Forests NSW has employed 15 seasonal fire fighters to help protect its very valuable pine plantations, native forests and surrounding communities in the Hume Region around Tumut, Batlow and Tumbarumba.

Forests NSW Operations manager, Charlie Taylor, said employing temporary labour helps ensure Forests NSW is well prepared for what is expected to be a challenging fire season.

“Good rain during the past year has led to substantial seasonal growth, which when it dries out, may pose a high fire risk,” he said.

Mr Taylor said Forests NSW has employed fit, energetic and practical people who it feels would stand up to the rigours of fire fighting.

“When not actively fighting fires, these people will be employed on a wide range of activities including weed spraying, clearing fire trails and other maintenance jobs around the forests and plantations,” he said.

Mr Taylor said this temporary employment was a very good introduction to fire fighting.

“The temporary fire fighters will be working outdoors in a wide range of climatic conditions, and will be working flexible hours to maintain Forests NSW fire protection capability to protect the region’s valuable pine resource, especially when a wildfire occurs,” he said. 

“All applicants have to pass a medical examination, a physical assessment and a fitness walk.”

Forests NSW provides accredited training in fire fighting, four-wheel driving, chainsaw operation, Occupation Health and Safety, first-aid, as well as numerous other valuable practical skills.

The seasonal fire fighting labour will augment Forests NSW permanent fire fighting staff of approximately 70 people.

Mr Taylor said it was a mobile fire fighting unit that could be deployed across the State to other fires if necessary. 

As well as a highly regarded fire fighting force, Forests NSW has five fire towers, 12 large fire trucks, six bulldozers, three graders and numerous light four-wheel drives with slip-on water tanks on the trays to fight fires in the region. 

Mr Taylor said temporary employment was at times extended beyond the fire fighting season to help Forests NSW with its extensive hazard reduction burning program in autumn.

Media contact: Sarah Chester (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669