“Can you see yourself in yellow?” is the question being asked of ordinary people ready to do extraordinary things.
The Cedar Creek Wolffdene Rural Fire Brigade has launched a callout for new volunteers to join its “incredible team” as a bumper year of bushfires is expected for this summer.
Caleb Lee, the brigade’s training and maintenance officer, says they are actively recruiting to prepare for the heightened fire season.
“If we have a bigger pool of people, we’ve got a better chance of sending trucks to contain fires,” he said.
No previous experience is required, as the brigade provides all necessary training and equipment for those with a willingness to learn.
Typical weekly training sessions are held every Wednesday evening from 6.30pm-8.30pm at the local station.
While the brigade responds to calls 24/7, 365 days a year, volunteers are only expected to respond when they are available.
The volunteer pathway begins with an information night and an interview to find where a recruit’s strengths lie before a formal brigade vote.
Once processed, new members undergo a one-day brigade induction covering bushfire awareness, safety and conduct.
Competent recruits are then permitted to respond to fire calls on the truck under the supervision of senior firefighters.
Within a few months, members enrol in basic firefighter” training to learn advanced bushfire tactics and pump operations.
“That makes them a fully qualified firefighter and then they can start responding with their everyday firefighters,” Mr Lee explained.
Beyond the front lines, the brigade also relies on volunteers to assist with administration, logistics and community engagement.
The service offers rewards beyond the local area, including the potential for deployments to Mount Isa or even to wildfires in Canada.
Volunteers gain nationally accredited qualifications in first aid, CPR, chainsaw operation and incident management.
“You’re helping give back to your community and helping protect your community by hazard mitigation work,” Mr Lee said.
Interested residents aged 16 and over are encouraged to apply online to join the brigade family. Find the form via the Cedar Creek Wolffdene Rural Fire Brigade Facebook page.
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