Bergen Rural Fire Brigade

05/05/2026

04/05/2026

Members of Bergen Brigade attended saint floridians day presentations in Dubbo where 3 of our members received a commissioners certificate of commendation (unit) for their service to their community during a Motor vehicle accident.

Members of Bergen brigade also saw Group officer Marty Cook receive a commissioners certificate of commendation on behalf of the New England Zone for the efforts of multiple brigades and Members during the snow event last year.

Congratulations to Captain Matthew Hoy, FF Bobby Gardiner, FF Robert Gardiner

18/04/2026

The Fire Danger Rating will remain in High in the Armidale Regional Council, Uralla Shire Council and Walcha Council areas for Sunday 19 April and Monday 20 April. A reminder that it is still a requirement to notify the RFS and your neighbours (including those joining by road or waterway) no less then 24 hours before lighting up.

You can notify the RFS via the RFS website, or by contacting our team on 6771 7700 from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.

15/04/2026

High Fire Danger Ratings continue over the coming few days (Thursday 16 April to Saturday 18 April) in the Armidale Regional Council, Walcha Council and Uralla Shire Council areas. With ongoing dry conditions we ask people to use fire responsibly and where possible, delay any burning.

For more information on the Fire Danger Ratings and what they mean for you, head over to https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans

13/04/2026

Four hours in the dam: The Walcha farmer who refused to let go.

10/04/2026

The Fire Danger Rating for the New England District (Armidale Regional Council,Uralla Shire Council, and Walcha Council LGAs) is High for Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of April 2026.

We ask that if you are planning to burn in the open, please consider if you can burn when conditions are more favourable.

A reminder that although there is no requirement to obtain a permit, it is still a requirement to notify the RFS and your neighbours no less than 24 hours prior to burning.

For more information, head over to the RFS website; or give our team a call on 6771 7700 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.

07/04/2026

The Fire Danger Rating for the New England District (Armidale Regional Council, Walcha Council, and Uralla Shire Council LGAs) is High for Wednesday the 8th of April 2026.

We ask that if you are planning to burn in the open, please consider if you can burn when conditions are more favourable.

A reminder that although there is no requirement to obtain a permit, it is still a requirement to notify the RFS and your neighbours no less than 24 hours prior to burning.

For more information, head over to the RFS website; or give our team a call on 6771 7700 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.

26/03/2026

A Total Fire Ban will be in place tomorrow, Friday 27 March, for the Northern Slopes and New England areas. Warm and windy conditions are forecast across the north eastern parts of the state, increasing the fire danger.

Take action now. Know your fire risk and what you will do if fire threatens. Report all unattended fires to Triple Zero (000).

For more information on Total Fire Ban rules, visit the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fdr

24/03/2026

The Fire Danger Rating for the New England (Armidale Regional Council, Walcha Council, and Uralla Shire Council LGAs) is High from today, 25 March 2026, until Saturday 28 March 2026. This is due to dry conditions and elevated winds.

Permits will be suspended from 11:59pm tonight 25 March until 00:01am Saturday 28 March.

03/03/2026

***UPDATE*** 05/03/2026 - Burn has been postponed due to weather conditions.

A hazard reduction burn is planned to be undertaken at Walcha on Thursday 5th March 2026

If you live nearby, please consider doing the following:
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering buildings.
- Outdoor items such as outdoor furniture, trampolines, playground equipment etc should be either taken inside or covered. Where this is not practical, items should be hosed down regularly to prevent ember damage.
- Retract plastic or synthetic pool covers to prevent ember damage
- Remove washing from clothes lines.
- Ensure any outdoor pets have a sheltered area.
- 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.
- If you are driving a vehicle, slow down, keep windows up and turn headlights on.
Never fly drones or Remote Piloted Aircraft near bush fires or hazard reductions, where other aircraft may be operating. Penalties apply.
For more information check the Hazards Near Me NSW App or visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me