Firey is fit and ready

The State’s capability to respond to bushfires has been boosted with the help of Albany-raised Lachlan Carson.

The 23-year-old is one of 24 new career firefighters who graduated from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ fire-fighting school earlier this month after four months of rigorous training to prepare them for the front line.

Mr Carson completed a 17-week training course to develop skills in firefighting, road crash rescue, urban search and rescue, hazardous materials, and community safety.

He will now be based in Maddington.

He said the rigorous training had tested him physically and mentally — just getting into the school was a daunting task which started with about 1000 applicants.

“Towards the end of the testing, everyone is just about ready for a nap,” he said.

Mr Carson said his new career fitted well with him.

“I did carpentry before and I was looking for a change of career,” he said.

“It’s a good career.

“You get to work with a team and the community.”

DFES Commissioner Wayne Gregson said the graduates were trained and ready for the bushfire season, and he also called on the community to prepare.