Looking after logistics: behind the scenes of a bushfire

If she’s deployed to a bushfire, Danielle dons a blue vest and sits with a group of expert logistics officers – affectionally known as 'logs' – in an Incident Management Team (IMT).

'In my previous role at Horsham Rural City Council I was always involved in emergency events when staff were out in field. When I came to DEECA seven years ago, going into logistics for emergency response was a clear choice for me.'

Logs work closely with a specialist planning team during an emergency, organising everything for deployed resources, including staff and vehicles, to communications equipment, base camps, catering and medical services.

You never know who you'll meet on the job

Danielle is used to wearing many hats. Her day job in the Land and Built Environment Team at DEECA involves looking after crown land and volunteer committees.

Last season Danielle was able to contribute to multiple emergency response roles.

'I was deployed as a radio operator over the Australia Day weekend in 2025 when fires started in the Little Desert and South Grampians.

'This gave me a whole new insight into what happens when fires start and what goes on in the operations room.'

Danielle is now accredited as a level three Logistics Officer, which means she will be deployed to the most complex fires.

When asked about her favourite parts of the job, a few experiences from the 2024/25 season stand out.

'There are so many highlights in this role, but meeting the Prime Minister and getting a selfie, as well as collaborating with teams from right across the state and helping the firefighting crews on the ground and in the IMT stand out for me.'

Preparing for summer

After 7 years working at many bushfires, Danielle has some words of caution heading into another dry summer.

'The last two seasons have been the biggest fires I have been involved with, and the current weather outlook is predicting another dry season.

'I encourage the community to have their fire plans ready and the Vic Emergency app downloaded with notifications on. If you don’t need to travel on total fire ban days, then please don’t.'

More information

Find out more about making a fire plan: Fires are part of life in Victoria.

Stay up to date about incidents or warnings by downloading the VicEmergency app or on the VicEmergency website.