Volunteers
Volunteers
Volunteer Bushfires Brigades
Who are Bushfire Volunteers
Bushfire Volunteers are landholders and members of the community who combine to form Volunteer Bushfire Brigades - an essential part of protecting the rural areas of the Northern Territory from bushfire.
There is an opportunity to gain basic training so you can become a confident and competent member of a Brigade
Tell me more about Volunteer Bushfire Brigades
There are currently 21 Volunteer Bushfire Brigades in the Northern Territory servicing approximately 100,000 square kilometres of the rural areas of Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs as well as the intensive agricultural areas of Douglas Daly, Point Stuart and Daly Waters.
The Brigades receive funding from the NT Government to provide, maintain and operate fire-fighting equipment. Brigades also receive support services through the Bushfires Council NT. These include the maintenance of communications systems, coordination of resources for hazard reduction programs and at major wildfires. Council staff also provide the Brigades with administrative assistance, training and advice in fire related matters.
The Volunteer Brigades provide advice on bushfire management in the NT to the rural community and Regional Bushfire Committees, the Bushfires Council and NT Government.
What do Bushfire Volunteers do?
As members of a Bushfire Brigade, volunteers undertake a variety of tasks aimed at preventing and fighting wildfires. This includes tasks such as fuel hazard reduction, attending bushfires and operating fire-fighting equipment. Volunteers also include people who provide food and refreshments to firefighters or those who conduct raffles for fund-raising.
Volunteer Bushfire Brigades often provide a focal point for social events within the community and a number of brigades have formed their own social clubs. Brigades also often provide their services to support other community groups and organisations.
Volunteer Bushfire Brigade members also provide an important pool of trained and equipped personnel who are a vital component of the Territories Conter Disaster resources. Volunteers have provided essential support in major natural disaster response and recovery efforts such as during the Katherine flood in January 1998.
What is the Bushfire Volunteers Association?
The Bushfire Volunteers across the NT have formed their own Bushfire Volunteers Association which allows volunteers to promote their efforts and achievements and to voice their concerns or requirements as an independent entity.
How do I become a Volunteer?
Anyone over 16 years of age can be a Volunteer. As there are a variety of roles to fit a variety of people – everyone can help and all are welcome.
If you would like more information or are interested in becoming a Bushfire Volunteer, contact a member of a Brigade in your area, or your local Bushfire Council office.
The Brigade will provide you with a Volunteer Membership form to fill in and return.
Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Fire Management Counter
Southern region
| Bushfire hours | Brigade hours | Number of fires | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controlled burn | 3485 | 2372 | 161 |
| Not specified | 96 | 0 | 1 |
| Mop up | 4155 | 3518 | 175 |
| Total | 7736 | 5890 | 337 |
Last updated: September 2004
Northern Region
|
|
Bushfire hours |
Brigade hours |
Number of fires |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controlled burn | 2490 | 2709.33 | 244 |
| Mop up | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Wildfire | 11258 | 4282.23 | 330 |
| Total | 13750 | 6995.56 | 575 |
Last updated: September 2004