Eric Neville and Captain Ray Astill of the Rural Fire Service encourage residents to attend the RFS open days this Saturday. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0919rfsopen3
BUSHFIRE season is almost here and additional NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers are needed for the expected busy summer season ahead.
Volunteering with the RFS is not just about fighting fires, according to Canobolas Zone operations officer Brett Bowden.
There are roles to suit people from all walks of life and this Saturday’s RFS open day is a great time to find out more.
Mr Bowden said people could assist their communities and the RFS by filling a wide variety of roles.
Communications, transport, public liaison, media liaison, photography, catering, surveillance and intelligence gathering, aviation support and aviation specialities are just some of the roles available for volunteers.
“All of our brigades need new members all the time,” Mr Bowden said.
Volunteers can commit as little as one hour a week to help their local communities.
“Everyone is time poor so what we’re trying to do is make our membership as flexible as possible,” Mr Bowden said.
“It allows people to contribute what they feel able to do that still provides a benefit to the brigade.”
The four RFS Canobolas Zone brigades will also be open this Saturday for members of the community to inspect equipment and get advice on fire hazard management.
“People should start thinking about fire season and managing risk on their property,” Mr Bowden said.
“What to do when the fire does come, what you should do, where you should go.”
Bushfire season will commence on October 1.
nadine.morton@ruralpress.com