NSW RFS Southern Highlands

24/05/2026

As National Volunteer Week comes to close, we proudly recognise and thank all volunteers across our community, especially our incredible RFS members.

Our members give their time, skills and energy to protect and support our communities. Whether it be respond to emergencies, helping reduce risk, educating communities or strengthening local resilience, thier commitment makes a real difference, and we are incredibly grateful for all that they do.

Volunteering is more than giving back though, it's an opportunity to build lifelong friendships, develop valuable skills, challenge yourself as well as being part of something bigger than yourself. If you've ever thought about getting involved, there's never been a better time.

The NSW Rural Fire Service welcomes all people from all backgrounds and experiences to join our team and help make a difference in your community. You can find out more or start your membership application at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer

Thank you to all of our volunteer members, this week and every week!

16/05/2026

All local Emergency Services came together this morning for a complex multi-agency exercise at the Mittagong Airfield coordinated by NSW Police which involved a light aircraft conducting an emergency landing. The occupants of the aircraft had simulated injuries, requiring treatment from paramedics before being extricated from the fuselage by SES Rescue Operators.

RFS Firefighters provided fire protection and suppression in conjunction with FRNSW Firefighters whilst they also contained and managed the hazardous materials involved.

Whilst we hope this exercise scenario never eventuates, multi-agency exercising and training events like this are critical to ensuring seamless interoperability and interagency support to resolve incidents as effectively as possible with patients receiving the best care throughout.

15/05/2026

Emergency Exercise Notification - Mittagong Airfield - Saturday 16 May 2026

NSW Rural Fire Service Firefighters will be participating in a multi-agency emergency exercise at the Mittagong Airfield tomorrow. There will be no impact to residents or motorists in the area. However, small amounts of smoke may be visible from the Airfield and increased movements of emergency services personnel will occur.

NSW RFS - Alpine/Aylmerton Brigade NSW RFS - Mittagong Brigade

08/05/2026

As we move into the colder months, fire agencies often see an increase in house fires as residents use their fireplaces and heaters to stay warm. With temperatures dropping it’s important you know how to stay safe.

Remember, you won’t smell smoke while you’re asleep, so make sure your smoke alarms are working. A working smoke alarm can save your life and give you and your family valuable time to escape a burning home.

More info: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/home-fire-safety

04/05/2026

Today, on St Florian’s Day, RFS Firefighters across the Southern Highlands were recognised for their bravery, commitment and sacrifice.

Captain Ron Bolton of the RFS Southern Highlands Support Brigade was presented a Commissioners Commendation for Service following more than 30 years of service including as Captain and President of the Lakesland Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade, founding member of the Wollondilly Support Brigade and founding Captain of the Southern Highlands Support Brigade. He has developed the Brigade into one of the strongest Support Brigade’s in NSW. Ron’s leadership and commitment to service is second to none.

The Berrima Rural Fire Brigade and NSW RFS - Mittagong Brigade were recognised with a Commissioners Unit Citation for Service. In August 2024, the two Brigades responded to a critical incident involving a patient that had sustained serious burns to the majority of their body. Under stressful and confronting circumstances, these Firefighters applied first aid displaying immense care and courage in what was a distressing situation. They were recognised today for their teamwork and resilience to assist a casualty in a confronting and difficult incident.

Wendy Smith was also presented a Commissioners Certificate of Commendation recognising her leadership in assisting Western Australian authorities in uplifting their Fire Behaviour Analyst capability. This project dramatically increased the interoperability of Fire Behaviour Analysts, improving consistency between agencies and the ability to operate in other states and territories. Wendy was recognised for her dedicated hard work, expertise and professionalism.

Please join us in celebrating and congratulating these exceptional people whom we are so proud of their individual and collective efforts to protecting all that matters. We also extend our grateful thanks and appreciation to the recipients families, friends and employers for their unwavering support and understanding.

30/04/2026

Hazard Reduction Notification - High Range (Nattai National Park)

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, supported by NSW Rural Fire Service, will be implementing the High Range Hazard Reduction burn from tomorrow (1 May 2026) which is located north of Wombeyan Caves Road at High Range.

This strategic hazard reduction burn is 383 hectares in size and is expected to take a number of days to complete. The burn operations and associated smoke will be visible across the northern parts of the Wingecarribee Shire Council LGA. Please only call Triple Zero (000) to report unattended fires.

More info: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/hazard-reductions

Mandemar RFS Woodlands Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade Wollondilly Volunteer RFB

29/04/2026

- This HR was postponed to a later date due to rainfall across the burn site overnight.

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Hazard Reduction Notification - Bowral

Fire and Rescue NSW Firefighters, supported by NSW Rural Fire Service Firefighters, will be undertaking an important hazard reduction burn from tomorrow (Thursday, 30 April 2026) on Mount Gibraltar at Bowral in the vacinity of Oxley Drive (as depicted on the map below).

Residents in the immediate area, including those in Bowral and Mittagong, are likely to see and smell smoke throughout the duration of the burn. Please only report unattended fires to Triple Zero (000).

More info: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/hazard-reductions

21/04/2026

Smoke Advisory - Brooks Plateau North Hazard Reduction Burn (Morton National Park)

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be implementing the Brooks Plateau North Hazard Reduction burn from today (21 April 2026) which is located approx 14km south west of Kangaroo Valley.

This strategic hazard reduction burn is 1,413 hectares in size and is expected to take a number of days to complete. With light to moderate south easterly winds predicted much of the smoke plume from this HR is expected to travel north and will be visible from across large parts of the Wingecarribee Shire Council LGA. Please only call Triple Zero (000) to report unattended fires.

More info: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/hazard-reductions

Avoca Rural Fire Brigade Bundanoon Rural Fire Brigade NSW RFS - Wingello Brigade Penrose Rural Fire Brigade

HAZARD REDUCTION | West of Kangaroo Valley

Pending ongoing suitable conditions, NPWS & RFS fire fighters will undertake a hazard reduction burn in Moollattoo, which is located west of the Kangaroo Valley village, on Tuesday, April 21.

Operations are due to commence at 9:30am and will be ongoing for several days. Firefighters will then patrol the site until it is deemed safe.

For further information about hazard reduction burns in your area visit the RFS website https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or download the Hazards Near Me App.


Shoalhaven City Council
ABC Illawarra
WIN News Illawarra
94.9 Power FM
Radio 2ST
South Coast Register
South Coast Police District
Kangaroo Valley Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade

20/04/2026

Hazard Reduction Notification - Colo Vale

NSW Rural Fire Service Firefighters will be undertaking a strategic hazard reduction burn from tomorrow (Tuesday, 21 April 2026) west of Colo Vale between Wattle Street and Colo Road (as depicted on the map below).

Residents in the immediate area of Colo Vale are likely to see and smell smoke throughout the duration of the burn which is expected to last 2 days. Please only report unattended fires to Triple Zero (000).

More info: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/hazard-reductions

NSW RFS - Colo Vale Brigade NSW RFS - Alpine/Aylmerton Brigade Wingecarribee Shire Council

18/04/2026

Hazard Reduction Notification - Colo Vale

NSW Rural Fire Service Firefighters will be undertaking an important hazard reduction burn from tomorrow (Sunday, 19 April 2026) south of Colo Vale to the west of Drapers Road and south of Mccallums Road (as depicted on the map below).

Residents in the immediate area are likely to see and smell smoke throughout the duration of the burn which is expected to last 2 days. Please only report unattended fires to Triple Zero (000).

More info: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/hazard-reductions

Colo Vale Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade / NSW RFS - Alpine/Aylmerton Brigade / NSW RFS - Mittagong Brigade / Wingecarribee Shire Council