In order to be recognised as a CFA volunteer, you must enrol as a member of a brigade (Country Fire Authority Regulations 2004(Vic)). There is usually a six months' probationary period, though that can be waived if a person is simply transferring from one brigade to another (Country Fire Authority Regulations 2004 (Vic)). Brigade members must comply with the CFA training requirements and may also have to undergo fitness tests. The CFA has the power to control volunteers when they are at the scene of a fire (Country Fire Authority Act1958 (Vic)).

Under the Country Fire Authority Regulations2004 (Vic), CFA brigade members can be charged over various offences, including:

There are a variety of penalties under CFA regulations for these offences, including:

CFA employees are covered by workers compensation under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958(Vic) (the CFA Act), and receive paid leave, salaries and other common employment rights.

Under the CFA Act, volunteer firefighters do not receive any remuneration or reward for voluntarily fighting fires in or outside Victoria with a Victorian brigade or brigades (but not an industry brigade). They are called 'casual firefighters' or 'volunteer officers or members' and are entitled to compensation for the following:

The CFA Act also established that CFA officers, volunteers or other authorised people acting in good faith under proper CFA instructions will not be held personally liable in any subsequent legal action. The CFA bears any subsequent liability.