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Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Fire Fighter?Minister for Environment John Thwaites is encouraging fit and energetic Victorians "who have what it takes" to apply for project fire fighting roles for the coming fire season. By Minister for Environment - 28th August 2006 - Back to News "Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) project fire fighters play a critical role in helping to protect rural communities from the serious threat of wildfires," Mr Thwaites said.
"Fire-fighting is very strenuous and requires more strength and endurance than other work activities, but it is also very rewarding.
"We intend to recruit more than 320 new project fire fighters (PFFs) this year to bolster our full-time fire fighting force. This is in addition to the 150 fire fighters recently employed on three-year contracts and 55 new field staff recently appointed in DSE and Parks Victoria.
"Collectively these people will provide a major boost to our on-ground fire fighting capability."
Project fire-fighters are hired each year to support DSE’s permanent specialised fire fighters. They assist in the suppression of wildfire and undertake prevention works including fuel reduction burning.
Mr Thwaites said new funding of $26.7 million over four years would provide more resources for fuel reduction burning and fire prevention.
"This extra funding, on top of $168 million announced in 2004-05, will improve fire fighter training, and the supervision of fuel reduction burns."
PFF applicants who progress through the initial selection phase will be required to complete an internationally recognised fitness test. Advertisements for project fire-fighters vacancies will soon be published in newspapers across the state.
Mr Thwaites said successful applicants would attend a five-day training course in preparation for their role, which incorporates a wide range of skills including fire-line safety, use of equipment, driver training and first aid.
"The hours of work are often unpredictable and fire-fighters need to be prepared to be available for stand-by for immediate deployment across the state. DSE project fire-fighters are among the best trained forest fire-fighters in the world," he said.
Applications for project fire fighter positions close on Friday, September 8. For further details and an application form visit your local DSE, Parks Victoria or Department of Primary Industries office. Or visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/fire or phone the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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