Volunteering for cyclones, fire and disasters

A bushfire volunteer helps the community from the effects of the bushfires.

Bushfire volunteers are landholders and members of the community - men and women from all cultural backgrounds, age groups and professions.

Read about Bushfires volunteers and brigades.

Role of volunteers

There are a range of Bushfires NT volunteering roles that will suit a variety of people on and off a fire ground.

Volunteers take part in the following types of work:

• fighting and preventing bushfires
• fuel hazard reduction
• going to bushfires and operating firefighting equipment
• operational support during a bushfire
• fundraising for local brigades
• basic vehicle and equipment maintenance
• joining a committee
• community engagement.

If you join a committee, find out what your roles and responsibilities will be. Read about committee members of an association.

Eligibility

To be a volunteer with Bushfires NT, you must:

• be 16 years or older
• be a member of a volunteer bushfire brigade
• get support from your local brigade captain to submit an application.

You will be given training to ensure you are a confident, safe and competent brigade member.

Your appointment will be considered based on the following criteria:

• relevant skills and training
• relevant health or medical factors
• any history of serious criminal conviction.

How to apply

To become a volunteer with Bushfires NT, you should follow the below steps:

Step 1. Join a volunteer bushfire brigade. To find a brigade near you, contact your local volunteer brigade.

Step 2. Fill in the Bushfires NT application for appointment PDF (2.0 MB).

This includes:

• an application
• national police check
• talent release authorisation
• 100 points of identification.

Step 3. Get your application endorsed by the captain of your volunteer bushfire brigade.

Step 4. Submit your completed application to your local Bushfires NT office.

Member roles

Members who want to actively participate in fire mitigation and suppression activities are appointed as one of the following.

Authorised bushfire volunteers

Authorised bushfire volunteers are appointed by the executive director of Bushfires NT under the Bushfires Management Act 2016.

Their role is part of a chain of command when:

• responding to a bushfire incident
• conducting planned mitigation works.

To become an authorised bushfire volunteer, you must complete the Fire Fighting 1 (FF1), which includes 2 nationally accredited units:

• PUAFIR210 - Prevent Injury
• PUAFIR204 - Respond to Wildfire.

Fire wardens

The executive director, Bushfires NT may appoint a person to be a fire warden.

Fire wardens are experienced volunteers who can:

• issue fire permits to landholders within their brigade area
• provide command and control at bushfire incidents.

To become a fire warden, you must complete the PUAFIR303 - Suppress Wildfire accredited unit.

This training will provide the knowledge required to:

• work as a member of a crew to apply appropriate fire control strategies and safe work practices to extinguish a bushfire
• participate in mop-ups and patrol operations
• prepare equipment.

If you are interested in applying, your brigade captain must support your application.

Training

Authorised bushfire volunteers must complete 2 days of mandatory training before participating in bushfire mitigation and suppression activities.

For more information, email bushfiresnt.training@nt.gov.au.

Injury and liability

Appointment as a Bushfires NT volunteer protects you from liability when you're:

• participating in the chain of command
• acting in good faith during a bushfire response.

Bushfires NT volunteers are eligible for compensation under the Return to Work Act 1986 while conducting brigade activities.

Other things you need to know

Volunteer Code of Conduct

The code of conduct sets the standard for how Bushfires NT volunteers are to behave when acting as a volunteer.

It also provides direction to ensure Bushfires NT maintains the support and confidence of the community.

Read the Bushfires NT Volunteer Code of Conduct PDF (446.8 KB).

Volunteer employee rights

Read about out how your employee rights are protected when responding to a bushfire.

Strategy

To develop and enhance volunteer programs, Bushfires NT consulted volunteers and stakeholders.

Read more about the strategy on the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security website.

Bushfire Volunteer Association

The association ensures the views of Bushfires NT volunteers are recognised.

If you are a Bushfires NT volunteer, your'e automatically a member.

The association influences decisions relevant to members and their future.

Contact

If you have any questions, contact your local volunteer brigade.