The Wingham Fire and Rescue brigade have had a busy time over the last three months, and last weekend it got a whole lot worse.
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Brigade captain Dave O’Donnell said that the season was approximately 35 per cent more busy than usual, but that was before the shocking record-breaking heatwave weekend that saw fires break out across NSW.
On the Saturday the brigade attended callouts for backyard fires, grass fires and the bush fires at Pappinbarra. On Sunday they were tasked to Gloucester to hot refuel helicopters (that is, refueling helicopters while their engines and rotor blades are still running).
All going well, meaning if they are not called out to fires, the crew will be taking part in rescue training this coming weekend, which will give them two extra tanker drivers.
The Wingham Fire Station last year underwent extensions and refurbishment, and boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including both male and female dressing rooms and bathrooms.
The fancy new facilities aren’t at full capacity, however, and Dave O’Donnell is looking for recruits to join their ranks.
Wingham are allocated 14 brigade members, but currently only have 12 on board.
“We’ve still got a vacancy or two, so if anyone’s available during the day, if they’ve got daytime availability and work and live in Wingham, there’s a position or two for them. We’re still looking for recruits, but obviously they’ve got to be available to respond during the day,” Dave O’Donnell said.
Males and females are equally welcome to apply; the brigade has had female members for the last five or six years and one is currently the brigade’s acting deputy captain.
“They’ve been a great asset to the station,” Dave O’Donnell said.
Unlike the volunteer firefighters for the Rural Fire Service all retained firefighters are paid a fortnightly ‘retainer’ plus an hourly rate for attendance at incidents and drills.
For more information call brigade captain Dave O’Donnell at the Wingham Fire Station on 6553 4022.