Gloucester Rural Fire Service

08/03/2026

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognise the incredible women in our brigade who, alongside their everyday roles, also put on the RFS uniform to serve. Their dedication helps protect not only our local community but also those beyond our area.

Today we thank them for their commitment, strength, and the vital role they play in keeping our communities safe.

20/02/2026

Happy birthday to brigade member Trish Threadgate…..hope you have a fantastic day😊

20/02/2026

Firefighter's Gloves

To most they are sweat soaked, soot covered pieces of leather.
And you would be right; that is...
Until a firefighter slips their hands inside.

The gloves then carry hope when it seems all is lost.
They carry sorrow for lives unable to be saved
They carry compassion for those they have.
The gloves hold back the frustration that we feel from time to time
and soak up our tears when we have a moment unto ourselves.
They hold back the fear as we step into the unknown.

A firefighter's gloves hold so many things
Mangled bits of wrecked car leave in them a scar
From a shake of a hand to a pat on the back and the
appreciative snuggles of a rescued cat.

The fire rakes in summer, wear the palms out
As we struggle to put the wildfires out.
The back of the glove wipes the sweat from our brow
as we mutter to ourselves, "What have we now"

Off the gloves come once we've given our all
Into our pocket until the next call
The hands empty now, shake a little bit
As the memories reside, our hands can't hide
Guess it means we must be human inside.

Jason Slade 2026

18/02/2026

Members of the Gloucester Rural Fire Brigade recently took part in hands-on training using the smoking machine, under the watchful eye of Senior Deputy Captain Jason Slade and training officer Paul Fitzpatrick.

During the session, brigade members learned practical techniques for safely gaining entry into a burning building. The realistic smoke conditions provided valuable experience in visibility management, communication, and coordinated team movement.

Senior Deputy Captain Slade also explained the importance of always wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), emphasising that proper gear is essential for firefighter safety and effective operations in hazardous environments.

During the training, brigade members quickly realised just how thick and disorientating smoke can become inside a structure fire. Working in simulated low-visibility conditions gave them a true appreciation of the challenges firefighters face.

Senior Deputy Captain Jason Slade explained how extremely difficult it can be to locate and rescue anyone trapped inside a burning house. He highlighted how reduced visibility, intense heat, and rapidly changing conditions significantly increase the risks, reinforcing the importance of teamwork, communication, and always wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

09/02/2026

A short clip showing the devastation in the pine plantation from the Nerong fire.

25/01/2026

25/01/2026

Josh responding to report of overheated gas canister.

21/01/2026

Thank you for your service to the Australian people.

16/01/2026

⚠️⛈️💨 SEVERE STORM FORECAST - FRI
- PARTS OF SOUTH EAST, NORTH EAST

- Posted: 12:03pm, Friday 16 January

Another active storm day is on the cards with the focus shifting to the north east with storms likely to develop this afternoon and into the evening.

The highest risk of severe storms is across the north east and Mid North Coast, including Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Kempsey, Taree, Lismore and surrounding areas, where storms are most likely to become severe.

Hazards in these areas may include damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, large hail and frequent lightning.

A moderate risk also extends through the Northern Tablelands, Hunter, Illawarra and South Coast, where storms could intensify later in the day and into the evening.

Meanwhile, much of inland NSW (Riverina, Central West, South West Slopes and ACT) may also see scattered thunderstorms, but severe weather is less likely there.

Storms are most likely to develop from mid-afternoon onwards, continuing into the evening and overnight, particularly along the coast and ranges.

If you’re in a highlighted coastal or northern area, stay weather-aware this afternoon and evening, especially if travelling, boating or camping.

A reminder this is a forecast only. If severe storms do develop, area specific warnings will be issued.

A separate Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds is also current for parts of the South East. Check out https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts.

▪️View and be alerted to more incidents near you by downloading the NSW Incident Alerts App. Try for free today; https://apple.co/39Y5tW2

▪️Brought to you by www.gio.com.au

04/01/2026

Happy birthday Abbie…hope you have a wonderful day.