IN a move to have fire stations up and running before Diwali, 10 Seaqaqa youths have been officially appointed as community fire volunteer workers for the National Fire Authority.
People of Seaqaqa are happy with the plans by the NFA to build a mini fire station in the area.
Divisional fire officer John Pillay said 10 other youths from the area would be initiated because of the shortage in time and the interest shown by youths to be part of the new station.
Mr Pillay confirmed that the training of the 20 young people has been continuing since February and that their appointment would involve them working as fire officers and carrying out the same duties as permanent staff in fire stations nationwide.
"NFA already has plans to draft volunteer workers as permanent workers once the NFA recruitment begins," he said.
"I take this time to acknowledge the hard work of the training officers from the Labasa Fire Station and the effort put in by the community to have a fire station in Seaqaqa.
"The Seaqaqa mini fire station will act as a sister station of the Labasa Fire Station and will work together when the need arises in combating fires along the Labasa and Seaqaqa corridor."
Mr Pillay said the 10 newly-appointed community volunteers would be paid allowances.
"A fire station in Seaqaqa is long overdue and we welcome the idea to reinstall a fire station in the area," he said.
Mr Ali said the community looked forward to working with the authority.