Nearly 80 per cent of respondents to a member survey conducted by the Rural Fire Service Association stated ‘supporting and protecting their local community’ was the major reason why they became involved with their brigade. Rural Fire Service Association General Manager, Bernard Cox, said this showed the level of community spirit amongst volunteers throughout the State.

“The volunteers are very proud of their communities and are willing to give up their time and skills to provide an essential emergency service in their individual locations,” he said.

“This is the cornerstone of the volunteer ethos of the Rural Fire Service and further reinforces the Association’s aim of ‘Supporting Our Members to Protect the Community’.

“These men and women undertake extensive training and are willing to be called out at all times of the day and night to provide emergency services.

“I strongly encourage other members of the community who are willing to support their village, town or rural area to think about joining a local brigade.”

The survey also found that family tradition was another strong reason why people joined their brigade, with several generations involved in brigades.