Chance to test firefighting skills

Volunteer firefighters from the Popanyinning and Cuballing bushfire brigade have tested their skills after completing an introduction to firefighting course last week.

Twenty-three volunteers learned about hand signals, how to use their appliance, refilling the appliance from a hydrant, radio protocol, teamwork and safety.

Upper Great Southern volunteer management support officer Anika Keeling said it was was one of the biggest training sessions held in the region.

“The training sessions are usually held as needed and at previous ones we’ve only had around six or seven people, so this one was our largest to date,” she said.

Ms Keeling said the training sessions were important.

“We need to maintain up-to-date training sessions for the safety of the volunteers and they need the knowledge to put out the fires, how to prepare themselves when attending a fire and all the other basic skills,” she said.

She said the session was well-received.

“The volunteers appreciated the fact it was at night-time so they could still do their day jobs and it was great that they all worked together well,” Ms Keeling said.

“They didn’t find anything too challenging. They’ve been volunteers for a little while but it was good to get the practical and theory side of things in with the more formal training.”