By Callum Ludwig
Warburton CFA is inviting interested recruits to an information and registration evening 7pm Wednesday 9 March at the Warburton Highway station.
CFA brigades are volunteer run, whether that be firefighters or those behind the scenes such as community liaisons, secretaries or treasurers.
Mr McIntosh said it’s important fire brigades are well numbered and prepared, and it’s an experience people can get involved in wherever they are.
“The good thing about the CFA is we don’t train any different. You could start here and move to the other side of the city and you’ll find they train exactly the same way we do here,” he said.
“Even when we go away on strike teams, and we send all these people away, operating trucks that they’ve never seen before, working with people they’ve never worked with before. A quick look over the truck and you’re in action again, there’s no downtime for us.”
Over the past two years, local fire brigades have seen a drop in trained and operating members who are ready to assist the community, whether that be fire fighting or just supporting local residents in times of crisis.
Training Officer and Lieutenant Ron McIntosh said the priorities of the CFA rest with protecting civilian life whatever that entails.
“We help in any way that we can physically do it, whether that be firefighting, first aid, or assisting bike rides,” he said
“We will get involved in marshaling at certain intersections, getting cars packed up so they’re not sitting on the Main Street and annoying people. It’s about supporting the community in the best way we possibly can.”
CFA volunteering is a good way to get involved in helping the community, particularly with the drive for more volunteer participation as Covid-19 restrictions ease.
Warburton CFA trains twice a week, on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. Each session covers similar topics, so those who can’t make it one night or the other, don’t miss out.
As always, any fundraising for local CFAs goes towards requests for new equipment, and Mr McIntosh thanks the extremely supportive Warburton community for their generous donations of the last few years.
The Warburton CFA are now saving for a deposit on a specialised salvage vehicle which is extremely effective in house fires.
