Volunteers jump into action to fight 'unexpected' fires

THROUGHOUT the entire Burnett area there are close to 2500 rural fire brigade volunteers currently hard at work keeping our towns and homes safe from bush fires.

Area training support officer for the Burnett area, Steve Roberts had nothing but praise for the work of the volunteers.

"The fires have come at an unexpected time of year but our volunteers are doing an exceptional job and have stepped up to the challenge,” he said.

Mr Roberts advised the crews are currently enjoying a brief moment of rest while all fires are under control.

"We have been really busy over the past few weeks so this down time gives us an opportunity to restock the response vehicles and make sure they have the right equipment,” Mr Roberts said.

Many of our Rural Fire Brigade volunteers have to balance their paid employment with their rural fire brigade voluntary commitments.

"Some of our volunteers work shiftwork or run their own business so it can be hard to get them,” Mr Roberts said.

"Bushfires don't work to a set schedule like we do unfortunately.”

Mr Roberts said the fire brigade has a great network system in place if they are down on troops.

"If we are struggling to get number we go to the next brigade, we always get someone who is willing to help out,” he said.

Whilst it is good to be acknowledged Mr Roberts said they don't do it for the pats on the backs.

"We are here to make sure the community is safe,” he said.