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Fires spark SW bush brigade rush

Bunbury Volunteer Bushfire Brigade’s Denis Brown, Cassandra Wright and Alex Guzman are among a surge of new recruits inspired by recent bushfires to join up. Picture: Jon Gellweiler

If volunteer numbers are anything to go by, one positive can be taken from WA's recent bushfires.

The Bunbury Volunteer Bushfire Brigade has experienced a spike in people wanting to join the team since fire devastated the Northcliffe community in January.

"Seeing those fires, I really just wanted to give back to the community and help," said new recruit Denis Brown, who signed up to the Bunbury brigade three weeks ago after seeing the effect of the bushfires in Northcliffe.

Brigade captain Terri Kowal said an information night held after the fires was one of the most popular to date.

The brigade had 30 people attend and 15 sign up as volunteers - and more were expected

It brought to 32 the number of volunteers on the brigade's team.

"It's great because we have been so flat-stick this year and we've really struggled at big jobs to get relief crews," Mrs Kowal said.

New volunteers must participate in training sessions such as inductions, first aid and fire hose layouts.

Mr Brown said the strict training courses gave him confidence when he was called to attend a job.

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