NSW Rural Fire Service - Hunter Valley

10/05/2026

Hazard Reduction Burn – Bimbadeen–Stanhope

This weekend, RFS crews will be conducting a planned hazard reduction burn to help reduce bush fire risk and keep our community safer. Residents may see smoke for several days.

For more information please head to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

08/05/2026

The NSW RFS will take advantage of favourable conditions over the coming days to undertake a planned hazard reduction burn. The hazard reduction (HR) burn is scheduled for Saturday 9/5 and Sunday 10/5. The HR will be in the Stanhope area. The smoke from this burn may settle in the surrounding area over the next few days. For information about hazard reduction smoke and an updated list and map of scheduled hazard reduction burns, visit the Hazards Near Me app or the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/hr

01/05/2026

🔥Hazard Reduction – Howes Valley🔥

Hazard reduction operations are being carried out this afternoon at Howes Valley, known as The Retreat HR.

Smoke may be visible in the area while the burn is underway. This planned work is part of ongoing bushfire risk reduction to help protect the community of Howes Valley.

Crews are monitoring weather and conditions closely to ensure this 76ha burn is conducted safely.

Please take extra care if travelling nearby and follow any directions from emergency services.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to reduce bushfire risk.

For more information on Hazard Reductions, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

01/05/2026

Crews have been responding to a concerning pattern of grass fires across the Singleton area in recent weeks, many of which are considered suspicious.

Detectives attached to the Rural Crime Prevention Team are appealing for information following a series of recent grass fires in the Hunter Valley.

Between Monday 2 March 2026 and Friday 24 April 2026, a total of 24 grass fires have been reported in areas surrounding Singleton.

The fires have occurred along the Golden Highway at Warkworth, and Mitchell Line of Road, Jerrys Plains Road, and Putty Road at Mount Thorley.

Of the 24 fires, 17 have been classified as suspicious or the cause undetermined; and occurred on weekdays between 12pm and 5pm.

Due to the extremely dry conditions, police and firefighters warn there is a significant risk of a major fire that could impact local homes, businesses and the broader community.

Hunter Valley Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Andrew Wheatley, said the pattern of fires is concerning.

“The frequency, timing and locations of these fires raise serious concerns, particularly given how dry the conditions are across the Hunter Valley,” Det Insp Wheatley said.

“A fire under these conditions has the potential to spread rapidly and place lives, property and emergency services personnel at risk.”

Detective Inspector Wheatley said investigators are urging anyone who was travelling through the affected areas to assist.

“We are specifically asking motorists who were in these locations between midday and 5pm on weekdays to review any dashcam footage they may have,” he said.

“Even something that might seem insignificant – such as a vehicle pulled over or a person behaving unusually – could be critical to our investigation.”

Hunter Valley Police are working closely with the NSW Rural Fire Service and are appealing to residents and road users to report any suspicious behaviour.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Branxton Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously.

29/04/2026

A hazard reduction (HR) burn is scheduled for this Friday1/5/26 and Saturday 2/5/26. The HR will be in the Howes Valley area. The smoke from this burn may settle over Howes Valley and Garland Valley over the next few days. Please only call Triple Zero (000) if you see unattended fire. For more information visit the Hazards Near Me app or the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/hr

Singleton Council Hunter Valley Police District The Singleton Argus

18/04/2026

🔥🚨 HAZARD REDUCTION - CAMBERWELL 🚨🔥
Crews are taking advantage of favourable weather conditions and completing a 20ha hazard reduction to protect the township of Camberwell. Residents will see an increase in smoke and fire activity into the evening, however crews will remain on site and patrol into tomorrow. For more information on Hazard Reductions, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

17/04/2026

Residents in the Yengo Drive, Bunjim Valley Drive and Putty Road areas may notice an increase in smoke today, as fire activity has increased on the Owensdale Fire burning in Yengo National Park near Garland Valley.

There is currently no immediate threat to properties; however, residents are reminded to remain vigilant and stay up to date with conditions.

For the latest information, monitor the Hazards Near Me NSW app.

14/04/2026

A hazard reduction (HR) burn is scheduled for Saturday 18/04/2026. The HR will be in the Camberwell area. The smoke from this burn may settle over Camberwell and Glennies Creek areas over Saturday evening and throughout Sunday. Please only call Triple Zero (000) if you see unattended fire. For more information visit the Hazards Near Me app or the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/hr
Singleton Council Hunter Valley Police District The Singleton Argus

14/04/2026

A hazard reduction (HR) burn is scheduled for tomorrow 15/04/2026. The HR will be at Lake St Clair. The smoke from this burn may settle over Lake St Clair and Mount Olive areas over the next couple of days. Please only call Triple Zero (000) if you see unattended fire. For more information visit the Hazards Near Me app or the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/hr
Singleton Council Hunter Valley Police District NSW RFS Lower Hunter The Singleton Argus

14/04/2026

The smoke you see and smell maybe from a hazard reduction burn. Check the RFS website for current planned burns.

You may see and smell smoke this evening from hazard reduction work being undertaken across the state, including parts of Greater Sydney. Smoke is likely to accumulate near burn sites and settle overnight in parts.

Fire agencies and land managers will continue to use current favourable conditions over coming days to implement this important work to protect communities. Please only call Triple Zero (000) if you see an unattended fire, not just if you smell smoke.

A list and map of planned hazard reduction burns is available on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/HR and the you can be alerted to burns taking place by setting a Watch Zone in the Hazards Near Me app.

📷: Florence Av Hazard Reduction, Minto Heights (Campbelltown LGA)