Welcome to Southern Rural Fire District

Mission Statement

“The Southern Rural Fire District has been formed to allow the participants to enhance effective fire prevention, protection, suppression and other fire control measures within the respective areas at risk from uncontrolled fires”.

The Southern Rural Fire District was formed on 7 August 2003 and amalgamated the rural fire responsibilities of Southland District Council, Gore District Council, Invercargill City Council, Southern Plantations Rural Fire District and Department of Conservation Southland Conservancy.

In total approximately 3 million hectares or one ninth of the land area of NZ is within the Southern Rural Fire District.
Southern Rural Fire District is governed by a Committee of representatives from the three councils, DOC, forest organizations and NZ Fire Service. Dave Adamson of the Southland District Council is the chairman.

The District has seven Volunteer Rural Fire Forces: Athol, Garston, Blackmount, Waikawa, Hedgehope, Beaumont and Drummond. Agreements area also in place to use the NZ Fire Service and other fire suppression providers if required, including aerial fire fighting capacity through the use of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

Refer to the current Business Plan for current projects

All participants agree that the final result of the amalgamation should: