FOR anyone who has ever been interested in firefighting, now’s the chance to get involved and find out more.
Queensland Fire Department Airlie Beach is seeking additional auxiliary firefighters.
The move comes after several longtime firies moved away due to work commitments and gaining new jobs out of the area.
Now, the hardworking auxiliaries are looking for suitable people to join their ranks, as the new fire station, in Cannonvale, is about to open in September.
The newly built fire station will replace the current one, in Jubilee Pocket.
Auxiliaries are paid but they are not full-time firies – they have other jobs, generally, and are given permission by their employers to take time off when they are needed.
“Auxiliaries are on call 24/7,” auxiliary fireman Nick Beecroft said.
“We help out and back up the permanent fire crew.
“The important part is the nights because there’s no permanent crew there – that’s our main thing on call, at night.
“We also back up Proserpine fire crews and they back us up, and we have been asked to help Bowen as well when we had some bushfires.”
Interested people can join in a training night at the station to see what really goes on and what the role involves.
“Come and see what we do and how we do it,” Mr Beecroft said.
“We will do a couple of intense training nights to get up close – everyone’s in PPE – and people can see how full-on it can get.”
Visit www.QFES.qld.gov.au for more information and to register interest by completing an online form.
