NSW RFS Southern Tablelands Zone

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Yass, NSW
NSW RFS Southern Tablelands Zone

Over 4000 volunteer firefighters and 64 brigades around Upper Lachlan, Yass Valley & Goulburn

26/07/2026

Oh what a night!

🌟 Congratulations to our outstanding volunteers! 🌟

The NSW RFS Southern Tablelands Zone is incredibly proud to recognise two of our dedicated volunteers who were named finalists in the Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards.

At the NSW RESCA Ceremony held in Bankstown last night , STZ Logistics Captain - Leigh Walsh and STZ Firefighter and State Protocol Officer - John Sullivan, were both deservedly recognised and celebrated as finalists for their unwavering commitment, professionalism, and countless hours of service to their communities. Their dedication embodies the spirit of volunteering and the values of the NSW Rural Fire Service.

And the recognition continued for John, who was also named as a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) by Rotary International.

Named after Rotary’s founder, the PHF is a prestigious recognition that acknowledges outstanding commitment to humanitarian service and community betterment.

Please join us in congratulating Leigh and John on this well-deserved recognition! 👏🚒❤️

30/06/2026

❗️UPDATE 13:30HRS ❗️
Firefighting operations on the Hume Highway are continuing with crews using compressed air foam to control the blaze. FRNSW, NSWRFS, ACT Fire & Rescue, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Transport for NSW crews remain on scene, with drones monitoring smoke overhead. The Hume Highway remains closed in both directions.

🚨Truck Fire - Hume Highway near Breadalbane approximately 30km south west of Goulburn 🚨

FRNSW and NSWRFS crews are currently controlling a major truck fire on the Hume Highway northbound near Breadalbane, around 30km south west of Goulburn which was reported around 5.00am this morning with multiple trucks involved.

Firefighters and support teams are still working on the large fire with flammable contents onboard and FRNSW Hazmat crews monitoring runoff.

Northbound and southbound lanes closed, please avoid the area and check Live Traffic NSW for further road updates.

📸- NSW Rural Fire Service

25/06/2026

We are very excited to announce that TWO of our amazing Southern Tablelands volunteers have been named as finalists for the 2026 Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards, announced by Jihad Dib, the Minister for Emergency Services, with a function held at NSW Parliament House today.

The awards recognise the outstanding community service performed by both volunteer and paid members of NSW emergency service agencies.

Our sincere congratulations to STZ Logistics Captain Leigh Walsh, and STZ Firefighter and State Protocol Officer, John Sullivan OAM.

The RFS has four finalists this year, pictured here with RFS Acting Commissioner Kelly Quandt AFSM and Warwick Richardson, Chair NSW RESCA.

29/05/2026

Members of Bellmount Forest Brigade have officially welcomed a refurbished fire truck, strengthening the Brigade’s firefighting and emergency response capability ahead of the upcoming fire season.
The refurbished vehicle will enhance the brigade’s ability to respond to bush fires, grass fires, motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies across the local area and surrounding communities.

Local brigade members were joined at the handover on Thursday by Yass Valley Council Mayor Jasmin Jones, Yass Valley Council Acting CEO Peta Gardiner and NSW Rural Fire Service staff, recognising both the important role volunteers play in protecting lives and property, as well as the strong partnership between local councils and the RFS.

The ongoing support provided by local councils is critical to ensuring brigades remain equipped, supported and ready to respond to emergencies within their communities.

Bellmount Forest Brigade Captain Denver Baines said the new truck would provide members with improved capability, safety and reliability while responding to incidents.

“This new appliance is a significant boost for our brigade and community. Not only does it ensure our volunteers have modern equipment to continue protecting the community safely and effectively, but it will also help spark interest and encourage new members to join the brigade,” Mr Baines said.

Photo L-R: STZ Group Captain Breet Lees, Phil Gaden, Yass Valley Council Mayor Jasmin Jones, Captain Denver Baines, Acting Yass Valley Council CEO Peta Gardiner.

Bellmount Forest Rural Fire Brigade Yass Valley Council NSW RFS South Eastern Area Command

29/04/2026

The Bush Fire Risk Management Plan (BFRMP) is a strategic document that identifies bush fire risks across our communities and sets out priority actions to help reduce those risks to life, property, the environment and key infrastructure. It is developed collaboratively by the Bush Fire Management Committee using local knowledge, bush fire history, expert analysis and input from agencies such as fire services, land managers and councils. Importantly, community feedback plays a key role in shaping the plan—local residents often have valuable insights into access points, vegetation changes and on‑the‑ground issues, and this feedback helps ensure the actions in the plan are practical, targeted and reflect local concerns
Please find attached a small flyer outlining the dates, times and locations for each of the consultation events for the smaller community centres.
I have also included the main Bush Fire Risk Management Plan link, which provides direct online access to the plan for anyone who is unable to attend in person or would like to review it independently.
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/managing-bush-fire-risk/bush-fire-management-committees/southern-tablelands
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or need further information

17/04/2026

🔥Hazard Reduction - Tallong - 18/4/2026

NSW RFS will be undertaking a planned Hazard Reduction at Tallong starting Saturday 18th April 2026.

Smoke may settle in the surrounding area while the burn is being conducted.

📱To keep up to date with what is happening in your area use the Hazards Near Me app

16/04/2026

🔥 Burning Off Reminder for Residents & Landowners 🔥

The Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) has now ended, however there are still important legal requirements that must be followed before lighting up.

Before you burn off, you must:

* Notify NSW RFS at least 24 hours prior via the online notification form: https://nswrfsprod.service-now.com/guardian_csp?id=guardian_cat_item&sys_id=9e19819bc361f1d04a9cdc31150131ad
* Notify neighbours at least 24 hours before.
* Check the weather forecast and fire danger.
* Use fire safely with clearings all around.
* Monitor the fire in person and see that it is fully extinguished before leaving unattended.

Safe Burning advice can be found via the link below:
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/farm-fire-safety/safeburning

⚠️ Failure to notify both the NSW RFS and adjoining landowners is an offence under the Rural Fires Act 1997.

If you do not comply, you may be subject to fines, legal action, or suppression costs if emergency services are required to respond.

Even outside the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP), fires can still escape and threaten lives, property and emergency first responders. Let’s all do our part to keep our community safe.

For more information, visit the NSW RFS website https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/
Or contact your local Fire control centre:

Crookwell (02) 4832 0619
Goulburn (02) 4822 2900
Yass (02) 6226 3100

🚒 Thank you for helping reduce fire risk in our communities.

Address

1410 Laidlaw Street
Yass, NSW
2582

Telephone

+61262263100

Website

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/

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