MFS Fire Investigators perform independent investigations to identify and report on the origin and cause 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 MFS plays a vital role in protecting the community, property, and environment from hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incidents.

These incidents occur when harmful substances are released into the air, water, or ground, posing risks to people and the environment. Hazardous materials can include flammable liquids and gases, poisons, corrosive or toxic substances, radioactive materials, and infectious agents.

The MFS responds to these incidents with highly trained personnel and specialised equipment, including HAZMAT response appliances. Equipped with advanced detection tools, chemical protective clothing, and mitigation equipment, these teams are prepared to identify and control hazardous material releases, ensuring a rapid and effective response.

In addition to responding to HAZMAT emergencies, the MFS collaborates with other emergency services, including the SACFS, SAAS, SAPOL, and SES, to enhance preparedness through training and skill-building exercises. The MFS also works with agencies like the Environment Protection Authority and SafeWork SA to prevent incidents through research, emergency planning, and community education.

Annually, the MFS responds to a wide variety of rescue incidents. These are typically divided into two distinct categories; "Non-Technical" and "Technical".

Non-Technical Rescues are highly common events and familiar to all MFS crews, these include incidents such as:

• Fire Rescue
• Road Crash Rescue
• General Rescue
• Animal Rescue
• Building Impacts

The majority of the MFS Fleet Appliances and personnel are suitably equipped and trained to undertake these rescues and resolve incidents safely and effectively

Technical Rescue

The MFS responds to a wide range of Technical Rescue incidents. Technical Rescues by 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.

Technical Rescues generally include but are not limited to:

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

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)

Urban Search and Rescue or USAR, is a specialised multi-disciplined capability within emergency response aimed at locating, stabilising, and extracting individuals trapped in urban environments following natural disasters, structural collapses, or other catastrophic incidents. USAR teams are highly trained and equipped with specialised tools and techniques to navigate complex and hazardous environments. USAR teams consist of fire and rescue personnel, paramedics & doctors, canine search teams, engineers, and other specialist roles. The South Australian Urban Search and Rescue Taskforce has been developed in line with international standards and national agreements.

The South Australian Urban Search and Rescue Taskforce (SA-USAR) incorporates personnel from the S.A. Metropolitan Fire Service, The State Emergency Service, The S.A. Ambulance Service, other Government Agencies and Non-Government Organisations. The SA USAR Taskforce is focussed on saving lives and providing critical assistance in the aftermath of disasters, employing the combination of highly trained people with technical skills, advanced equipment, and strategic coordination supporting local emergency response resources.