There are nine ACT Rural Fire Service Brigades, which protect people and property from fire in the non-suburban areas of Canberra (although they are sometimes called on to fight fires in the suburbs and interstate as well). They also play a significant role in promoting bushfire awareness, which is why one of the Hall units was at a local fete recently.
The RFS involves over 400 volunteers, aged from 12 up. Between 12 and 16 years, members are cadets and not involved in fire-fighting, and then they can become members (with some restrictions) until they're 18. There are also 120 paid fire fighters and 12 headquarters staff. Hall Brigade trains twice a month for two hours, and welcomes enquiries and new members (email hallfirebrigade@gmail.com).
