24 hours a day, every day of the year, MFS firefighters are responsible for protecting the South Australian community and infrastructure from fire and other emergencies. Types of emergencies our firefighters attend include;

  • structure fire
  • road crash rescue
  • confined space rescue
  • rope rescue
  • urban search and rescue
  • hazardous materials incidents.

MFS firefighters are also involved in non-emergency prevention activities which include;

  • Building Fire Safety
  • Community Engagement
  • Learning and Development

Firefighting is a rewarding career and provides the unique opportunity of ongoing career development, but it is not for everyone. If you are thinking about becoming a Firefighter with the MFS, consider if the following points are a good fit for you:

  • A good Firefighter is community minded, a quick thinker, problem solver and a team player. You must be able to use your good judgement and initiative in respectfully assisting all members of our community.
  • Firefighters must be physically and mentally fit and healthy. You must be resilient and have the ability to reflect and self-assess in order to work through what may sometimes be emotionally challenging circumstances.
  • The MFS operates on a clearly defined command rank structure. As a full-time firefighter you will need to follow orders and direction from senior officers to support operational requirements.
  • Firefighting is a highly skilled profession. Firefighters are expected to continually develop their technical knowledge and expertise. As a Firefighter you will have to complete mandatory study modules for a minimum of six years (not including the recruit course).
  • Full-time Firefighters work on a shift roster over four days; two 10 hour days followed by two 14 hour nights. This includes weekends and public holidays. This system offers a great deal of flexibility but may also mean you will be required to work on important days such as Christmas, Easter and other special days.
  • Full-time Firefighters are also required to work in locations outside the Adelaide metropolitan area such as Port Pirie and Mount Gambier.