Kootingal Moonbi RFS Brigade

20/04/2026

07/04/2026

Update: 8:51pm - The New England Highway has now reopened to all traffic. Emergency services will continue to patrol the fireground overnight and tomorrow.

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Advice: New England Hwy, Bendemeer (Tamworth LGA) - Stay Informed

Firefighters have now contained a grass fire that has burnt out nearly 30 hectares this afternoon along the New England Highway at Bendemeer, north of Tamworth. More than 15 firefighters are working to blackout the fire and make safe the area, supported by land owners, RMS and NSW Police Force.

Firefighters supported by RMS are using heavy machinery and specialist chainsaw operators to assess and remove dangerous trees along the highway. Crews are working as quickly and safely as they can to reopen the highway. Small pockets of fire remain active within the fireground.

The fire is believed to have been started by an escaped pileburn. With continued warm and dry conditions, landowners are reminded to monitor forecast weather conditions ahead of undertaking pile burning and only continue if safe to do so.

More information on safe pile burning can be found at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/safeburning

07/04/2026

Planning a burn? 🔥

With the end of the bushfire danger period it’s important for land managers and residents to understand their responsibilities when burning.

While a permit to burn is not required you must notify the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and your neighbours at least 24 hours before conducting a burn-off to prevent unnecessary emergency calls. Notifications can be submitted online 💻 via the RFS online form (link below) or by calling 📞 the Tamworth Fire Control Centre on (02) 5778 3600.

Failure to notify can lead to unnecessary fire brigade responses and potential liability if the fire escapes.

07/04/2026

📌 BENDEMEER TO URALLA (north of Tamworth): New England Highway is closed in both directions due to a grass fire.

🚨 Emergency Service and our traffic crews are on site.

🚗 Motorists already in the area should follow the directions of emergency services and traffic crews on site.

⬆️ Northbound: Oxley Hwy, Fitzroy St, Derby St, Uralla Rd, Thunderbolts Way, Duke St, Salisbury St.

⬇️ Southbound: Salisbury St, Duke St, Thunderbolts Way, Uralla Rd, Derby St. Fitzroy St, Oxley Hwy.

This diversion adds approximately 1 hr of travel time. This diversion is suitable for all vehicles.

Unless specified otherwise, operators of Class 1,2 & 3 vehicles travelling under a Notice must consult their relevant enforceable network map to confirm a suitable approved alternative route.
Operators of Class 1, 2 & 3 vehicles travelling under a Permit must not travel off the approved route listed in the permit unless an updated permit is obtained from the NHVR

📲For the latest on this incident, visit Live Traffic NSW https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/270246

30/03/2026

Today, 31 March, marks the end of the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) for the majority of NSW. However, due to the ongoing fire risk, the BFDP will be extended in four Local Government Areas, including Gwydir, Mid-Western, Moree Plains and Narrabri.

While many landholders may no longer require a fire permit, you are still required to notify the RFS and your neighbours of your intention to burn at least 24 hours before lighting the fire.

For more information on the bush fire danger period and fire permits, visit the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP

25/03/2026

Later this week, NSW is set to experience both ends of the spectrum when it comes to our weather 🥵🥶

In the south, colder conditions are forecast, with a chance of snow across the Alps on Friday. As temperatures drop and you fire up your heaters or fireplaces, remember to keep anything flammable at least one metre away.

Meanwhile, in the north, dry and windy conditions are expected, increasing the fire danger. If you’re in an area of elevated risk, now is the time to review your bush fire plan and make sure you know what you’ll do if a fire threatens.

For the latest information on fires, visit the Hazards Near Me app or the NSW RFS website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fnm

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

A few photos of the Brigade members competing in the Firefighter Championships held in Tamworth 7-8 March. We were also lucky enough to have a few of our neighbour brigade, Moore Creek, come over the hill to join in the fun for the weekend.

28/02/2026

Get ready, Tamworth! 🚒 We are officially ONE WEEK AWAY from the Tamworth Regional Championship!

The wait is almost over, and the energy is building. Whether you're competing or coming along to cheer on our local legends, it’s going to be an action-packed weekend.

📋 Get the Details
The full program is officially live! Grab your copy here to see the lineup and plan your weekend:
🔗https://www.firefighterchampionships.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FRNSW-Firefighter-Championships-Tamworth-Program-V2_compressed.pdf

We can't wait to see the skill, speed, and teamwork on display. See you all in Tamworth! 🤠🔥