The St Helena Fire and Rescue Service (SHFRS) plays a vital role in protecting life, property and the environment across the island. Operating as part of the St Helena Government, the service provides emergency response, fire prevention, rescue capabilities and community safety support to residents, visitors and businesses.

Our Role

The St Helena Fire and Rescue Service is responsible for responding to a wide range of emergencies, including but not limited to:

  • Structural and wildland fires
  • Road traffic collisions
  • Search and rescue incidents
  • Hazardous material situations
  • Other emergency and civil protection incidents

The Service works closely with other emergency services, including the Royal St Helena Police Service, Ambulance Service and Sea Rescue, operating in accordance with the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) to ensure a coordinated, effective and unified response to incidents.

Rank Structure and Staffing

The St Helena Fire and Rescue Service operates with a structured and professional command framework to ensure effective leadership, operational readiness and support. The Service consists of:

  • 1x Brigade Manager
  • 2x Watch Managers
  • 1x Senior Command and Support Officer
  • 7x Firefighters

This structure enables the Service to maintain strong operational command, effective incident management and appropriate administrative and logistical support.

Fire Prevention and Community Safety

Prevention is a core of the Service’s mission. SHFRS actively promotes fire safety awareness through:

  • Community education and engagement
  • Fire safety advice for homes and businesses
  • Inspections and risk assessments of public and commercial premises
  • Support for emergency planning and preparedness
  • Home safety visits

These activities help reduce the risk of fire and improve public understanding of how to stay safe.

Training and Professional Standards

Firefighters within the St Helena Fire and Rescue Service are trained to recognise standards and regularly participate in ongoing training to maintain operational readiness. This ensures the Service is equipped to respond safely and effectively to both routine and complex incidents.

Commitment to the Community

The St Helena Fire and Rescue Service is committed to serving the island with professionalism, dedication and integrity. By combining emergency response with prevention and education, the Service contributes to a safer and more resilient community.

Other Safety Advice

Related Documents