Shock, betrayal, then awe: I failed the first test at ACT firefighter try-outs

The mercury drops to five degrees as dozens of enthusiastic entrants in helmets and gloves gather at the emergency services training centre in Hume.

Almost 60 people at the ACT Fire and Rescue's (ACTFR) "come and try" evening session are about to face a series of endurance challenges involving running, weightlifting and teamwork under pressure.

ACT Fire and Rescue's 'come and try' session at the emergency services training centre in Hume. Picture by Bageshri Savyasachi