Austinmer Rural Fire Service

16/05/2026

🚨Do your smoke alarms pass the test?🚨

A working smoke alarm can give you the critical seconds needed to escape a house fire safely.

✅ Test your smoke alarms monthly
✅ Replace batteries every year (or as recommended)
✅ Vacuum dust from alarms regularly
✅ Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
✅ Install alarms in hallways and near bedrooms

🔥 Don’t wait for an emergency to find out your alarm isn’t working.

Press the test button today and make sure your home and family are protected.

Smoke alarms, unlike wine, do not age well over time.

Did you know that most smoke alarms have a use-by date? Some modern smoke alarms have a life-span of up to ten years and may not have a battery to change, making it easy to forget how long since they’ve been installed.

Remember to regularly clean and test your alarms, and check the use-by date to help keep track of their age.

09/05/2026

To all the amazing mums and female role models across our brigade, service, and community — thank you.

Your strength, care, leadership, and dedication inspire us every day.
Today we celebrate all that you do, both seen and unseen.

Happy Mother’s Day 💐
From

04/05/2026

Today is St Florian’s Day, the patron saint of firefighters. Every year the RFS holds the St. Florian’s Day. Awards for Internal Bravery and Service.
Today, Austinmer life member, Group Captain Will Lee received 2 awards, a Commissioners Certificate of Commendation (Individual) and a Commissioners Certificate of Commendation (Unit).
Congratulations Will, your commitment to training has been outstanding and demonstrates the values that the RFS stands for.

22/04/2026

Hazard Reduction Postponed !

Unfortunately after overnight rain, and the expectation of a colder weather day tomorrow, the decision has been made to postpone the planned hazard reduction to the west of Corrimal.

Our crews will continue to assist with hazard reduction work in other areas to our north and south, and will hopefully try again in the near future.

21/04/2026

Weather permitting, crews from NSW RFS Illawarra Sutherland Team will implement a hazard reduction burn on the escarpment above Corrimal on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 April.

This 75 hectare hazard reduction burn, will provide an area identified as being important in controlling bushfires, with less fuel loading. This will help firefighters contain and control future bushfires quicker and keep the community safer.

This also means that smoke will be visible around the Northern Suburbs into the weekend. Please call 000 if you see any fire without a truck in attendance.

To stay up to date on planned burning, download the Hazards Near Me app. The app can send you push notifications when there are new incidents or when information changes. The app also shows current information about local emergencies, including flood, bushfire and tsunamis, and has advice on what to do to stay safe.

16/04/2026

has been hard at work over the past two days, supporting crews from the RFS and NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) with a hazard reduction burn at Yerrinbool 🔥.

With predicted westerly winds overnight, smoke may drift toward the Illawarra region. Keep informed and follow advice from emergency services. Stay up to date via the Hazards Near Me app.

12/04/2026

🚨🔥 VOLUNTEERS WANTED 🔥🚨

The Illawarra RFS Community Safety Brigade is looking for passionate people who want to make a real difference in their community ❤️

This is a vital role focused on education and community support — helping residents stay informed, prepared, and safe.

👩‍🚒 What you’ll do:
• Educate locals about fire safety and preparedness
• Share important information on hazard reduction burns
• Support community awareness around fire risks
• Assist firefighters when needed

🚫 No need to jump on a fire truck
✅ Full training and uniform supplied
✅ Meaningful, rewarding role

If you enjoy connecting with people and want to help protect your community, this could be the perfect fit.

💬 Get involved. Make an impact. Be part of something bigger.

📩 Message us or reach out to learn more!

10/04/2026

spent the day working alongside WaterNSW and RFS crews from Illawarra Support Rural Fire Brigade , Bulli Rural Fire Brigade , NSW RFS - Mt Keira Brigade , NSW RFS - Mount Kembla Brigade , NSW RFS - Engadine Brigade , NSW RFS - Oak Flats Brigade , and Group Captain 9, carrying out a hazard reduction burn near Cordeaux Dam on Picton Road.

This planned burn has helped reduce fuel loads in the area, lowering the risk of future fires and creating a safer, more protective buffer for the community.

Crews will remain on scene into the night, continuing to patrol and monitor conditions.

If you see fire unattended by crews, or an unattended fire truck, please call 000 immediately.

04/04/2026

🐰 Happy Easter from ! 🚒

The bunny has arrived at the station early, and wants to make sure your long weekend is filled with chocolate and cheers, not calls for help.

If you’re heading out on the roads this Easter, please keep these safety tips in your glovebox:

* Travel Safely: Double-check your vehicle before heading off. Everyone in the car needs a seatbelt, and no one needs a distraction—put the phone away! 📱🚫

* Drive to the Conditions: The weather can change in a heartbeat. If it’s raining or dark, slow down and keep a safe distance.

* Don't Rush: Allow plenty of extra time to arrive at your destination. A few extra minutes on the road is better than never arriving at all. 🕒

* Stay Alert: Take regular breaks. If you're feeling tired, pull over and rest. ☕

Stay safe, look after each other, and have a "hoppy" Easter! 🐣✨

26/03/2026

🚒 **RFS Update – Austinmer** 🚒

Last weekend, were out on Foothills Road and Buttenshaw Drive, locating and flushing fire hydrants to ensure they are operational and ready for use. 💧

In an emergency, the ability to quickly find and access a well-maintained hydrant is critical. Firefighters depend on a reliable water supply—if a hydrant is hidden, damaged, or difficult to access, it can delay firefighting efforts at a time when every second matters. Clearly marked and functioning hydrants allow crews to connect faster, maintain consistent water flow, and respond more effectively to protect lives and property.

Residents can help by keeping hydrants clear of vegetation, vehicles, and any other obstructions.

Great work by the team, and thank you to the community for your continued support. 🔥