Hornsby Heights Rural Fire Brigade

09/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mums out there, especially to our brigade-mums! Thank you for everything. ❤️

🚨📞 If you haven’t already, remember to call your mum today!

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the strength, dedication and compassion of mums everywhere, but especially those in our family.

Across the state, thousands of mothers, grandmothers, mothers-in-law, stepmothers and aunties give their time to help protect their communities. Whether they're on the frontline or supporting behind the scenes their contributions are extraordinary.

Today, we thank them for all they do, not just as RFS members, but as leaders and role models in our brigades and communities.

26/04/2026

Vale, Terry Donnelly

It is with sadness that we acknowledge the recent passing of Terry Donnelly — a truly community-minded person who took action and always cared for others.

Terry was instrumental to our existence. He was one of the founding members of the Hornsby Heights Rural Fire Brigade, serving as our second Captain before progressing to Group Captain. During this time, Terry developed the blueprint for the role that Group Captains operated under, in our district as well as statewide.

Our first fire truck, Puff, was rediscovered in retirement by Ron Morris, who, along with Bob Collins, organised its rescue. When Puff’s restoration began to stall, Terry stepped in, reinvigorating the project, bringing it to completion. Terry went on to proudly display “Puff the Tragic Waggon”, along with other local historic vehicles and equipment, until ill health eventually forced him to step back.

His dedication helped shape our brigade in its early years, and his legacy remains part of who we are today. We have lost a much loved community member, teammate, leader, and friend.

Thank you, Terry. Your impact and service will not be forgotten.

Terry’s funeral and memorial will be held this coming Tuesday. Please contact us if you would like details to pay your respects.

24/04/2026

Today we pause to remember and honour all those who have served in Australia’s armed forces. We reflect on their courage, sacrifice, and service.

Our brigade thanks the members of our community who have worn the uniform, and their families — your contribution is deeply appreciated.

Lest we forget.

15/04/2026

You might have seen our trucks out and about recently!

We’ve been hard at work taking advantage of the conditions to complete essential and back-to-back hazard reductions - the Glengarry HR (Turramurra) today and Hemers Rd/Quarry Trail HR (Dural/Hornsby Heights) over the weekend.

When we aren’t on the fire line, we’re leveling up. 📈 We’ve had members:
✅ Upskilling in breathing apparatus operation
✅ Training our latest intake of recruits

There is likely smoke in the air for the next few days, so stay safe and up to date. For more information and regular updates:
💻 Visit the NSW Rural Fire Service web site www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
📲 Download the free smart device application ‘Hazards Near Me NSW’
📞 Call the Bush Fire Information Line 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737)

Interested in joining us? Visit https://volunteer.hornsbyheightsrfs.org/

15/04/2026

Smoke may be noticeable across parts of the state, including Greater Sydney and the Mid Coast, as hazard reduction work continues today and tomorrow.

Smoke may settle overnight near burn areas before lifting during the day. Forecast winds on Friday are expected to help clear lingering smoke.

This work, led by fire agencies and land managers is critical to reducing bush fire risk and protecting communities.

With fire danger set to increase in parts of the state on Friday, take care with any existing burns on your property and make sure they are fully extinguished. Always check local weather and conditions before lighting up.

For updates on planned burns, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/hr or use the Hazards Near Me app. Only call Triple Zero (000) if you see an unattended fire not just if you see or smell smoke.

📷: Somme Avenue Hazard Reduction, Wentworth Falls (Blue Mountains LGA).

12/04/2026

📣UPDATE: Hemers Rd/Quarry Trail hazard reduction

💨 Smoke from the hazard reduction persists throughout Hornsby Heights and may be heavy in certain areas, particularly along the Galston Rd hairpins.

Visibility and air quality may be affected for the next few days.

Crews and resources remain on-site to manage the ongoing the hazard reduction.

📞 Please remember to only call 000 if you see a fire without any firefighting crews about.

For more information and regular updates:
💻 Visit the NSW Rural Fire Service web site www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
📲 Download the free app ‘Hazards Near Me NSW’
📞 Call the Bush Fire Information Line 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737)

09/04/2026

Tomorrow’s hazard reduction will be starting from 3 pm.

Please take precautions to stay safe in smokey conditions, like closing windows and doors, and limiting outdoor activity.

🔥 HAZARD REDUCTION BURN NOTICE 🔥
📍 Location: Hemers and Quarry RD, Dural (Hornsby LGA)
📅 Date: Friday, 10th April 2026
🚒 Carried out by: NPWS and NSW RFS

This large hazard reduction burn will be jointly undertaken by NPWS and NSW RFS in the Hemers Rd and Quarry Rd area, in the Berowra Valley National Park Dural.
Please be aware that smoke will be visible in the area and surrounding suburbs during the operation.
This planned burn is an important part of reducing bushfire risk in our community.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Dural Rural Fire Brigade
Hornsby Shire Council
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

13/03/2026

🚨 We’re at Rofe Park until 11 AM TODAY!

Pop by, say hello and have a chat about volunteering with the RFS, there’s a role for everyone🧑‍🚒👩‍🚒

📍 Where: Rofe Park
⏰ When: Right now until 11 AM

See you there

Can't make it? You can find more information here:
🔗 https://volunteer.hornsbyheightsrfs.org/

11/03/2026

It’s been a busy start to 2026 for the Hornsby Heights RFS, and our mission has taken us well beyond our own backyard 🛫

Several of our members have been on interstate deployments in Victoria, working alongside our colleagues in the CFA.

From rugged terrain to shifting weather patterns, our members have been showing up where they’re needed most, on the ground supporting local communities. We’re incredibly proud of their commitment to service—whether it's across the street or across the state line.

Join our team!
Inspired to make a difference? We are always looking for new members to join our ranks. If you’ve got the heart, we’ve got a place for you. https://volunteer.hornsbyheightsrfs.org/

Thank you to Emily Hestelow and Robert Wawrzyniak for capturing these moments from the field.

11/03/2026

🚨 Want to give back to your community and learn new and exciting skills, while having fun? 🚨

Hornsby Heights RFS is looking for new members to join our brigade, and we’d love to meet you this weekend! 👇

Event Details:
📍 Where: Rofe Park
📅 When: Saturday, 14th March
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM

🚒 There is a role for everyone at the RFS. Find out what it means to be a part of the Hornsby Heights RFS family, visit https://volunteer.hornsbyheightsrfs.org/

Got questions? Just drop them in the comments below or send us a message.