NSW RFS - Bland Temora Zone

20/06/2026

🔥🚁 ACE Workshop Temora Airport 🚁🔥

Today, 60 dedicated volunteers from NSW RFS South Western Area Command and Forestry Corporation came together at Temora Airport for the Aviation Communication Evaluation (ACE) workshop — a fantastic display of teamwork and commitment to community safety.

This hands-on workshop is all about building the skills and knowledge needed to effectively direct aviation assets on the fireground — a critical role in supporting firefighting efforts and protecting lives and property.

👏 A big effort was put in by everyone involved, with:

• ✅ 15 Airbase Operators from the Bland Temora, Riverina, and South West Slopes districts completing training and recertification

• ✅ 3 Air Radio Operators sharpening their expertise
Days like today highlight the professionalism, dedication, and collaboration that keep our communities safe during fire season.

👉 Interested in making a real difference in your community? Join us as a volunteer with NSW RFS or support agencies and be part of a team that protects lives, property, and the environment. Every role counts!

💪 Well done to all participants and facilitators — your hard work makes a real difference when it matters most!

NSW Rural Fire Service
NSW RFS - Riverina Zone
NSW RFS South West Slopes Zone
NSW RFS - Mid Murray Zone
NSW Rural Fire Service - Southern Border District
NSW Rural Fire Service - MIA District
Fire and Rescue NSW Station 456 Temora
ABC Riverina
The Daily Advertiser
West Wyalong Advocate

05/05/2026

ST FLORIAN’S DAY RECOGNISES UNGARIE RFS VOLUNTEERS
MONDAY 4 MAY 2026
St Florian’s Day, observed each year on 4 May, recognises the dedication, bravery and service of NSW Rural Fire Service members. Named after the Patron Saint of Firefighters, the day highlights volunteers and staff who have gone above and beyond in serving their communities.
This year, members of the Ungarie Rural Fire Brigade were awarded a Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service for their response to a serious and tragic incident in Ungarie in September 2025.
The following members were recognised with the Commissioner’s Unit Citation for Service:
• Group Captain Lindsay Henley AFSM
• Deputy Group Captain Nathan Chantrill
• Captain Brad Crofts
• Deputy Captain Jason Lewis
• Firefighter Thomas Barron
• Firefighter Frank Brewer (apology)
The NSW RFS acknowledges the professionalism, teamwork and commitment shown by these members, with St Florian’s Day serving as an opportunity to thank all RFS volunteers for their ongoing service to the community.

25/04/2026

31/03/2026

🔥Bush Fire Danger Period comes to a close🚒

The Bush Fire Danger Period will conclude at midnight tonight for most of NSW, including Bland and Temora Local Government Areas

Four Local Government Areas (LGA), Narrabri, Gwydir, Moree Plains, and Mid-Western, will extend the period until the end of April due to local conditions.

During the season, firefighters from the Bland Temora Zone responded to 53 bush and grass fires, which burned approximately 2617 hectares.

As the Bush Fire Danger Period ends, fire agencies and land managers will begin increasing hazard reduction activities where conditions allow. This work includes planned burns aimed at reducing vegetation and lowering the risk of future bush fires.

Superintendent Stephen Quinlan said residents should remain cautious when undertaking burn-offs, even once the Bush Fire Danger Period has finished.

“From Wednesday the 1st of April, fire permits will no longer be required in the Bland and Temora Local Government Areas,” Superintendent Stephen Quinlan said.

“Where permits are no longer needed, residents must still notify their neighbours and also the local fire authority at least 24 hours before lighting a fire, which can be done easily on the RFS website.

“People should also check whether a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate is required and ensure they have the equipment and resources needed to safely manage the burn.

“Letting fire authorities know about planned burning helps avoid unnecessary callouts for local firefighters.”

Superintendent Stephen Quinlan said the end of the Bush Fire Danger Period should not lead to complacency.

“Fires can still occur outside the declared danger period, particularly during dry or windy conditions,” he said.

“Residents should take the opportunity now to prepare their properties and review their bush fire survival plan ahead of the next fire season.

“Your local fire station or Fire Control Centre can provide advice on preparing your home and carrying out hazard reduction safely.”

Residents planning to burn off can notify their local brigade using the online burn notification tool at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify

11/03/2026

Bland Temora Zone - Tanker Handover
On Thursday, 5th March 2026, Chief Superintendent Kelwyn White, South Western Area Commander and Superintendent Stephen Quinlan, Bland Temora Zone Manager, handed over five new replacement tankers to local brigades within Bland Temora Zone.
This reflects the NSW Rural Fire Services ongoing commitment to modernising its frontline fleet and ensuring Brigades are equipped with reliable appliances to support their critical work in safeguarding the community.
Tankers Presented to Brigades:
Barmedman Brigade - Category 7 Tanker
Naradhan Brigade - Category 7 Tanker
Tallimba Brigade - Category 7 Tanker
Mimosa Brigade - Category 1 Tanker
Narraburra Brigade - Category 7 Tanker
Thankyou to those Brigade members for taking the time out to collect the new tankers and for your continued dedication to the NSW RFS.

11/03/2026

Outstanding Service - Bernie Bryce
The RFS and Mirrool Brigade are proud to honour and celebrate Bernie Bryce, who yesterday was awarded a Long Service Medal with 20 30 40 50 60 & 70 year clasps, recognising an extraordinary 77 years of dedicated service.
The presentation of the medal was made by Superintendent Steve Quinlan, Bland Temora Zone District Manager, who acknowledged the outstanding contribution and lifelong service Bernie has given to the RFS, Mirrool Brigade and the wider community.
Joining the Brigade in 1949 Bernie has been a respected member, and his commitment and unwavering dedication has not gone unnoticed.
We extend our deepest gratitude and warmest congratulations to Bernie on this exceptional achievement.

25/02/2026

⚡ LIGHTNING UPDATE ⚡CHECK YOUR PROPERTY
Throughout this afternoon and this evening, storm activities with possible dry lightning which might impact both Bland and Temora LGA's.
Please check your property over the next few days for any trees that may be on fire due to lightning.

If you see trees or any parts of your property effected by lighting strikes or have any smoke sightings immediately call Triple Zero (000)

20/12/2025

Fire Danger Rating for tomorrow Sunday 21st December 2025 is High with a Fire Behaviour Index (FBI) of 49, for both Bland and Temora Local Government Areas, a TOTAL FIRE BAN is in place.

It’s important to ensure that you’re fire safe and make sure that you stay update on your local weather conditions and ensure that you have your farm fire safety plan or bush fire survival plan up to date.

It's important that you are ready to act and know what you'll do if threatened by fire. Remember to report unattended fires to Triple (000) immediately.

For more information on Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

For more information on Fire Behaviour Indexes visit the Bureau of Meteorology website: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/fire-danger-ratings.shtml
Bland and Temora Local Government Areas fall under the Lower Central West Plains weather district.

18/12/2025

Due to deteriorating weather conditions today, Thursday 18 December, landholders undertaking harvest operations in the Temora LGA are advised to stop and check local weather conditions against the Grain Harvest Guide before deciding to continue.

www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/farm-fire-safety/grain-harvesting-guide