MASSIVE bushfires that have been burning across NSW for months have resulted in a membership spike for the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) in the Chifley/Lithgow zone.
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So far this bushfire danger period more than 2400 homes have been destroyed by fire, with firefighters and members of the public killed while defending their properties.
On Tuesday, there were more than 70 fires still burning across NSW.
READ MORE: More homes lost in NSW bushfire crisis
Brigades across the zone have received a recent boom in membership enquiries, Chifley/Lithgow Inspector Mick Holland.
While interest in joining RFS was a positive thing for the service, he said training was vital and did take some time.
"A lot of people think they can walk into a fire station and sign a bit of paper and get started," Insp Holland said.
Anyone wishing to become a firefighter must complete a course and undertake training with the brigade before before deployed to any incidents.
"We need members who are there for the busy times and also the quite times and members who can do other tasks like communication," Insp Holland said.
Anyone interested should call Chifley/Lithgow Fire Control Centre on 1300 258 737 or contact your location station.
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"You should a attend the brigade a few times before you decide to join. See what the people are like and see what the brigade's like," Insp Holland said.
The Chifley/Lithgow RFS district covers the Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon local government areas.
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