There is no urban fire service coverage of rural, semi-rural and some urban fringe areas. The Rural Fire Service (RFS), made up of approximately 34 000 volunteers (approximately 1500 rural fire brigades) and around 2400 fire wardens, and is the volunteer side of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and it is these volunteers who provide fire services
to 93% of Queensland. Although there is a ge
neral perception that the main role of RFS volunteers is active firefighting, there is much more to being a member of a Rural Fire Brigade
What services do rural fire brigades provide to communities? Members of the Rural Fire Service and your local rural fire brigade provide a range of services to help keep Queensland Communities safe. Fighting Fires
Rural Fire Brigades respond to the outbreak of fires within their local area and in surrounding areas in support of other rural fire brigades and emergency service workers. Fire Prevention
Rural Fire Brigades, in conjunction with Rural Operations staff, undertake a range of planning and preparation activities throughout the year to ensure communities are well prepared for the fire season. One of these activities is hazard reduction burns. Hazard reduction burns use fire to reduce excess vegetation and minimise the potential for bushfires to get out of control. Community Education
There is an increasing awareness that timely and effective fire prevention and education saves lives and property. Rural fire brigade members deliver a range of community education programs within their communities. The local knowledge held by members of the brigades, along with their knowledge of fire behaviour and prevention, ensure the community gets information and education specific to their circumstances. Permits to Light Fire
In Queensland the Rural Fire Service controls the use of fire by not allowing fires to be lit without a specific permit. Rural Fire Service Fire Wardens and authorised fire officers manage the permit to light fire system. A permit to light fire is required for any fire that exceeds two metres in any direction and can be acquired free of charge from a fire warden. Deployments and assistance during disasters
Rural Fire Service volunteers are often sent on deployment to assist other states during fire disasters. Members are also called upon to assist other emergency service agencies during disasters such as floods and storms. How do I become involved in the Rural Fire Service? Joining the Rural Fire Service is a great way to get involved in your community, to meet new people, make friends, develop networks and learn new skills. The Rural Fire Service needs all types of people, with a wide range of skills to help keep your community safe. There are a number of roles in the Rural Fire Service. These include firefighting, community education, fundraising, administration and more. As a member of a rural fire brigade you have the opportunity to not only help protect your community, you will also meet great people and make new friends, become part of a team and learn a range of new skills through the wide variety of training available to you.
