CFA roadside burn: fire lesson for next generation of volunteers

Roadside burns not only curb fuel loads — they allow a new generation of CFA volunteers to hone their skills.

Mosquito Creek CFA volunteer Montanna Maude practices her firefighting skills on a Redesdale roadside fuel reduction burn. Pictures: Zoe Phillips

CFA volunteers were out conducting roadside burns last week, to not only cut fuel loads, but also teach a new generation of firefighters to deal with smoke, flames, hoses and pumps.

Montanna Maud, 19, joined her Mosquito Creek brigade at Redesdale last Thursday evening to burn out a kilometre of dense roadside grass, which she said gave her the chance to step back and learn from other brigade members.

“I’ve been to a few grass fires, but the (roadside) burn is so valuable because I get close to the flames, without the pressure that goes with fighting a fire.

“It (volunteering) is one of the best things I’ve ever done,” Ms Maud said. “I’ve learnt so much and am having some amazing experiences.

“On Saturday I went to the Avalon airport and did a tour of the (firefighting) air tankers and talked to the pilots.”

While she is yet to complete her university studies in psychology, Ms Maud has already completed three years as a volunteer and achieved the rank of fourth lieutenant.