The weekly program has been run over several years but this is certainly the first instance they’ve had solely female involvement.

The 17 girls have certainly kept the RFS crew on their toes according to Wayne Halliday who oversees the program.

He said their involvement was mirrored by the rising numbers of women involved in the RFS state-wide.

“We’ve seen an increase of women in the RFS right across our state. This program provides a good intro into the RFS and volunteering itself,” he said.

From over run, setting up hoses to using the pumps the girls are put through their paces.

Each week four to five RFS members volunteer their time to go down to the school and Mr Halliday said at the end of each cadet program they usually see a couple students stick around to volunteer.

“We want to get a base of cadets based in town here that can help when there are fires,” Wayne said.

Once cadets turn 16-years-old they can then become fully fledged RFS volunteers and go out to fires.

Tenterfield High School teacher Helen Clothier said the program had proved beneficial to the girls.

“Every year they really enjoy it – it’s really good for them.

“They get in and really click. It gives them an opportunity to learn leadership skills that they might not learn in the classroom. I’ve seen it bring out the best in some of these students,” Helen said.