Community & Business
10 July, 2026
Clifton Auxiliary Fire needs you!
The Clifton Auxiliary Fire Brigade has an allocation of 10 firefighters, but currently the Brigade is stretched with current numbers and is looking for locals to join up and get involved.
The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) is encouraging community-minded locals to consider becoming an auxiliary firefighter and play a vital role in protecting Clifton and surrounding communities.
Auxiliary firefighters are part-time emergency responders who balance their firefighting duties with their everyday jobs, businesses and family commitments.
Recently the Clifton district celebrated Peter McKenzie, former Fire Captain and school janitor.
Peter was an auxiliary brigade member.
QFD Warwick Area Commander Simon Pippos said there has never been a better time for locals to consider joining the auxiliary firefighting ranks.
“Whether it’s responding to a house fire, helping at the scene of a serious traffic crash or supporting the community during severe weather, auxiliary firefighters make a real difference when people need help most,” he said.
“For communities like Clifton, having dedicated local firefighters means faster support during emergencies and a stronger, more resilient community.”
Auxiliary firefighters receive nationally recognised training and ongoing support, equipping them with the skills and confidence to respond to a broad range of emergencies.
Training covers firefighting operations, rescue techniques, incident management, communication and team-work, while regular exercises help firefighters maintain their skills and readiness.
For Clifton Fire Captain Simon Wilshire, it’s the connections that’s kept him in the auxiliary brigade for 22 years.
“Camaraderie is probably the nice thing about it,” he said.
But it’s not the only thing to gain.
For one, there is a litany of skills to be learnt in the role of a firefighter.
They work closely with Ambulance and Police, and aside from the usual fires and crashes, they sometimes need to be “Swiss-Army-people”.
Driving ambulances, welfare checks and animal rescues are all apart of the auxiliary member’s repertoire.
But it’s tough, there are only three auxiliaries on the Clifton team at the moment who work in town, meaning any emergencies during the day will stretch the Clifton crew.
Teams from Toowoomba or Warwick are often called out to support.
Ben Reedman has had to do jobs by himself.
If you live in Clifton or within six minutes of it and think you might like to be an auxiliary firefighter, now is a good time to act.
Anyone interested can contact the local Queensland Fire and Rescue station or visit the QFD website.
