When the fire truck rolled into the school premises, they were amazed to see a young face behind the wheel.

That was 21 year old Krambach Rural Fire Service (RFS) member Samantha Bartlett, who joined the Lansdowne crew for the day.

The decision to join the Rural Fire Service over a year ago was an easy one for Samantha.

"Years ago when there were all those big fires happening, I was too young but all I wanted to do was help out.

"I felt so useless just sitting at home and doing nothing while everyone's houses were burning.

“A few years later when I moved to the area and saw that Krambach brigade needed members, I knew that I needed to be there.

“I spoke to the captain Neville Moore, got the paperwork started, went through the training and I loved it,” Samantha said.

She has felt a sense of achievement since joining the crew.

"Being in a team, just going to people that support you, learning new things and doing something good," Samantha said.

Samantha has been developing her skills behind the wheel from Kundle/ Moto RFS member Nick Wright. 

She hopes to obtain her full medium rigid licence soon, which will give her full control of driving the truck.

She added that the current Krambach RFS is home to a unique crew.

Several members are young and female like herself.

She wants to encourage other young females to try their hand at fire fighting.

"Go for it.

"You can do it because it's really good for building self confidence and learning so many new skills.

"I really do recommend it,” Samantha said.

Senior deputy captain at Lansdowne RFS Daniel Gaul said Samantha has been an asset to the crew.

"It's good that Sam agreed to come to the school with us to show the little kids that it's not just a male based industry,” Daniel said.  

The Lansdowne fire crew spent the summer fighting fires locally as well as Singleton, Kurri Kurri and other parts of the Hunter region.