Whakapapa Volunteer Fire Brigade is responsible for the villages of Whakapapa and Iwikau, the Sir Edmond Hillary Outdoor Pursuit Recreation Centre, Mangatepopo Camp School, Taurewa Camp School, Discovery Lodge and the Mountain Air Airfield. Other risks identified include volcanic disruption, avalanches, snow and ice.

The brigade is supported by the National Park, Owhango and Turangi Brigades.

Whakapapa Village is situated 1130 metres above sea level on the northern slopes of Mount Ruapehu. It is the main gateway for summer and winter recreational activities in Tongariro National park and covers an area of 1.2 square kms. Within the village there are two medium sized hotels, a holiday park which has a small dairy, cabins, lodge and camping facilities, visitors information centre, cafeteria, large garage with two petrol pumps and underground storage tanks, above ground propane LPG gas tank (4,000L), Whakapapa ski area and Department of Conversation workshop, five private ski lodges, one public bar and extensive staff accommodation for the people who work on the Whakapapa ski area. The population caries from summer to winter and there are a total of 12000 beds within Whakapapa Village. The predominant industry for Whakapapa and the surrounding area is tourism.