Get Involved - Rural Fire Force

Rural Fire Force

The Wellington Rural Fire Force is a volunteer group that fights and prevents fires in the rural areas, forests and hills in the Wellington region. Members are also often called on to help the New Zealand Fire Service members fight fires in Wellington city.

Wellington Rural Fire Service website

The official fire season runs from 1 October to 31 April. During this time, Fire Force volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Volunteers average about 20 emergency call outs a year around the region.

Become a Volunteer

If you would like information on becoming a volunteer, read the brochure and complete the form below.

• Volunteer Form
• Wellington Rural Fire Force Brochure (317Kb PDF)

Training

New recruits are trained to NZQA fire and rescue industry training standards. Volunteers must hold a minimum of four unit standards before being allowed to take part in genuine fire fighting.

Volunteers are trained in a range of fire-fighting skills including:

• fire-fighting techniques
• radio operations
• first aid
• navigation
• chainsaw operations
• pump operation
• use of fire-fighting equipment
• equipment maintenance and care
• use of water - helicopter operations.

Volunteering for the Fire Force is likely to be very hot and very hard. But there's also great camaraderie and satisfaction in learning how to fight fires to save property and lives.

The Fire Force is located in Tawa and administered by the Wellington Emergency Management Office. The group trains for 3 to 4 hours a week in the summer months to maintain a high level of fitness. This reduces to fortnightly over winter.

The Fire Force also holds social functions throughout the year for members and their families.

Related Links

• Hazards - Wildfires

Department Details:
Emergency Management