The CFS response to the Woolworths fire in the Stirling Village complex on 15 October, 2023, was the most significant structure fire attended by the agency in recent history.

As a request from the Chief Officer, the After-Action Review (AAR) was completed to ensure that the successes and lessons learnt from the Stirling Mall Fire are taken on-board and replicated across the agency.

Victoria's Country Fire Authority (CFA) completed an independent review to assist in facilitating and analysing the AAR. The report also featured a tactical analysis of our operations in Region 1, included information from CRIIMSON, and follow-up interviews with key staff and volunteers involved in the incident.

The CFS recognises and thanks the hard work of everyone who was called to the Stirling Mall Fire and did extraordinary work in minimising the damage to adjacent assets. CFS also thanks the expertise provided by the MFS and the support from partner agencies.

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Stirling Mall Fire After-Action Review report

 
Recommendation agency response
Encourage volunteers to access pre-incident planning guidance The Manager, Urban and Technical Operations, work with Regional Operations Planning Officers to understand the status and explore opportunities to encourage volunteers to access to pre-incident planning guidance.
Review Region 1 backup beats The decision to hold the review of the Region 1 backup beats be reviewed by the Director of Regional Services and Operations.

Emergency Management Merge (EM Merge) Implementation and Sector-Wide Readiness

 Recommendation accepted
Increase member awareness of specialised resources The CFS looks at options to increase member awareness of specialised resources and their functionality.
Review urban response arrangements Urban Uplift Project will be established to take a detailed look at urban response arrangements, minimum crewing levels, and training matters for both firefighters and command staff and volunteers.
Access to incident desk A working group will consider the opportunities for access to an incident desk for incidents in the mutual aid area.
Entry Control Officer processes Urban Uplift Project will review the Entry Control Officer (ECO) processes and options for improvement.
Increased access to training and skills maintenance Urban Uplift Project will ensure CFS firefighters are given greater access to contemporary urban firefighter training and skills maintenance at both the tactical and operational levels.