Expressions of Interest have today opened for Tasmanian volunteer firefighters to join the specialist remote area firefighting capability as part of the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to keep Tasmanians safe.
Remote area firefighters access difficult terrain by helicopter or on foot, and use special light weight pumps or hand tools to fight bushfires, protect lives and keep properties safe.
Successful volunteers will be provided with the additional skills needed to work in Tasmania’s remote forest wilderness areas to protect our iconic assets or stop bushfires before they impact our cities, towns and critical infrastructure.
These additional numbers will add to over 100 trained career firefighters and our partner agencies Parks and Wildlife Service and Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s remote area capability.
Creating a team of volunteer remote area firefighters was a recommendation from the AFAC review of the 2018-19 bushfires season. All recommendations arising from the AFAC Review have now been implemented. The undertaking of the Government is that we will always take on board the lessons of past fire seasons and never stop in our goal of ensuring Tasmania is prepared for the future bushfires and challenges.
I would encourage anyone interested in remote area firefighting to join their local brigade to start their firefighting journey.
More Media Releases from Mark Shelton
More Media Releases from the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management