As fires ravage drought-stricken towns in New South Wales and Queensland, fire fighters are being forced to find alternative methods to battle fierce blazes. Towns including Stanthorpe in Queensland are counting down to day zero, when the water supply is set to run dry. But precious supplies are being diverted to fight fires that threatens homes and residents.

“Dry firefighting” is increasingly being used to manage the crisis, with authorities employing techniques like bulldozers and rakes to halt encroaching blazes.

We chat to Operations Manager Regional Commander Graeme Armstrong from Country Fire Authority Victoria about the pressures facing firefighters.