The pupils are a part of the NSW RFS (Rural Fire Service) Secondary School Cadet Program (SSCP) and they faced off against counterparts from Muswellbrook last week at Lake Liddell.

During the competition participants ran through the five-person fog attack, the standpipe and hose event as well as the water transfer knapsack.

These activities require students to demonstrate their basic fire fighting ability. For example, the aim of the fog attack is to isolate an LPG tank while providing protection for your crew.

This is the second time the event has been staged and it is the brainchild of Keith Lobb, the fire mitigation officer with the RFS Hunter Valley Team.

He is also responsible for conducting the 10-week program at the two high schools.

Mr Lobb said the day was a big “success”.

“The kids had a great day and it was wonderful to see how much they have improved,” he said.

“At the start of the program it took one team about 10 minutes to complete the standpipe and hose event; on the day they completed the task in four minutes.

“It was hard to separate the two teams but the independent judge declared Singleton the winners.”

Although he did mention it was very close.

Mr Lobb said the program teaches a range of skills and was not a recruitment drive for the RFS.

“It is about teaching them about the importance of volunteering in the community,” he told The Argus.

“Besides basic fire fighting techniques are not the only things they learn.  

“Learning to work as a team, leadership and communication skills are some of the other skills they pick up along the way.”

It is also great for their confidence and is inclusive with some special needs students taking part in the initative, he said.

“At the start of term, the kids are really quiet and don’t say much,” Mr Lobb said.

“But, by the end, they really open up and it is great to see them grow in confidence and develop their skills.”