles and infrastructure.


RootCFS state.jpg

BUSHFIRE CODE OF PRACTICE

A Code of Practice for the management of native vegetation to reduce the impact of bushfire has recently been developed and is now available online.

The Code is a user-friendly guide outlining the provisions of the Native Vegetation Act 1991 in relation to the management of native vegetation, clearance and fire protection.

Jointly developed by the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, Department of Heritage and Environment, South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) and the Native Vegetation Council (NVC), the Code provides land managers with a clear and consistent approach to the management of native vegetation to reduce the impact of bushfire while still recognising the need to maintain and protect our State's important biodiversity assets.

The next step is for the NVC to consider delegating clearance approvals to CFS officers, further streamlining the process.

This Code will be reviewed after 18 months, and may be reviewed earlier as information following recent fire events becomes available.

The Code and other relevant guidelines, regulations and documents can be viewed at: http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/native/fire/cop.html

In line with the Code, the NVC and CFS have launched a campaign outlining the steps regional landholders can take today to clear native vegetation that presents a bushfire risk on their property.

As part of the campaign, a dedicated fact sheet and new portal on the CFS website has been established to provide important information from both the CFS and NVC.

Visit www.cfs.sa.gov.au for further information (portal on right hand side of homepage).


Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 (Archive on Tuesday, March 31, 2009)
Return
Site by CanDoNetSite MapTerms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyAbout UsContact UsLogin