Mathoura Ruralfirebrigade

13/05/2026

Utter devastation 💔

This scary image shows what lithium-ion batteries can do to your house when they overheat and explode 💥

An Upwey family very sadly lost their home last month after a lithium-ion battery on charge caught fire and tore through the property within minutes. Firefighters later discovered the device was being charged with an incompatible charger.

In a concerning trend, CFA (Country Fire Authority) and Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters are responding to around one fire each day caused by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

To minimise the risk of a lithium-ion battery fire:
🔌 Use chargers and cords that are originally supplied with that device.
🔇 Only charge items in rooms with smoke alarms.
⚡ Avoid charging on soft locations such as couches, beds and carpets.
❌ Never use batteries or devices that show signs of swelling or bulging, leaking or overheating.
🤝 Buy products from a trusted supplier.

Photo Credit: Travis Easton

10/05/2026

Mathoura RFB Members would like to wish all the mums out there a
Happy Mother’s Day.

05/05/2026

The Brigade thoughts are with the families, friends, colleagues and all those affected by this incident.

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.

01/05/2026

This stubble burning app is available to support farmers in making strategic burn-off decisions amidst the ongoing autumn stubble burn-off season.

23/04/2026

Mathoura RFB members have been invited to participate Friday’s ANZAC Day Service.
Members are invited to attend the Commemorative Service at the Shire Hall from 11am and then march to the Soldiers Memorial Gardens to lay a wreath.

04/04/2026

Mathoura RFB members would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter.

31/03/2026

5 Years Ago Today, 1st April 2021.

Five years ago today, volunteer firefighters from the Mathoura RFB were dispatched to a reported truck fire north of Mathoura.

Upon arrival, crews quickly identified the seriousness of the situation—the vehicle was a semi fuel tanker, whose trailer was well alight. Dangerous goods placard indicated petrol, and the load manifest confirmed a mixed load of diesel and unleaded fuel.

The driver’s safety was accounted for, and the Cobb Highway was closed to ensure public and crew safety.

The village appliance was positioned upwind and upslope, while the grassland tanker shuttled water to support firefighting operations. Working under extremely hazardous conditions, brigade members faced the fuel tanker carrying a significant amount of petrol and diesel that was already being indirectly impacted by fire.

Through leadership, skill, coordination, and determination, the crew successfully extinguished the blaze in a relatively short period of time, before the incident was handed over to incoming hazmat crews.

This incident stands as a testament to the courage, training, and professionalism of the Mathoura Brigade’s Captain, members and Group Captain involved.

25/02/2026

Happy 50th Birthday, Captain and Life Member Rick! 🎉

Your dedication and unwavering support of the local community and this brigade does not go unnoticed. The time, leadership, and commitment you continue to give make a real and lasting difference to so many.

Today we celebrate not only your 50 years, but the strength, integrity, and community spirit you bring to everything you do.

The Brigade members wish you all the very best for today and the year ahead! 👏🎂

06/02/2026

On the 17th anniversary of the February 2009 bushfires, we remember the countless people across our communities who were affected, and those who continue to feel the impacts to this day.

We honour the 173 people who lost their lives, the 400+ people who were injured and the thousands of emergency service personnel who responded throughout the course of the fires.

Together, we remember 🎗️

01/02/2026

Thanks to the community.
The Mathoura RFB would like to thank everyone that assisted with the stubble fire late Saturday afternoon that started and ran in 40°C temps fanned by 30 kmhr winds gusting to 50 kmhr.
A pelican flew into powerlines on approach to a storage dam that started this blaze.
First arriving farm fire units quickly tackled the head of the fire as it rapidly approached multiple sheds, hay stacks and a residence.
Apon arrival Mathoura fire tankers prioritised extinguishing a fast moving intense fire finger that was racing down a tree plantation towards multiple sheds and a house.
Neighbouring farmers arrived with tractors and speed tillers that assisted in widening and reinforcing firebreaks at the head of the fire and containing the flanks, with strong support from surrounding RFS Brigades the fire was contained and blacking out commenced.
Murray River Council arrived with an excavator that felled a small number of hazardous trees that were burning internally that were unable to be extinguished.
It’s was a credit to all involved that this fire was contained to a minimum despite the very hot and windy weather conditions experienced at the time and the availability of fuel.
Thanks again.

24/12/2025

The Mathoura Rural Fire Brigade would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.