As temperatures rise and the landscape dries out, the demands placed on fire crews, land-management teams and operators in the field increase dramatically. Whether you are working in forestry, agriculture, conservation or emergency response support, the combination of heat, physical exertion and unpredictable conditions can create genuine risks. At Rencon Air & Land, the safety of our team and the people we work alongside is a core priority, especially as we head into periods of elevated fire danger.
Summer brings a unique set of challenges. Heat stress, dehydration and fatigue can creep up quicker than most people realise. Long hours outdoors, exposure to radiant heat and the physical effort required in rugged terrain can reduce decision-making ability and slow reaction times. For us, safety begins before a job even starts. Assessing the weather, planning workloads carefully and ensuring our crews have access to adequate shade, hydration and rest are non-negotiable steps in our seasonal operations.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is another critical piece of the safety puzzle. In fire-risk environments or high-heat conditions, PPE needs to do more than simply meet basic compliance. It must be comfortable, breathable and fit-for-purpose. Lightweight fire-resistant clothing, eye protection, gloves, sturdy boots and proper headgear all help reduce risk, but they must be worn consistently and correctly. At Rencon Air & Land, we maintain appropriate PPE for each team member and review its condition before every deployment. Equipment is only effective when it’s in good condition and suited to the job at hand.
Crew rotation plays a major role in maintaining safe performance throughout long shifts. Continuous exposure to heat is not sustainable, and pushing past physical limits leads to mistakes. We implement structured rotations across our aerial and ground teams, ensuring rest breaks are frequent and predictable. This keeps alertness high and reduces the likelihood of fatigue-related incidents. Rotations aren’t just an operational convenience — they’re a proactive safety strategy. When everyone is functioning at their best, the entire team benefits.
Monitoring conditions is just as important as preparing for them. Heat, wind and humidity can change rapidly, especially in rural and forested regions. During fire season, small shifts in weather can dramatically elevate risk. We keep our crews informed, connected and ready to adjust plans if conditions change. Communication between operators, support staff and landowners is essential. If temperatures rise or fire danger ratings increase, we slow down, reassess and adjust accordingly. Safety always takes precedence over schedule.
Working through summer and fire-season conditions requires respect for the environment and respect for the people doing the work. Heat is unforgiving, fires can escalate quickly and fatigue affects good judgement. The combination of proper PPE, planned rotations and a culture of safety-first thinking allows teams to operate effectively while protecting their wellbeing.
At Rencon Air & Land, our commitment to OH&S goes beyond compliance. It’s woven into every step of our process — from drone operations and aerial spraying to surveying, forestry support and fire-mitigation work. As the fire season intensifies, we encourage everyone in rural industries to prioritise heat safety, check their equipment, support their crews and stay aware of changing conditions.
Smart planning, the right gear and focused teamwork make all the difference. Stay safe, stay hydrated and look out for your crews this fire season.