Although it has been one of the wettest years many on the Central Coast can remember, weather conditions will inevitably return to hot and dry and Copacabana Rural Fire Brigade is getting ready for the next fire season with a major recruitment drive to kick off 2023.
The campaign will start in earnest straight after Christmas and will include banners, social media and letter box drops.
Shane Hughes has been with the brigade for eight years and captain for the past three.
He vividly recalls the horror bushfire season of 2019-20.
“We were out there protecting property – it was quite an eye-opening experience and we did our part,” he said.
“Right now the brigade has 40 members and of those we have 15-20 who are regular turnouts.
“We really want to build on that number.”
Hughes said while it looks like a fairly damp fire season ahead, if the area dries out we could see significant grass fires.
“We need to be prepared for anything and the more members we have the better we can serve the community,” he said.
Meanwhile, the brigade will conduct its annual Santa lollie run from 2.30pm on December 23, visiting every street in Kincumber, and on December 24 through the streets of Copacabana.
For recruitment drive details, keep an eye on the brigade’s Facebook page in the new year.
Terry Collins