Sixty-seven of them are completing an intensive training program to learn the skills needed to protect communities and the environment from bushfires.
The program covers the fundamentals of firefighting including fire behaviour, fire suppression, planned burning, safety and survival techniques.
“Our new firefighters are completing a mix of theory and field-based activities to prepare them for the varied role of a forest firefighter,” FFMV deputy chief fire officer Aaron Kennedy said.
“Forest firefighters rely extensively on dry firefighting techniques as water is often scarce in the middle of the bush.
“The course covers hands-on training in how to use rake-hoes and other tools to construct a mineral earth control line, as well as skills such as four-wheel driving, use of chainsaws and water pumps, working around heavy machinery and aircraft, and engaging with the community.
“Recruits will not only respond to bushfires across the region and state, they’ll also be undertaking important risk reduction and preparedness work such as planned burning, slashing and track clearing.
“Once they’ve successfully completed the program, the recruits will work alongside our experienced firefighters where they’ll continue with on-the-job learning while undertaking bushfire preparedness and response work.”
Last year FFMVic responded to more than 530 fires across the region.
The firefighters are based at 19 depots across north-east Victoria including Benalla, Yarrawonga, Wangaratta, Whitfield, Mansfield, Shepparton and Nathalia.
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