NSW RFS Northern Tablelands District

05/05/2026

Our district was incredibly proud to see Glen Curry Captain of Barney Downs Rural Fire Brigade - RFS recognised at the 2026 St Florian Day Awards.

Glen was recognised for his actions during a motor vehicle rescue incident in 2025, where his calm leadership, compassion and commitment to helping others reflected the very best qualities of the NSW RFS and our local volunteers. Anyone who knows Glen also knows he would be the first to downplay the recognition and point to the efforts of everyone else involved on the day — a true reflection of the humble and community-minded person he is.

While this award recognises one individual, it also represents something much bigger. Across our district, volunteers give up countless hours away from their families, work and personal lives to protect and support their communities. From attending fires and storms, to training nights, hazard reductions, community events and supporting each other behind the scenes, it is these everyday contributions that keep our brigades strong.

We are incredibly fortunate to have volunteers like Glen, and so many others across our district, who continue to serve their communities with professionalism, pride and genuine care for others.

Congratulations Glen on a very well-deserved recognition, and thank you to every volunteer across the district for everything you do.

19/04/2026

Update: Mud Flat Road Fire, Drake

After a final patrol by our dedicated and hard working volunteer fire fighters this morning, the Mud Flat Road fire has now been declared Out !

At over 800 hectares, this fire has taken 1 week of active fire fighting around the clock with Brigades from Tenterfield, Northern Rivers, and Far North Coast attending.

We thank those men and women who have given up their time during school holidays to come join us in Drake, in hot dry and dusty conditions, to help protect our community and isolated residents.

No further updates will provided on this fire.

15/04/2026

ℹ UPDATE: Mud Flat Road fire -
A bush fire in the Mud Flat Road / Long Gully Road area, was reported on Sunday and remains uncontained with a burnt area of approx. 760 hectares.

Volunteer firefighters from Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands with the assistance from Forestry Corporation have worked into the evening to extinguish burning trees and hot spots which could flare up during warmer daytime conditions. This is often dangerous work executed by skilled operators, in difficult and smoky terrain.

Today firefighters from multiple Brigades are continuing to work hard to contain the fire, with support from aircraft and heavy plant. Crews are focused on protecting dwellings and private property along Long Gully Rd and Mud Flat Road.

There are no properties under threat. Residents in the surrounding area are asked to remain vigilant, monitor conditions closely, and act in accordance with their bush fire survival plan.

Updates will be provided as the situation develops. As always, we encourage you to download the Hazards Near Me app.

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me

Supported by:
NSW RFS North Eastern Area Command
Assistant Commissioner Leigh Pilkington - NSW RFS
NSW Rural Fire Service Far North Coast Team
NSW Rural Fire Service
Drake Rural Fire Brigade
NSW RFS, Glen Innes Rural Fire Brigade
Mount Mitchell RFS
NSW RFSA
NSW RFS - Frazers Cutting Rural Fire Brigade
NSW RFS - Northern Rivers Zone

13/04/2026

A bush fire in the Mud Flat Road area, reported yesterday, is currently estimated at approximately 500 hectares and remains uncontained.

Firefighters are continuing to work hard to control the fire, with support from aircraft and heavy plant. Crews are focused on containment strategies and strengthening control lines.

At this stage, there are no properties under threat.

Residents in the surrounding area are asked to remain vigilant, monitor conditions closely, and act in accordance with their bush fire survival plan.

Updates will be provided as the situation develops.

08/04/2026

Final update: “Out” - Howell Road Tingha.

After formal Fire Investigation took place, this fire has now been set to out.

Thank you to our hard working volunteer fire fighters for protecting our communities. You are awesome 💪🏼

Update: "Contained" - Howell Road Tingha.

This fire started a number of days ago, with fire fighters getting the upper hand overnight. This fire is now listed as 'contained' on Hazards Near Me, indicating there is a solid and burnt containment line around the entire perimeter.

While there are pockets of unburnt country within containment lines, there is no immediate danger, and no threats to private property. But as always, we strongly encourage local residents to stay up to date in case the situation changes.

Your actions:
• If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).
• Stay up to date on the situation by monitoring local radio, the RFS website, Fires Near Me NSW smartphone app or your favourite social media channels.

Shout out to our local volunteer firefighters and support personnel:
Elsmore Rural Fire Brigade
NSW RFS - Tingha Brigade
Inverell Rural Fire Brigade
Gilgai Rural Fire Brigade
New England Zone Rural Fire Service
Northern Tablelands Support Brigade
NSW RFS North Eastern Area Command
Inverell Times
Inverell Shire Council

02/04/2026

🔥 Planning to light a fire this weekend?

Make sure you follow the rules for wherever you are this weekend ⬇️

🔥 As the Bush Fire Danger Period in Northern Tablelands ended March 31, Fire Permits are not required for hazard reduction (including bonfires) and agricultural burns. But, you are still required to notify your neighbours and the RFS before you light your fire.

🔥If you intend on lighting and maintaining a campfire for the purpose of cooking food, please ensure that:
✅ the fire is in a permanently constructed fireplace;
✅ at a site surrounded by ground that is cleared of all combustible materials for a distance of at least two metres all around;
✅ the fire is completely extinguished before leaving.

For much of the Northern Tablelands, it is still very dry and grass fires can develop quickly and risk threatening property. Please follow the rules so our volunteers can enjoy their weekend at home with their family and friends too.

More information can be found here:
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information

If you’re travelling this weekend, be safe on our roads. We want you home safe too.

🐰🐣 Happy Easter to you and your families from the members and Brigades of the NSW RFS Northern Tablelands District 🚒

Get information on current bush fires and other incidents across NSW, as well as warnings for fires which may affect where you live.

28/03/2026

The statutory bushfire danger period for all local government ares in Northern Tablelands, ends at midnight on March 31.

Landowners in Tenterfield, Glen Innes, and Inverell Rural Fire Districts who undertake vegetation pile burns after 31 March each year, do not require a fire safety permit - however you still have an obligation to notify the RFS and your neighbours at least 24 hours before you commence burning.

Visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and click on the NOTIFY portal. Significant fines can apply for not complying with these conditions.

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast for your local area. Bush and grass fires still occur in Autumn and Winter if conditions are conducive to the ignition and spread of fire. One ember can end it.

Thank you to our supporters and friends at:
WHAT - What's Happening Around Tenterfield
Tenterfield Shire Council
Tenterfield Star
Fire and Rescue NSW 457 Tenterfield
Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome
Inverell Shire Council
Inverell Times
NSW SES Inverell Unit
Inverell District and Surrounding Areas
Inverell Freebies
Tenterfield High School
Glen Innes Severn Council
Glen Innes Highlands
Glen Innes Examiner
Fire and Rescue NSW, Station 302 Glen Innes

26/03/2026

TOTAL FIRE BAN 27th March 2026 – INVERELL, GLEN INNES & TENTERFIELD LGAs

Extreme Fire Danger Rating = Zero Tolerance for Fires

The NSW Rural Fire Service has declared a Total Fire Ban for the Inverell, Glen Innes and Tenterfield Local Government Areas (LGA) due to an Extreme Fire Danger Conditions — meaning fire conditions are highly dangerous and any fire could spread rapidly.

❌ What you cannot do
Under a Total Fire Ban you MUST NOT:
• Light, maintain or use any fire in the open air (this includes campfires, bonfires or open burn-offs)
• Carry out any activity that may start a fire — like welding, grinding, slashers, harvesters or machinery likely to spark
• Use wood or charcoal barbecues / pizza ovens (solid fuel)
• Discard ci******es, matches or other fire-starting material on the ground or out of vehicle windows

✅ What you can do
Use gas or electric barbecues only if:
• A responsible adult is present at all times
• Clear of combustible materials within 2 metres
• You have water or extinguisher immediately available nearby

Fines & penalties
Breaching a Total Fire Ban is taken very seriously:
• On-the-spot fine: ~$2,200 for lighting a fire
• Court penalties: Up to $5,500 and/or 12 months’ jail for starting a fire
• Discarding a cigarette during ban: fines can double
• If a fire escapes and causes damage, fines and penalties are much higher — up to $132,000 and/or years in prison depending on circumstances

Important
Total Fire Bans are in place to protect lives, property, animals and our beautiful environment. Please obey the ban, check your Bush Fire Survival Plan, and stay informed via the NSW RFS website if conditions change.

For more information on what you can and cannot do during a Total Fire Ban, visit https://shorturl.at/nKGsO

26/03/2026

FIRE PERMITS SUSPENDED – Friday 27th March until Saturday 28th March due to Elevated Fire Danger, all fire permits in Inverell, Glen Innes and Tenterfield LGA's are suspended from midnight today until Midnight Saturday morning.
This measure is being taken to reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading under the heightened fire conditions.
If you currently hold a fire permit, you are unable to light new fires or stoke up existing fires during the suspension period. Please ensure any planned burns or activities requiring a permit are postponed.