The 37 localised Rural Fire Service brigades in the Tamworth region are on a recruitment drive, as the volunteer based organisation prepares to face one of the hottest and driest fire seasons in living memory.

Tamworth Superintendent Allyn Purkis said that while there are 1100 volunteers on the books in Tamworth, only about 20 per cent are active or available at any one time.

“That is probably about average for most districts, but we would like to get as many as we can get on the books,” he said.

“Everyone is so busy these days – it is not that they are not willing, people are just having to split their spare time up between kids sport and other commitments.

“It is also the culture of younger people these days, they don’t seem to be willing to give back to the community as much as they used to - a lot of organisations are having issues with volunteers.” 

The service aren’t just after firefighters either, there are plenty of roles that are behind the fire, or even in the office, and all recruits also get access to an array of free training programs and clinics.

“We also need support staff like catering, communications, transport and aircraft work, and all sorts of positions,” Supt Purkis said.

“We are a volunteer organisation so we fully understand that your family and job come first.”

The RFS will be holding a recruitment event at the Tamworth Community Centre on September 26 at 6pm.

“There will be members from a few different branches explaining what we do and how we do it, as well as a few displays.

“Anyone interested can sign up then and there if they like.”

While there is no fitness test or age restrictions, recruits will need to undergo a police check.

The RFS will also be holding a Get Ready Day at Bunnings in Tamworth on September 22.