NSW RFS Northern Tablelands District

05/05/2026

Our district was incredibly proud to see Glen Curry Captain of Barney Downs Rural Fire Brigade - RFS recognised at the 2026 St Florian Day Awards.

Glen was recognised for his actions during a motor vehicle rescue incident in 2025, where his calm leadership, compassion and commitment to helping others reflected the very best qualities of the NSW RFS and our local volunteers. Anyone who knows Glen also knows he would be the first to downplay the recognition and point to the efforts of everyone else involved on the day — a true reflection of the humble and community-minded person he is.

While this award recognises one individual, it also represents something much bigger. Across our district, volunteers give up countless hours away from their families, work and personal lives to protect and support their communities. From attending fires and storms, to training nights, hazard reductions, community events and supporting each other behind the scenes, it is these everyday contributions that keep our brigades strong.

We are incredibly fortunate to have volunteers like Glen, and so many others across our district, who continue to serve their communities with professionalism, pride and genuine care for others.

Congratulations Glen on a very well-deserved recognition, and thank you to every volunteer across the district for everything you do.

19/04/2026

Update: Mud Flat Road Fire, Drake

After a final patrol by our dedicated and hard working volunteer fire fighters this morning, the Mud Flat Road fire has now been declared Out !

At over 800 hectares, this fire has taken 1 week of active fire fighting around the clock with Brigades from Tenterfield, Northern Rivers, and Far North Coast attending.

We thank those men and women who have given up their time during school holidays to come join us in Drake, in hot dry and dusty conditions, to help protect our community and isolated residents.

No further updates will provided on this fire.

15/04/2026

ℹ UPDATE: Mud Flat Road fire -
A bush fire in the Mud Flat Road / Long Gully Road area, was reported on Sunday and remains uncontained with a burnt area of approx. 760 hectares.

Volunteer firefighters from Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands with the assistance from Forestry Corporation have worked into the evening to extinguish burning trees and hot spots which could flare up during warmer daytime conditions. This is often dangerous work executed by skilled operators, in difficult and smoky terrain.

Today firefighters from multiple Brigades are continuing to work hard to contain the fire, with support from aircraft and heavy plant. Crews are focused on protecting dwellings and private property along Long Gully Rd and Mud Flat Road.

There are no properties under threat. Residents in the surrounding area are asked to remain vigilant, monitor conditions closely, and act in accordance with their bush fire survival plan.

Updates will be provided as the situation develops. As always, we encourage you to download the Hazards Near Me app.

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me

Supported by:
NSW RFS North Eastern Area Command
Assistant Commissioner Leigh Pilkington - NSW RFS
NSW Rural Fire Service Far North Coast Team
NSW Rural Fire Service
Drake Rural Fire Brigade
NSW RFS, Glen Innes Rural Fire Brigade
Mount Mitchell RFS
NSW RFSA
NSW RFS - Frazers Cutting Rural Fire Brigade
NSW RFS - Northern Rivers Zone

13/04/2026

A bush fire in the Mud Flat Road area, reported yesterday, is currently estimated at approximately 500 hectares and remains uncontained.

Firefighters are continuing to work hard to control the fire, with support from aircraft and heavy plant. Crews are focused on containment strategies and strengthening control lines.

At this stage, there are no properties under threat.

Residents in the surrounding area are asked to remain vigilant, monitor conditions closely, and act in accordance with their bush fire survival plan.

Updates will be provided as the situation develops.

08/04/2026

Final update: “Out” - Howell Road Tingha.

After formal Fire Investigation took place, this fire has now been set to out.

Thank you to our hard working volunteer fire fighters for protecting our communities. You are awesome 💪🏼

Update: "Contained" - Howell Road Tingha.

This fire started a number of days ago, with fire fighters getting the upper hand overnight. This fire is now listed as 'contained' on Hazards Near Me, indicating there is a solid and burnt containment line around the entire perimeter.

While there are pockets of unburnt country within containment lines, there is no immediate danger, and no threats to private property. But as always, we strongly encourage local residents to stay up to date in case the situation changes.

Your actions:
• If your life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000).
• Stay up to date on the situation by monitoring local radio, the RFS website, Fires Near Me NSW smartphone app or your favourite social media channels.

Shout out to our local volunteer firefighters and support personnel:
Elsmore Rural Fire Brigade
NSW RFS - Tingha Brigade
Inverell Rural Fire Brigade
Gilgai Rural Fire Brigade
New England Zone Rural Fire Service
Northern Tablelands Support Brigade
NSW RFS North Eastern Area Command
Inverell Times
Inverell Shire Council

02/04/2026

🔥 Planning to light a fire this weekend?

Make sure you follow the rules for wherever you are this weekend ⬇️

🔥 As the Bush Fire Danger Period in Northern Tablelands ended March 31, Fire Permits are not required for hazard reduction (including bonfires) and agricultural burns. But, you are still required to notify your neighbours and the RFS before you light your fire.

🔥If you intend on lighting and maintaining a campfire for the purpose of cooking food, please ensure that:
✅ the fire is in a permanently constructed fireplace;
✅ at a site surrounded by ground that is cleared of all combustible materials for a distance of at least two metres all around;
✅ the fire is completely extinguished before leaving.

For much of the Northern Tablelands, it is still very dry and grass fires can develop quickly and risk threatening property. Please follow the rules so our volunteers can enjoy their weekend at home with their family and friends too.

More information can be found here:
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information

If you’re travelling this weekend, be safe on our roads. We want you home safe too.

🐰🐣 Happy Easter to you and your families from the members and Brigades of the NSW RFS Northern Tablelands District 🚒

Get information on current bush fires and other incidents across NSW, as well as warnings for fires which may affect where you live.