This will turn in to the same exercise. I am not nor ever will volunteer with the CFA. I have family that work within the system on both volunteer and within the DSE. My perspective is guided by reading just about every commission report on Australian fires since the advent of the www. Also listening to my relis during and after fire events in NE Vic. And, reading one bloody good book on aboriginal fire management that leaves modern methods seriously deficient.
Getting that out of the way. Until the authorities allow these assets here and give them a red hot go without deliberately hamstringing their operation, we will never know how good or "bad" they are.