Fast facts
About the NSW Rural Fire Service
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is the world's largest volunteer fire service. Our members provide fire and emergency services to approximately 95 percent of 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 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 |
| RFS Districts | 43 |
| Area Commands | 7 |
| Headquarters | 1 |
| Volunteers | 70,948 |
| Staff | 1,447 |
Approximately 65 percent of RFS staff are, or have been, a RFS volunteer.
The incidents we attend
In 2023/24, RFS members attended more than 34,000 incidents across the state.
| Incidents | 2023/24 |
|---|---|
| Bush/grass fires attended by NSW RFS | 9,596 |
| Structural fires | 1,543 |
| Motor vehicle fires | 2,232 |
| Motor vehicle accidents | 5,631 |
| Assist other agencies | 2,963 |
| Storm and flood | 93 |
| Total | 34,432 |
