In order to build capability in the bushfire urban interface, Fire & Rescue NSW established a Community Fire Unit (CFU) program 20 years ago following the devastating 1994 bushfires. The program grew rapidly and now has over 600 units and 7000 volunteers across NSW. This paper will share the strategies used in building resilience in bushfire prone communities with the provision of firefighting equipment, protective equipment, training and support from a fire service to local residents. The effectiveness of these units will be explored and how they differ to frontline rural volunteer firefighters. There are also several challenges faced by the organisation in managing such a large, diverse volunteer workforce such as an ageing population, providing consistency in training levels and monitoring adherence to organisation policy and procedures.

The recent October 2013 bushfires in the Blue Mountains were the biggest test for many CFUs in the area, as well as the overall program management by Fire & Rescue NSW. Many units were heavily impacted and sadly 22 CFU members lost their homes in the fires. However significant work was done by these volunteers – protecting property, community engagement and recovery activities. The paper will discuss how Fire & Rescue NSW supported these community volunteers during and after the event, the challenges that were faced and the lessons learned.

Fire & Rescue NSW has commissioned research by Risk Frontiers through the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC to investigate the operation of CFUs in the Blue Mountains during the recent major fires and some of these findings will also be shared. This will include the activities undertaken by these units and the effectiveness of their training and support.