Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), Media Release, 23 October 2025

Forest Fire Management Victoria’s (FFMVic) newest recruits are gearing up for the summer bushfire season, undertaking intensive training camps across the state.

The training camps ensure seasonal forest and fire operations officers are well-prepared to respond to emergencies and carry out vital work to reduce bushfire risk.

This summer, FFMVic is welcoming 636 seasonal firefighters who will work alongside our experienced permanent crews to help protect communities and the environment. Fourteen training camps are being held across the state over the coming weeks.

Recruits complete two weeks of classroom and field-based learning, covering topics such as fire behaviour, safety and survival techniques, fire suppression, working around aircraft, and planned burning.

The camps offer hands-on experience, including operating water pumps and chainsaws, and driving specialised firefighting vehicles.

Beyond emergency response, seasonal forest and fire operations officers also carry out important land management tasks such as mulching, mowing, slashing, and spraying.

They help maintain fuel breaks, public land roads, trails, recreation sites, and assist with planned burns.

This summer, 92 seasonal firefighters will be based in the Loddon Mallee Region, working from depots across the region.

Last year, FFMVic firefighters responded to more than 1,265 bushfires across Victoria and delivered priority planned burns to help reduce the impact of future fires.

Quotes attributable to Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer, Chris Hardman:

“Our seasonal forest and fire operations officers join us from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the communities we serve.”

“They play a critical role alongside our experienced crews, responding to bushfires in some of the state’s most remote and challenging environments to keep communities safe.”

“This summer, they’ll be part of a team of nearly 1800 frontline personnel and 1200 accredited incident management staff.”

Quotes attributable to Forest Fire Management Victoria Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer – Loddon Mallee, Aaron Gay 

“With an increased risk of bushfires forecast for the region, our seasonal firefighters are an important and valued addition to our firefighting resources this summer.”

“New recruits train and work alongside our permanent firefighting crews, responding to bushfires rapidly to keep communities safe this summer.”

“Last year, Forest Fire Management Victoria responded to 233 bushfires in the Loddon Mallee region, also delivering priority planned burns which will help reduce the impact of bushfires this summer.”