It has an establishment of 28 volunteers and 36 paid staff.

The Art Deco capital of New Zealand, with a population of nearly 55,000, is also the largest city in the Eastern Fire Region and home of its headquarters. Most of the City was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1931, which destroyed most structures, to the Spanish mission and art deco styles that were popular in the early 20th century. It is also the location of the Hawke's Bay port and airport for the region.