28/08/2026
Letter from our Captain, Tim Hunter
Preparing Our Community for the 2026/2027 Bush Fire
Season
Dear Residents and Landholders of Smiths Road and surrounding areas,
As we look towards the 2026/2027 bush fire season, we are asking every household and every
landholder in our community to start preparing now.
This is not intended to alarm you. It is a reminder that the time to prepare for a fire is before the
smoke is on the horizon.
The Bureau of Meteorology is currently reporting an established El Niño pattern, with forecasts indicating that it is likely to continue into summer. The current outlook also points towards below
average rainfall across much of eastern Australia and above-average temperatures across southern
Australia. These conditions can contribute to increased dryness and elevated fire weather risk.
For those of us who live around Smiths Road, Michelago, Colinton and Anembo this is a message we
should take seriously.
Our homes, our farms, our families and our way of life are worth protecting.
Join Us for Get Ready Day and the Official Handover of Our New Category 7
As part of preparing our community for the season ahead, we invite all residents, landholders,
families and members of the wider community to join us for Get Ready Day and the official
handover of our new NSW RFS Category 7 fire appliance.
Date: Sunday, 20 September 2026
Time: 10.00 am to 2.00 pm
Location: Smiths Road Fire Brigade and Community Facility
This will be an opportunity for our community to come together, learn more about preparing for the
bush fire season and meet the people who volunteer to protect our district.
We will also officially welcome and hand over our new Category 7 appliance, which replaces a much
loved appliance that has served our community for almost 20 years.
The new truck represents an important investment in the safety and future capability of our
community. It will help ensure that the Smiths Road Brigade is better equipped to respond when our
community needs us.
Come along, inspect the new appliance, speak with local volunteers, learn more about preparing
your property and find out how you can become involved in your local RFS Brigade.
Everyone is welcome. Bring your family, meet your neighbours and be part of preparing our community for the season ahead.
Preparation starts at home
We strongly encourage every landholder to take the opportunity now to reduce fuel loads and
prepare their property.
Walk around your home and buildings and ask yourself:
• Is grass short and managed around the house and sheds?
• Have leaves, fallen branches and other fine fuels been removed?
• Are trees and shrubs overhanging buildings?
• Are gutters clear of leaves and debris?
• Is combustible material stored away from buildings?
• Can hoses reach around the house?
• Do you have reliable access to water?
• Does your family know what you will do if a fire threatens?
The NSW RFS emphasises that a well-prepared home is more likely to survive a bush fire or ember
attack, and that preparation can also make it easier for firefighters to defend your property.
Remember, even if your plan is to leave early, preparing your property still matters. A well
prepared property can improve the chances of your home surviving and reduce the risk to neighbouring properties.
Before undertaking vegetation clearing or hazard reduction burning, make sure you understand any
approvals, codes or permits that may apply to your property. The NSW RFS provides guidance on
managing bush fire hazards and vegetation clearing.
But preparation is about more than our properties
It is about our community.
The Brigades at Smiths Road, Michelago, Colinton and Anembo are working more closely together than ever before.
Our Captains, officers and members are training together, sharing knowledge and building our collective capability so that, when the call comes, we can work as one team to help protect you, your
family, your neighbours and your property.
We are strongly united as never before.
But there is something we need from you.
We need local people to step forward
If you are a landholder or resident in our community, we ask you to seriously consider joining your local NSW RFS Brigade.
You don't need to be an experienced firefighter.
You don't need to know everything.
You just need to be willing to step forward.
Your local knowledge matters. Your understanding of the roads, properties, terrain, water supplies and people around you matters. Most importantly, having more trained local people means we have
a stronger community when a fire threatens.
Every Brigade needs local residents and landholders to put their hand up. And now is the time to do it.
Joining now gives us the opportunity to welcome you, train you and build your confidence before the fire season becomes demanding. The NSW RFS provides training and education to its volunteers, and there are many different ways to contribute to your community.
If you are prepared to make a difference, visit the NSW Rural Fire Service – Join the RFS to begin the application process, or speak directly with your local Brigade.
We all have a part to play
A fire does not recognise property boundaries, roads or postcode areas. When a fire comes, we face it together.
The strength of our community will not only be measured by the number of fire trucks we have. It will be measured by how prepared our homes are, how quickly we respond, how well we look after
our neighbours and how many local people are willing to stand alongside one another.
We have an opportunity right now to make our community stronger and safer.
Please don't wait until the first hot, windy day.
Prepare your property.
Prepare your family.
Make your plan.
Talk to your neighbours.
And consider joining your local RFS Brigade.
The fire season may be unpredictable, but our preparedness doesn't have to be.
On behalf of the Smiths Road, Michelago, Colinton and Anembo Brigades, thank you for doing your
part to protect the community we are all fortunate to call home.
Stay safe. Stay prepared. Look after one another.
Tim Hunter
Captain
Smiths Road Rural Fire Brigade
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