They are taking part in demonstrations at this weekend’s Maitland Show to give the city an insight into what they do to respond to a fire emergency.

Two teams will complete a series of tasks against the clock during each demonstration. 

The team with the fastest time will be named the winner. 

Each team will have four to six members and work together to pump water and chop wood.

“We’ve got a scenario that we will set up,” Bolwarra-Largs RFS Captain Brian Worboys said. 

“Once that’s completed they’ve got to get the portable pump and draft out of there and run the hoses to knock a target down.”

Captain Worboys thanked Bolwarra-Largs, Maitland Vale, Lochinvar, East Maitland, Bowthorn, Thornton and Raymond Terrace crews for being part of the initiative.

“The crew are from group two in the Lower Hunter zone and we’ve been fortunate to get a range of brigades assisting and participating in the event,” he said. 

Captain Worboys said the demonstrations would help people understand how Rural Fire Service volunteers operated. 

“It’s showing the public a few of the things we do like using chainsaws and pumping water under a speed condition,” he said. 

There will be demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday in the main arena. 

The RFS will also have an information stand under the grandstand on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

“People might want to ask us questions about their fire plans or find out other information – we will have volunteers they can talk to,” Captain Worboys said.