WITH bushfire danger period not too away, volunteer firefighters across the district are fine-tuning their skills during a series of training courses.
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Last summer's catastrophic bushfire conditions in NSW saw NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members from the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) tasked across the state to battle out-of-control blazes.
During the quieter times since then, crews are up-skilling while new RFS members are learning the ropes, district officer Paul Muir said.
"We had an influx of members following last bushfire season, we had 58 people email with their intention to join and of those 70 per cent have joined up," he said.
"We also have around 60-70 volunteers a year come in directly through our brigades, while another 60-70 leave or retire."
All up, Mr Muir said the MIA district has seen a 40 per cent increase to its RFS member ranks.
There's lots of roles in the RFS, we don't just have firefighting roles, it's also logistics, catering and communication.
- NSW Rural Fire Service MIA district officer Paul Muir
"We had to suspend training with the [COVID-19] lockdowns, but now we're doing training every two weeks which is a big ask because all our trainers are volunteers," he said.
Not only are newly joined up people undergoing their basic firefighter training, but existing RFS members are undertaking extra training including: advanced firefighter skills, off-road driving and chainsaw operation.
"Training finishes generally around October, but it might go a bit longer for us," Mr Muir said of the late start due to the pandemic.
It's not too late for people to sign up to become an RFS member and the opportunities are not just restricted to firefighting.
"There's lots of roles in the RFS, we don't just have firefighting roles, it's also logistics, catering and communication," Mr Muir said.
"We have people of all ages, male and female."
Bilbul Brigade is still looking for new members with anyone in the Bilbul, Yenda and Yoogali areas encouraged to attend.
Find out about becoming a volunteer on the NSW Rural Fire Service or call the MIA Fire Control Centre on 6966 7800.
Bushfire danger period runs from October 1, 2020 until March 31, 2021.
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
