Millstream South Rural Fire Brigade

26/11/2025

Thoughts are with SA fire fighters ! What a tragic event- everyone has the right to go home

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of CFS firefighter Peter Curtis on Sunday afternoon while undertaking remote firefighting on the Eyre Peninsula.

At the time of his passing, Peter was part of a National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) brigade strike team deployed to assist with a scrub fire in Pinkawillinie Conservation Park, west of Kimba. This was part of a coordinated effort to protect the park and surrounding communities under challenging conditions.

Peter dedicated his life to protecting South Australia’s landscapes and communities. Beginning his firefighting career with ForestrySA in 1995, he transferred to NPWS in 2017, where he served in senior leadership roles including Strike Team Leader and Sector Commander. He was deeply respected for his skill, leadership, and generosity in mentoring others.

Above all, Peter was a caring and considerate person, loved by all who knew him. His loss will be felt profoundly across our organisations and the broader community.

The circumstances surrounding Peter’s passing are under investigation. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of his family and colleagues during this difficult time.

Our thoughts are with Peter’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters.

25/11/2025

A Tribute to Queensland’s Rural Firefighters

Across the sunlit fields of Queensland,
Where wide blue skies unfold,
Stand men and women ready,
With quiet hearts and courage bold.
When summer’s heat grows restless
And sparks ride shifting winds,
They gather with a steady smile—
Neighbours, family, friends.
They roll out trucks through paddocks,
Past cattle, scrub, and cane,
Turning teamwork into power,
Turning fear to hope again.
Their laughter cuts through tension,
Their calm outshines the flame;
They carry not just gear and hoses,
But the pride of where they came.
And when the fire’s beaten back
By grit and helping hands,
We see the strength of Queenslanders
Alive across our lands.
So today we stand together,
With gratitude renewed,
To honour those who answer
With heart, with skill, with fortitude.
Cheers to our rural firefighters—
The ones who keep us strong;
Their service lifts our communities,
Their spirit leads us on.

19/09/2025

26/08/2025

💔

04/05/2025

🚒International Firefighters' Day👩‍🚒🧑‍🚒
Honouring Bravery and Dedication

On May 4, we come together to celebrate International Firefighters' Day, a day to recognise and thank firefighters worldwide for their unwavering courage, selflessness, and commitment to protecting our communities.

Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to save others, often facing dangerous and traumatic situations. International Firefighters' Day is an opportunity to express our gratitude for their tireless efforts and sacrifices.

Let us come together to thank our Firefighters for all that they do to keep us safe. Happy International Firefighters' Day!

04/04/2025

We would love your support with encouraging members of your brigade to complete the 2025 Volunteering for Queensland Survey. A toolkit of resources to support explaining and promoting participation was provided to your First Officer.
Traditionally the response rate is low and we are looking for the highest response rate in RFSQ history!
Did I mention the winning Area will get a visit and be presented by the new Chief 😀
QR code is below to socialise at your next brigade meeting.
It takes 10mins and will close on 13 April.

Thanks for your support

20/03/2025

From our friends at Mackay Hospital and Health Service – advice for North Queenslanders experiencing another wet week!

Those working with soil and surface water - especially after high rainfall - can be exposed to melioidosis.

Melioidosis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease found in ground water and soil, and you may be at risk of infection, particularly if you have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, kidney or lung problems, or are immunocompromised.

Symptoms of melioidosis may include:
🥵 fever
🤧 cough
😰 difficulty breathing

The effects can be severe and often require hospitalisation for antibiotic treatment.

😷 To reduce your risk of melioidosis infection, wear a mask if you’re using a hose or high-pressure cleaner around soil. This is to prevent breathing in bacteria that causes the disease.

🥾 Wear protective footwear and gloves 🧤 and wash your skin thoroughly after exposure.

💦 Avoid contact with soil and floodwaters, particularly after heavy rain.

🩹 Cover open wounds and broken skin with waterproof dressings and wash thoroughly after exposure to soil or muddy water.

🐊 Be wary of creatures and critters hidden in floodwaters, such as crocodiles, snakes and spiders.