The brigade is recruiting retained firefighters this week to ensure that the Myall Coast is protected during the volatile summer months.

The drive is open to men and women of any age who hold a current drivers licence and are reasonably fit and healthy, work well in a team, have good problem solving skills and are strong communicators.

Tea Gardens station officer Ken West said the service is vital in small and regional communities.

“A lot of people still want to have fire brigades in their towns but we really need people to volunteer their time to keep the service going,” he said.

“And in a small town where everybody knows everyone it’s a good thing to get out there and support the community.”

Retained firefighters are on-call from home or work, along with fighting fires they attend other emergencies and educate the community about fire protection.

Successful applicants will attend a six-day training program in addition to four hours of training each month where they will be instructed on the use of specialised equipment and first aid.

Mr West said the job was a great way to contribute to your community.

“It’s very interesting. Every time you get a page you don’t really know what you’re going into, it could be a myriad of things,” he said.

“There is also that excitement as well, that you’re going out to help people in the community.”

Tea Gardens Fire Brigade recruitment drive will continue until January 30.

Interested applicants can call Ken West on 4997 0349 or visit the station.