The Maltese Assistance and Rescue Force, which includes the Fire Fighting Brigade, falls under the directorate of the Civil Protection Department which, in turn, falls under the remit of the Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs. The general duties of the Assistance and Rescue Force are:

• To maintain an adequate service for prompt intervention in the case of fire and rescue on land, flooding, sea salvage, rescue and anti-pollution support at sea, or any other natural or mand-made disaster situation which requires the immediate assistance of a public force or special equipment,
• To intervene in any emergency or disaster. The Assistance and Rescue Corps, which provides service for both Maltese Islands (Malta and Gozo), comprises a regular force of 150 regular personnel and 70 volunteers.