NSW RFS - Wandandian

20/06/2026

Tonight, the Wandandian RFS responded to a reported structure fire in Sussex Inlet, alongside crews from Sussex Inlet and St Georges Basin RFS.

As it turned out, the fire started in a shed belonging to our illustrious Group 4 Leader, Dennis Stannard and thankfully spotted and called in to 000 by a neighbour. True to form, Dennis acted quickly and managed to remove the burning material from the shed before it could develop into a major incident.

There was some discussion about Dennis’s choice of firefighting PPE… while he may not have been dressed for the occasion, he was at least wearing his RFS-issued boots!

Fortunately, he was more than happy to step aside and let the appropriately attired firefighters finish the job.

A great outcome, with no injuries and only minor damage. Well done to all crews for their prompt response and teamwork—and perhaps a timely reminder that even firefighters can have a fire at home!

14/06/2026

This morning, members of NSW RFS - Wandandian, joined NSW Rural Fire Service Basin View Brigade, NSW RFS - Vincentia Brigade, NSW Rural Fire Service St Georges Basin Brigade, NSW RFS - Tomerong, & Huskisson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade to undertake hydrant booster system training.

The session provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen operational skills, share knowledge across brigades, and enhance our collective capability to respond effectively when called upon.

A special thank you to NSW Rural Fire Service Basin View Brigade for hosting the training and providing a very welcome BBQ on a cool, wet morning. Thanks also to Tommy for delivering the training and sharing his knowledge and experience with all those in attendance.

Working together and training together helps ensure we remain prepared to protect our communities. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to a successful morning of learning and collaboration.

Following the training, NSW RFS – Wandandian Brigade assisted a local resident by conducting a small pile burn and removing a dead tree that had the potential to become a safety hazard. These community assistance activities are an important part of what we do, helping residents reduce risks on their properties while strengthening community resilience.

19/05/2026

National Volunteer Week 2026

This week marks National Volunteer Week — a time to recognise and thank the incredible volunteer members of the Wandandian RFS, along with all RFS volunteers across Australia.

The 2026 theme, “Your Year To Volunteer,” celebrates the valuable contributions volunteers make, while encouraging more people to get involved in a way that suits them.

We’re proud of the commitment shown by our members — the skills they bring when they’re needed most, and the care they show for our local community and the wider Shoalhaven area.

Our brigade may be small, but it’s highly regarded for consistently punching above its weight — attending call-outs, supporting regional training, and assisting firefighting efforts across NSW and even interstate.

👉 Ready to step up and make a difference?

There’s a role for everyone at Wandandian RFS — whether you want to be on the frontline or support behind the scenes.

💬 Send us a message to learn more, or
🚒 Drop into the station any Friday night between 6pm–9pm and have a chat with our crew.

Your year to volunteer could start this week.

18/05/2026

A big night for one of our hardest working volunteers!

Congratulations to Tim Leonard on receiving two very well-deserved honours:

🏅 Premier’s Flood Citation for his outstanding efforts during the 2023 floods
🔥 Wandandian RFS Golden Drip Torch Award for his dedicated service to the brigade in 2025

These awards are a true reflection of Tim’s commitment, resilience, and tireless service to both the brigade and the wider community.

A fantastic achievement — and so thoroughly deserved. 👏

28/03/2026

The statutory bushfire danger period in the Shoalhaven ends at midnight on March 31.

Landowners in Rural Fire District who undertake vegetation pile burns after this date do not require a fire safety permit - however you still have an obligation to notify the RFS and your neighbours at least 24 hours before you commence burning.

Visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and click on the NOTIFY portal.

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast; bush and grass fires still occur in Autumn and Winter if conditions are conducive to the ignition and spread of fire.

fans
Shoalhaven City Council
Radio 2ST
94.9 Power FM
WIN News Illawarra
ABC Illawarra
South Coast Register
South Coast Police District
Milton Ulladulla Times

15/03/2026

10/01/2026

A return to moderate fire danger today, however gusty winds are likely to continue throughout the morning.

Southerly winds are pushing smoke from fires in Victoria, Bega and Eurobodalla across the Shoalhaven.

RFS firefighters are deploying to assist in Victoria and south eastern NSW today.

09/01/2026

TOTAL FIRE BAN SATURDAY JANUARY 10

A TOTAL FIRE BAN has been declared for the Shoalhaven from midnight tonight for 24 hours.

Common questions asked during a TOTAL FIRE BAN are:

Can I use a gas barbeque?

You can use a gas barbeque under the following conditions:
> It is under the direct control of a responsible adult, who is present at all times while it is operating;
> No combustible material is allowed within two metres at any time it is operating;
> You have an immediate and continuous supply of water; and
>The barbeque is within 20 metres of a permanent private dwelling such as a home; or
> The barbeque is within a designated picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, National Parks or State Forest.

Can I use a barbeque or pizza oven which burns solid fuel (e.g. wood, charcoal or heat beads)?
> No you cannot.
> A barbeque or wood fire pizza oven which uses solid fuel, such as wood, charcoal or heat beads, can't be used outside during a Total Fire Ban.

Can I use fire during a Total Fire Ban if I have a fire permit?
> Permits are suspended on days of total fire ban.

ON THE SPOT FINES OF $2200 APPLY IF YOU LIGHT A FIRE DURING A TOTAL FIRE BAN.

PREPARE NOW

Are you prepared if a bush or grass fire threatens you? On days of EXTREME fire danger you should reconsider non-essential travel in high risk areas and consider packing emergency supplies such as drinking water and medications in case you cannot get back home.

Visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for more information.

UNATTENDED CAMP FIRES PUT OUR COMMUNITY AT RISK

RFS firefighters have extinguished numerous unattended illegal camp fires around our waterways today. These fires are in remote and difficult to access areas and put our community at risk.

Don't be 'that person' - understand the risk and know the rules. RFS and Police will be undertaking proactive patrols throughout the day.


Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District
ABC Illawarra
South Coast Register
WIN News Illawarra
94.9 Power FM
Chance and Bec Brekkie Show - Triple U FM
Radio 2ST

09/01/2026

FORECAST EXTREME FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS

As of 1030am today the forecast is for the Shoalhaven to experience EXTREME fire danger conditions tomorrow. With temperatures as high as 41 degrees, humidity as low as 15% and gusty hot winds the forecast conditions will make fires very difficult to control and pose an extreme risk to our responders and the community.

Under these forecast conditions fires will spread quickly and erratically, embers are likely to fall well ahead of the main fire, starting new and dangerous fires which could catch people unaware.

With extreme temperatures our firefighters will be at risk of heat related illness and direct attack on fires may not be feasible.

PREPARE NOW

- If you have not discussed your bush fire plan with family, do it today
- If you have not prepared your property by cleaning up around the house and removing leaves and loose vegetation, do it today
- Plan your day - avoid high risk areas if possible
- Pack emergency supplies in your vehicle such as drinking water - roads could be blocked by fires stranding people in 40 + temperatures

SEEK ADVICE

Visit the RFS website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for information or download the Hazards Near Me app and set a watch zone with notifications.

MONITOR THE SITUATION

Proactively monitor the situation throughout the day. Visit the RFS website for major fire updates or check in on Hazards Near Me.

REPORT ALL FIRES

A timely response if critical during these conditions. Report all fires to '000' immediately and provide the location, a description of what you can see and information on the fire, such as any properties nearby.

OFFICIAL FIRE DANGER RATINGS AND TOTAL FIRE BAN INFORMATION WILL BE RELEASED THIS AFTERNOON

Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District
ABC Illawarra
South Coast Register
WIN News Illawarra
94.9 Power FM
Chance and Bec Brekkie Show - Triple U FM
Radio 2ST