Firefighting skills to rally recruits

Keysborough firefighters will show off their skills in a bid to bring more members on board.
The CFA brigade will host an open day at its station from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 11 September.
Officer in charge Paul Townsend said recruitment was the main purpose.
“We are short on numbers and really would love people to come through and see our home, have a chat and see if we can entice more people to sign up and help protect our community,” he said.
Mr Townsend said the crew needed people to fill both firefighting and non-operation roles, helping out behind the scenes with fundraising, communications, administration and community education.
He said the day would also show the community what the brigade does and the tools at its disposal.
Volunteers from the Noble Park brigade will also be on hand to help the Keysborough crew with station tours and firefighting demonstrations.
The firefighters will give advice on residential fire safety and there’ll be a sausage sizzle and activities for children of all ages.
The Keysborough Fire Brigade was officially named in 1956 after being established as a Dandenong Bush Fire Brigade offshoot.
It’s been in Chapel Road ever since and services Keysborough, Noble Park and Springvale.
The volunteer crew is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is largely responsible for its own fund-raising.
Members respond to motor vehicle accidents, wildfires, structure fires, chemical spills and gas leaks, and educate the community on fire prevention and safety procedures.
Volunteers receive training and protective equipment and can be students, full-time and part-time workers, unemployed or retired people.
Keysborough Fire Brigade is at 121 Chapel Road, Keysborough.
Email paul.townsend@members.cfa.vic.gov.au or visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer to get involved.