Lenny Natt sits behind the wheel of Aireys Inlet's tanker during the community engagement session
Aireys Inlet Fire Brigade put on a show for the local kids of the coast, giving them first-hand experience controlling a tanker and slip-on.
1st Lieutenant Andrew Wilson suggested the event was a great opportunity to engage local families and visitors to raise awareness of fire safety in the region.
Gathering at the popular riverside skatepark, Captain Adam Gilliver led the show and tell alongside five other CFA members, giving around 30 enthusiastic local kids the opportunity to meet some of their local fireys and jump in the truck.
“We just thought we would do something mainly for the kids to come and have a look at, so we got two of our vehicles down at the skatepark,” he said.
The budding ‘acting’ junior firefighters discovered how to use the hoses and thermal imaging cameras but were most attracted to getting in the truck and pushing all the buttons.
“They loved climbing all over the back of it, and just being in it sitting behind the wheel,” he said.
“We were there for around an hour and a half, including a demonstration of our fire hoses.”
The event allowed the brigade to involve parents that live locally and encourage membership, as well as spread key safety tips for preparing fire safety plans ahead of warmer days and fire danger ratings.
Captain Adam Gilliver acknowledged Aireys Inlet is in a high risk area and is committed to providing the area with the greatest protection.
“We want everyone to be aware that we will be in and around town and ready for what is to challenge us in the future,” he said.
“We just want to make sure people get to know who we are and what our faces look like.
The brigade will look to host similar sessions each summer season to communicate with the community directly.