MFS Fire Investigators perform independent investigations to identify and report on the cause and origin of fires, and to detect fire safety issues that place the community at risk. MFS Fire Investigators work collaboratively with South Australia Police (SAPOL), attending incidents that meet the following criteria:

• Structure fires where, due to the extent of the damage, the skills and expertise of the investigators are necessary to determine the cause or origin of the fire.
• Fires where there is a death.
• Fires where there is a serious fire related injury resulting in a person/s being transported and admitted to hospital.

The Hazmat section identifies, develops and delivers technical advice and operational training to MFS crews, other emergency services organisations and external stakeholders, to help them successfully manage hazardous materials incidents. Hazardous materials incidents we attend include:

• Hazardous materials spills and leaks
• Contamination issues
• Industrial and domestic accidents
• Transport accidents
• Fires and toxic emissions.
• Chemical Biological Radiological & Nuclear (CBRN) response
• Respiratory protection

Annually, the MFS responds to a wide variety of rescue incidents. These are commonly divided into two distinct categories; "Non-Technical" and "Technical". Non-Technical Rescues are by nature Low Risk and High Frequency incidents. Non-Technical Rescues include Fire Rescue, Road Crash Rescue, General Rescue, and Building Impacts.

The vast majority of the MFS Fleet and personnel are suitably equipped and trained to undertake rescue and resolve incidents safely.

The MFS responds to a wide range of Technical Rescues (TR). Technical Rescue Incidents by their nature are low frequency, high risk events, which are often time critical and present a high life risk to both the casualty and to the rescue crews trying to assist them. Due to their complex nature, their location and often specialist equipment required, a significant percentage of incidents exceed 1.5-3 hours in duration, and require significant specialised equipment, training, and expertise to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.

A smaller percentage of the MFS fleet and personnel are equipped and trained for these rescues, however some MFS appliances in our fleet are specifically equipped and staffed by personnel specially trained to rescue and resolve the incidents safely.

These areas of Technical Rescue generally include but are not limited to:

• Vertical Rescue
• Confined Space Rescue
• Heavy & Complex Transport Rescue
• Trench Rescue
• Swift Water Rescue
• Industrial Rescue
• Animal Rescue
• Structural Collapse Rescue
• Lift & Elevator Rescue

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)

The South Australian Urban Search and Rescue Taskforce (SA-USAR) is a specialist ‘Deployment’ capability primarily focussed on the search and rescue of people from partially or fully collapsed structures. Taskforce personnel are specially trained to locate, access, stabilise and transport trapped and often injured victims as result of events such as Earthquakes, Tsunamis and Floods. SA-USAR is a state level capability established under a national framework, aligned to international standards primarily designed to assist at protracted disaster level incidents. It operates as a multi-agency taskforce, incorporating personnel from the S.A. Metropolitan Fire Service, The State Emergency Service, The S.A. Ambulance Service and other specialist areas.