Australia's firefighters are raising money for wildlife foundations by posing with their kit off for an annual calendar featuring adorable pets and endangered native wildlife.

The internationally acclaimed Australian Firefighters Calendar, now in its 29th year, is setting hearts on fire again.

With over 750 million Facebook views and distributed in over 100 countries last year, the world's most iconic calendar is back bigger and better than ever.

The photoshoot is a 25-day animal lovers' extravaganza. Much loved pets, Australian wildlife, farm animals, therapy, and rescue horses from all over the Southeast Queensland come together to take part in the photoshoot.

This year the usual five fan favourite editions will be available: the Classic, Cats, Dogs, Horse and Mixed Animal editions will be made available.

For the first time ever, the firefighters are also heating things up with a summer edition calendar featuring firefighters having fun in the sun on some of Australia's most iconic beaches.

The inaugural Summer calendar cover features Australia's fittest firefighter, Matt Haydon.

This year the owners of much-loved cats and dogs entered their pets to take part in the photoshoot.

Crystal Doohan, Australian Firefighters' Calendar Creative Director, said, "We received over 5,000 photos of every type of animal you can imagine to take part in the photoshoot and they entered from all over world.

"We even had a lady from Moscow that wanted fly her cat to Australia. It takes one month to sort through all the eligible entrants."

There are many new faces in the 2022 editions. Ben Church is a firefighter from Western Australia that was selected to take part in the photoshoot.

Ben said, "I wanted to do it for my grandma and mom. They were so proud that I was selected to take part in the photoshoot.

"They embarrassed the heck out of me by emailing the calendar co-ordinators advising them I was the most handsome firefighter in Western Australia and the guys have not stopped reminding me of that! Thanks grandma and mom!"

Another new face is Ricky Smith, a Brisbane-based Firefighter, who said, "I received a phone call congratulating me that I had been selected for the 2022 Australian Firefighters Calendar.

"I thought to myself that I had never sent an application in? What is this guy talking about?

"I found out later that my girlfriend had done it without me knowing. Before I knew it I was standing in front of seven members of the photography team. I was absolutely terrified. I have never even taken a selfie!"

The recipients of donations from this year's calendar are heavily focused on community animal welfare groups.

These include Native Animal Rescue, Wildcare Inc, Safe Haven Animal Rescue, Australian Seabird Rescue, Fauna Rescue of SA, Healing Hooves, Reason to Thrive, Kids with Cancer Foundation, and the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

David Rogers, Director of the Australian Firefighters' Calendar, said, "The unsung work that many of these volunteer-based organizations do is outstanding.

"Without these dedicated wildlife warriors, many sick and injured domestic and wildlife animals simply would not survive.

"These wonderful people are the reason we try so hard to produce calendars that not only help raise funds and awareness but also honor their work."

GO ON, SHARE This Sizzling Story on Social Media…