"South Australia was extremely fortunate to have escaped relatively unscathed during significant fire danger days in 2009, but our Victorian neighbours were not so," Mr Ferguson said.

"For their support of the Victorian Country Fire Authority, but also for all of the incidents, small or large, that they were responded to in 2009, thank you to all CFS volunteers, you do a good job."

Volunteers with the CFS undertake a range of roles, from fighting bushfires locally and interstate, to road crash rescue, house fires, radio operation, community education and administration support.

The work of the 15,545 men and women who volunteer for the CFS is integral to the ongoing operations of the State's major rural fire fighting organisation.

"The Country Fire Service is South Australia's largest volunteer emergency service organisation, and I am incredibly proud of the good work done by the men and women who voluntarily devote their time and energy during times of disaster," Mr Ferguson said.

"Volunteering is a rewarding opportunity that sees you working side by side with other volunteers in times of emergency, teaching you new and valuable skills that can also assist you in your day-to-day life and in your workplace. "I encourage anyone thinking of volunteering, whether as a firefighter or in radio operations or catering, to enquire with their local brigade and make 2010 the year you join the Country Fire Service."

Men and women of most ages can join the CFS. Those between the ages of 11 and 18 with an interest in volunteering or even a future career with the CFS can join as a Cadet. As a Cadet you will be trained by qualified and experienced volunteer firefighters, in a wide variety of skills including; firefighting, using fire hydrants and hoses, using ladders and extinguishers, using CFS radios and map reading.

CFS firefighters are trained to deal with emergencies including; bush and grass fire, structural fire, storm damage and flood, motor vehicle crashes, hazardous chemical spills and industrial accidents.

The other option is to join as an Operational Support member, where tasks will involve radio operations, logistics, catering and administration. "There really is something for everyone, and all volunteer members are given free, nationally accredited training," Mr Ferguson said.

"Most of all, volunteers with the Country Fire Service get to help make their community a safer place to live in and enjoy the support of the rest of the community for their efforts."

It has been another busy year for the organisation, with CFS brigades across the State responding to 8,125 incidents in the past 12 months, with the majority relating to road crash rescue, equating to 2,377 incidents.

Rural incidents, including bush and grass fire, made up 2,038 of the tasks attended to by volunteers. Incidents of significance included a grass/scrub fire at Proper Bay/Port Lincoln in January which destroyed 250 hectares of land, another grass/scrub fire at Gawler River in February which destroyed 90ha of land in February and a fire at Bibaringa in March which resulted in 50ha of land burnt.

Most recent incidents include a number of fires started during a lightning storm in November, including Curramulka, Pine Point, Formby Bay, Spring Gully and Wirrabara.

South Australia's first Emergency Alert messages for bushfire threat were issued on December 23, when significant fires threatened property and life in Kingston, in the State's South East, and at Port Lincoln, where 13 houses were destroyed, and shed, stock and fence losses reported.

SA fire agencies also committed a total of more than 800 fire fighting personnel in support of the Victorian fires in February, including 27 vehicles from the CFS, Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) and Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH).

Mr Ferguson says that while it has been a busy year for the CFS and partner agencies, he hopes 2010 is a safe and happy year for all South Australians, and issues the reminder that bushfire response is a shared responsibility and all property owners in high risk areas should ensure they are Bushfire Ready.

To find out more about volunteering with the CFS visit the CFS website, enquire with your local CFS brigade or call the Volunteer Recruitment Hotline 1300 364 587.

www.cfs.sa.gov.au