Broughton Vale - Berry Rural Fire Brigade

06/09/2026

We want to honour all the fathers and father figures and male mentors and leaders in our brigade. We appreciate all you do and offer you our sincere thanks. Have a great day.

04/09/2026

PLEASE CHECK YOUR PILE BURNS - If you’ve conducted a pile burn or any other burning within the past month, please check the site today and make sure it is completely extinguished, with no remaining heat or signs of smouldering. Hot spots can remain buried for weeks and quickly flare up when exposed to stronger winds.

Winds are around and expected to strengthen heading into the weekend. One ember can end it. Embers can travel considerable distances and start new fires well away from the original burn site. Don’t assume it’s out, make sure it’s out.

A few minutes checking today could prevent a fire from escaping tomorrow. Please share this reminder with your neighbours, family and friends.


Shoalhaven City Council
ABC Illawarra
WIN News Illawarra
South Coast Register
Radio 2ST
NSW RFS South Eastern Area Command

04/09/2026

An important notice from the District Rural Fire Service

FIRE PERMITS SUSPENDED – Saturday 5th September 2026

The Shoalhaven is forecast to experience HIGH fire danger conditions on Saturday 5th September 2026. As a result of the forecast all fire permits issued by the RFS have been suspended in the Shoalhaven for this time.

Windy and dry conditions will create a real fire risk across our landscape. It's incumbent upon all of us to be cautious with the use of fire.

ONE EMBER CAN END IT - Embers from a fire can spread quickly and quite a distance, putting communities well away from the main fire at risk.


Radio 2ST
ABC Illawarra
Shoalhaven City Council
NSW RFS South Eastern Area Command
WIN News Illawarra
South Coast Register

03/09/2026

Some time ago, when attending a motor vehicle accident at night on the highway, our crew had a near miss as a large truck failed to slow down and it could have ended very badly.
Since then we have been investigating the best way to notifying drivers to the presence of the brigade during emergencies.
So we are very excited to take possession of new eflares for the trucks.
The flares were purchased through money donated from the Berry community. We are most grateful to individuals and groups who generously donate to their local brigade and allow us to purchase this type of safety equipment.

These flares can cut through dense smoke and darkness to create a highly visible safety barrier, protecting volunteer firefighters from oncoming traffic. RFS crews frequently operate in chaotic, low-visibility conditions where standard traffic cones alone are insufficient to catch a driver's attention. As you’ll see from the photo they are as bright as our lights on our trucks .👍🏻


NSW Rural Fire Service
NSW RFS - Shoalhaven
Berry, South Coast NSW

01/09/2026

Please note fire permits are now mandatory.

Today, 27 Local Government Areas (LGA) commence their Bush Fire Danger Period, with several areas beginning a month earlier than normal due to the prevailing dry conditions.

Additionally, two LGA's will commence their Bush Fire Danger Period on 14 September, which is two weeks earlier than normal.

Residents and land holders should ensure they understand the rules around the use of fire. Along with required fire permits, you must also notify your local fire authority and neighbours of your intent to burn 24 hours in advance.

Know the risks for your area, have a bush fire survival plan and discuss what you and your family will do if threatened by fire. For more information, visit the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP

29/08/2026

Four members received certificates for course work at our Tuesday night meeting.

Our brigade is committed to ongoing training and encourages our members to upskill whenever they can.

This batch of certificates were courses as diverse as Fire Fighter 1 and Structural Fire Fighter through to Navigation and Community Engagement Facilitator.

The RFS provides an amazing array of courses on line and in person training.


NSW Rural Fire Service
NSW RFS - Shoalhaven
Berry, South Coast NSW

29/08/2026

The brigade was honoured to attend the Berry Rotary Club meeting on Thursday night along with Fire and Rescue NSW Station 224 Berry.

We were invited to speak about the work we do and the importance of every family having a bushfire survival plan as well as how to prepare your property before the fire season.

Captain Ben and President Rob
took the opportunity to present Rotary with a Certificate of Appreciation for their support of the brigade both in the past and ongoing.

Berry is very fortunate to have such an active Rotary Club.

If you are interested in forming a family bushfire survival plan visit the RFS website - https://www.myfireplan.com.au/.

If you are interested in volunteering you could go to the website- https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer

Please contact your local RFS if you have more questions.


NSW Rural Fire Service
NSW RFS - Shoalhaven
Berry, South Coast NSW

25/08/2026

The Sydney Roosters Third Annual Emergency Services Football Match on Sunday 23rd August (The firies won by the way !)
Members of our brigade were in attendance and said it was a terrific day out.

Thanks to Toby for the photos.

NSW Rural Fire Service
Fire and Rescue NSW
NSW Police Force
South Sydney Rabbitohs

21/08/2026

The countdown to summer has begun and with it the danger or grass and bushfires around Berry.

What will be your sign to leave?

Is it when conditions are dangerous, such as during catastrophic fire danger days or when there is smoke in your area.

Don’t wait until you can see flames before you make a decision.
Stay up to date with the latest bushfire information on the RFS
website, RFS social media, and Hazards Near Me.

For details on how to prepare your home against bushfire or for help to develop a Bushfire Survival Plan contact your local brigade at [email protected]

If you live on the outskirts of town or in a rural area, perhaps you might like to organise a street meeting and invite the brigade along. Send us an email to the address above.

Maybe you've been thinking about volunteering and would like to join an energetic and community minded organisation right here in Berry.
For more details use the email above or check out the RFS webpage on volunteering - https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs