Member for Barron River Craig Crawford is encouraging FNQ residents to say thank you this week to the dedicated Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers as part of RFS Week.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the week kicks off on 4 June and was a great opportunity to commend the work RFS volunteers do for their fellow community members to keep them safe.

“With bushfire season upon us, our rural firefighters will be out in full force keeping our state safe from potential damaging fires, willingly giving up hours of their own time to protect their communities,” Minister Ryan said.

“The RFS has more than 36,000 volunteers spread throughout Queensland to assist when a disaster strikes.

“These volunteers put in many hours of their own time, including taking time off from their jobs or temporarily closing their businesses, as well as being away from their loved ones to help those in need“.

Mr Crawford said local residents are encouraged to use RFS Week to say ‘thanks’ to the amazing, inspiring and hardworking RFS volunteers for their continued dedication to the safety of Queenslanders and in particular our local community.

“We have an outstanding rural fire service in FNQ and our community relies on each and every one of our RFS volunteers to keep our residents safe.

“On behalf of the Palaszczuk Government I thank our local RFS volunteers for the great work that they do.”

For further information about bushfire preparation, including downloading a Bushfire Survival Plan and joining RFS, please visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au

Media contact: 4229 0100