8 Repair. Lessons learnt from the fire were listed in detail and plans made to practically engineer and “proceduralise” a strengthened approach into the rebuild. Contributing towards the strengthened approach are fire retardant conveyor belts which are the new norm at the complex thereby reducing chances of mechanical ignition and flame spread. The rebuild also includes enhanced training facilities, improved personnel ablutions and comfortable canteen facility contributing towards staff wellness and ability. In many ways, this strengthened approach forms the springboard towards NCT’s fire Readiness within the complex. The three legs of Readiness are Capacity, Appropriateness (equipment) and Availability (on site). Capable and trained staff, on site, is a critical requirement of Readiness. Currently NCT has a contracted-in team of fully fledged fire fighters together with a rapid attack fire engine responsible for standby and rapid reaction duties. This team will be maintained on site until such time that NCT has its own trained and fire-skilled operatives. Wisdom gleaned from the fire is that not everyone is a fire fighter which is guiding NCT towards providing select personnel with that particular and specialised skill set. Control of fire prevention and firefighting efforts rests on the legs of Strategy, Supervision and Command. These legs are being kept in mind throughout the rebuild process ensuring that personnel, fit for purpose, with designated authorities and skill sets to execute specific tasks, are trained and deployed appropriately. Other than ensuring that NCT meets client woodchip requirements, on time, every time, the most important focus of the rebuilding process is arguably that of Response. So that we never have to experience another apocalyptic fire event, the rebuild must ensure and enable effective Response to an emergency. Our experiences have taught us that the three legs of Response are Reach, Rate and Replace. At the slightest hint of a fire, we are to be able to reach the ignition point rapidly. A high volume 200 mm diameter under surface, water reticulation system, traversing the whole complex, will ultimately provide high water volume fed by a 2.5 million L water reservoir to hydrants interspersed all along the system. Fire boxes containing ready packed hoses and couplings scattered across the complex at strategic points will allow ground personnel to couple into the water source and tackle an ignition without need of waiting for a vehicle to arrive.
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