Low life thieves have made off with more than $15,000 worth of equipment from a southern highlands Rural Fire Service shed, much of it donated or paid for through fund raising appeals.

Pumps, hoses, a generator, blower and ride on mower have been taken from the Apline fire shed near Mittagong, with the theft believed to have occurred some time over the last week.

Brigade captain Mark Cupitt says volunteers are devastated