SKIING fanatics and snow lovers enjoying the newly opened Victorian snowfields will be in good hands, with the creation of CFA’s first Alpine Commander to focus full-time on the challenges of preparing, responding and recovering from fire and emergencies in the alpine areas.

A Commander position has already been stationed at Falls Creek and at Mt Hotham-Dinner Plain during winter months since 2001, and at Mt Buller since 2009, but the new role will further boost CFA’s service to the popular alpine resorts.

Alpine commander Mark Owens will become the first member to take on the position, having previously worked as a Winter Commander at Falls Creek.

“This is just an extension of that where I am now; I will be dedicated to the whole alpine area for the entire year, not just during the snow season,” he said.

Community safety, enhancing the volunteer workforce, improving fleet infrastructure and equipment, ensuring building safety and compliance, and improving services with stakeholders will be in focus as Commander Owens oversees the implementation of CFA’s first Alpine Service Delivery Strategy Plan.

“The risk of structure fire during winter is especially significant as the population and tourism increases, as does the risk of a fire in a building, lodge, or even ski lift infrastructure,” Commander Owens said.

The position will also ensure a dedicated, year-round approach to managing the unique challenges faced by the resorts through the summer months.

“During the summer, most bushfires start within public land areas and move towards the alpine villages where it is our responsibility to protect life and property, just like any other town in the state,” Commander Owens said.

“One of the biggest issues we face during the summer is that we don’t have as many volunteers around on the mountains. This role will help address issues like that, which are unique to the alpine resorts.”

Commander Owens will also oversee the introduction of a new alpine pumper at each of the three major resorts which are expected to be in use by the start of next year’s snow season.

Meanwhile, alpine residents and accommodation managers are reminded that the start of the snow season is also an important time to ensure all exits and paths to exits are clear of obstructions, that alarm panels, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are checked regularly, and fire and emergency evacuation plans are in place and practised.