The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Kanangra Area staff have been pounding the streets of Oberon in order to be fighting fit for the upcoming fire season.

Oberon residents may have seen the green clad power walkers, some with heavy backpacks, heading off most mornings and afternoon on a 4 - 5km walk to the dam and along the foreshores. The new hiking/ biking trail around the dam has been put to good use by the NPWS fitness walkers.

Kanangra Area Manager Kim de Govrik said it was important that parks fire-fighting staff are fit to carry out the rigorous activities associated with fighting fires.

In recent years the NPWS has adopted a strict fitness test for its firefighters right across the state. Staff involved in remote area fire fighting often have to walk for many kilometres in rough steep terrain with heavy packs.

“Our fire fighters are highly trained, and strict standards of assessment require them to demonstrate the required levels of skills and fitness before they’re allowed on the fireground,” Mr De Govrik said.

“The fitness test for remote area fire fighters (RAFT), involves carrying a 20.4kg backpack over a distance of 4.83km in a time of 45 minutes, which is why training to reach this fitness standard is essential.

“During the summer months, Kanangra Area staff are part of the Catchment Remote Area Fire Fighting Team (CRAFT), which respond immediately to remote wild fires located within the Sydney Catchment Area.

“Often the teams are taken to the fire by helicopter and winched down to the ground with their fire fighting tools.

“During the fire season, CRAFT teams are also based at Nepean, Upper Mountains, Nattai and Illawarra. The quick response of the team ensures that most wild fires are kept to a minimum in size.”