Riverina Highlands RFS

02/06/2026

The NSW RFS has updated the online portal (Guardian) to remove the previous 21-day limit on Burn Notifications submitted outside the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP)following community feedback and consultation with stakeholders, including the agricultural sector, Fire Permits Working Group, Districts and State Operations.

02/06/2026

🚒 RIVERINA HIGHLANDS BRIGADES ARE RECRUITING NOW 🚒

Have you ever thought about making a real difference in your community?

The NSW Rural Fire Service Riverina Highlands Brigades are looking for new volunteers to join our team. Whether you're interested in frontline firefighting, communications, administration, catering, logistics, aviation support, or operational support, there's a role for everyone.

✅ Flexible training options available
✅ Learn valuable skills and meet great people
✅ Support your local community during emergencies
✅ Be part of Australia's largest volunteer emergency service

You don't need previous experience – just a willingness to learn and contribute.

📞 For further information contact the Riverina Highlands Team on 02 6981 4222

To start your journey and learn more about volunteering with the NSW RFS, visit:
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs

Protect your community. Build lifelong skills. Join the team.

01/06/2026

🌧️ WEATHER UPDATE – Conditions Set to Deteriorate Overnight 🌧️

A strong southerly change is pushing north through Victoria this afternoon and will reach our district overnight, bringing a noticeable deterioration in weather conditions.

📡 What to expect:
• Rain developing and becoming widespread overnight and into Tuesday.
• Periods of moderate rainfall with local totals of 10–20mm possible.
• Fresh to strong southerly winds creating a much colder feel.
• Temperatures struggling to reach around 12–13°C during the day, with overnight lows dropping into the low single digits later this week.
• Areas of low cloud, reduced visibility, and damp conditions on roads for Tuesday

🌦️ Rain and showers are expected to continue through much of the week, with elevated chances of rainfall from Tuesday through Friday. There is also a risk of isolated thunderstorms on Thursday as another disturbance moves through.

❄️ Behind the change, colder air will spread across the region, with frost likely returning over the weekend as skies clear and winds ease.

🚗 If you're travelling overnight or early Tuesday, allow extra time, drive to the conditions, and be prepared for wet roads and reduced visibility.

We'll continue to monitor rainfall totals and any changes to the forecast as the southerly change moves through.

27/05/2026

Heaters need space. A lot of it. Keep curtains, bedding, lounges, throws and drying racks at least one metre away. Switch them off before you leave the room or go to bed. Never use outdoor heaters indoors. Be fire safe this winter. fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe

25/05/2026

A smoke alarm that doesn't work is just a plastic disc on the ceiling. Test yours every month. If it doesn't beep, replace the battery. If it's older than 10 years, replace the alarm. Be fire safe this winter. fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe

22/05/2026

Fires in the kitchen are the leading cause of house fires in NSW. The cause is almost always the same. Unattended cooking. If you have to leave the kitchen, turn the stove off. A hot pan only needs a minute. Cold dinner beats a house fire. Be fire safe this winter. fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe

21/05/2026

Phones, laptops, e-bike batteries. They all generate heat while charging. Charging on a bed, doona or pillow traps that heat against fabric. Lithium-ion fires can start fast. Charge on a hard, flat surface. Keep batteries off bedding. Be fire safe this winter. fire.nsw.gov.au/befiresafe

11/05/2026

11/05/2026

Great to see members from the Tooma, Bringenbrong, Maragle and Local Group Officers undertaking valuable training and familiarisation in the stunning High Country within Kosciuszko National Park around Black Jack Fire Tower near Cabramurra.

These opportunities strengthen local knowledge, build capability, and ensure our teams are well prepared to support and serve our communities across the region.

A fantastic day of learning, teamwork and experiencing the unique environment of the High Country.