The State Government has allocated $15,000 to the Mittagong Fire Brigade to establish the first Community Fire Unit (CFU) in the Southern Highlands, with plans to get the scheme up and running in the next few weeks.

The CFU scheme trains and equips residents living in high-risk fire areas so they can protect their homes during bushfires.

In the event of a fire, the trained volunteers can stay with their homes and monitor and extinguish any spot fires that might otherwise escalate and seriously damage homes.

Sunset Point Drive residents involved with the local CFU are currently completing their training sessions to prepare themselves for their new roles.

The new CFU will also be outfitted with equipment to help protect their properties from spot fires and ember attacks, with fire hoses, portable water pumps, safety wear and first aid supplies just some of the items the unit will have available to them.

Mittagong Fire Brigade Captain Greg Blackwell said the CFU scheme was an excellent way for the Sunset Point Drive residents to play a valuable role in protecting property from fire.

"The CFU's allow the community the opportunity to come together and help to protect their own property when bushfires are in the area," he said.

"They don't put out the fires, but it makes sure that if the need arises they are trained to help keep their property safe."

Captain Blackwell said the Sunset Point Drive location was chosen at the recent Bushfire Awareness day late last year.

The New South Wales Fire Brigade then conducted a study of the street to decide whether the area was a suitable location for a CFU.

"It's the first in the Southern Highlands and we're hoping other residents from other fire prone areas will be inspired to consider having a unit themseleves," Captain Blackwell said.