By Lucy Waldron
As we head into a fire season that is shaping up to echo the 2019 disasters an urgent call for volunteers is being put out by the Rural Fire Service (RFS).
In the Warwick district, which consists of 14 brigades, four of them are in desperate need of additional volunteers; Killarney, Wildash, Swan and Emu Creek, Leslie area.
The Warwick Group Officer, Alan Payne said they noticed a drop in volunteers after Covid-19 and whether the pandemic played an active role was unknown.
“Our lack of numbers is a real worry because that means the members we do have must work overtime to be able to carry the load,” Alan said.
Following the 2019 bushfires, there was a surge of people interested in becoming firefighters. However, many lost interest when they realised that weeks would go by without being called out to a fire once the fire season was over.
Alan highlighted that the Rural Firefighters are dedicated individuals who not only save communities but also rely on their support to continue to do so.
“It’s a way of giving back to the neighbourhood which provides for you,” he said.
With the cost of living playing a significant role in the amount of time people are able to volunteer, it is understandable that the younger generation numbers have dropped but Alan emphasised the importance of an organisation like the RFS.
The RFS and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) work together as an arm of each other to protect the region. While the RFS is equipped with off-road trucks tailored for bushfires, the QFES specialises in handling structure fires and road accidents. Therefore, they collaborate to support one another.
Despite this teamwork, with the number of fires already burning the Southern Downs there are not enough people to put them out.
Alan issued a call for more volunteers, emphasising that anyone who can spare some time can contribute. The only requirements are a blue card and a police check. For those who are not inclined to fight fires directly, becoming a support member is equally valuable.
“Support members do the paperwork, media interviews, public relations, secretary or treasurer work or education through the region,” Alan said.
If you are interested in joining the brigade and wish to learn more, contact Alan on 0427 969 964.
