NSW RFS Illawarra Sutherland Team

30/09/2026

🔥 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

30/09/2026

Today marks the official start of the bush fire season, with the Bush Fire Danger Period beginning in most NSW Local Government Areas.

If you’re planning on conducting a burn, you’ll require a fire permit from your local Fire Control Centre or brigade. Fire permits help ensure fire is used safely and reduces the danger to you, your property and the community.

Residents and land holders must know the rules when it comes to the use of fire. Along with having the required fire permits, you need to notify your local fire authority and neighbours of your intent to burn at least 24 hours in advance.

For more information on the Bush Fire Danger Period and requirements around safe burning, visit our website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP

25/09/2026

Happy to have Heathcote High back for another great Secondary School Cadet Program! Thank you to our Cadet Trainers from Heathcote Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade - Station 10 and to the students for making the most of the program

21/09/2026

Good Afternoon
The Hazard Reduction (HR) in Barden Ridge planned for tomorrow has been postponed due to forecast weather conditions. We will keep you updated when this HR is reschedueled

18/09/2026

18/09/2026

🔥 Hazard Reduction Burn – Mt Kembla 🔥

Today, Friday 18 September, NSW RFS crews successfully completed a hazard reduction burn at Mt Kembla in the Wollongong LGA.

Approximately 18 hectares were treated, helping reduce fuel loads around the Mt Kembla village.

A big shoutout to the team from Fire and Rescue NSW Station 488 Shellharbour who joined us on the burn and helped make it a great success. 👏

Smoke may linger in the area following the burn. Firefighters will continue to patrol the area throughout the night and the weekend to monitor the burn site.

Thanks to everyone involved for helping keep our community safe. 🚒🔥

17/09/2026

🔥 GET READY WEEKEND IS HERE! 🔥

Bush fire season is around the corner, and local RFS brigades across Sutherland Shire and the Illawarra are hosting events this weekend (September 19 & 20) to help you and your family prepare.

Come meet your local firefighters, check out the fire trucks, and get expert advice on how to make your bush fire survival plan!

Tag your neighbours and drop by your local station or display this weekend!

Sutherland Shire Council
City of Wollongong
Shellharbour City Council
Kiama Municipal Council

16/09/2026

🔥 HAZARD REDUCTION BURNS 🔥

Two hazard reduction burns are planned across the Sutherland and Wollongong areas over the coming days, weather and conditions permitting.

📍 Mt Kembla HR - Wollongong LGA
📅 Fri 18 September 2026
🔥 Approx. 18 hectares

📍 Barden Ridge Rec South - Sutherland LGA
📅 Tue 22 September 2026
🔥 Approx. 20 hectares

Smoke may be visible from surrounding areas while these burns are underway and for some time afterwards. Residents and motorists in affected areas should take care, particularly where smoke reduces visibility.

Hazard reduction is an important part of bush fire preparedness, helping to reduce fuel loads and minimise the potential impact of bush fires on our communities and environment.

All burns are subject to suitable weather and operational conditions and may be postponed or changed at short notice.

Sutherland Shire Council
City of Wollongong

12/09/2026

🔥 GET READY WEEKEND🔥

Thinking about getting prepared for the upcoming bush fire season? While our official 'Get Ready Weekend' is Sept 19-20, we have a couple of great opportunities in the Shire if you want to chat with your local brigade and get your home and family ready.

📍 Bundeena Rural Fire Brigade - Station 23 - NSW RFS
🗓️ Sunday 13 September
⏰ 9:00am – 12:00pm
📌 Brighton St, Bundeena

📍 Loftus Volunteer Bushfire Brigade
🗓️ Sunday 13 September
⏰ 10:00am – 3:00pm
📌 129 Loftus Ave, Loftus

Come along, meet your local firefighters, ask questions and find out what you can do to prepare for bush fires this season.

🔥 Don’t wait until there’s a fire, get ready now!

12/09/2026

Tomorrow's planned Akuna Hazard Reduction burn In Bangor will be postponed due to conditions not being suitable.