Dapto Rural Fire Brigade

06/05/2026

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 and possible snow forecast across parts of the state in the coming days, it’s important you know how to stay safe.

Remember, you won’t smell smoke while you’re asleep, so make sure your bleeping 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.

02/05/2026

🔥 Community Supporting Community 🔥

This week the brigade had the pleasure of hosting the Dapto Lions Club at the station for a BBQ, as a small token of our appreciation for their incredibly generous support of our brigade.

Through their recent donation, the Lions Club have provided our members with six camp stretchers, helping us better manage fatigue and improve comfort during Total Fire Ban and stand-up days, something that makes a real difference when crews are at station for extended periods.

Their support doesn’t stop there. The Lions have also contributed to upgrades for our brigade memorial garden and the development of a brigade history wall, helping us honour our past.

While visiting, the Lions Club shared some of their own history and the remarkable impact they’ve had across the Illawarra community over the years, a legacy we’re proud to be connected with.

Dapto Rural Fire Brigade would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dapto Lions Club for their ongoing support. From being one of our very first donors, to continuing to stand behind us today, your contribution to our brigade and the wider community does not go unnoticed.

👏 Thank you for everything you do

30/04/2026

Planning to burn on your property? 🔥

If you’re planning a burn, you must notify us at least 24 hours before lighting up.

✅ Notifying us helps inform your neighbours and fire agencies

✅ Prevents unnecessary emergency calls and fire brigade responses

✅ Keeps everyone safe and informed

Notifications can be submitted for up to 21 days only, so the information stays clear and relevant.

While landholders no longer require a fire permit, you are still required to notify the and your neighbours at least 24 hours before lighting a fire.

You may still need an environmental permit from your local council or permit from Fire and Rescue NSW.

You must also be aware of restrictions on the size and materials permitted in burn piles.

To notify the RFS, please complete the online form available on our website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify

For more information on safe pile burning, visit the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/safeburning

24/04/2026

01/03/2026

Today Dapto RFB travelled north to train with NSW RFS - Illawong Brigade where we completed a series of urban-interface training scenarios in unfamiliar terrain.

Working alongside such a large and capable team in the Illawarra/Sutherland area gives us a valuable opportunity to build strong relationships with our fellow brigades up north. Training in areas we’re not familiar with and with truck setups different to our own broadens our experience and strengthens our operational capability.

Collaborating with another brigade also reinforces teamwork, support, and mateship, helping us stay connected and ready to work together when it matters most. Thanks for having us!

12/02/2026

At Dapto RFBs regular Tuesday night training we welcomed NSW RFS - Calderwood Brigade to join us in completing compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA) training at the Illawarra Training Centre located behind our station.

This training provides brigades the opportunity to maintain vital skills in completing tasks associated to specialist qualifications they hold.

Working with other brigades also fosters great working relationships and camaraderie amongst our members who we see when attending incidents in the district.

Do you see yourself joining? Be part of the bigger picture! Enquiries to membership welcome. Please visit

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs

09/01/2026

🔥EXTREME FIRE DANGER - TOTAL FIRE BAN🔥

Saturday 10 January 2026

Greater Sydney: EXTREME 🟧
Illawarra: EXTREME 🟧

A Total Fire Ban will be in place for all of Greater Sydney and the Illawarra with an Extreme Fire Danger Rating.

These conditions mean fires can start easily, spread fast, and threaten lives quickly, even in urban areas. We are urging residents to stay alert and stay safe.

✅ Actions to take:

- Bush Fire Survival Plan: what you'll do and where you’ll go if bush fire threatens
- Clear small fuels: leaves by doors, balconies, paths, and gutters
- Charge your phone, keep emergency apps active

🚫 Total Fire Ban

This is not optional:
- No fires outdoors
- No wood/charcoal BBQs - gas/electric only
- No grinding, welding, cutting, or machinery that sparks
- Zero tolerance for careless ignition (including ci******es)
- Severe penalties apply

Sutherland Shire Council
City of Wollongong
Shellharbour City Council
Kiama Municipal Council

27/12/2025

🚨INCIDENT CALL 🚨

This afternoon Dapto along side Albion Park and Mount Keira with the assistance from FRNSW Dapto were called to a grass fire on Yallah Bay Rd. The fire was quickly extinguished.

Upon returning to station our truck filled up from a hydrant that was full of soil. It’s a timely reminder to maintain hydrants for the NSWRFS to have access to water in an emergency.

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us at Dapto Rural Fire Brigade 🎄

As we celebrate the festive season, we’d like to thank our local community for your continued support throughout the year. It means more to our volunteers than you know.

Our firefighters remain on call over the holidays, ready to respond if needed.

Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and peaceful Christmas 🚒🎅

18/12/2025

Dapto Rural Fire Brigade is proud to now have this artwork displayed on Dapto 1A.

We’re excited to take it out into the community and showcase it at upcoming community events. It is an amazing honour to carry the story of The First Lyrebrid with us while serving the community 🚒✨