Kiah Rural Fire Brigade

31/05/2026

Last weekend the Brigade held its Annual General Meeting at the Kiah Station and elected members to the following positions:

Mick Harewood - President

Jonathan Nicholl - Captain and Treasurer

Shayne Hackett - Snr Deputy Captain and Secretary

Liam Steiner - Fire Permit Officer

Tim Edwards, Roger Portlock and Harry Tress - Maintenance and Equipment Officers

The meeting also thanked Matt Allen and Trent Bennett for their outstanding efforts as Captain and Treasurer over many years.

The Brigade is looking for new members so if you are interested, drop us a message and we can talk you through the process.

22/05/2026

Last night the team practiced a response to a simulated single vehicle accident involving 2 injured people and setting up traffic control - it was a good opportunity to go through response procedures in the dark and debrief afterwards on what went well and where we can improve.

NSW Rural Fire Service - Far South Coast Team

21/05/2026

Hi all - a reminder that the Brigade AGM will be held at the Fireshed at 12pm on Saturday.

The President, Treasuer and Captain’s reports will be tabled and elections for officers for the next 12 mths held.

All community members are welcome to attend.

NSW Rural Fire Service - Far South Coast Team
Kiah Hall

05/05/2026

Our hearts go out to those involved in this tragic incident. Please spare a thought too for the members of Marine Rescue NSW and our local unit in Eden - they are a great bunch of locals giving up their time to look after those on the water and they will be doing it very tough today.

Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.

Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.

04/05/2026

Hi all - hope everyone is enjoying the awesome weather. After a bit of an absence as we sorted a reusable donation box, we have put our shiny new box at the Kiah Store !

Donations to the brigade are really appreciated - while the RFS supplies our core equipment (things like the tankers, hoses, fuel, uniforms etc), each brigade is responsible for raising funds for other things it needs. We have been fortunate to have had some generous donations from community members and we have also secured some community grants in the past which have been really .

Some of the things we are looking to do now include:

Purchasing a high pressure washer for the Station;

Purchasing a fire hose washer

Building a drying rack or pole for our hoses.

We know that with the cost of living, people are doing it tougher than usual but if you can donate it’s very much appreciated. Please reach out if you would like to donate directly 👍

30/04/2026

Hi All - this is notification that the Annual General Meeting of the Kiah Rural Fire Brigade will be held at the Station, Kiah Hall Road, on 23 May 2026 at 12pm.

We will be reviewing the last 12mths and electing key positions for the Brigade for the next year.

All members, prospective members and anyone from the Kiah community are welcome to attend 👍

27/04/2026

Note re Wonboyn burn south of us

26/04/2026

Far South Coast Hazard Reduction Update 🔥

Hazard reduction operations will continue tomorrow, with Forestry Corporation of NSW planning to undertake a burn west of Narooma highlighted on the map in yellow.

Previously ignited burns across the district are also still being actively patrolled to ensure they remain safe and within containment lines.

Smoke will be visible across surrounding areas, particularly during the day, and may settle in low-lying areas overnight.

These burns are a critical part of reducing fuel loads and lowering bushfire risk heading into the next fire season.

Residents are asked to:
• Stay informed and monitor conditions
• Close windows and doors if smoke is present
• Drive to conditions, especially in areas of reduced visibility

fans
NSW RFS South Eastern Area Command
Bega Valley Shire Council
Eurobodalla Shire Council
Fire & Rescue NSW Region South 1

24/04/2026

Hi all - you will have noticed the smoke hanging around the region at the moment. This time of year is sometimes known as burning season!

We often do hazard reduction burns this time of year - the bush is usually dry enough to burn and the temperature and generally low winds mean the conditions are often suitable to burn without fear of an uncontrolled fire.

Hazard reduction burns don’t eliminate risk but they do directly contribute to reducing fire intensity and rate of spread.

The burns are conducted according to the district Bush Fire Management Plan which considers a bunch of factors - who owns the land, fuel load on the ground, what we are trying to protect, whether there is endangered flora and fauna, the last time the bush was burned etc. The BoM provides details of projected weather close to the planned date and crews are organised from across the district (and often beyond) to conduct the burn. A lot goes into it.

It’s really important that you have the Hazards Near Me app - this will show you all local hazard reduction burns as well as any actual emergencies (see image below).

The smoke is not pleasant for alot of people but it’s much better than the alternative of hot and fast fires during the hotter months.

It’s also a good reminder to consider if you can support your local Brigade through volunteering- we are always looking for new members to help local communities in different roles.

Have a look at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for more information and have a great weekend 👍

23/04/2026

NPWS will be undertaking a planned hazard reduction burn today in the Yankees Gap area, north of Bemboka.

Smoke will be visible across surrounding areas throughout the day and may settle in low-lying areas overnight. Motorists are advised to drive to conditions if travelling nearby.

Please follow all directions from firefighters and support personnel.


Bega Valley Shire Council
NSW RFS South Eastern Area Command
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service