Introduction to Community Fire Units

A Community Fire Unit is a team of local residents who live close to bush land areas across the ACT. These local volunteers are trained and equipped by ACT Fire & Rescue to safeguard their homes during a bushfire until the fire services arrive.

CFU volunteers Utilise basic fire fighting equipment (pumps, hoses and protective clothing) hose down the areas surrounding their properties to prevent a bushfire from spreading from adjoining bushland to their houses and backyards.

A typical team on average consists of 8 to 30 members and has a designated area encompassing 50 to 80 homes.

The focus is on bushfire education, prevention and preparation, covering areas such as:

• bush care and bushfire behaviour
• safe housekeeping and gardening practices
• planning and preparation for bushfires
• operating fire-fighting equipment
• mop up operations

CFU members are a part of the ACT Fire Brigade and take direction from Brigade Officers but they are not fire-fighters.

The ACT Community Fire Unit program began in late 2003. Following a successful trial of 8 units, the program has now expanded to 50 CFUs in high risk bushfire areas. There are around 850 volunteer members across the 50 units.

Download the CFU Information Brochure [PDF 4.7 MB].