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David H, Roving reporter

CFA volunteering in Gippsland

I don't know when I was introduced to fire, but I know that ever since then I've grown up with it. I believe that in a country like ours where it's a part of the environment it's important to learn about fire.

My dad was Captain of the Tanjil Fire Brigade for almost 18 years, and it was through him that I gained my basic understanding of fire. We used to have regular burn offs on the property and although that has stopped, the annual bonfire tradition continues.

Signing up

I joined the CFA as a junior when I was 15. I had been around fire trucks for most of my life and with four family members already in the CFA it was a natural next step. The following year I became an active member, which meant that I was able to attend fires.

My brigade averages around one call a week, which is quite low, but we are busier during the Summer months. Where I live in West Gippsland there are a number of risks including National and State Parks, a gas pipeline and boosting station, the local Power Stations and open cut mines.

Fire stories

I don't have as much experience as many other volunteers, nor have I seen the things that they have. But I've had the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of situations. Everyone in the CFA has a story, they can range from the hilarious to the tragic, inspiring to good hearted. I can't claim to the best yarns but I've heard some great ones.

Early in 2002 I was a part of a strike team that went to NSW. We were flown to Sydney, stayed in a very fancy hotel, were fed like royalty and spent a single, rainy night sitting in a field. We were flown home the next day, and as we entered the Melbourne terminal to hear an announcement informing everyone that our flight was full of returning fire fighters. Everyone in the nearby area clapped as we walked passed. Although none of us had even seen a fire during that trip.

In October last year, my hometown was given an early taste of the fire season when a blaze went through nearby paddocks and bush land. The risk for every CFA volunteer is that a fire may head towards their home while they are on a truck somewhere else. I was fortunate, and relieved, that the wind took this fire in another direction. But later that night I experienced something I never want to feel again; complete exhaustion. The day had taken its toll and I have since learnt to be better prepared and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Why join?

Overall, being a part of the CFA has allowed me to gain a lot of skills as well as provide me with experiences I wouldn't have had elsewhere. I have participated in training that has covered various topics as well as being elected as an officer of the brigade.

I have served as brigade secretary, and although I was not fond of the position I gained many life skills that are helping me now in other areas. The outbreak of fire have seen me go on 'strike teams' to other parts of the state, in some cases as crew leader. While others are turned away and told that due to the risk they cannot enter, we are waved through and welcomed.

What it means

The CFA can mean something different to each of its members. There are various reasons as to why each of us get involved and differing things that we get out of it. For me, I like being involved in the community and being able to help out if I can. There have been so many skills and lessons that I have learnt through the CFA, useful experience and abilities that I have been able to use in other areas of my life.

As for the future, I know that I still have a lot to learn. There will be a lot more training to come and try as we might, we can't prevent every fire or incident. I will continue the cycle and pass on my knowledge and experiences to new recruits. I can see the need for a better method to educate the public about the risk and realities of fire as well as try to 'bust' some of the fire myths that are out there.

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