FESA's Fire and Rescue Service has 2,500 volunteers providing much-needed firefighting and fire prevention services in Western Australia’s regional urban and outer metropolitan areas.
They undertake a range of responsibilities, including:
Through their training, volunteer firefighters learn to operate the wide range of equipment, vehicles and appliances used in fire suppression operations, including charged hose lines, portable pumps, tankers and communications.
FESA provides training in:
For incidents involving road rescues and hazardous materials emergencies, specialised equipment such as the ‘jaws of life’ (hydraulic rams, cutters and spreaders), decontamination equipment, and protective clothing are used.
However, not all their work involves active fire suppression or rescue. Volunteers actively promote fire education programs by giving talks at schools, service groups, seniors' homes and local businesses. Training for this type of work is also provided by FESA Fire Services managers.
Most brigades train together regularly to ensure that new recruits learn essential skills and are continually maintained and updated.
FESA strongly supports the recruitment of both male and female volunteers from a wide diversity of ages, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
There are many dimensions to being a volunteer firefighter and those who join are encouraged to choose the activities that suit their capabilities and interest.