Laguna Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

01/04/2026

Autumn is here, and as of today (April 1st), the Bush Fire Danger Period has officially ended! 🍂

We know many of you have been waiting to clear up those piles of vegetation around your properties. While you no longer need a Fire Permit from us to burn off, we want to remind everyone that safe burning practices are still essential.

**Before you strike that match, please remember:**
You are still legally required to notify your neighbours and the RFS at least 24 hours before you burn.

📱 The quickest way to notify the RFS is online: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify

Please be considerate of your neighbours with smoke, check the weather forecast (avoid windy days!), and never leave your fire unattended.

Thanks for helping us keep the Wollombi Valley safe this past fire season! 🚒❤️

11/03/2026

This evening Laguna RFS responded to an MVA on Wollombi Rd. A white van had flipped and was badly damaged. Luckily, the driver was not harmed. Laguna and Wollombi RFS supported police on scene with traffic control and clean up. The road remained closed for several hours. A huge shout out to Westie for allowing drivers to transit through his driveway to access Wollombi. Thanks to the responding crew.

07/02/2026

🌳 STORM DAMAGE RESPONSE - DAIRY ARM ROAD 🌳

Our roster crew was out today cleaning up after last night's storm.

This large tree came down and completely blocked Dairy Arm Road, cutting off access for residents.

Our crew worked alongside local residents to clear the road and restore access. The road is now clear and safe to use.

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🚒 MORE THAN JUST FIRES

While bushfires are what most people think of when they hear "Rural Fire Service," our volunteers respond to much more:

✅ Storm damage and fallen trees
✅ Motor vehicle accidents
✅ Search and rescue operations
✅ Floods and natural disasters
✅ Community assistance

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🙏 COMMUNITY TEAMWORK

A big thank you to the Dairy Arm residents who worked alongside our crew today. This is what community is all about - neighbours helping neighbours.

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⚠️ STORM SAFETY REMINDER

After severe weather, be aware of:
• Fallen trees and branches on roads
• Damaged power lines (stay well clear and call 000)
• Unstable trees that may fall
• Flooded or damaged roads

If you see a tree blocking a road or creating a hazard, call 000 for emergency assistance.

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Thanks to our crew for getting out there today and keeping our community connected. 🚒❤️

26/01/2026

🚒 CALLOUT TODAY - POLICE ASSIST 🚒

MONDAY 26 JANUARY

Our crew responded today to assist NSW Police with a search operation in Yango National Park.

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📋 WHAT HAPPENED:

Police received a 000 call last night from someone reporting they were bogged in Yengo National Park. The call was cut off and police couldn't get back in contact.

Laguna 7A with a crew of 4 searched the eastern side of the park (Finchley Loop Road to Borree Valley Road). No signs of distress were found in our area.

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🤝 MULTI-AGENCY RESPONSE:

This involved RFS brigades from across Hunter Valley and Central Coast, NSW Police, Police Rescue, VRA, National Parks, and SES.

At this stage, nothing has been found.

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💡 HEADING INTO THE BUSH?

✅ Tell someone where you're going
✅ Carry a charged phone + power bank
✅ Download Emergency Plus app
✅ Know your vehicle's capabilities

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Thanks to our crew for responding today. 🚒

🆘 EMERGENCY: 000

09/01/2026

🚒 YOUR LAGUNA RFS TEAM - READY THIS WEEKEND 🚒

Early Saturday morning at the station. Trucks inspected. Equipment checked. Radios tested. Everything ready.

Then a quick stop at the Trading Post for a coffee before settling in for the weekend on-call shift.

This is what it looks like when your local volunteers give up their weekend plans to be ready for our community. They're on standby 24/7 - ready to respond at a moment's notice.

Thank you to our crew. Laguna is lucky to have you. 🙏

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⚠️ TOTAL FIRE BAN - PLEASE READ

With HIGH fire danger conditions, a Total Fire Ban is in place until further notice.

We need everyone's help to prevent fires this weekend.

🚫 YOU CANNOT:
❌ Light ANY fire in the open (campfires, wood BBQs, fire pits, pizza ovens)
❌ Use welding, grinding, or equipment that produces sparks
❌ Conduct burn-offs - all fire permits are suspended

✅ YOU CAN:
• Use electric BBQs (under supervision, clear area)
• Use gas BBQs (within 20m of home, with water supply)
• Cook indoors

⚠️ On-the-spot fine: $2,200
Court fine: up to $5,500 and/or 12 months imprisonment

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📲 CHECK CONDITIONS DAILY:

🌐 www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
📱 Hazards Near Me NSW App
📞 Bush Fire Information Line: 1800 679 737

🆘 IN AN EMERGENCY: CALL 000

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Let's all do our part to keep Laguna safe this weekend. 🚒❤️

21/12/2025

🔥UPDATE MONDAY 22 DECEMBER🔥

Today, crews walked into the fire early this morning along with a Central Coast Raft crew. With the support of a helicopter and much chainsaw work the remaining hotspots were dealt with just before the storm hit.

A patrol crew will go back out tomorrow to check all is well.
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Laguna RFS Crews responded today to the Milsons Arm fire.

The fire reignited on the western side in a small section. It was burning downhill into the creek line before being suppressed by a helicopter. Crews are walking in tomorrow to fully contain the breakout.

There is no threat to properties at this time.

20/12/2025

🚨 EXTREME FIRE DANGER RATING + TOTAL FIRE BAN 🚨
SUNDAY 21 DECEMBER

⚠️ From MIDNIGHT TONIGHT (Saturday 20 Dec) until midnight Sunday, our area will be under:

🟠 EXTREME FIRE DANGER RATING
🚫 TOTAL FIRE BAN

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🔥 WHAT THIS MEANS:

EXTREME conditions are DANGEROUS. If a fire starts, it will spread quickly and be very difficult to control.

✅ WHAT YOU MUST DO NOW:

1️⃣ CHECK YOUR PLAN - If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before any fire impacts.

2️⃣ PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY - Clear around your home, move flammable items away, clean gutters.

3️⃣ STAY ALERT - Monitor conditions throughout the day via the Hazards Near Me app and local radio.

4️⃣ RECONSIDER TRAVEL - Avoid travelling through bushfire risk areas if possible.

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🚫 TOTAL FIRE BAN RULES:

NO fires can be lit in the open. This includes:
❌ Campfires
❌ Wood BBQs, pizza ovens, fire pits
❌ Welding, grinding, or spark-producing equipment
❌ Burn-offs (all permits are suspended)

✅ You CAN use:
• Electric BBQs (with conditions)
• Gas BBQs (within 20m of your home, with water supply)
• Indoor cooking

⚠️ Penalties: $2,200 on-the-spot fine. Court fines up to $5,500 and/or 12 months imprisonment.

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📋 DON'T HAVE A FIRE PLAN?

It takes just 5 minutes to make a plan that could save your life.

👉 Create your plan now at: www.myfireplan.com.au

Discuss it with your family TODAY so everyone knows what to do.

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📲 STAY INFORMED:

🌐 www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
📱 Hazards Near Me NSW App
📞 Bush Fire Information Line: 1800 679 737
📻 Listen to local radio

🆘 IN AN EMERGENCY: CALL 000

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Stay safe, Laguna. Look out for each other. 🚒❤️

19/12/2025

🔥 UNDERSTANDING FIRE DANGER RATINGS & TOTAL FIRE BANS 🔥

Save this post! Here's what the ratings mean and what you need to do.

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📊 FIRE DANGER RATINGS EXPLAINED

Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire would be if one started. They're based on weather conditions like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and how dry the vegetation is.

🟢 MODERATE - Plan and prepare.
• Stay up to date and be ready to act if there is a fire.

🟡 HIGH - Be ready to act.
• There's a heightened risk. Be alert for fires in your area.
• Decide what you will do if a fire starts.
• If a fire starts, your life and property may be at risk. The safest option is to avoid bush fire risk areas.

🟠 EXTREME - Take action now to protect your life and property.
• These are dangerous fire conditions.
• Check your bush fire plan and ensure that your property is fire ready.
• If a fire starts, take immediate action.
• If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before the fire impacts.
• Reconsider travel through bush fire risk areas.

🔴 CATASTROPHIC - For your survival, leave bush fire risk areas.
• These are the most dangerous conditions for a fire.
• Your life may depend on the decisions you make, even before there is a fire.
• Stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the night before.
• Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions.
• You may not be able to leave and help may not be available.

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🚫 WHAT IS A TOTAL FIRE BAN?

A Total Fire Ban is declared when conditions are very hot, dry, and windy - conditions where fires can start easily and spread quickly.

On a Total Fire Ban day, NO fires can be lit in the open, and all fire permits are suspended.

❌ YOU CANNOT:
• Light any fire in the open (including campfires, wood-fired pizza ovens, and solid fuel BBQs)
• Use an angle grinder, welder, or other equipment that produces sparks
• Conduct hot works (welding, grinding, gas cutting)
• Use equipment that may cause sparks or flames

✅ YOU CAN:
• Use electric BBQs (under direct control of a responsible adult, with no combustible material within 2 metres)
• Use gas BBQs (with specific conditions - must be within 20m of a dwelling or in designated picnic areas, with immediate water supply)
• Cook on your stove inside

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⚠️ PENALTIES

Breaking a Total Fire Ban is serious. Penalties can include fines and/or imprisonment

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📲 STAY INFORMED

Check the Fire Danger Rating daily during fire season:
🌐 www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
📱 Fires Near Me NSW App
📞 Bush Fire Information Line: 1800 679 737

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💡 Remember: FDR can be viewed here - https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans We will also post the Fire Danger Rating during fire season. Follow this page to stay informed!

Questions? Drop them in the comments below. 👇

18/12/2025

📢 WELCOME TO THE LAGUNA VOLUNTEER BUSHFIRE BRIGADE FACEBOOK PAGE 📢

We're glad you're here.

We are the Laguna Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, a proud part of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). Our dedicated team of local volunteers is committed to protecting the lives, property, and environment of the Laguna community from bushfires and other emergencies.

🔥 WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS PAGE:

✅ Community Updates - Local news, brigade activities, and events
✅ Safety Information - Fire Danger Ratings, Total Fire Ban alerts, and fire season preparedness tips
✅ Incident Information - Updates on local incidents, including important information needed to keep the community safe
✅ Recruitment - Information on how you can join our team and make a difference

⚠️ IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ:

This page is monitored periodically by RFS Volunteers. It is NOT a channel for reporting emergencies or requesting assistance.

🚨 IN AN EMERGENCY, ALWAYS CALL TRIPLE ZERO (000) 🚨

For official bushfire information, warnings, and current fire conditions, visit:
🌐 www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
📱 Download the "Hazards Near Me NSW" app

Thank you for following us and being part of our community. Together, we keep Laguna safe.

01/12/2025