Recruits’ hot times

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
WARBURTON was used as a training ground for firefighter recruits this month.
The participants undertook a five-day training course at Green Gables conference centre including going out on a planned burn in Powelltown.
The recruits learnt how to respond to fire, use radio communication systems and operate firefighting equipment such as slip-on 4WD vehicles and tankers.
DSE Fire Training Officer Daniel Catrice said the recruits would be put through intensive training with a focus on planned burned operations and fire suppression techniques.
“The recruits will be put through rigorous training exercises this week in the effort to prepare them for real life fire scenarios,” Mr Catrice said.
He said that most of the trainees came with some experience of working in Victoria’s bushland environment and had to achieve a number of competencies to be considered eligible for training.
“It is imperative that our field staff are fit and healthy as firefighting work is often arduous and demanding,” he said.
The new firefighters were among 123 full-time permanent field staff appointed to increase Victoria’s firefighting resources and help prepare the state against bushfires.
“These staff will help DSE and Parks Victoria boost reduction efforts throughout the planned burning period,” he said.
Firefighting crews from both departments have already made good use of the unseasonably cool weather to start fuel reduction burns across the state.