Located in the Auckland City Central Fire District, the station houses 3 appliances with a crewing of 2 station officers and 4 firefighters. The appliances range from a Scania pump (standard fire service specifications), a Bronto F32 RLH and the Haruaki Gulf Specialist Response Unit.

Parnell covers the large Ports of Auckland region container terminals and the downtown ports area which has one of New Zealand's largest 'volumes by tonnage' export facility.

The land fire cover extends from the very up-market Parnell shopping district, to significant risks such as the port facility, Auckland region Museum, high density apartment blocks, and Mechanics Bay (which houses the WestPac Trust rescue helicopter, the police helicopter and water rescue units). Then to the east, the very popular tourist attraction of Kelly Tarltons with high numbers of tourists daily, and some of Auckland region's highest real estate values in the Orakei area.

Parnell responds frequently to the city (west) and Remuera (south). The total land coverage is approximately ten square kilometres. The station is also first response to any ship/pleasure craft or island fire in the harbour and gulf, with a range of specialist equipment including response by helicopter.

Some of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna are maintained on and around the islands and the inherent dangers in summer due to fire and the possibility of pollution due to the large volume of ocean going vessels requires a well maintained and trained fire unit. The total area covering the islands of Rangitoto, Motutapu, Rakino and Tiritiri Matangi in the North is approximately five hundred square kilometres. Parnell Station responds to around 2000 calls per year, with the Spartan ladder one of 3 aerial appliances to respond within the greater Auckland region area.