What does the TFS do?
The Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) is a division of the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management (DPFEM).
We are equipped to provide emergency response service for incidents involving fire, road crash rescue, hazardous materials and a range of community support roles performed by TFS volunteers. We can also be requested to support other emergency services such Tasmania Police and the Tasmanian State Emergency Service (SES) as part
of the Tasmanian Emergency Management Arrangments (TEMA).
Who can join?
All members of the community who meet the eligibility criteria are welcome to join the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS). The TFS encourages people of diverse ages, gender, abilities, and cultural backgrounds to join, with operational (firefighters) and non-operational roles to suit different skills and needs.
Do I have to live or work in a TFS area to volunteer?
Generally you need to live or work reasonably close to your local brigade.
To join as a firefighter (operational volunteer), you must live or work close enough to your brigade to be able to get from your location to the brigade and then the incident. Brigades have requirements for how quickly they should get to an incident.
Support (non-operational) volunteers may live further away but are often preferred to be local to be able to attend meetings and events.
These are not hard and fast rules however and should not dissuade you from finding out more information by reaching out to the Volunteer Strategy and Support Unit (VSSU)
What skills will I learn?
The TFS offers a range various skills including:
Basic Firefighter Training – all the basics to get our volunteers ‘truck ready!’ This includes how to operate and use the equipment on the appliance, using the pump, the essential ability to work and operate in a team environment, operating communications equipment, map reading, We teach you to respond to bushfires, vehicle fires, structure fire, fire alarms, and even the odd cat up a tree!
Want more?! How about learning to use breathing apparatus, responding to hazardous materials and large complex incidents, where we give you the skills to lead and manage teams in these challenging environments. These are all skills you can transfer to your other roles in life, be it work or home.
Training can be conducted at your local brigade, delivered by TFS instructors at other locations, or at various training grounds around the state. Training times will differ between each brigade but are generally held on a weeknight and/or weekend.
Am I insured whilst training and performing duties?
Yes, DPFEM is obliged to and committed to providing appropriate support and assistance for TFS staff and volunteers who sustain a work-related injury, illness or medical condition, while undertaking training and performing operational duties.
What legislation does the TFS operate under?
How much does it cost to join TFS?
While there’s no financial cost to become a volunteer, it does require a commitment of your time.
As a TFS volunteer, you’ll be expected to:
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Travel to and from the station for training and incidents
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Attend training sessions, meetings, and community events
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Respond to emergency incidents, which may mean missing special family moments like birthdays or Christmas
In return, TFS provides all the training, equipment, PPC and support that you’ll need to stay safe and prepared for the challenges of the role.
Your time and dedication make a real difference in keeping our communities safe.
Are there any ongoing incurred expenses?
Travel costs
- Fuel expenses for travel to and from the station, training sessions, community events, and incidents.
Time away from work
- Potential unpaid time if your employer does not provide emergency services leave.
- Use of personal leave for extended incidents or deployments.
Personal items (optional)
- Snacks, water bottles, or small tools for personal use.
What age can I join the TFS?
The minimum age for joining the TFS is 12 years of age.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes. You will be required to serve a probationary period of minimum three months. Prior to commencement of the probationary period, a National Police Record Check will be conducted.
You must agree for this to be carried out when you complete the application forms, to enable your application for TFS membership be processed.
A current Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP) may be required for some roles.
How often do brigades meet and train?
Most TFS brigades will train fortnightly, however this vary depending on location and individual needs. As a rule, the TFS through legislation seeks for all or as many volunteers to train at least once a month, however it recommended that this frequency be increased in order to maintain a high state of readiness.
Additionally, many brigades have active social elements where they interact with there communities in a variety of ways, that are in addition to the core operational response to incidents.
Is the training free or do I have to pay fees?
There are no fees for training, and all training will be provided at no cost to the volunteers.
There may be some incurred costs as discussed above.
If I take time off work, will TFS pay my wages?
No, each volunteer makes their own arrangements with their employer. The TFS is able to provide letters of attendance to employers for any member who volunteers at an incident, however you are encouraged to have a proactive discussion with your employer where appropriate, to clearly define your availability to respond.
In some instances where volunteer members are employed as Tasmanian Government State Service employee, volunteer members may be eligible for deployment through the Tasmanian Government State Service Interoperability Register, or be eligible for volunteer leave from their employment under the State Service Act 2000.
Donations for Volunteer Brigades
The dedication and commitment of our volunteers in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of fellow Tasmanians is greatly valued by the community. For this reason many people choose to make donations for the benefit of our volunteers.
Donations to the TFS Volunteer Support Fund (Community) may be made as:
- a general donation for the benefit of all our volunteers
- a nominated donation for the benefit of a specific volunteer brigade or group of volunteer brigades
The Tasmania Fire Service, through the State Fire Commission, is registered with the Australian Taxation Office as Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). All donations of $2 or more can be tax deductible and donors can be provided with a tax receipt.