These can include hoses and hydrants, bush clearing tools, protecting clothing and communications devices.
Unlike brigades, CFUs have no permanent vehicles or station, relying on the resources of volunteers.
The ACT Government introduced a similar program of CFUs based on the NSW model.
Communities organise volunteers to form local units who on application, may receive a community fire fighting unit trailer with fire fighting equipment and the appropriate clothing and protective equipment for each volunteer.
In the ACT, CFU volunteers are identified by blue clothing, to distinguish from the fire brigade's yellow attire.