Operational Members

To become an operational volunteer a few items must be considered:

• You must be able to complete the General Fire Fighter (GFF) course. This is the CFA minimum skills course and can take up to six months to complete.
• Live or work within or close to the suburb of Upwey (or the brigade you want to join)
• Attend regular training sessions, brigade meetings and other brigade events.

While completing the GFF course as a Trainee Fire Fighter you are not able to respond to emergency call outs, however you are encouraged to participate in the brigade’s normal activities so you will feel part of the team and develop the skills you are learning in your course.

Once you have completed your GFF course and graduated as a Fire Fighter your next step is to progress to becoming operational and start responding to actual emergency incidents. This is done under the careful guidance of our brigade Training Officer and Captain.

Opportunities are available to develop additional skills and qualifications through the CFA volunteer training program that include:

• first aid and resuscitation skills
• structure fire fighting techniques
• use of specialist equipment
• driving CFA vehicles
• pumping and draughting skills
• leadership training
• and much more

Many operational volunteers also undertake non-operational roles within their brigade as well.

Click here to enquire about becoming a Fire Fighter (Operational Member)  or you can visit our station on a Wednesday evening 7:30 pm onwards or Sunday morning from 9:30am onwards and ask to speak with any of our friendly Officers  – they will be happy to answer your questions and explain what is involved.

NOTE:  Firefighting can, at times, involve strenuous and physically challenging activities, so a certain level of fitness is required to undertake this role. You can discuss this with our training officer to determine your suitability for this role.

Click here for more information about Volunteering With CFA (takes you to the official CFA website)