Fast facts

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 volunteer-based community 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 1,982
Local Government Areas 110
NSW RFS Districts 43
Area Commands7
Headquarters 1
Volunteers70,829
Staff1,240

Approximately 68 percent of NSW RFS staff are, or have been, a NSW RFS volunteer.

The incidents we attend

In 2022/23, NSW RFS members attended more than 24,000 incidents across the state.

Incidents2022/23
Bush/grass fires attended by NSW RFS 6,220
Structural fires 1,344
Motor vehicle fires 1,881
Motor vehicle accidents 5,106
Assist other agencies 2,680
Storm and flood 135
Total 24,973

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