Rockingham VFRS has served the residents of Rockingham and greater WA since 1967, responding to fire, rescue and HAZMATs 365 days a year, 24/7, crewed entirely by volunteers. The Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services works hand in hand with the Career Fire & Rescue Service based at the same station. The Rockingham VFRS is made numerous volunteers who dedicate time to the service of the community within
the state of WA. The volunteers are on call and attend emergencies as and when required 24/7. There are over 2,000 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) members from 88 brigades in Western Australia who provide firefighting and prevention services throughout the state. VFRS firefighters undertake a range of responsibilities including:
Combating fires
Containing hazardous material spills
Road crash rescue
Fire safety education
Through comprehensive training, VFRS firefighters learn to operate the wide range of equipment, vehicles and appliances used for fire suppression including charged hose lines, portable pumps, tankers and communications. DFES provides VFRS training in:
Personal and team safety
Structural and bushfire fighting
Communications
First aid
Vehicle driving both on and off road
Leadership and emergency management procedures
For incidents involving road crash rescues and hazardous materials emergencies, specialised equipment such as the ‘jaws of life’ hydraulic rams, cutters and spreaders, decontamination equipment and protective clothing are used. Not all firefighters’ work involves firefighting or rescue. Volunteers actively promote fire education programs through schools, service groups, seniors' homes and local businesses. Training for this type of work is also provided by DFES Fire Services managers.
