Greta Rural Fire Brigade

09/05/2026

Greta Brigade had a busy day today with 3 call outs.
We firstly attended a call to a tree alight at Branxton.
Not long afterwards, all three trucks attended a grassfire at Luskintyre and while still at the station, we were called to a fire at Greta.

06/05/2026

Last night Greta RFS Brigade awarded our long serving member, Ray Graham, life membership of the brigade.
Ray has been a committed member of Greta RFS for over 30 years and is the fourth life member of our brigade.
The award was presented by Ned Roberts, who is also one of the brigades life members.
Congratulations Ray on the well deserved award!

03/05/2026

🚒 International Firefighters' Day (IFFD) is observed today, Monday, May 4, 2026.

​The day is a global recognition of the dedication and sacrifice of firefighters who risk their lives to protect communities and the environment.

​History and Significance
​The date coincides with the Feast of St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters. The international observance was established in 1999 following a tragic bushfire in Linton, Victoria, in December 1998, which claimed the lives of five firefighters from the Geelong West Fire Brigade. This event led to a worldwide proposal by JJ Edmondson to create a day of global support and remembrance.

​Traditions and Symbols
​The Red and Blue Ribbon: The official symbol of the day. Red represents the fire, and blue represents water.

​The "Sound Off": Traditionally held on the first Sunday in May (yesterday, May 3), fire stations often sound their sirens for 30 seconds at noon, followed by a minute of silence to honor fallen colleagues.

​St. Florian’s Cross: Often displayed as a mark of the profession and a symbol of protection.

​How to Observe
​Wear the Ribbon: Pinning a small red and blue ribbon to your lapel is the primary way to show solidarity.
​Station Visits: Many local stations hold open days or memorial services to connect with the community.

​Social Recognition: Using the hashtag helps spread awareness of fire safety and the challenges faced by those in the service.
​Whether career or volunteer, urban or rural, today serves as a moment to pause and reflect on the extraordinary commitment of those who serve in the fire services.

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

26/04/2026

As lithium-ion batteries become more common in everyday devices, it is important to understand the fire risk. These batteries can overheat and catch fire if they are damaged, overcharged, used with the wrong charger, or not used as intended. To reduce the risk, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, use approved charging equipment, and charge on a hard, non-flammable surface. Do not charge batteries while you are asleep, away from home, or near doorways and exits. If a battery or device becomes hot, swells, leaks, smells unusual, or shows any sign of damage, stop using it immediately and seek advice from the manufacturer or supplier.

https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/fire-safety/home-fire-safety/battery-and-charging-safety/shop-charge-and-recycle-safely

26/04/2026

Greta Brigade had a very busy ANZAC day this year.
Brigade members were at the station washing and polishing the trucks from the very early hours. Just as we were about to group for the march, two of our trucks and crew members were called to a fire at Aberglasslyn, so we only had one truck for the parade and some of our members marching.
We then joined in the Branxton parade, and received another call out.
Two more calls were responded to before the day was finished.
Thank you to all members who assisted with the parades and call outs.

21/04/2026

If you’re planning a pile burn over the coming days, it’s worth taking a little extra care.

We’ve seen a number of pile burns escape across the state recently. This often happens when conditions change quickly or piles become too large to manage safely.

When planning a pile burn, a few things to keep in mind:
🔥 Keep piles small and manageable (low and wide, not high)
🔥 Only burn dry, natural vegetation, not household materials
🔥 Choose calm conditions and keep an eye on the weather
🔥 Have water, tools and equipment ready before you light up
🔥 Stay with your fire at all times and fully extinguish it when finished

And importantly
📞 Notify your neighbours and the RFS at least 24 hours before you burn
rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify

For more information on safe burning, visit:
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/farm-fire-safety/safeburning

Report all unattended fires to Triple Zero (000).
Stay up to date by visiting www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fnm or checking the Fires Near Me NSW app.

18/04/2026

Greta Brigade assisted last week with a hazzard reduction at Kearsley

16/04/2026

15/04/2026

Planned hazard reduction activity is set to continue across parts of NSW over the coming days, as fire agencies and land managers take advantage of the current weather window to carry out this important work.

Smoke will be noticeable near burn sites and could settle overnight. As further burns are carried out, broader smoke impacts are possible, including across Greater Sydney, ahead of forecast winds on Friday which are expected to help clear conditions.

Only call Triple Zero (000) if you see an unattended fire, not just if you see or smell smoke.

For a list and map of planned burns, visit the RFS website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/hr or check the Hazards Near Me app.

📷: NSW RFS - Georges River Brigade