We're the people you sometimes see on television, fighting bushfires and helping our community in times of emergency.

We have thousands of volunteers across South Australia who train hard and risk their lives for their community, working in a range of roles including:

  • Firefighter
  • Radio operations
  • Catering
  • Administration support
  • Operational support
  • Community education
  • Fundraising

As a volunteer you will work side by side with other volunteers in times of emergency and learn new and valuable skills that will help you in day-to-day life and in your workplace. Most of all you get to help make your community a safer place to live in and enjoy the support from your community for your efforts.

Volunteer now

Brigade information sessions
7 Sep 2024 09:00 - 15:00 One Tree Hill brigade - Open Day Upper Mount Lofty Ranges Yorke Peninsula and Lower North

 

Meet our volunteers

Volunteer profile - Sue

Sue

Roseworthy Brigade

Region 2

I first joined the CFS because my brigade was short of day crew, and having small children I was regularly home during the day. Several other women helped babysit the kids, so I was able to become one of our brigade's first female firefighters.

Volunteer profile - Lachie

Lachie

Naracoorte Brigade

Region 5

I'm currently a Lieutenant with the Naracoorte Cadet Brigade. Stories of my father, grandfather and great-grandfather firefighters further inspired me to join the CFS. The unparalleled satisfaction derived from contributing to and serving the local community fills me with immense pride.

Volunteer profile - Kerri

Kerri

Milang Brigade

Region 1

I started with the CFS in 2007 whilst living close to Morphett Vale brigade before moving to Milang in 2010. I joined the CFS to help the community whilst gaining skills and confidence in leading and working as part of a diverse team, and helping those in my community.

Volunteer profile - Chris

Chris

Milang Brigade

Region 1

I always thought about joining the CFS and now I feel it is a great way to support the community. Since joining I've done various training courses to build my skills assisting in fires within SA and interstate.

Volunteer profile - Luke

Luke

Browns Well Brigade

Region 3

I joined the brigade after hearing about the Kangaroo Island fires and felt I needed to help my community. I've been a member for 3.5 years and I'm now the Brigade's communications coordinator.

Volunteer profile - Brian

Brian

Owen Brigade

Region 2

I first pulled overalls on for the EFS, the forerunner of the CFS, when I was 18. I'm now 82 and a life member. One of the most satisfying parts of my CFS job is to welcome and encourage new recruits.

CFS Volunteer - Ian

Peter

Lower Inman Valley Brigade

Region 1

I have been a CFS member for just over two years now and while unsure as whether I would have the time to commit to the brigade, what I have found instead is that the time commitment is not an issue as everyone understands each of us do what we can.

CFS Volunteer - Ian

Ian

Strathalbyn Operational Support Brigade

Region 1

I've been a CFS member since 2019. As a retired nurse academic I enjoy being part of the Operational Support Brigade (OPS) as it provides 'behind the scenes' support. Being a Volunteer is very satisfying. You make a difference in your community and they respect you as a CFS Volunteer.

CFS Volunteer - Josh

Josh

Lower Inman Valley Brigade

Region 1

I've been with the Lower Inman Valley Brigade for three and a half years now. During this time I have attended lots of training courses that have not only helped me become a better firefighter, but also a better leader. Many of the skills I have learned are transferable to everyday life, which is a huge benefit of being with the CFS.

CFS Volunteer - Rachel

Rachel

Lower Inman Valley Brigade

Region 1

When I moved into the local area with my husband, we both joined the Lower Inman Valley CFS Brigade as a great way to contribute to our community as well as a way of getting to know lots of our neighbours. It has been something we have been able to do together, which has been good too.

FAQs

The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) has brigades in over 420 locations across South Australia.

To find out where your nearest brigade is phone 1300 364 587 or contact us.

Before you are able to join, you must agree to a Confidential National Police History Check that is conducted by the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM).

You can get a copy of the form from your local brigade. All instructions and postal details are included on the form.

Once the Confidential National Police History Check has been undertaken you will receive a letter from the Chief Officer to tell you if you are able to apply to your local brigade or if your application has been rejected.

If you are able to apply, you then need to present the letter to the Brigade Captain or Brigade Administration Coordinator.

Your application to join a brigade is voted on by the brigade members. The brigade may accept, reject or defer your application.

If you are accepted, you will be on probation for six (6) months. If you join as a firefighter, during this time you must successfully complete the Brigade Fire Fighter 1 training.

CFS offers many opportunities to contribute according to your skills, interests and availability. There are three categories of membership that you may be able to apply for:

Firefighter

Firefighters are trained to deal with all kinds of emergencies including:

  • Bush and grass fires
  • Structural fires
  • Storm damage and floods
  • Motor vehicle crashes
  • Hazardous chemical spills
  • Industrial accidents

Operational Support

Operational Support members provide a range of valuable operations support services such as:

  • Radio operations
  • Logistics
  • Catering
  • Administration

Cadets

If you are between 11 and 18 years old you can join the CFS as a cadet. As a cadet you will be trained by qualified and experienced volunteers in:

  • Firefighting skills
  • Using fire hydrants and hoses
  • Using ladders
  • Using fire extinguishers
  • Map reading
  • Basic first aid

While it is commendable to help your community in the event of an emergency, it is always safer if you are able to make a commitment to the minimum levels of training and attendance on training nights.

No, all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Personal Protective Clothes (PPC) such as overalls, boots, gloves and helmets are provided.

Training is usually held once a week for most brigades. Some brigades train fortnightly or monthly, depending on local needs. Phone 1300 364 587 or contact us to find out when your closest brigade trains.

CFS has a commitment to its volunteers that no out of pocket expenses should be incurred as a result of undertaking a volunteer role. The CFS provides for all training, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) you need to do the job.

CFS recognises and values the contribution of its volunteers, including the time that is given. Apart from meeting the minimum requirements for training and skills maintenance, how much time you can offer can be negotiated with your Brigade Captain.