Volunteers are a vital part of the Tasmania Fire Service.
In addition to the four career brigades (Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport), most fire brigades in Tasmania are made up of highly skilled and dedicated volunteers drawn from their local communities.
They predominantly play an operational role, how there are other roles that are required to assist in the smooth running of the brigade.
Operational
The primary role of TFS Volunteer Brigades is to deliver a skilled, capable and prompt response to emergency incidents.
Volunteer Firefighters are at the forefront of this crucial response.
Approximately 5000 volunteers operate from over 200 stations in the urban areas, larger towns and rural areas across the state.
Most TFS volunteers participate as operational firefighters. This involves responding to emergency incidents such as bushfires, structure fires, motor vehicle incidents, and other incidents where risks are posed to life and/or property and the environment.
Operational roles may also involve undertaking hazard reduction activities and assisting other emergency agencies such as the Tasmanian State Emergency Service (SES), and Tasmania Police.
You will need to be:
- 18 years or over
- Of good character
- Available to regularly attend brigade meetings and training
- Available to attend emergency incidents
- Medically and physically fit to undertake the work volunteers are given
- Able to become competent in the tasks volunteers are trained to perform
- Capable of working and fitting in with other volunteers
Operational Support
A growing number of volunteers participate as operational support members. These members provide vital support to brigades in areas like:
- administration, communications and logistical support
- brigade training and equipment maintenance
- community fire safety and preparedness
- events and fundraising
- junior and cadet development
- promotion and publicity
- volunteer recruitment
Juniors and Cadets
The Tasmania Fire Service recognises the importance of developing the next generation of firefighters, and Brigade members, to ensure the future of TFS Volunteer Brigades.
One initiative that assists to achieve this goal is the Junior and Cadet Program.
A Brigade that conducts such a program is required to appoint a Junior and Cadet Coordinator.
The Coordinator position is held by an operational, or operational support member of the Brigade who is responsible for planning, organising and delivering the Brigade’s Junior and Cadet Program with consideration for the health, safety and wellbeing of Junior and Cadet members.
For more informatiopn on the Junior and Cadet program, jump over to the Juniors and Cadets here!