Volunteer Firefighters Needed - Frequently Asked Questions for NSW Rural Fire Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Often times people are scared to ask a question for fear of looking silly. The thing is, lots of other people have the same questions. Below you'll find a range of the most commonly asked questions, but if you have any more please don't hesitate to contact your local brigade - you'll find their address and phone number at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

• Why become a volunteer?
• Who can become a volunteer?
• Apart from fire fighting, is there anything else I can do?
• I'm not sure I have the time.
• How do I become a member?
• What's the process?
• What kind of training is there?
• What if I want to know more?

Why become a volunteer?

There are many reasons to consider joining the RFS. For starters, it's a great way of contributing to your local community. You can learn new skills, from fire fighting and first aid to communications and aviation support. Plus, you'll make new friends that you're likely to have for the rest of your life.

Who can become a volunteer?

Just like the communities they come from, a RFS brigade is made up of people from all walks of life. There are men and women from all types of cultural backgrounds, age groups and professions. As long as you're over the age of 16, you can apply to join as a volunteer. For people under the age of 16, we offer a Cadet program, giving you a great introduction to life in the RFS.

Apart from fire fighting, is there anything else I can do?

The RFS isn't just fire fighting - there's a whole host of roles we offer. Perhaps you're interested in supporting our members through catering. Or maybe you're interested in communications, making sure our teams can keep in touch. There are roles in safety and welfare, aviation support and teaching the community about fire. There's a role for nearly everyone.

I'm not sure I have the time.

You can give as little or as much time as you like to the RFS. It might be a few hours, one night a month – or one day on a weekend each month.

How do I become a member?

The process is easy. Firstly, get an application form from your nearest brigade or Fire Control Centre. If you're not sure where that is please fill out our contact us form.

What's the process?

Once you've filled out an application form, we'll do all the necessary checks including a criminal history check. You'll also be invited to a quick interview. Once those checks are complete, you'll get a letter telling you if you've been successful. If you are, you're accepted as a probationary member for 6 months.

What kind of training is there?

If you're accepted as a volunteer, you'll have to undertake some basic fire fighting training. This course will teach you about the RFS, how we work safely, the equipment we use and how we deal with the threat of fire. Later, you can train in Advanced Fire Fighting, Village Fire Fighting, First Aid or leading our crews in the field.

What if I want to know more?

Talk to members of your local brigade or staff at your local Fire Control Centre. You can find the address and phone number of these at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au, where you'll also find information on the proud history of the RFS, our many different roles and more details on how to join.

Back to top