What do CFS volunteers do?

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.