Bushfire perimeter rather than bushfire area is the main control problem for firefighters on the ground. A conundrum rapidly compounded by spot fires. A small 5 ha fire can be nearly 1 km around the perimeter. That's a long way to build a control line by hand in rough bush. Dry firefighting techniques by hand were mostly confined to “knocking down” or “beating out” the flames, as well as "digging out". Digging or raking a “mineral earth” trail down to bare dirt proved most effective in forest fuels which, unlike grass, tend to retain heat and smoulder. Early tools were whatever happened to be close at hand. They were simple and primitive and included shovels, slashers, axes, hoes, beaters and rakes. A cut branch to beat the flames was often the only thing available. Farming and logging tools, developed over centuries of manual labour, and readily available at local hardware stores came into use, but little thought was given to size, weight, and balance. For years foresters experimented with combination tools. In about 1952 fire beaters and other implements were being replaced with Rakuts.Fire tool used before the introduction of RakehoesRakut - Fire Rake and cutting toolGreen and red coloured handle and 020 marking indicated which FCV District the tool belonged tobushfire

There are two categories of cutting edge on broad axes and both are used for shaping logs by hewing. 1. Single bevel axe - one side is flat and the other side bevelled, also called a side axe. The handle may curve away from the flat side to allow an optimal stance. The flat blade but can only be worked from one direction and is right-handed or left-handed. 2. Double bevel axe - both sides are bevelled and produces a scalloped cut. The axe has a straight handle and can be swung with either side against the wood. A double-bevelled broad axe can be used for chopping or notching as well as hewing. Broad Axe - Double bevelled edge Straight wooden handlesmall lettering and government crows foot

Used in FCV nurseries for creating shallow planting lines in seedbeds Light weight designWooden planting rake with 8 teethplantations, nurseries

An Adze is versatile cutting tool similar to an axe but with the sharp cutting edge perpendicular to the handle rather than parallel. The wooden handle is straight and the blade has a slight curve. They are used for smoothing or carving wood such as sleepers An adz, with its long handle, cuts with the grain, and the nature of the chips is different from an axe. While they have a similar shape, they should never be confused with a hoe or mattock used for agriculture and horticulture. Adze - smalltimber tools

Also known as a froe (or frow), shake axe or paling knife, this tool is used for cleaving wood by splitting it along the grain. The L-shaped tool is hammered on the top edge of its blade into the end of a piece of wood in the direction of the grain, then twisting the blade in the wood by rotating the haft (handle).Shingle knife or paling splitter Metal knife with short wooden handletimber tools

A mortising axe is designed for trimming or cutting notches in timber. It has a short handle and square cutting edgeMortising Axe - smalltimber tools

A mortising tool is a specialist axe designed for hewing sills and cutting notches in timber. It has a long, narrow head, making it easier to work on large logs. The shape enables the user to cut a long way down into the notch, where otherwise a chisel would be used.Example of a common bush woodworking tool used before the advent of chainsaws and power equipmentMortising Tool, AxePrades Co Solid Steeltimber tools

An Adze is versatile cutting tool similar to an axe but with the sharp cutting edge perpendicular to the handle rather than parallel. The wooden handle of this adze is shaped like an axe handle and the blade also has a slight curve. They are used for smoothing or carving wood such as sleepers An adz, with its long handle, cuts with the grain, and the nature of the chips is different from an axe. While they have a similar shape, they should never be confused with a hoe used or mattock for agriculture and horticulture.Adze - Largetimber tools

Continuous cutting chain was patented in 1905 by Samuel Bens of San Francisco, while the first portable chainsaw was developed and patented in 1918 by Canadian millwright James Shand. But the main advancements of modern petrol chainsaws occurred in Europe in the 1920s and 30s where Andreas Stihl is often hailed as the "father of the chainsaw" After the second world war lighter materials, metal alloys and improved engine designs revolutionised the logging and timber industry. Of interest on this model is the spacing of the teeth compared to modern machines. With a 4HP motor it has few safety features and is very heavyEarly model chainsawBurns ChainsawModel 106forest harvesting

Spurs were attached with leather straps which held them to the climbers legs. The straps are missing on this pair They have a contoured shank with offset stirrup for the climbers boots Buckingham manufacturing dates back in America to 1896. Climbing spurs were made in their blacksmith shop and were popular with linesmen, loggers and tree arborists. Buckingham steel climbing spurs

Foresters usually measure the diameter of trees at Breast Height – traditionally 4 foot, 6 inches – now 1.3 m – which is termed Diameter Breast Height Over Bark (DBHOB). The most common way to measure tree diameter is to place a calibrated tape around the stem at breast height. It’s simple, but can be slow, particularly if the scrub is thick, or if there are heaps of trees. A tree caliper is another quick method of estimating DBHOB. Wooden tree measuring calipersMeasurements are in inches (pre metrication in 1974) A crown faint crown mark (331) and crows foot is visible on one end forest measurement

The Forests Commission began using computers in the 1960s for resource inventory under the Chief Forest Assessor Murray Paine IBM introduced the Port-A-Punch in 1958 as a fast, accurate means of manually punching holes in specially scored IBM punched cards. Designed to fit in the pocket, Port-A-Punch made it possible to create punched card documents anywhere. The product was intended for "on-the-spot" recording of data such a assessment plotsThe IBM Port-A-Punch prepared computer data and programming cards. Normally there is a a separate stylus pen, similar to a ball-point pen to punch the holes in the cards, but it is missing This instrument consists of a plastic frame that holds 13 long plastic rectangles along its length. A transparent plastic template which has an array of evenly spaced holes fits over the rectangles, and cards are placed over this. IBM Portapunchforest measurement

Back pack used to carry portable two-way radios and spare batteries to remote bushfiresCanvas backpackFCV Radio Labbushfire

Canvas bag issued to FCV staff to take personal belonging to bushfiresCanvas Bag for personal gearRus Ritchie, Divisional Forester, Wangarattabushfire

The Forests Commission had a large and active engineering branch which was often called upon for major demolition or quarry work. Most overseers, as well as some foresters, were trained in the use of explosives to “blow stuff up” such as removing stumps and rocks from roads. Districts usually had a small powder magazine tucked away in the bush for storage of gelignite and detonators.Sample board showing examples of explosives and detonatorsroad construction and maintenance.

Pulpwood was often split by hand or with black powder splitting guns into more manageable sizes and cut into 8 foot lengths (or billets). Billets were first stacked endwise to drain the sap and lighten the load before they were loaded by hand onto flat bed trucks for transport to the mills. This long length metal hook was used to pull and manoeuvre the pulpwood billets onto the truck. The advent of excavators in logging operations in the 1970s led to the loading and carting pulpwood in long tree lengths.Long steel tool with handle on one end and hook on the other.

The origins of the humble handheld driptorch have been lost in time. They are widely used for ignition in controlled burning operations in forest and grasslands. The “Pacific Forester“ with its short central wand and somewhat leaky ball-valve was made by the American Wajax company in the 1940s. The Pacific Forester is slightly different in design from the more robust and common “Panama” driptorch first manufactured in 1933 and used extensively by Queensland cane farmers. The Panama is closely related to the current “Firebug” used in Victoria which is manufactured by Rodney Industries in Brisbane and has an offset wand design which gives it good balance. The fuel is a mixture of petrol and diesel and every FCV District had their own closely-guarded secret formula ... 2:1, 3:1, 1:1, 4:1 or 3:2 ratio. There was also the choice of 91, 95 or 98 octane petrol mixed with summer or winter diesel. Occasionally some of the old Avgas or Jet-A1 lying around the depot was added with a splash of engine oil to make the mixture stick to the fuel to be ignited. The fuel mixed also varied between autumn or spring, heathland, mixed forest, or high-intensity slash burnsCommon driptorch used throughout AustraliaDrip torch with handle Wand has loop and valve. The loop is designed to assist with even flow of fuel which flows out onto the burning head of the wand. Pressure equalising value in top of aluminum fuel container which holds 4 litres of burner mix. Gravitational feed of the driptorch allows the unit to drip fire, making it simple and quick to operate. Instructions for use. CF+L written with texta pen.bushfire

Soon after the outbreak of World War Two, the British Government requested experienced forestry soldiers from Australia, New Zealand and Canada to be deployed in France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. The first Forestry Company (2/1) was based in Sydney with men from NSW, Queensland and South Australia, led by Captain Cyril Richard Cole, a professional forester from the Australian Capital Territory. The second Forestry Company (2/2) included many Forests Commission staff, local sawmillers and experienced bushmen from Victoria, WA and Tasmania including veterans of the First World War. They were led by Captain Andrew Leonard (Ben) Benallack, a graduate from the Victorian School of Forestry in 1922. Both Forestry Companies sailed from Fremantle on the Stratheden in late May 1940 and landed in England not long after the evacuation of Dunkirk. The foresters were recalled to Australia at the insistence of Prime Minister John Curtin in late 1943 because of the War in the Pacific. After reequipping and some refresher training in jungle warfare at Kapooka the 2/2 Forestry Company was deployed to Lae in Papua New Guinea in May 1944. This photograph was probably taken in Australia before deployment to PNG.Photo in wooden frame of Royal Australian Engineers Forestry Company

WW2light cardMrs Martin. State Emergency Council for Civil Defence (Victoria) City of Camberwell Air Raid Precautions Sector Warden Mr Ashcroft Glen Iris Mr Lyte Glen Iris Nearest Wardens Post F W Smith phone U1526 Sector No. 114 Area Warden Councillor E W Raven WM1510

Handwritten inscription refers to 16th Reinforcements G.S.G (General Service Group). Transported back to Australia via Troop Ship SS Riverina. Printed by Cambridge. Printed at the University Press, for The British and Foreign Bible Society 146 Queen Victoria Street London.Was given to Richard Evans who was born in Chiltern Valley ( who served in WW1 )Blue soft cover fabric weave. Parchment coloured pages with small black print. 64 pages. No. 69029. Pt. R Evans 16th Reinforcements G G G Aus Imperial Forces Abroad 20/11/ 18 Stamped British and Foreign Bible Society Bible House 214/3 Flinders Lane Melbourne. chiltern, chiltern valley, richard evans, ww1, gospel st mark

1916 New Testament owned by Richard Evans while serving in WW1Richard Evans was born in Chiltern Valley and served in WW1Size 66mm x 100mm, colour khaki fabric, reinforced cover print, front and back cover has black print, parchment coloured pages with red edges. Cover insignia contains laurel wreath with dove of peace above a small bible Inside front cover contains wording - Richard Evans 19.18 (different pen entries) Pte R Evans Nos 69029 16th Reinforcements Victoria Aus Imperial Forces Abroadchiltern valley, chiltern, new testament, ww1, richard evans

Photograph of Private Claude H. Lefoe enlisted on 6/7/1918 at Barnawartha Victoria. WW1 Photo of Claude H Lefoe enlisted at Barnawartha, Victoria in 1918. Photograph, sepia coloured, of Claude H. Lefoe WW1 Soldier

WWI Photograph of Joseph (Joe) Maffersoni (seated) in uniform, Other uniformed soldier unknown, Born in Longwood, Victoria, occupation Labourer, enlisted in Army at Liverpool, NSW on 21/6/1915Chiltern Shire of Honor RollCopied Photograph in sepia of Joseph (Joe) Maffersoni seated, other person unknownwwi, chiltern shire honor roll, chiltern

James(Jim) Mitchell pictured in Uniform born 30/4/1890 Violet Town, Victoria, Enlisted in Liverpool, NSW. Died 4/12/1921James (Jim) Mitchell pictured in Uniform enlisted in Army during WW1Black and white copied photograph of James(Jim) Mitchell in Army uniform ww1, chiltern shire honor roll

John Pascoe (Jack) Mitchell Born 12/2/1888 in Violet Town, Victoria, Was a Labourer and Enlisted in the Army aged 26 in Melbourne on 27/7/1915. He was promoted to Sgt in the 5th Battalion and was discharged from the Army on 31/3/1919. He died on 24/4/1972 in Myrtleford.Copied Black and White Photograph of John Pascoe Mitchellww1, chiltern shire honor roll

Flower Day was created in Victoria in 1916 to raise funds for the war relief fund. State schools had their own gardens and would sell the flowers & vegetables. The inaugural Flower Day raised over 32,309 pound. Was also held in 1917 & to a lesser extent in 1918. The badge is part of The Chiltern Athenaeum WW1 displayoval shaped paper attached to red white & navy ribbon"Childrens Flower Day 1918"chiltern, childrens flower day, war relief fund

WW1 Circa 1914-1918 Sent to Chiltern resident Mrs. Wm Fuge Cornishtown via Chiltern. WW1 The Great War 1914-1918Buff coloured WW1 Greeting Postcard "To My Dear Sister". Item has an internal card within an attached lace envelope. The card contained within has a number of commonwealth flags around the edges as a border and the card has the wording "Happy Birthday Greetings". Internal lace overlay is made of silk and has embroidery around the edges with small red roses and green stems and a larger embroided pansy flower in the middle of purple and yellow colours, with two small bordering elderflowers of light blue colouring. France October 14th 1917 Card reads as follows: Dear Ethel, your letter to hand 12th August and pleased to hear you are all well. Wishing you and all the compliments of the season I remain your loving brother Bert. Address annotated on the card : Mrs Wm Fuge Cornishtown Via Chiltern Victoria Australia. The wording on the bottom part of the silk envelope is in red embroidery and annotates the following " To my dear sister". ww1, the great war 1914-1918

WW1 Postal envelope for correspondence home form loved ones. Addressed to Miss Florrie Dow Landsborough Victoria. WW1 1914-1915 Correspondence envelopeBuff coloured envelope used for WW1 correspondance to loved ones. Inscribed on front "On Active Service" certification clause of contents and copyright information. Inscribed on front "On Active Service" certification clause of contents and copyright information. Addressed to Miss Florrie Dow Landsborough Victoria. miss florrie dow, ww1 1914-1918, correspondence home from ww1

Once assigned to Bill Hotson, Chiltern Valley resident and member of the local Chiltern CFA. 1960's helmet issue. Associated with the Chiltern CFA and member Mr. Bill Hotson, resident of Chiltern Valley. White with red band fire fighters helmet. There is a blue and white shield on the front with the Country Fire Brigade Victoria wording upon it. There are two red tape strips on the front also. A green name tag states the item once was assigned to Bill Hotson Group Officer. There is a blue and white shield on the front with the Country Fire Brigade Victoria wording upon it. There are two red tape strips on the front also. A green name tag states the item once was assigned to Bill Hotson Group Officer. 1960's white fire fighter's helmet, chiltern valley resident bill hotson fire fighting helmet