Grassland curing training comprises an integrated set of products designed to support the principles required to make grassland  curing observations in the field. The training products include an online training course, a photo reference field card and field guide. Consistent accurate reporting is based on a flexible understanding of the underlying characteristics of grass as it dries (cures). The structure and composition of grasslands are complex and dynamic; therefore teaching every possible set of parameters by rote would be impractical. Training is available and accessible to all observers, regardless of education or literacy levels.

This paper outlines a principle-based approach taken to support ongoing learning by grassland curing observers. Principles include observing the key changes in grassland senescence and fuel loads throughout the fire season, landscape-level and textural changes. Observing changes at all scales is essential.

The training products were developed to support ongoing training. The online training course contains short videos followed by review questions. The videos also support incidental training – they are available for other courses and Country Fire Authority (CFA) Brigade meetings.  The field card is sequential, logical and colour-coded to assist with consistent reporting in the field. The field guide is designed to facilitate checking and analysis, and contains conceptual links between curing and grassfire behaviour.

The integrated products have been deployed for operational use, and work together to provide initial and further learning, and ongoing support in the field. The products are used in different times and places, and contain content appropriate to each – the field card is used in grasslands and contains comparative photos for making observations, whereas the online course is used indoors and contains instructional photos to clarify measuring techniques. Using different products to deliver one consistent message assists with multiple encoding and supports retention of the principles involved.