First season in the wild, a seasonal firefighter journey

Originally from the Mornington Peninsula, Kayla Turner made the move to Rainbow, a cosy town 260km north-west of Bendigo, in November 2024, embracing a new chapter in the Mallee region.

The daily tasks of a seasonal firefighter are incredibly varied and deeply connected to nature.

For the crew based at Rainbow, a big part of work takes place in the vast Big Desert.

Drawn to the outdoors and hands-on work, Kayla and her team spend days maintaining State Forests – clearing fire breaks, managing campgrounds, and controlling pests – all while immersing themselves in nature.

While on task force, being away from loved ones can be challenging, but the rewards nature of the job shines through.

Prepared for anything

The core priority for a seasonal firefighter is bushfire response; it requires organised preparedness, from meticulous vehicle maintenance to ensuring all necessary equipment and personal protective equipment are at hand.

In the Mallee, this even extends to having an overnight bag ready for rapid deployment, sometimes hours from home.

This past summer, Kayla gained invaluable experience on the Grampians and Little Desert fires.

‘My work included vital tasks like backburning to slow fire spread, checking on properties, and patrolling fire lines,’ Kayla said.

Once the immediate threat dispersed, she was involved in extinguishing embers and logs to prevent reignition and undertaking hazardous tree work to ensure public safety in reopened parks.

As the weather cools, the focus shifts to planned burning, a crucial preventative measure to reduce future fire risk.

Memorable moments and inspiring advice

One of Kayla's most memorable moments occurred during a night shift at the Grampians fires.

Driving uphill to get a better view of the fire front as the sun rose over the iconic Grampians rocky outcrops was a ‘very surreal feeling’.

‘Witnessing the fire calmly burning through leaf litter was a profound experience,’ Kayla says.

For women considering a career in firefighting, Kayla's advice is simple and encouraging: ‘Just go for it!’

She emphasises that ‘you truly won't know if it's for you until you try, and as a seasonal role, there's little to lose.’

Holding a degree in Wildlife and Conservation Biology, along with certifications in chainsaw operation, traffic management, and chemical use, Kayla has quickly built a strong foundation.

Working in Rainbow offers the unique benefits of working in small depot and team, fostering strong connections with colleagues.

The welcoming nature of the town and community has made the transition smooth, adding another layer of enjoyment to a career dedicated to protecting Victoria's natural landscapes.