New firies on hand

Forest Fire Management Victoria’s new seasonal firefighters will be ready to respond to bushfires this summer following their recent intensive training at Licola’s Wilderness Camp.

By Jessica Anstice

Forest Fire Management Victoria’s (FFMVic ) new seasonal firefighters will be ready to respond to bushfires this summer following their recent training in Licola.

The comprehensive training course ensured the firefighters are trained to the highest levels in fighting fires and reducing bushfire risk.

FFMVic has employed 192 seasonal firefighters in Gippsland, 58 of whom are new recruits and are going through their training regime.

“Seasonal firefighters work alongside our experienced permanent staff to respond to bushfires and undertake planned burning,” Gippsland’s deputy chief fire officer Beth Roberts said.

“The course is a mix of classroom and field-based activities to prepare recruits for the demands of being a forest firefighter.

“The new firefighters learn how to use a wide range of equipment, from water pumps and chainsaws, to operating G-Wagens and Unimog firefighting tankers.”

Topics covered during the camp included emergency management procedures, safety and survival techniques, fire suppression techniques and planned burning.

“In addition to increasing their knowledge on fire management, they’ll gain an understanding of FFMVic’s responsibilities in supporting broader emergencies, such as floods and wildlife emergencies,” Dr Roberts said.

“Recruits will continually refine their skills at other training courses throughout the season, making them further equipped to fight bushfires.

“These frontline forest firefighters are critical to our resources during the high-risk summer season.”