Wildfire Firefighter
Everyone starts with the basics by becoming a qualified wildfire firefighter. This qualification is nationally recognized and teaches you everything you need to stay safe and keep others safe in a bushfire environment.
Wandin Fire Brigade
CFA is a volunteer fire and emergency services organisation protecting 3.3 million Victorians.
Formed in 1943 (pre-dating the CFA by 2 years!), Wandin Fire Brigade has been built on volunteers from the start. All our members come from vastly different backgrounds, and everyone brings their own experience and skills to contribute in their own way, but we all work as one team.
Currently Wandin operates 4 vehicles: A Medium Tanker, a Heavy Tanker, a Rescue, and a Forward Control Vehicle (FCV). Tankers are common to almost every fire brigade in Victoria and form the basis of just about every fire-fight in the state, especially outside the urban areas. Road Rescue is our brigade's specialist response, responding to road crashes and other incidents where patients are trapped. The FCV is used to support the Rescue with additional crew and equipment, and as a command and control vehicle for bushfires.
Wandin Fire Brigade belongs to the Yarra Valley Group in District 13 of the Country Fire Authority.
Powered by Volunteers
As a 100% volunteer brigade, we exist because people like you are willing to devote time and effort to being part of our team. The duties and responsibilities of being a volunteer fire-fighter are fulfilling and rewarding, but the best part is you don't actually ever have to go near a fire as we have non-operational positions that still play an important role in running the brigade.
Volunteering is often thought to be a thankless job, however there is recognition given to members including formal “Years of Service” awards issued by the CFA. Volunteers are also eligible for certain awards under the Australian Honours System, such as the National Medal, National Emergency Medal, and Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), among others.
Training
The Linton fires which tragically killed 5 fire fighters when their truck was caught in a burn over caused by a wind change, brought about a major change in CFA operations. The CFA instituted a new training scheme based on the Australian fire competencies. All members had to retrain to the new common level. No new members can attend a fire until achieving a minimum training level of "wildfire firefighter".
Structural Firefighter
When you're ready to take the next step, you can train to participate in "internal attacks" at structural fires such as houses, sheds and commercial property. This is the qualification where you will learn to wear Breathing Apparatus.
Road Rescue
Wandin is one of 23 CFA brigades in the state that are accredited to conduct road rescue operations. We strive to provide prompt and professional care for patients in coordination with other emergency services. All members have the option to train to respond to these incidents.
Other skills that will be covered in your training include the following:
Join the Team
Training every Wednesday night at 8.00pm.
Initial training for new recruits comprises of the basic fire-fighter qualification that will cover Fire Behaviour, Fire-fighting Techniques, Map Reading, Communications, and Safety. After completing this qualification, recruits can respond to fire calls. There are many further courses beyond the basic qualification, and almost all training certificates in the CFA are nationally recognized.
If you think volunteering with the CFA might be for you, please drop by to have an obligation-free chat about how to get involved. If you can't make it on Wednesday night, you can also catch us on Sunday mornings from 9.00am when we meet for vehicle, equipment and station maintenance.