Liverpool resident Kim Nguyen had a taste of life as a firefighter recently and hopes to pass on her new-found knowledge to Vietnamese migrants living in south-west Sydney.

Ms Nguyen was one of five volunteers who attended a NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) training program aimed at raising fire safety awareness among culturally diverse communities.

She put on breathing apparatus and protective clothing, rescued a firefighter from a dark room, learned how to use a fire extinguisher and met fire commissioner Greg Mullins.

"By engaging volunteers from the Vietnamese community, people who speak Vietnamese will have greater access to the NSWFB and its community safety programs," Mr Mullins said.

"Kim has visited local fire stations and learnt all about smoke alarm legislation and fire safety awareness messages she has been taking back to her community."

Since 2001, the number of people who speak Vietnamese at home has increased from 67,902 to 74,587.

"By working with volunteers like Kim, we can ensure that this rapidly growing community is aware of the importance of having an escape plan and a smoke alarm," Mr Mullins said.

The "firefighter for a day" exercise included volunteers representing Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese and Sudanese communities.