Cobden Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed on the 23 August, 1910. Today it covers the area north of State Highway 6 to McLean's Pitt Road, up Taylorville Road to Go Cart Track, and includes the township of Cobden and it's immediate surrounds. The Brigade has an establishment of 14 firefighters. Some members of the Brigade have served their local community for many years.

Cobden is situated on the West Coast of the South Island. A seaside community, it is a short trip north from Greymouth via the Cobden Brigde which crosses the Grey River. Cobden has the the Tasman Sea on one side, the Rapahoe Range Scenic Reserve with it's rolling hills behind it, and the Grey River on another. Cobden is a town of contrasting views and landscapes. As well as fishing excursions there is also dolphin watching and other aquatic pursuits. Along the northern end of Domett Esplanade is an area where gemstone hunting is a popular pastime.