eLearning resources

eLearning resources have been developed to support users of the AFDRS to adjust to the new concepts, components and products. eLearning is available at different levels, targeted at different audiences.

Access to eLearning

Staff of fire management agencies are asked to conduct the AFDRS eLearning on their own department’s learning management system, if available. Check with your agency’s training team first.

Others can access it here: https://afdrs-training.afac.com.au/moodle

Introductory level training

Course 1a: Introduction to the AFDRS

This training is suitable for a wide range of people, including interested members of the community and those working in government and industry. This course explains key AFDRS concepts such as Fire Danger Ratings and the Fire Behaviour Index.

Course 1a addresses the following topics:

• The importance and aims of the AFDRS.
• Why there are two ways to look at fire danger.
• What the Fire Danger Ratings are.
• What the Fire Behaviour Index is.

Course 1b: How to present the AFDRS Fire Danger Ratings

This training takes a deeper look into the Fire Danger Ratings of the AFDRS. It is useful for anyone who needs to present or communicate about Fire Danger Ratings. It is also suitable for anyone wanting to increase their understanding of how to stay safe, how to stay informed and when to act on fire danger information.

Course 1b addresses the following topics:

• How to present the Fire Danger Ratings to the community.
• The steps community members can take to stay informed and safe.
• What additional resources are available such as brochures and tv ads.
• The implications for different groups within the community.

Intermediate level training

Course 2: Applying the AFDRS

For fire and land management professionals, planners, command and operational staff. Anyone requiring an applied knowledge of the AFDRS. Course 2 has three modules.

Module 1: Fire Danger and the Fire Behaviour Index which addresses the following topics:

• How is fire danger presented?
• How is fire danger calculated?
• A tour of the FBI tables
• How do I apply the FBI to my work?

Module 2: Fire Behaviour Models and Fuel Types which addresses the following topics:

• What are fire behaviour models?
• Which fire behaviour models are used with the AFDRS?
• What are fuel types?
• A tour of the fire behaviour models and fuel types.

Module 3: AFDRS Products which addresses the following topics:

• What are the AFDRS products?
• What is the Fuel State Editor?
• What is the Fire Danger Viewer?
• What are the BoM Products?

Advanced level training

BoM Courses: AFDRS Theory For fire behaviour analysts (FBANS), meteorologists and those requiring a technical understanding of the theory behind the AFDRS, including equations. This is a technical course for specialists.

Access to eLearning

There are two eLearning courses available from the Bureau of Meteorology learning portal. Access is available only to emergency services staff through self-enrolling using an agency email address.

Enquiries should be directed to james.pescott@bom.gov.au

Modular training assets

In addition to the eLearning, there are a number of training assets that can be adopted in a modular fashion by organisations to address varying needs including:

• Classroom training targeted at different audiences
• Support cut over to the new system from the old system
• Acclimatising staff and stakeholders to AFDRS concepts
• Update existing training resources to align with the AFDRS
• Build a standalone AFDRS training package
• Facilitating national consistency in the way that AFDRS is communicated

These training assets include:

• Written assets laid out as modular lesson plans
• Supporting PowerPoint presentations and documents
• Video assets addressing a range of AFDRS components

Contact afdrs@afac.com.au to enquire about the AFDRS Modular training assets.