NSW Rural Fire Service - Cumberland/Macarthur District

08/06/2026

We are very proud of our very own Group Captain Michael Kovacs awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal as part of the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List. Well done, Michael!

🙌🏼 Congratulations to Londonderry Rural Fire Brigade ‘s Michael Kovacs who is still dedicated to serving the organisation almost 40 years after joining as a fresh-faced teen. 📍 STORY: https://tinyurl.com/3a3ys5b3

29/05/2026

🚒🔥 WINTER FIRE SAFETY CAMPAIGN 2026 LAUNCHED 🔥🚒

Today, Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service officially launched the 2026 Winter Fire Safety Campaign, reminding communities across NSW that a working smoke alarm can save lives.

The campaign comes as new figures reveal that 30 people lost their lives in residential fires across NSW in 2025, making it the second-highest annual toll in the past decade. Already in 2026, 12 lives have been lost in residential fires.

Speaking at the launch, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib encouraged all residents to prepare their homes for winter, reminding the community that "a working smoke alarm is your best protection, especially when you're sleeping."

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell highlighted the importance of community education and the free Home Fire Safety Visit program, where firefighters can identify hazards, assist with fire escape planning and even install smoke alarms free of charge.

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin reinforced the importance of having working smoke alarms and a home escape plan, noting that those extra seconds of warning can make all the difference in an emergency.

Throughout June, firefighters will be visiting Bunnings stores across NSW, sharing practical fire safety advice and encouraging households to test their smoke alarms and prepare for winter.

✅ Test your smoke alarms today
✅ Replace smoke alarms older than 10 years
✅ Prepare a home escape plan
✅ Book a free Home Fire Safety Visit

A few simple actions today could save a life tomorrow.

29/05/2026

🔥 WINTER FIRE SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU 🔥

As the weather cools down, the risk of house fires increases. Did you know that 45% of homes that experienced a major fire last year did not have a working smoke alarm?

This winter, firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service will be visiting Bunnings stores across NSW to share vital fire safety information and promote FREE Home Fire Safety Visits.

🏠 A free Home Fire Safety Visit can help you:
✅ Identify fire risks around your home
✅ Check your smoke alarms
✅ Develop a home escape plan
✅ Have a smoke alarm installed if needed

Simple steps can save lives:
🔹 Test your smoke alarms regularly
🔹 Replace smoke alarms every 10 years
🔹 Keep looking while cooking
🔹 Keep flammable items at least one metre from heaters
🔹 Make sure everyone in your household knows how to escape in an emergency

With winter being the most dangerous time of year for residential fires, now is the perfect time to make sure your home and family are prepared.

📅 1 June is Smoke Alarm Action Day – take a moment to test your smoke alarms and encourage family and friends to do the same.

For more information or to book a FREE Home Fire Safety Visit, visit:
[www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits](http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits)

28/05/2026

AFAC, the National Council for fire and emergency services, has released the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for winter 2026.

AFAC has released Australia’s national bushfire outlook for winter with fire authorities predicting an increased risk of fire across the northern parts of the Great Sandy Desert and surrounds in WA, and parts of central and northern NSW.

Over the southeast, the potential for drier and warmer than normal conditions have authorities watching fuels closely. Without significant rainfall, there is potential for increased fire activity later in the year.

In WA, risk of fire is expected to be mostly average, with increased risk in parts of Dampierland, the northern Great Sandy Desert and the Ord Victoria Plain as the dry season progresses.

Above normal fire potential is expected in drought-affected areas of central and northern NSW later in winter, driven by unusually hot and dry autumn conditions that have expanded drought across much of the state.

AFAC CEO Rob Webb said: “Contrasting but equally important bushfire risks are evident across NSW and WA. Ongoing dry conditions continue to drive concern in NSW, while elevated grass fuel loads following a wet season are increasing risk in northern WA, highlighting Australia's vast landscape and the importance of being prepared for bushfire year-round."

“Communities are encouraged to be vigilant, even in areas of Australia that show a normal risk of fire this season. A dry winter could signal an early start to the bushfire period so stay connected to advice from your local fire services.”

The areas marked in red on the map represent an increased risk of fire, largely driven by below average rainfall and dry conditions.

The Seasonal Outlook is the culmination of a complex analysis by expert fire specialists across Australia, and climate prediction and fire weather experts from the Bureau of Meteorology.

11/05/2026

NOTICE OF PROPOSED HAZARD REDUCTION
Please be advised that crews from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service are intending to undertake Hazard Reduction (HR) burning, weather permitting, at the following location this week.

Location: Blackburn Road Wedderburn. Near
Day: Tuesday 12 May 2026

This hazard reduction burn is approximately 38ha in size.

As the prescribed burn will generate smoke, hot embers and heat, it is important that you consider the following:
• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes;
• Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns;
• Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage;
• Remove washing from clotheslines;
• Ensure pets have a protected area;
• If you are driving a vehicle, slow down, keep windows up and turn headlights on; and
• If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities. If smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or Asthma Australia

You can also obtain additional information on prescribed burning and property preparedness by accessing the NSW Rural Fire Service website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or download the hazards near me app.

Wedderburn Rural Fire Brigade
NSW RFS Southern Highlands
Campbelltown City Council, NSW
Campbelltown City Police Area Command
Lynwood Park Rural Fire Brigade

04/05/2026

On behalf of Superintendent Angelo Baldo AFSM District Manager Cumberland/Macarthur District, we would like to take a moment to recognise and congratulate those members across the Service who have recently received Internal Bravery and Service Awards.

In particular, we would like to acknowledge the crew from NSW RFS - Middleton Brigade who were awarded the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit) for their actions at a motor vehicle accident at Kemps Creek on 26 November 2024.

Responding to a 4WD rollover, the crew were faced with an unconscious driver suffering significant injuries and no rescue crews on scene. Demonstrating initiative and sound judgement under pressure, they established fire protection and, working with NSW Ambulance, made the decision to extricate the patient. Using available equipment, including a Halligan tool and reciprocating saw, they safely removed the windscreen and worked together to free the driver from the unstable vehicle.

Their teamwork, ingenuity and professionalism in a high-risk, time-critical situation reflects the very best of our Service.

Congratulations to the award recipients: DC Kerry Hammell, FF Karl Hermanns, FF Bradley Conole and FF Jake Foy.

For those who may not be familiar, St Florian’s Day is observed on 4 May each year and is an important occasion within the NSW Rural Fire Service and the broader firefighting community.

St Florian is recognised as the patron saint of firefighters, and the day provides an opportunity to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of firefighters past and present.

Within the RFS, St Florian’s Day is also when Internal Bravery and Service Awards are formally presented. These awards recognise members who have demonstrated acts of bravery, outstanding service, or significant contribution to the organisation.

It is a time to reflect on the values of our Service and acknowledge those who go above and beyond.

To all recipients – congratulations once again and thank you for your continued dedication.

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and.../st-florians-day-2026

02/05/2026

We are being supported at the Bertie’s Hazard Reduction by our wonderful friend from WIRES and specialist officers from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

This support is essential in protecting wildlife on the fire ground.

Campbelltown City Council, NSWLiverpool
NSW RFS Greater Sydney Area Command
NSW Rural Fire Service

02/05/2026

Firefighters remain on scene today at the Bertie’s Hazard Reduction, continuing operations following the main ignition period on Friday afternoon.

Crews are working to monitor, secure and strengthen containment across the burn area.

Residents in surrounding areas may continue to notice smoke while these activities are underway.

Given the scale and complexity of the operation, work may continue through to Tuesday 5 May, depending on weather and on-ground conditions.

This hazard reduction plays a key role in lowering fuel loads and improving protection for nearby communities ahead of the fire season. We thank the community for their patience and support.

To stay up to date with current activities please visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or download the Hazard Near Me app.

Campbelltown City Council, NSW
Liverpool
NSW RFS Greater Sydney Area Command
NSW Rural Fire Service

01/05/2026

Residents along the Georges River will continue to see and smell smoke as Firefighters undertake the Berties Hazard Reduction East of the Campbelltown area.
Crews will continue to be onsite for the next few days

If there is a hazard reduction burn planned for your area, take the following steps:

Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes
Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns
Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage
Remove washing from clotheslines
Ensure pets have a protected area
Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on
Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety
If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or Asthma Australia.

Campbelltown City Council, NSW
Liverpool
NSW RFS Greater Sydney Area Command

30/04/2026

Good afternoon all,

Just as a reminder that, the NSW Rural Fire Service is planning to undertake a prescribed Hazard Reduction (HR) burn within the Holsworthy Military Precinct.

Please be advised that crews from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), weather permitting, intend to conduct Hazard Reduction burning at the following location:

Hazard Reduction Details
Name: Berties – Campbelltown LGA
Dates: Commencing Friday, 1 May 2026 and continuing through to Tuesday, 5 May 2026

Location: Holsworthy Military Precinct — east of Airds, St Helens Park; south of Kentlyn; north of Wedderburn

Size: Approximately 120 hectares
Lead Agency: NSW RFS

Hazard reduction is just one way of preparing for bush fires – it doesn't remove the threat of fire, and it doesn't remove the need for you and your family to be prepared.

There are different types of hazard reduction including controlled burning, mechanical clearing like slashing undergrowth, or even reducing the ground fuel by hand.

You can see a list of planned hazard reduction burns below. This list may change at short notice depending on the weather at the time.

If there is a hazard reduction burn planned for your area, take the following steps:

Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes
Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns
Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage
Remove washing from clotheslines
Ensure pets have a protected area
Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on
Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety
If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice

For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit the NSW Health website or Asthma Australia.

Campbelltown City Council, NSW
Liverpool
Campbelltown City Police Area Command
Liverpool City Police Area Command
C91.3FM