The Fire and Rescue Services Act 200415 places a statutory duty on fire and rescue authorities to take all reasonable measures to secure an adequate supply of water for firefighting purposes.

Water availability required careful management throughout the incident, reflecting the remote location, limited natural water sources, and the sustained demand associated with deep-seated peat fires. Suppression activity relied on a combination of water bowsers, portable pumps, High Volume Pump (HVP) capability and off-road delivery methods to distribute water across a large and challenging incident ground.

Opportunities for direct water sourcing were constrained by geography, access limitations, and environmental considerations. During periods of heightened escalation, seawater was utilised as a contingency measure to support suppression activity; however, it was used only when required, for the shortest possible duration and in consultation with partner agencies, recognising its potential environmental impact and ensuring its use remained proportionate and necessary.

As the incident progressed, water supply arrangements became progressively more stable, supported by improved coordination  and integration of assets. However, the experience reinforced the importance  of early clarity around water sourcing  options, permissions and  environmental constraints that can  only come from pre-planning.

What Worked Well
• Effective use of a range of water delivery methods, including bowsers, HVP and off-road assets
• Strong adaptation to a challenging operating environment with limited natural water sources
• Ongoing assessment of water sourcing options balanced operational need with environmental protection
• Improved coordination and structure of water supply arrangements as the incident developed

Learning Opportunities
• Consider early and structured pre-planning for water sourcing in remote and environmentally sensitive areas, ensuring viable options, permissions and constraints are identified in advance