About Fire and Rescue NSW
NSW's primary urban fire and rescue service — protecting communities since 1884.
Our Purpose
Fire and Rescue NSW is the lead combat agency for fires in buildings and structures in NSW, and the lead agency for hazardous material incidents and rescue operations in the state.
We work around the clock to protect the community from fires and other emergencies, and to educate the public about fire prevention and safety.
"Community First — everything we do is in service of the community we protect."Annual Report
Our History
140 years of protecting NSW communities.
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade was established in Sydney to provide organised fire protection for the growing city.
Fire brigades expanded beyond Sydney into major regional centres across NSW, including Newcastle and Wollongong.
The Fire Brigades Act 1989 consolidated and modernised the legislative framework governing fire services in NSW.
The organisation was renamed NSW Fire Brigades and expanded its focus to include specialist rescue and hazmat capabilities.
Rebranded as Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), reflecting the broader scope of modern emergency response.
FRNSW expanded its Community Fire Unit program statewide, empowering local volunteers to protect their neighbourhoods.
During the Black Summer bushfire crisis, FRNSW crews deployed across the state alongside partner agencies in the largest fire response in NSW history.
More than 6,500 professional firefighters operate from 340 stations, responding to over 300,000 incidents per year across NSW.
Executive Leadership
FRNSW is led by experienced professionals committed to the highest standards of emergency service.
Commissioner, Fire and Rescue NSW
Operations
Corporate Services
Greater Sydney Zone
Regional NSW
Community Safety
Operational Zones
FRNSW is organised into six operational zones across NSW.
Sydney City Zone
45+ stations
Sydney CBD, Inner City, Eastern Suburbs
Greater Sydney Zone
120+ stations
Metropolitan Sydney and surrounds
Hunter & Central Coast Zone
55+ stations
Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Central Coast
Illawarra & South East Zone
40+ stations
Wollongong, South Coast, Southern Highlands
Western Zone
35+ stations
Blue Mountains, Bathurst, Dubbo, Broken Hill
Northern Zone
45+ stations
Coffs Harbour, Tamworth, Armidale, Tweed