Hartley Rural Fire Brigade

23/10/2026

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Chifley Operations Support - Communications Unit
Support the Incident, Support the Team. Make a Difference!

Our brigades are seeking members interested in joining the Chifley Comms Team!

Communications Unit personnel play a critical role in ensuring effective communication between incident management teams, field crews, and supporting agencies across Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon. Reliable communications are essential to safe and efficient emergency operations, and this role provides an opportunity to contribute directly to incident outcomes.

Key Responsibilities include:
• Establish and maintain communication systems during incidents and planned operations.
• Support radio network operations and message management.
• Assist with the setup and operation of communications equipment.
• Support Incident Management Teams and field operations.
• Help ensure accurate and timely information flow across operational environments.

Who Should Apply?
We are looking for members who:
• Have an interest in communications and technology.
• Can work effectively as part of a team.
• Remain calm and focused in dynamic environments.
• Are committed to supporting emergency response operations.
• Are willing to undertake relevant training and maintain competencies.

What You'll Gain!
• Specialist communications training.
• Experience supporting emergency operations.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.
• The satisfaction of contributing to community safety and emergency response.

Strong communications save time, improve coordination, and support safer operations. Join the Ops Support Comms Team and help keep our brigades connected when it matters most.

✅ No previous communications experience required
✅ Training and mentoring provided
✅ Develop specialist skills and operational experience
✅ Support emergency operations across the district
✅ Be part of a highly valued and growing capability

Whether you're interested in technology, radio communications, or simply looking for another way to contribute to operational readiness, this is an excellent opportunity to expand your skills while supporting your fellow volunteers.

Interested? Contact the District Office on 1300 258 737 to learn more about how you can be part of something special.

Keeping our people connected when it matters most. Join the NSW Rural Fire Service!

📡🚒

13/10/2026

12/10/2026

Hartley is on duty again today to boost response times along the detour route between Marangaroo and Mt Victoria. They’re also covering the Blue Mountains and Lithgow-Chifley districts to monitor fire dangers. South Bowenfels, South Katoomba, Wilberforce, Blue Mountains District, and Chifley Lithgow District RFS crews are all on it.

11/10/2026

A Total Fire Ban will be in place tomorrow, Monday 12 October 2026, for the Greater Sydney area with forecast Extreme fire danger and the Greater Hunter area with forecast High fire danger. Warm and windy conditions are forecast across 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

11/10/2026

11/10/2026

It’s been a big week at Mount Panorama, and while the drivers have been pushing their limits, our RFS crews have been working alongside emergency services partners to keep campers and spectators safe at the offical_v8supercars Repco Bathurst 1000.

The good news? No major issues for our crews so far, and that’s exactly how we’d like to finish!

Don’t be caught unprepared like De Pasquale, be a winner like Kostecki! When it comes to campfires, a little preparation can be the difference between a podium finish and an early retirement. Keep your fire contained, never leave it unattended and make sure it’s completely extinguished before you leave the Mountain.

Because the last thing anyone wants is a campfire making an unscheduled appearance off-track!

With forecast hot and windy conditions tomorrow, let’s keep the action on the circuit and the campfires under control!

10/10/2026

04/10/2026

This evening at 10.41pm, Hartley Pumper, in coordination with Fire and Rescue Lithgow CAFS Pumper 363, the VRA, Police, and Ambulance services, was dispatched to a single-vehicle accident at the intersection of Browns Gap Road and Hartley Vale Road.

01/10/2026

The Hartley team demonstrated exceptional proficiency during their recent training session. The Marrangaroo Rural Fire Brigade deployed Chifley Cat 6 to conduct relay setup exercises with Hartley equipment, while the crew simultaneously completed fitness, breathing apparatus, and overrun safety drills.

01/10/2026

🔥 BUSH FIRE DANGER PERIOD HAS STARTED

The NSW Bush Fire Danger Period commenced today, 1 October, which means if you’re planning a burn on your property around Hartley, you will generally need a Fire Permit before you light up.

A few things to remember:

🔥 Get your permit first. Fire Permits are free and can be applied for through the NSW RFS website.

📱 Then notify before you light. Having a permit doesn’t replace the requirement to notify the RFS and your adjoining neighbours at least 24 hours before burning.

🌦️ Check the conditions on the day. Your permit may be suspended because of weather or fire danger. No burning is permitted during a Total Fire Ban, even if you already have a permit.

🧯 You remain responsible for your fire. Follow the conditions on your permit, have suitable firefighting equipment available, supervise the burn and make sure it is fully extinguished.

For information, permit applications and burn notifications, visit the NSW RFS website.

And if you’re unsure, come and have a chat with us. Hartley Rural Fire Brigade trains every Thursday evening from 6 pm. Residents are always welcome to call in and speak with one of our officers about permits, preparing your property or bush fire safety.

Permit first. Notify before you light. Burn safely.