Teamwork and the satisfaction of a job well done a major drawcard

Having completed the course, the new recruits are now working alongside FFMVic’s current staff, where they will continue with on-the-job learning from experienced firefighters while completing bushfire preparedness and response work.

Jodie Perkins is one of 87 project firefighters (PFFs) based in the Loddon Mallee Region who will help keep communities safe over the coming bushfire season. She will work out of FFMVic’s St Arnaud’s depot.

She recently completed her training which covered the fundamentals of firefighting including fire behaviour, fire suppression, planned burning, safety and survival techniques.

‘Training was very instructive, and a great way to meet my teammates’ Jodie said.

‘We went through all the different types of vehicles FFMVic uses when fighting fires, as well as the tools a firefighter might use to suppress a fire like chainsaws and rake hoes.

‘There was even an exercise with live fire so we could practise the use of the rake hoes.

‘The live fire showed the importance of working as a team and having good communication. There was one objective – you had to put the fire out. And as a team we worked together to put it out and at the end of the day when the fire was extinguished it was a great feeling.’

Before becoming a PFF, Jodie was a volunteer firefighter at Edithvale Country Fire Authority (CFA) and also worked in land management, helping to maintain nature strips and parks trees for the council and maintaining fire breaks for Parks Victoria.

‘I really enjoyed the work I was doing, and the experiences so when I heard about PFF applications opening earlier this year, it was a natural progression to apply,’ Jodie said.

Even though Jodie had previous experience fighting fires during her time with the CFA, she felt it wasn’t a prerequisite.

‘Not everyone who completed the training course had prior fire knowledge so coming into the course if you are not confident around fire it is nothing to be worried about.

‘The training really does prepare you for the real work when you do see fire, and of course, if you have questions, it is really easy to step up and ask.’

Jodie sums up her time as far as a project firefighter, ‘I enjoy the teamwork that comes along with it; you all complete a job which is very satisfying.’

To register your interest in becoming a project firefighter for the 2022/23 season visit the Firefighting and Employment page.