Fire and Rescue NSW Station 240 Brunswick Heads

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Brunswick Heads, NSW
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 240 Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads Fire Station, covering the fire district of Brunswick Heads and Ocean Shores E. W.

The Brunswick Heads Fire Brigade was formed in 1951, likely in early November, although the exact date is not known. The first captain's name was Keith Clarke.Mullumbimby already had its own brigade, which also covered Brunswick Heads before that time. However, the growing towns in the shire required their own fire brigades, and finally, in 1951, the time for action had come.In May 1951, the North

ern Star reported that “The President of Byron Shire (Cr. Hatfield) announced last night that the council had been offered a full fire brigade service, including engine, hoses and all other necessary equipment, for the shire's three main towns Byron Bay, Bangalow and Brunswick Heads.The offer followed negotiations between representatives of the Board of Fire Commissioners and council in Byron Bay yesterday.”On 8 June 1951, Council resolved to build the Brunswick Heads, Bangalow and Byron Bay fire stations (Northern Star, June 1951): “BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL.SPECIAL LOAN £3000.The Council of the Shire of Byron hereby notifies in pursuance of Section 180 of the Local Government Act. 1919, that:(1) The Council proposes to raise a Special Loan of £3000 for the purposes of building Fire Brigade Stations at Byron Bay, Bangalow and Brunswick Heads.(...) (5) The works on which it is proposed to spend the loan are the er****on of three Fire Stations, at Byron Bay, Bangalow and Brunswick Heads.” The Brunswick Heads fire brigade was formed some time after that. From the Northern Star (6 December 1951): “It was reported that the fire engine and fire fighting equipment had arrived at Brunswick Heads and a fire brigade had been formed. Members of the brigade will receive instruction in the use of the equipment by Mr. Mallam, an inspector of the department, who will remain in the town for a week. Until a suitable building is erected, the engine will be kept at the Highway service station.”The Warwick Daily News reported on 29 December 1951: False Alarm: Brunswick Heads (North Coast) got its first fire brigade. This was really something in the town, and the citizenry rolled up in force to a celebration at brigade-captain Keith Clarke's home. Just as the brigade was preparing to operate on the piles of food and stacks of drink, a small boy hammered on the door, reported a fire. The boys of the new brigade sprang into action, raced off to blood their new engine. There wasn't a fire — and when they got back there wasn't much food.” Nothing much has changed there :)

24/01/2026

🚨 Building Fire – Maintenance Shed 🚨
21 January 2026, 5:32 AM

A few days ago, Brunswick Heads Fire and Rescue 240 responded to a building fire in a maintenance shed, located within RFS area.

On arrival, a crew wearing Breathing Apparatus (BA) made entry and extinguished the fire, which had fortunately been contained to one corner of the shed by an effective sprinkler system that activated and helped stop the spread.

We’d like to extend a big thank you to Fire and Rescue Mullumbimby 388, Billinudgel / Ocean Shores Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade and NSW RFS - Mullumbimby Brigade for backing up 240 on scene and a special thanks to the on-site workers who assisted during the incident.

This was another great example of inter-agency teamwork, responding swiftly and effectively to protect property and prevent further escalation.

18/12/2025

On our final drill night of the year, 10th December, we had the privilege of presenting Martin Jones with his 10-Year Epaulettes, recognising a decade of dedicated service to Brunswick Heads Fire and Rescue 240 and the broader community.

After ten years of unwavering commitment, Marty has now retired from Fire and Rescue NSW as he moves to Victoria. While we’re sad to see him go, we’re incredibly proud of everything he’s contributed during his time at 240 Station.

From facing the devastating bushfires of 2019 to supporting flood recovery efforts in 2022, Marty consistently brought calmness, courage, and 100% effort to every incident.

Off the truck, Marty’s presence was equally felt, whether through his local music store or out in the surf at Bruns, he’s been a true part of the Brunswick Heads fabric.

We’re losing a great firefighter and an even better person. Thank you, Marty, for your service and friendship with the crew. You’ll always have a place in the 240 family. Wishing you all the best for your next chapter in Victoria.

20/11/2025

Throughout November, our crew at Brunswick Heads Fire and Rescue 240 has been growing out our best (and boldest!) moustaches in support of Movember. Raising awareness for men’s health, including mental health, su***de prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

Here’s a quick progress shot of the variety of mo styles taking shape on station. While the styles may differ, the message is the same: men’s health matters.

We're proud to support this important cause and encourage everyone in the community to check in on your mates and start the conversation.

If you'd like to support our stations Movember fundraiser please click the link: https://movember.com/t/station-mo-240?mc=63

25/10/2025

This week, Brunswick Heads Fire and Rescue Station 240 installed a Hearing Impaired Smoke Alarm for a local resident.

These special wireless smoke alarms connect to a base with a vibrating pad (placed under the pillow) and flashing strobe lights that activate when smoke is detected providing an essential early warning for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Fire and Rescue NSW offers this important service as part of our free Safety Visits.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this life-saving technology, book a safety visit today: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits

23/10/2025

🚒 Unit Fire – Brunswick Heads

At 6:49 pm last night, Brunswick Heads Fire Station 240 responded to reports of a unit fire in Brunswick Heads. Our crew was first on scene and found the unit filled with smoke.

Firefighters quickly donned breathing apparatus (BA) and made entry to locate and extinguish the source of the fire. The cause was swiftly identified and brought under control.

During the search of the property, crews located a cat hiding under a couch, which was safely rescued. Once the search was complete, firefighters worked to ventilate the smoke and ensure the unit was safe.

A big thank you to crews from Fire and Rescue NSW Station 388 Mullumbimby and the Billinudgel / Ocean Shores Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade who also attended on scene.

06/10/2025

🔥 Bushfire Response – Tyagarah 🔥

At 1:55 PM today, Brunswick Heads Fire and Rescue 240 was responded to a bushfire in Tyagarah, assisting NSW Rural Fire Service crews.

Upon arrival, our team was tasked with protecting high-risk exposures such as fuel storage and light aircraft. Thanks to the quick and effective work of the RFS, the fire was contained before it could cross the fire break, preventing further spread.

This serves as a strong reminder that we are well and truly in bushfire season. Stay alert, and follow all local fire restrictions.

A big thank you to the RFS and all emergency services involved in today’s response.

07/08/2025

Medal Presentations – Honouring Service and Dedication

We’re proud to recognise and celebrate the outstanding service of three of our own from Brunswick Heads Fire and Rescue 240, who were recently awarded National Medals for their dedication and long-standing commitment to community safety by Zone Commander Greg Lewis.

Paul Sudmals – awarded the National Medal, marking 15 years of service
Ronny Witsel – awarded the First Clasp of the National Medal, marking over 25 years of service
Captain Graeme Wakely – awarded the Second Clasp of the National Medal, marking over 35 years of service

The National Medal recognises sustained and diligent service in roles that involve risk to life. Each clasp represents an additional 10 years of service beyond the initial 15 required for the medal - a testament to the commitment and longevity of service these individuals have shown.

We extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Paul, Ronny and Graeme for their incredible contributions, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to protecting our community.

03/08/2025

🚨 Motor Vehicle Accident – M1 Yelgun 🚨

At 6:57 AM this morning, Brunswick Heads Fire and Rescue 240 responded to a serious motor vehicle accident on the M1 near Yelgun, where three people were reported trapped inside a vehicle.

On arrival, our crew was directed by Brunswick Valley Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW to provide fire protection and assist with moving people on stretchers once they were safely extricated from the vehicle.

A big thank you to all the emergency services who worked seamlessly together under challenging conditions to safely remove those trapped and secure the scene, including: NSW Police Force, Brunswick Valley Rescue Squad - VRA Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service - Official Site

This was a true team effort and an excellent example of multi-agency cooperation in a complex incident.

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this morning’s events, and we acknowledge the efforts of all responders on scene.

01/08/2025

After 30 years of dedicated service, we say a huge thank you and farewell to Alan “Ruffy” Graham as he retires from Brunswick Heads Fire and Rescue 240.

A couple of weeks ago, the entire crew came together for Ruffy’s final drill, joined by Zone Commander Greg Lewis and Duty Commander Tracey Spindler, who attended to personally thank Ruffy for his incredible contribution over the years.

For three decades, Ruffy has been the heart of our station - keeping the crew in line, passing on his knowledge, and tackling every incident with dedication and hardwork. Famous for his “lungs of steel,” he could spend what felt like forever in Breathing Apparatus (BA), taking on the toughest jobs with calmness and courage.

Your commitment, humour, and steady presence will be dearly missed on the truck, but your legacy will always remain a part of 240 Station.

On behalf of 240 Station and the Brunswick Heads community - thank you, Ruffy, for 30 years of outstanding service. Wishing you a long, happy, and well-earned retirement from FRNSW!

25/07/2025

At 8:19 AM today, Fire and Rescue NSW Station 240 Brunswick Heads responded to a cabin fire in Ewingsdale, backing up Fire and Rescue NSW Station 243 Byron Bay, who were first on scene. Fire and Rescue NSW Station 213 Bangalow, NSW RFS - Mullumbimby Brigade and Byron Bay Rural Fire Brigade were also in attendance.

On arrival, crews were met with a fully involved fire. The focus quickly shifted to protecting neighbouring properties and bringing the blaze under control.

Despite the best efforts of all crews, the property could not be saved. Fortunately, no one was injured, and all neighbouring cabins were successfully protected.

13/07/2025

🔥Large Fire Contained in Mullumbimby 🔥

At 8:27 PM on Saturday, 12 July, Brunswick Heads 240 was alerted to a significant fire in a compound adjacent to the Mullumbimby Woolworths supermarket.

A large stockpile of plastic pipes, earmarked for upcoming civil works, had caught alight - sending flames and explosions up to 20 metres into the air.

Fire and Rescue NSW Station 388 Mullumbimby was first on scene, with Fire and Rescue NSW Station 240 Brunswick Heads arriving shortly after. Working together, crews were able to bring the fire under control and prevent any spread to nearby properties. The area was safely contained and rendered secure.

A great joint effort from both stations in protecting the community and preventing further damage.

Address

4 Fingal Street
Brunswick Heads, NSW
2483

Telephone

+61266851710

Website

https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/

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