NTFRS Squad 51 wrap up hazmat training, with Territorians invited to come and try day

Recruits from Squad 51 of the Northern Territory’s Fire and Rescue Service invited more Territorians to sign on for training. SEE THE PICTURES.

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a HAZMAT incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Basking in the warm Top End sun, recruits from Squad 51 of the Northern Territory’s Fire and Rescue Services wasted no time getting to work at Berrimah Fire Station on Thursday.

It marked the second week of the recruits’ hazmat training, with the group simulating several incidents such as controlling a 10,000 litre diesel spill, gathering information from the scene, and even treating patients and setting up decontamination zones.

The squad, who are about halfway through their recruitment course, is made up of former builders, nurses, midwives, auto-electricians and many more.

“Everyone contributes something different,” said Daniel Carr-Smith, NTFRS acting senior station officer, recruit development.

There were a number of simulations to test their skills. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

It’s this diversity, Mr Carr-Smith says, that will hopefully encourage others to sign on, with applications now open for the NTFRS’ newest recruit squad.

The only requirements to sign up for the newest squad, he says, is to be at least 18-years-old and be passionate about community service, fitness and health.

“We’re trying to recruit people from every aspect of life,” he said.

“We’ll basically teach them to do everything … we’re a jack of all trades here because the service is smaller than the other ones, which is good for us because we get trained and we get to actually experience all different parts of jobs and respond to everything.”

Teamwork and a drive to help people were two of the most important qualities people needed to become a firefighter, Mr Carr-Smith said.

“A lot of people have got their strengths and weaknesses, but you’ll never have one person that perfect,” he said.

Mr Carr-Smith said he invited people to come down and give firefighting a go. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Applications are open until July 27, 2025.

But in the meantime, Mr Carr-Smith invited people to get down to Berrimah Fire Station on June 28 for the NTFRS’ ‘Come and Try’ day – a day where people can talk to current firefighters, try out some firefighting activities and get a feel for the Physical Aptitude Test (PAT).

There will be another ‘Come and Try’ day at St Phillips College in Alice Springs on July 12.

Registration is required for both days.

To apply and find out more, visit: https://pfes.nt.gov.au/become-a-firefighter

SQUAD 51 PHOTOS

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) Recruit Squad 51 responded to a hazmat incident at Berrimah Fire Station on June 12, 2025, as part of their recruitment process. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Originally published as NTFRS Squad 51 wrap up hazmat training, with Territorians invited to come and try day