About the NSW Rural Fire Service

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is the world's largest volunteer fire service. Our members provide fire and emergency services to approximately 95 percent of NSW. NSW RFS members attend a range of incidents and activities:

Bush and grass fires

House and structure fires

Storm damage

Search and rescue

Motor vehicle accidents

Community education

Bush fire mitigation.

The responsibilities of the NSW RFS are set out under the Rural Fires Act 1997.

Our vision and mission

To provide a world standard of excellence in the provision of a community-based fire and emergency service. To protect the community and our environment we will minimise the impact of fire and other emergencies by providing the highest standards of training, community education, prevention and operational capability.

Our values

Mutual respect

Adaptability and resourcefulness

One team, many players, one purpose

Integrity and trust

Support, friendship, camaraderie

Community and environment

Knowledge and learning.

Our organisation

Brigades 1,994 Local Government Areas 110 NSW RFS Districts 45 Regional Offices 4 Headquarters 1

Our membership

Region North 13,147 Region South 21,000 Region East 22,614 Region West 14,915 Total volunteers 71,234

Our staff

Total staff (FTE) 936

Approximately 70 percent of NSW RFS staff are, or have been, a NSW RFS volunteer.

The incidents we attend

In 2018/19, NSW RFS members attended more than 30,000 incidents across the state.

Incidents 2018/19 Bush/grass fires attended by NSW RFS 9,675 Structural fires 1,514 Motor vehicle fires 2,137 Motor vehicle accidents 5,496 Investigation 4,499 Refuse fires 659 Spillages 960 Assist other agencies 1,845 Flood 144 Other 3,171 Total 30,102

2,688 controlled burns and pile burns were attended in Rural Fire Districts in 2018/19.

Download our Fast Facts fact sheet here.