CFS invites landholders to register FFUs

The program will look to provide registered operators of FFUs with better access to safety and insurance arrangements when working together with CFS members on firegrounds.

CFS frontline services support executive director Georgie Cornish said the program is set to build on recommendations of the Kellty Review, released in July last year.

"We are encouraging owners of FFUs to register with the CFS, so that we can work together when they respond with our volunteers to bushfires," Ms Cornish said.

"By better coordinating our approach with FFU operators on the fireground, we will be able to provide improved support for everyone helping on the fireground."

Emergency Services Minister Vincent Tarzia said ole FFUs were a key part of fighting bushfires.

"The FFU community is undoubtedly dedicated to protecting lives and property," Mr Tarzia said.

"FFU efforts - especially at the Cudlee Creek, Yorketown and Kangaroo Island fires - highlights their importance as we all work together to create a more bushfire resilient SA.

Peake farmer Damien Heym, who suffered burns to 36 per cent of his body when using his FFU on neighbouring properties fighting the Yumali fire in November last year, said communication between CFS and FFUs was vital.

"Normally it works quite well, when we go with our units, we tend to go and find a fire truck and follow them - they put the big fire out and we put out what they miss, that works really well and is really effective," he said.

"But on the day (in November last year) the fire was so bad, we couldn't find a fire truck, we found ourselves with a little bit of fire, we were working on that, the smoke stalled the ute out and then we were stuck.

"FFUs do a big job. CFS need to be communicating more with the FFUs on the ground, so everyone knows where each other are."

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