About
I started as a volunteer firefighter in the 1980s, working alongside my father and others in our community.
Since then, I've worked as a firefighter across forestry, parks and wildlife, fire and emergency services, and as a volunteer. I've worked with experienced crews on incidents across Western Australia and interstate, from local fires through to large-scale Level 3 incidents. Those experiences reinforced for me the value of learning from others.
As a trainer, I've spent the last decade delivering rural fire and incident management courses.
Training has always been important to me, and I've genuinely appreciated the willingness of experienced firefighters to share their knowledge and experience.
We developed the Bushfire Model to support sharing that knowledge. It provides a way for trainers and crews to explore fire behaviour, discuss decisions, and learn together through realistic, hands-on scenarios.
How the Bushfire Model was developed
In 2016, Lynette and I built the first Bushfire Model to help a local firefighter share his knowledge with new brigade members.
The first session was a success, and word spread quickly. Before long, we were receiving requests from local brigades through to Fire and Rescue and State Emergency Service personnel.
Why we do what we do
Helping firefighters share knowledge and experience remains at the heart of what we do.
The Bushfire Model has been shaped by the feedback of brigades, trainers and agencies across Australia, and continues to evolve through their ongoing support.
We still make each model by hand, reflecting our commitment to supporting effective training and knowledge sharing.
Thanks for your interest in the Bushfire Model and the work we do.
Paul Blechynden
