Presenting Fire Wise Kids now live on the Learning Hub

Students enjoying the new activities in the Fire Wise Kids program

 

The Community Engagement team is pleased to announce the release of Presenting Fire Wise Kids on the Learning Hub.

 

Fire Wise Kids (FWK) is CFA’s new member-delivered education program. The five new lessons cover the most important aspects of fire safety based on age and development. These lessons are targeted at children from kindergarten to Year 4.

After two years of research, consultation, development and testing, Fire Wise Kids is ready for members to be trained in and begin delivery.

How do I become a Fire Wise Kids presenter?

There are four requirements to becoming a Fire Wise Kids Presenter:

1. Hold a current Working with Children Check

2. Complete the below prerequisite eLearning modules:

CFA Learning Hub - CFAPYPIND Child safety- Playing your part

CFA Learning Hub - CFACSEIND Communicating for Community Engagement

CFA Learning Hub - CFAICEAWE Introduction to Community Engagement

CFA Learning Hub - CFAIAFAWE Intro to Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS)

3. Complete CFA Learning Hub - CFAFWKIND Presenting Fire Wise Kids on the Learning Hub. There are seven modules that you can complete at your own pace. Please note that captain/BMT approval is required to enrol .

4. Attend and demonstrate competency at a district based in-person observation day. Availability of observation days will vary from district to district and may be dependent on fire activity in the area.

FAQs

If I’ve already done Fire Safe Kids training, do I still need to undertake the new training?

Yes. If you want to continue delivering CFA programs in schools, you will need to undergo the training as it’s a new program. Consistent training supports all members to deliver Fire Wise Kids as designed. This ensures child safety compliance and learning outcomes are achieved.

What is happening to Fire Safe Kids?

CFA will retire Fire Safe Kids at the end of the financial year (July 2026) with the ceasing of all delivery of the program. This will allow time for members to be trained and approved in Fire Wise Kids. This also allows time for brigades to liaise with their schools and book in sessions for 2026 and 2027, as part of their brigade community engagement planning.

Will there be new resources for Fire Wise Kids presenters?

Brigades with approved presenters will receive a FWK presenter satchel with new posters and materials to support program delivery. Also, new take-home packs will be available to give students after the delivery of the program. The FWK student packs are only for program delivery and not for use at other community engagement events. There are new separate character stickers and activity books for use at open days, markets, etc.

When can I start delivering Fire Wise Kids?

Once you have completed the four required steps and achieved approved Fire Wise Kids presenter status, you may book schools in for sessions.   Please allow several weeks for the delivery of the Fire Wise Kids presenter satchel to your brigade and time for ordering of student packs.  

How do we order resources?

Please speak to your district community engagement coordinator (CEC) or brigade Administrative support officer (BASO)

What if I have more questions?

If you have any questions about Fire Wise Kids, please email education@cfa.vic.gov.au 

 

Submitted by	Siobhan Greene