In the majestic mountains of Victoria’s Alpine region, forest firefighter Nick Howell has played a vital role in Forest Fire Management Victoria’s Ovens Fire District team for 16 years.
Growing up on a family farm in Ovens, Nick was all too familiar with the impact bushfires can have on the community and environment.
Nick’s journey with FFMVic began in 2009 when he joined as a project firefighter (now known as seasonal firefighter) after finishing high school.
‘Being able to help prevent and protect the community from the impact of bushfires seemed like a rewarding career,’ Nick said.
‘I saw an advertisement in the local paper about project firefighter positions, and it appealed to me straight away. The idea of working outdoors and being part of a team was really enticing.’
Nick has been deployed to several major bushfires within Hume region and across the state, including the 2013 Harrietville fires and the 2019-20 Black Summer fires.
‘I’ve been part of first attack crews to contain fires in steep and rough mountainous country. We worked long hours, through the night and you never forget that work.
Nick supported the firefighting efforts during the devastating 2019-20 bushfires that significantly impacted 1.39 million hectares of forests and parks in Victoria.
‘Helping protect homes and infrastructure for people in my community, and their appreciation of those efforts is a standout for me. It’s truly rewarding.’
Pathway to success
Nick took every opportunity to upskill and quickly moved into ongoing roles as a Forest and Fire Operations Officer and then a Field Operations Supervisor.
Nick is now the Workcentre Operations Co-ordinator at Ovens and responsible for all staff involved with delivering forest and fire programs, including bushfire response.
Nick said that while there are many pathways within the organisation, he is grateful for the leaders he’s been lucky to work with during his career.
‘There’s a strong sense of comradery and a team focused approach. I still maintain strong friendships with many of my senior leaders who have since retired or departed FFMVic. I’m forever grateful for their guidance and leadership during my early years.’
Since completing his initial General Firefighter training, Nick has been deployed to bushfires as a First Attack Dozer/Large Dozer Operator and Sector Commander and is a Planned Burn Operations Officer, Advanced Faller and Unimog Operator.
‘There are times where you work in fast-paced environments such as fire, where it’s physically and mentally testing, however you learn so much about yourself during those times.’
Nick recalls the first 3 months of training being busy.
‘There is a great deal to wrap your head around, however I felt reassured to learn from some great mentors with years of experience.
‘The on-ground instruction and guidance created an environment that ensures works are conducted methodically and safely.’
Nick said one of the great aspects of the seasonal firefighter program is that it attracts people from all backgrounds of employment.
‘My story would be similar to some within FFMVic, but there are many different stories about why the seasonal firefighter roles appeal to people.
‘We’re fortunate to have staff that have worked long careers in other industries, who wanted a change and they love coming to work as a seasonal firefighter.
In addition to responding to bushfires, seasonal firefighters help maintain recreational reserves, strategic fire breaks and forest roads.
‘The work is really appreciated by the community and visitors to our State Forests who use the recreation sites we maintain. It’s a great feeling to be part of that.’
Page last updated: 10/07/25