Clarence / Dargan Bushfire Brigade

05/05/2026

A callout today to an accident on Chifley Rd, just west of Valley View Rd. An apparent head on put 2 cars into the bush on the northern side. All occupants walked away from the accident. 4 members answered the call. Fire and Rescue NSW Station 386 Mount Victoria were also in attendance.

05/05/2026

Volunteers putting their lives on the line every time they go out to a vessel in distress.

Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.

Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.

04/05/2026

Our training day for May involved a discussion on attending vehicle fires, in particular EV fires. The discussion revolved around:

Types of vehicles, full electric, hybrid etc.
Appropriate PPC for members to wear.
Rescue, if safe to do so and other agencies are not on scene.
Approach and Suppression, safest and recommended process.
Overhaul, cleaning up and ensuring the vehicle is safe to be taken away.

Our brigade now has 4 members qualified to use BA “ breathing apparatus” at incidents. A major plus when attending vehicle fires.

The remaining time was used to rearrange our C1 equipment to allow the BA cylinders to be fitted the unit.
7 members attended the training, 2 other members we at a training course obtaining their “Village Firefighter “ qualification.

30/04/2026

Today, 30 April marks the end of the Bush Fire Danger Period for all Local Government Areas (LGAs) across NSW, with Gwydir, Mid-Western, Moree Plains and Narrabri ending their fire restrictions today.

While landholders no longer require a fire permit, you are still required to notify the and your neighbours at least 24 hours before lighting a fire. To notify the RFS, please complete the online form available on our website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify

Please note that in some areas, you may still need an environmental permit from your local council or permit from Fire and Rescue NSW. You must also be aware of restrictions on the size and materials permitted in burn piles.

For more information on safe pile burning, visit the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/safeburning

29/04/2026

Early callout this morning to a car fire just east of the old airfield. Apparently overheating engine caused fire. Driver got out safely. Clarence 1 with 2 members attended . Fire & Rescue from Mt Victoria and Blackheath/Mt Victoria Rural Fire Brigade attended.

25/04/2026

No sooner back from the ANZAC Day parade when we were called to an MVA , persons trapped. Clarence 9 and Clarence 1 attended with 4 Crew. It required emergency service including our C1 to drive from Clarence Colliery Rd to the collision on the wrong side of the road. We then had cars making u turns to head back to Lithgow. This presented some problems to our driver, however with skill and patience we made it to the accident. 3 car collision on a reasonably good piece of road. Big turn out for all of our emergency services. Very professionally handled by all. Had this occurred in the cuttings it would have been much worse.

25/04/2026

Today our Brigade was represented at both the ANZAC Dawn service and at the parade.
Lest We Forget .

19/04/2026

The FDR for Monday 20th April 2026 is MODERATE.

This FDR remains in place until further notice.

18/04/2026

A busy one today with the brigade attending the Kenny St burn at Mount Victoria. Our C7 and C9 with 5 crew members were assigned to to the valley below the escarpment. A very challenging bit of terrain. The burn will continue tonight and tomorrow. We were in good company on our sector with Kanimbla RFS . A very worthwhile day.

18/04/2026

Who are these masked members. We congratulate Jess and Guy for completing their BA Operator (BAO) training today. This training enables firefighters to safely operate in oxygen-deficient or hazardous smoke environments.

Jess and Guy join our 3 other members Tom, Steve and Antonia who at BA trained This is amazing for such a small brigade