Forty-nine of the 126 firefighters are new recruits and have undergone training in recent weeks to prepare them to help protect communities and the environment from bushfires.
Seasonal firefighters complement FFMVic’s full-time firefighting workforce and will be located at sites across the region.
This includes Broadford, Alexandra, Marysville, Toolangi, Kinglake, Mansfield, Benalla, Shepparton, Nathalia, Yarrawonga, Wangaratta, Beechworth, Ovens, Whitfield, Mt Beauty, Bright, Mitta Valley, Tallangatta and Corryong.
Most of the recruits are from the region although there are some who hail from overseas, including from Canada and Ireland.
The training took place during November, with four district-based camps held at Wangaratta, Alexandra, Ovens and Eskdale.
FFMVic Deputy Chief Fire Officer Aaron Kennedy said seasonal firefighters played a critical role in effective response of bushfires on public land.
“Our recruits are trained in how to use a rake hoe to construct mineral earth control lines as well as other skills such as four-wheel driving, water pumps and hand tool maintenance, which are essential for forest firefighting,” Mr Kennedy said.
“Their training also covered the essential elements of firefighting including fire behaviour, fire suppression, planned burning, emergency safety and survival techniques.
“These recruits will not only respond to bushfires and other emergencies, including floods, they’ll also be conducting planned burns, slashing, track clearing and other land management activities.
“The seasonal firefighters will work alongside FFMVic’s permanent staff where they will continue with on-the-job learning from experienced firefighters.”
12°C