Mt Buller Fire Tower receives new look with uPVC windows
Mt Buller Fire Tower has received a new look with uPVC windows. Mt Buller Fire Tower is a pyramid shaped structure, built in the late 60s and is one of 67 fire towers the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) use to spot the beginnings of a bush fire during the summer.
According to Fire Services, two key features were necessary for the windows; double glazing for insulation, and windows on an angle to reduce reflections, and to fit the pyramid shaped building.
The tower has to deal with intense summer and winter temperatures found in the alpine region; from minus 10 in winter to 40 degrees plus in summer.
As the windows provide a 360 degree view, the corners had to be as narrow as possible, to allow maximum visibility, 25mm of a corner frame can mean visibly blocking out 2-3 kms of view in the distance.
uPVC double-glazed windows were the solution to the problem according to Everglaze. who supplied and installed the windows.
According to Everglaze, after many years in a high weather area at the peak of a mountain, the original steel window frames were rusted and falling away. The longevity required for the towers and the relatively remote location means uPVC windows were also attractive because they are tough and durable, do not rot, and do not require painting overtime.
uPVC (unplasticised PVC) window frames are also non-conductive, meaning they do not transfer heat and therefore will not influence the internal temperature of a building.
Mt Buller Fire Tower’s unusual shape structure meant that the windows, like several uPVC windows in Australia, were custom made. When required, the windows can be opened outwards and up so the firespotters can get a clear view.
According to Everglaze, the frames and glass had to be carted up manually and the new steel roof had to be put in position by a helicopter.
The fire towers are manned in the daylight hours, usually 10am, 6pm but this will often be extended in the event of a lightning storm.
For 4-5 months over the summer fires potters sit in the towers watching for smoke indicating the beginning of a bush fire. A piece of string hangs down the middle of the tower and when smoke is visible the fire spotter lines up the string with the smoke and notes the corresponding position on a scale on the fire tower inner wall. When this is done from two fire towers a location can be established, allowing DSE fire-fighters to go and put it out before it becomes a big problem.
During lighting storms, in addition to looking for smoke, the lookers also get a position on each lightning strike and a DSE ground or helicopter crew is sent out in the next day or so to find and extinguish any smouldering fires.
29-Mar-2007