Image: Yallourn North Urban
Australia, a land of diverse landscapes and climates, has always faced the threat of fire. From scorching bushfires to the challenges of urban firefighting, we rely on a multitude of fire services to protect lives, property, and the environment. In this post, we delve into the world of Australian fire services, shedding light on the different types of firefighters and agencies that work tirelessly to keep the nation safe.
Introduction
Understanding these fire services is not only important for residents and visitors but also for anyone interested in the complex, multifaceted nature of firefighting in Australia. Whether it’s the full-time firefighters working at a station, the part-time firefighters who balance their duties with other jobs, or the dedicated volunteers who step up when their communities are in need, each group plays a vital role in Australia’s fire protection efforts.
Types of Firefighters in Australia
Australia’s firefighting forces are as diverse as the landscapes we protect, with different types of firefighters specialising in various aspects of fire service. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of these firefighters is essential for comprehending the nation’s firefighting capabilities. There are many different types of firefighters across the country in different industries, but in this article, we will focus on the three more common roles.
Full-Time Firefighters
Full-time firefighters are the backbone of urban firefighting in Australia. They are highly trained and ready to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice, typically working shift work and stationed at an assigned fire station.
B. Part-Time Firefighters
Part-time firefighters, also known as retained or auxiliary firefighters depending on where in the country you are, serve in areas where full-time coverage may not be economically feasible. They must balance their job as a part-time firefighter with that of another career and personal life. Part-time firefighters aren’t stationed at a fire station full-time and only attend when required.
C. Volunteer Firefighters
Volunteer firefighters are predominantly located in rural and remote areas in Australia, although in areas around the country where ‘the bush meets the city,’ they play a vital role in protecting large urban communities.
Australian Fire Services
Full-time or Part-time Firefighters
Paid on-call firefighters. Photo: FRNSW-312
The following agencies are responsible for the recruitment and management of full-time and part-time firefighters in Australia:
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Fire and Rescue Service (ACTFRS) |
| New South Wales (NSW) | Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) |
| Queensland (QLD) | Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) |
| South Australia (SA) | South Australia Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS) |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) |
| Victoria (VIC) | Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) |
| Western Australia (WA) | Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) |
Volunteer Firefighters
A NSW RFS Volunteer Photo: Andrew Flakelar
The following agencies are responsible for the recruitment and management of full-time and part-time firefighters in Australia:
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | ACT Rural Fire Service (ACT RFS) |
| New South Wales (NSW) | NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) |
| Queensland (QLD) | Queensland Rural Fire Service (QRFS / QFES) |
| South Australia (SA) | SA Country Fire Service (CFS) |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) |
| Victoria (VIC) | VIC Country Fire Authority (CFA) |
| Western Australia (WA) | Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) |
How to join
If you’re interested in becoming a firefighter in Australia, you’d best check out a few of our guides to find out a bit more information!
