Allan Hagney, along with others from the brigade provided the students with training at the school site, where they were given a practical education.

The course was run over a week and 21 students from Camden Haven High School completed the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Secondary School Cadet Program.

The Camden Haven High School students helped mark a milestone for the service. The number of students graduating reached 10,000, since the program's 2004 inception.

Mr Hagney said he hopes some of the students will be encouraged to join the volunteer brigade service in the future.

NSW RFS District Manager Superintendent Kam Baker congratulated the students and said it is the ideal way to introduce young people to the important role volunteer fire fighters play within communities.

"These cadets have completed the course which has given them skills that will last a lifetime," Superintendent Baker said.

"As well as examining fire behaviour, the participants have been taught essential fire safety techniques and gained an appreciation of the work our emergency services do every day in this state.

"The cadet program also offers students the opportunity to experience firsthand the commitment and camaraderie that comes with volunteering."

Superintendent Baker said this is the fourth year that Camden Haven High School has offered the NSW RFS Secondary School Cadet Program to its students.

Meanwhile the NSW Rural Fire Service is recommending everyone has a fire plan after the bushfire danger period for the Mid-North Coast was pushed forward by one month to August 1.

For information about hazard reduction burning and fire permits required during the bushfire danger period, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au