Joining a rural fire brigade with the Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ)

To become a member of a rural fire brigade you need to be at least 16 years of age.  Members aged between 16 and 18 years of age are considered Registered Juniors and require their parents’ permission to join.

Criminal History Checks and Blue Card Application Requirements

  1. All potential recruits over the age of 18 must undertake a Criminal History Check and hold a Blue Card prior to being accepted as a volunteer (excluding those joining a Primary Producer Brigade). Registered Juniors must complete a Criminal History Check upon turning 18 years of age and can apply for a Blue Card before turning 18 years old.
  2. When you approach the brigade to discuss joining, they will provide you with the Volunteer Application Pack, which includes the consent to a Criminal History Check, and information relating to your Blue Card Application which can be completed online or by completing a paper form. The Brigade will need to endorse your completed RFSQ Volunteer Application and forward to your local RFSQ Area Office. If you already hold a Blue Card for other employment or volunteering purposes, it will be linked to us.
  3. Your application and accompanying forms will be processed once received by the RFSQ Applications Team. Please allow 8-12 weeks for your application to be finalised.
  4. You will receive a welcome letter once your application is finalised. It is important to note, that you cannot commence participating with the brigade until you receive your letter (Instrument of Appointment) with your volunteer ID number and an ID card.

Having a criminal history does not automatically exclude you from joining a brigade. Consideration will be given to the offence and the circumstances surrounding it prior to a final decision being made.

Contacting the brigade

If you are interested in joining a brigade however you are unsure of which brigade is closest to you, use the map below to find your local Rural Fire Brigade contact by typing your address into the search field in the top right hand corner. When the search result is displayed, click zoom to. Alternatively contact the local ​Rural Fire Service Area Office​.

 

 

The brigade will vote on your application at the time of initial interest

Forms

Volunteering Application Form (PDF, 1.13 MB)

Guide to Apply for a Blue Card Online (PDF, 825 KB)

To become a volunteer, you must read and agree to:

Last updated 21 October 2026