Fire brigades seek volunteers as season heats up
BEERWAH’s Rural Fire Brigade is calling out for at least a dozen more volunteers ahead of what is already shaping up to be a hectic fire season ahead.
Following recent blazes including one that threatened both Beerwah and Glass House Mountains properties, more volunteers are needed now. That fire, extinguished thanks to the help of about 240 volunteers, was followed by more unrelated fires in the area last week requiring 20 fire trucks and two water bombers.
The early season fires have sounded a warning to local fire services who have now made the call for volunteers to step forward.
Beerwah RFB first officer, Lou Spann, said it was critical to have as many people on deck available, particularly ones who have flexible schedules and are local.
“It’s difficult to always be able to get the people to assist us, so the more people we have from the area the quicker they can respond,” he said.
“People from the community are the best because they have a vested interest but also they’re nice and handy, they’re close by, they can be there quickly and sometimes time is critical.”
Mr Spann is concerned about the intense fire season which has started earlier than usual, with the region experiencing two fires in Beerwah, one in Nirimba, and one in Peachester already this month.
“It’s going to be a dry season by summer so we are all getting ourselves prepped, making sure all of our vehicles are ready and everyone is trained. It’s just all about protecting each other and the community,” he said.
Despite his concerns, the first officer said the brigade has already had some success from their callout for volunteers and said it was very easy to join.
“Just through Facebook I’ve already had three or four people from the community that have contacted us wanting to join up, so four ‘definites’ which is awesome,” he said.
“We can always do for more though, we’d like to have another dozen easily but we will take whatever we can, but a dozen would be lovely.
“All our training and equipment is provided for free to volunteers, there’s a number of practical and theory based courses you can do, but once you are approved by QFES, a lot of the training is on the ground with officers and mentors.”
Landsborough RFB first officer, Mark Jakeman, said although they aren’t looking for any new volunteers as they prefer to recruit after fire season for training, they will always welcome volunteers.
“I think it’s safe to say every rural fire brigade is always looking for more volunteers no matter what time of the year,” he said.
Mr Spann thanked the community for their support following the Glasshouse Mountains National Park fire that broke out on September 17 and wasn’t put out until September 25.
“The community has been absolutely phenomenal with supporting us, we had so many community members and associations dropping off food and water to our station,” he said.
“It ensured we could bring food and water out to jobs, because sometimes we don’t always have time to go on a food run.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the Beerwah RFB, contact Lou Spann on 0438 389 998.