With a hot, dry summer forecast, Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade is now recruiting new volunteers.

Last year the Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade team, of around 40 members, attended over 100 incidents in the Gerringong and surrounding areas involving structural fires, motor vehicle accidents and bush fires.

“We are looking for members who enjoy working in a team, want to be involved in their local community and have an interest in firefighting,” says senior Deputy Captain Adam Walmsley.

“If you live in or close to Gerringong and have some availability (particularly day time) then we would love to talk to you.”

Extensive training is offered. All recruits start with basic firefighting training and can then elect to do training for operating breathing apparatus, village firefighting (structural fire fighting), advanced firefighting, First Aid, MR truck driving, chainsaw operating, safe working on roofs, aviation support, protecting and preserving crime scenes,  and a whole host of incident management training courses.

“We encourage membership from a broad cross section of the community,” says Adam.

“There are roles for all abilities, however active fire fighting requires a base level of fitness and mobility.”

The Brigade has monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of the month and training on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings of each month.

It has two fire trucks: a Pumper appliance for urban firefighting and a Cat 1 bushfire fighting appliance for bushfires.

The RFS provides full ongoing training and uniforms for its volunteers.

Details: For more information  call Illawarra Fire Control Centre on 4230 8200 or go to http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer