Volunteers and Volunteering

How to become a volunteer RFS member, and what that involves

General overview

The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) is the government agency responsible for emergency management within the Australian Capital Territory. ESA provides the administrative infrastructure and support for four operational services, being the ACT Rural Fire Service, the ACT State Emergency Service, the ACT Ambulance Service, and the ACT Fire Brigade.

The ACT Rural Fire Service has nine volunteer brigades, and approximately 450 active volunteer bushfire fighters.

"I joined because it was something I have wanted to do since I was a kid. It's great doing something for the community and myself at the same time," Simon ACT RFS volunteer.

Nature of the work

The type of work carried out by emergency services volunteers can be either exciting or boring, rewarding or frustrating, cold or hot, fast or slow, or as many other variables as you can imagine. The role of the Rural Fire Service volunteers is primarily to assist with the suppression of bush and grass fires in the ACT's rural and remote areas.

The ACT's declared fire season is normally from the 1st of October through to the last day of February each year and this is the period of most activity for our volunteer bushfire fighters. There are, however, many instances of their being required for bushfire fighting duties outside of this period and all of our volunteers need to be aware of this need.

During bush and grass fire operations, bushfire fighters may have to drag heavy fire hoses around the fire, carry a knapsack spray (weighing about 20kg) or construct fire breaks using hand tools (hoe or rake like tools, or axes, for example). The time on the fire line can vary from as little as a few minutes, to more commonly 2 hours or more. Occasionally bushfire fighters may spend a shift of about 12 hours at a fire.

There is also a requirement for supporting the ACT Fire Brigade in grassfire suppression in the ACT urban area, when necessary. ACT Rural Fire Service members do not have a role in structural firefighting, hazardous chemical spills, road accident rescue etc. These are all roles of the ACT Fire Brigade.

ACT Rural Fire Service members assist with delivery of "BushfireWise", a community education program that advises residents how to identify and reduce bushfire risks near their homes. ACT Rural Fire Service members have also, on occasion, assisted the ACT State Emergency Service with storm damage repairs in the ACT.

"I joined because the brigade needed an experienced truck driver and I jumped at the opportunity. The best thing about being a volunteer is the experience and the personal reward of helping someone when they need it most," John ACT RFS volunteer.

Commitment

Volunteers joining the ACT Rural Fire Service are making a commitment to give their time voluntarily to assist the community. It is too difficult to be precise as to the number of hours it will take per week/month as it can vary greatly, depending on the number of times a member may be activated. Generally speaking volunteers can expect to give up to 2 - 3 hours each week for training. They will be asked to attend community activities about 3 or 4 times per year, and this can be for up to 6 - 8 hours each time.

Some brigades elect to have some of their Rural Fire Service members "stand up" at the shed during periods of increased fire danger, allowing for rapid response. The "stand up" commitment can be from around lunchtime up to early evening. There is also the time required for attending operations, this could be anything from an hour or two, to several days for a single incident.

Volunteers may need to negotiate with their employer for a release from work in the event of an operational call-out during business hours. However, no volunteer is expected to leave work if this is to the detriment of the employer's business.

"The best thing about being a volunteer is the new friends you make (and the good looking boys!)," Amy ACT RFS volunteer.

Health and Fitness

The work carried out by Rural Fire fighters can often be very strenuous and exhausting. There may be little opportunity for a break from the heat and the physical work required to be undertaken. Only people who have a reasonable level of fitness will be able to cope with this type of work for an extended period of time.

Some less strenuous tasks of Rural Fire Service volunteers include: radio communications operation, message taking, and provision of welfare services. The fitness requirements of the people doing these tasks may be different to those on the front line, however there is a limit to how many people are required for these types of activities.

All intending volunteers are required to complete a medical assessment with their doctor. In addition, there is a Fitness for Duty policy. This policy assigns fitness levels to the various functions undertaken by Rural Fire Service, and prescribes the fitness testing to be undertaken. Testing is done within brigades, at least once each year.

"I'd like to make fire-fighting a career when I'm older, and this seemed like a good way to get experience. I really enjoy all the training, and the Brigade's social activities," Ben ACT RFS volunteer.

Age requirements

Some brigades have junior members aged between 11 and 15 years.

Volunteers may become members of a brigade, with some operational restrictions, when they are between 16 and 17 years old. They will require their parent or guardian's consent.

Volunteers of 18 years of age or more, become full members, and their training and experience determine the roles and activities they undertake.

"I signed up because at 38 I finally worked out I was too old to be playing rugby so I decided to do something useful and become involved in an organisation that made a worthwhile contribution to the community while doing something that I would enjoy. Plus my wife thinks I look good in the uniform!",  Matt ACT RFS volunteer.

Uniforms

Volunteer members of the ACT Rural Fire Service are provided with sufficient uniforms and protective clothing to allow them to safely do their work. All protective clothing meets Australian Standards.

The initial issue of uniforms and protective clothing are made available free of charge, and free replacements are also provided on a one-for-one basis. This clothing remains the property of the ACT Government and must be surrendered when a member leaves the service.

Community activities attendance

Many brigades elect to attend community activities. These can range from local fetes and fairs, through to the Multi-Cultural Festival and the Australia Day events. This is seen as a good way of getting public exposure for a brigade, and is also an opportunity to promote the service. The Emergency Services Authority makes display material available for these events.

Training

The ACT Rural Fire Service conducts training reflecting nationally developed and agreed units of competence. Qualifications gained under these standards are transferable to other States. Locally produced learning material (and in some instances material from other States) is used as the basis for providing this training.

Members must have attended specified training courses and undergone formal assessment before they can attend certain operations. Qualifications that people may have gained from other emergency services or related industries or from their professional training may be transferable and recognised in either the ACT Rural Fire Service. A Recognition of Current Competency process will determine what skills a person has that may be recognised.

Further information is available through the Training Liaison Officer at ESA.

See also details about specific training programs.

Injury compensation

ACT Rural Fire Service volunteers are covered for compensation purposes, whenever they are travelling directly to or from training or an operation, or while they are at this training or operation. This compensation covers them for any injuries they may sustain during these activities, with all medical and rehabilitation expenses being met by the ACT Government.

People who are in paid employment and who are aged between 16 and 65 years are also covered for wages lost as a result of injuries sustained while on service with the ACT Rural Fire Service.

What's the next step?

For further information visit our Information Sessions (click here) page.

What if this is not for me?

If you decide that being a volunteer with a bushfire brigade is not right for you, and you would like to know more about other volunteer opportunities, contact:

Volunteering ACT
Tel: 02 6251 4060
Email: volact@volunteeract.org.au