Austinmer Rural Fire Service

21/10/2026

Congratulations to Will Lee, Belinda Cassidy Lee and Andrew Bowden on receiving their NSW RFS Long Service Medals last weekend!

A great achievement and well deserved recognition for the time and effort they’ve put into the RFS and serving their community.

Thank you also to the support of their families, it can not be done without them.
Thanks for everything you do.

13/10/2026

🚒🔥 – Getting Ready for the Fire Season! 🔥🚒

Over the coming weeks, will be out and about in our local community, sharpening our skills and putting our training into practice through a range of realistic scenarios as we prepare for the upcoming fire season.

👨‍🚒 If you see us out and about, come over and say G'day!

Whether you're interested in joining our team, curious about what we do, or more importantly, would like some advice on preparing your home and family for the fire season, we're always happy to have a chat.

We're proud to be part of this community, and helping our neighbours stay safe is what we're all about.

🔥 Preparation is everyone's responsibility, and we're here to help!

01/10/2026

🔥 Fire Permits Required from 1st October 🔥

From the 1st of October, the Bush Fire Danger Period begins in the Illawarra and Sutherland Districts which means a Fire Permit is required before lighting a fire.

If you’re planning to burn, please make sure you have the appropriate permit in place before you light up.

Remember, permits may also be suspended during periods of increased fire danger.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

➡️ You can apply for a free Fire Permit online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify

➡️ Notify the NSW RFS at least 24 hours before lighting via www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify

➡️ Notify all neighbours at least 24 hours before lighting.
More info: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/know-your-risk/Bush-fire-hazards-and-your-property/fire-permits

19/09/2026

🕵️‍♀️🔥 Want to become a Bushfire Detective? 🔥🕵️‍♂️

Today we’ve had several children complete the challenge and officially become Bushfire Detectives! 🚒🏅

If your child would like to take part, reach out to us and we’ll get the Bushfire Detective Challenge to you.

Complete the challenge, learn some important things about bushfire safety and preparedness, then bring it back to us to receive your very own Bushfire Detective badge! 🏅

It’s a fun way for kids to learn how they can help their family be better prepared for bushfires.

🚒 Could you be our next Bushfire Detective? NSW Rural Fire Service NSW RFS Illawarra Sutherland Team The Illawarra Flame

19/09/2026

Some more bushfire detectives receiving their badges NSW Rural Fire Service NSW RFS Illawarra Sutherland Team

19/09/2026

Our first bushfire detectives

19/09/2026

15/09/2026

Yesterday and last night, two crews from Austinmer Rural Fire Brigade assisted with a hazard reduction at Helensburgh.

Hazard reduction activities such as this help reduce the available bushfire fuels and can assist in reducing the potential intensity and spread of future bushfires.

This also provided an opportunity for our members to work alongside other local brigades and maintain operational skills and prepare for the upcoming bushfire season.

Thank you to everyone involved.

If you’re interested in volunteering with Austinmer Rural Fire Brigade, we’d love to hear from you.

12/09/2026

Fun for the Whole Family
🧑‍🚒 Bring the family along!
Bushfire preparedness doesn't have to be all serious conversations.
We've planned plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.
🚒 Climb aboard a fire truck
🕵️ Become a Bushfire Detective
🎯 Family bushfire trivia
🎨 Kids' activities
👨‍🚒 Meet your local firefighters
While the kids are busy, we'll help the adults with practical information about:
✔ Fire Danger Ratings
✔ Bush Fire Survival Plans
✔ Preparing your home
✔ Staying informed with the Hazards Near Me NSW app
📅 Saturday 19 September
🕛 12 pm – 4 pm
📍 Northern end of Armagh Parade
Come for as little or as long as you'd like!

10/09/2026