On yet another sweltering day, the dry grass crackles beneath footsteps. A fire might start due to a lightning strike, an accident during harvesting, or a burn-off that has gotten out of hand. Once ignited, the inferno spreads rapidly through the nearby bush until a call to emergency services is made. However, the current situation differs significantly from previous years.
Rural volunteer fire brigades are facing significant challenges, with a notable decline in the number of available volunteers. Many who do respond are fatigued from battling recent bushfires just months prior. The combination of hot winds and dry conditions allows fires to travel quickly across fields and forests, leaving firefighters overwhelmed.
The situation in rural Australia is increasingly precarious as the number of volunteer firefighters diminishes. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS), one of the largest volunteer firefighting organizations globally, has experienced a drop of over 4,500 members since the 2014-2015 period. Meanwhile, the South Australian fire service, though smaller, has lost approximately 950 volunteers over the past decade.
Those remaining are confronted with a rising frequency of emergencies. In New South Wales, the RFS has responded to roughly 9,600 more incidents—ranging from structural fires to vehicle accidents—compared to a decade ago. Volunteers are now seeing an increase in floods and severe weather events alongside worsening droughts, which further heightens the risk of fires. Experts suggest that this escalating crisis necessitates a comprehensive re-evaluation of the volunteer firefighting system.
To address these challenges, there is a concerted effort to engage younger individuals in firefighting roles. The South Australian Country Fire Service has reported a decline in volunteer numbers due to various factors, including changing work dynamics and family obligations. However, its cadet program has shown resilience, with fewer fluctuations in the youth volunteer demographic aged 11 to 18 compared to adults.
Located near Mount Gambier, the Compton CFS cadet brigade exemplifies this trend. Established four years ago, this group has successfully transitioned members into operational positions within the main brigade or adjacent units. While some cadets come from families with a history of firefighting, others, like 17-year-old Hanalie, were drawn in by their desire to connect with the community.
Hanalie, who previously enjoyed basketball but had to abandon it due to financial constraints, found herself recalling the devastating fires that swept through Mount Gambier in 2022. Witnessing the smoke and aerial firefighting efforts sparked her interest in volunteering. A recruitment notice at her school piqued her curiosity, though she initially felt uncertain about her fit within the cadet group.
Upon joining, she discovered a welcoming environment. “They were just easy to talk to,” Hanalie recalls. “Everyone acted like they already knew me.” Her involvement with the Compton brigade has fostered a strong sense of belonging and community. “You’re helping people while also becoming part of a close-knit community,” she adds.
Studies on volunteering indicate that Hanalie’s experience aligns with effective strategies for long-term volunteer retention, emphasizing the importance of social connections. As a cadet, she has undergone basic firefighting training, participated in community events, and developed the confidence needed to become an active firefighter. One of her favorite training exercises involves simulations of firestorms, which have prepared her to respond in real-life situations. “I feel now ‘it’s just a fire, it’s nothing, I can work this out’,” she expresses. “I’m ready to go to my first fire and help people.”
Renee Ackerley, the cadet coordinator for the Compton SA CFS Brigade, notes that this program has proven to be an effective avenue for engaging teens and equipping them with valuable skills. The brigade has successfully reached out to young people through schools and social media. “The SA Country Fire Service’s cadet program is one of our most effective pathways for bringing young people into the organization,” a service spokesperson stated.
Hanalie, now one of the senior members of her brigade, plans to continue her involvement in firefighting while pursuing her ambition of becoming a surgeon. “I want to be a surgeon, but I would definitely, in my spare time, continue being in the CFS,” she affirms.
Experts also highlight that cadet programs can alleviate some of the anxiety related to climate change among young people. Celeste Young, a disaster risk researcher, mentions that equipping youth with knowledge about managing risks can be beneficial. “Giving them some understanding that this is just part of the life you live, and what you can do, can be really positive,” she explains.
Young, who leads the Risk Disaster and Resilience Network at Victoria University, observes that the pandemic has exacerbated a national decline in rural volunteer numbers, with recovery rates remaining sluggish. “In certain rural areas, there is a decline in individual farmers, resulting in larger farming operations, which reduces the number of available volunteers,” she notes. Conversely, some regions are experiencing growth, attracting newcomers who may not fully grasp the risks associated with rural living.
