Seven new firefighters have joined the ranks of the Burrawang Rural Fire Brigade. The new recruits were officially welcomed on July 5, after assessors examined their knowledge and skills at a full morning training session. The intake brings the brigade's number of active volunteer firefighters to 25. Read also: Highlands 'Mr Cricket' inducted as a life member Felicity ready to see where the music takes her Family classic 'Babe' is back in the Highlands for a limited time Brigade training officer Phillipa Drewett said the new members boosted the station's capabilities. "It'll be fantastic for our summer months," she said. "You can never have enough volunteers, the more the better." Over the last eight weeks, the firefighters-in-training completed theoretical and practical tasks in preparation for their assessment. The firefighters were taught how to use firefighting equipment, how to draft water out of dams and how to use the pumps on fire trucks. Candidates also completed online training and scenario-based tasks in order to establish their skills. Mrs Drewett thanked the community for its ongoing support during and after the 2019/20 bushfire season. "A really big thank you to the community on behalf of the Burrawang Rural Fire Brigade," she said. "We also have some great neighbouring brigades. "We're always open always welcome for anyone if they're interested." The brigade also offers station-based volunteering opportunities. Community members can help with catering, shopping, cleaning, general maintenance of the station and communications tasks. Volunteers meet on Wednesday evenings at 2 Hoddle Street, Burrawang. Call Phillipa Drewett on 0419 426 874 to express your interest in volunteering.
