doh!!! they are providers of emergency services --------------...

doh!!!

they are providers of emergency services -------------- they come with AUTHORITY


now - off you go to bed early - you seem to need a rest

Volunteer firefighters with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Australia do have legal authority and responsibilities when responding to emergencies. Here are some key points about the authority of CFA volunteer firefighters:
- Under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958, all CFA members (both volunteer and career firefighters) are given certain powers when attending fires or other emergencies within the CFA's jurisdiction.[1]
- These powers include the ability to enter premises, shut off utility services, direct people to leave an area, remove vehicles or objects obstructing operations, and request assistance from other agencies or individuals.[1]
- CFA volunteer firefighters are considered emergency workers and officers of the CFA while on duty. They have the same legal protections and authority as career firefighters when responding to incidents.[3]
- The CFA Chief Officer can appoint volunteer firefighters as officers with command and control responsibilities over an incident or brigade area.[3]
- Volunteer fire brigade leaders like Captains and Lieutenants have operational authority over their brigade members during emergencies and training activities.[5]
So in summary, while volunteers, CFA firefighters are legally empowered to take necessary actions and give directions when responding to fires and other emergencies in order to protect life and property in Victoria.[1][3][5]

[1] https://theconversation.com/value-b...l-dependence-on-volunteer-firefighters-129881
[2] https://www.sbs.com.au/news/the-fee...-on-tens-of-thousands-of-volunteers/l086hlvmc
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country_Fire_Authority
[4] https://www.bushfirecrc.com/sites/default/files/managed/resource/enhancingvolunteerism.pdf
[5] https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteers-careers/volunteer-with-cfa/volunteer-faqs