Collieburn-Cardiff Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade has had a busy few weeks fighting bushfires, carrying out prescribed burns and training as hot weather approaches.
Volunteers completed ground controller training to learn how to conduct water bombing operations, which involves communicating with aircraft about how and where to drop the water.
Volunteers recently received a boost in the form of a 'tucker trailer', decked out and ready to supply meals, drinks and a spot in the shade to take a break when they are fighting fires this season.
Collieburn-Cardiff Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade president Kathy Miller said the trailer had been made possible after the brigade successfully applied for a Shire grant last year.
"We bought a secondhand trailer, one of our volunteers fitted it out, did some welding and improvements and now we have a meals trailer, she said.
"One of the biggest issues when volunteers are performing controlled burns and responding to incidents is the risk of dehydration.
"This trailer has a barbecue, table and chairs, lighting, water, eskies and shade. These are all so important because if you are at a bushfire for eight hours you need something to eat and drink or you run out of energy pretty quick."
Ms Miller said the trailer would be made available for use by all Collie brigades.
Meanwhile Ms Miller has reminded Collie residents the restricted burning season was underway and they were required to have a permit for all open air fires until December 15, from which date no open fires were permitted.
"It's important to have a fire permit to ensure certain safety rules are followed, such as having three adults overseeing it, adequate water and equipment are available, that it's held in appropriate weather conditions and within an appropriate timeframe."
More information regarding permits was available from Collie Shire and its website, Ms Miller said, including contact details for local fire control officers.
