To help protect the State’s valuable pine plantations and surrounding communities around Bombala and Moss Vale, Forests NSW has employed 11 temporary fire fighters.

Forests NSW Resource Protection and Infrastructure manager, Jason Vincent, said employing temporary labour has helped Forests NSW ensure it was well prepared for the fire season.

“Forests NSW has employed fit, energetic and practical people, able to stand up to the rigours of fire fighting,” he said.

“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.”

Mr Vincent said the temporary employment was a good introduction to fire fighting.

“Temporary fire fighters must be prepared to work outdoors in a wide range of climatic conditions, plus they need to be willing to work flexible hours, especially when a wildfire occurs,” he said. 

Forests NSW provides accredited training for fire fighting, four-wheel driving, herbicide application, and OH&S, as well as numerous other valuable practical skills.

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

Mr Vincent said Forests NSW fire fighting crews may be deployed across the State when necessary.

"Temporary employment is at times extended beyond the fire fighting season to help Forests NSW with its extensive hazard reduction burning program in autumn.”

Photo available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au

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