Martindale Rural Fire Brigade NSW

29/09/2026

Yesterday Sophie, Isobel & Harrison attended their spring holidays Junior Training at Bulga.
The day started with a tour of the RFS bulk water semi & learning about its role in assisting our firefighters while on the ground.
We ran through "call-out scenarios" (grassfire, fire threatening assets) focusing on strategies for recording information as well as clear, concise communication over the radios & with our team members on the fire ground.
And of course they had a surprise overrun drill which is always popular!
Again we were supported by the amazing Hunter Valley Communications Brigade. We really appreciate them sharing their expertise with the juniors.
Meals for the day were provided by Hunter Valley RFS Catering - not an easy task to feed 14 hungry teenagers but they always manage to keep them well fed!

20/09/2026

Monday 21st September
🔥 EXTREME FIRE DANGER 🔥
🔥 TOTAL FIRE BAN 🔥

Take action now to protect your life and property.

* These are dangerous fire conditions.
* Check your bush fire plan and ensure that your property is fire ready.
* If a fire starts, take immediate action.
* If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before the fire impacts.
* Reconsider travel through bush fire risk areas.

Please report any fires.
Stay safe.

19/09/2026

🔥 Sunday 20th September 🔥
HIGH FIRE DANGER
Permits suspended

Be ready to act.

* There’s a heightened risk.
* Be alert for fires in your area.
*Decide what you will do if a fire starts.
*If a fire starts, your life and property may be at risk.
*The safest option is to avoid bush fire risk areas.

We are already seeing bushfire activity in our area.
Please have a Bushfire Fire Survival Plan ready. For more information on making a plan please contact us or visit the link below:

There are simple things you can do around your home to prepare it for a bush fire, like keeping the grass low and having a cleared area around your home.

17/09/2026

Friday 18th September
HIGH FIRE DANGER

Be ready to act.

* There’s a heightened risk. Be alert for fires in your area.
* Decide what you will do if a fire starts.
* If a fire starts, your life and property may be at risk. The safest option is to avoid bush fire risk areas.

Please report any fires.
Stay safe.

16/09/2026

Martindale travelled to the Hebden fire last Tuesday. The other brigades had done a great job controlling the fire. We helped on the last bit of active fire, ate lunch - 10 from 10 for the catering brigade! - and a little mopping up. Very steep, but the views at Lunch time were worth it!.......and we still got home in time (just) for a 5 o'clock meeting.

16/09/2026

04/09/2026

🔥 High Fire Danger Rating Saturday 5th September. 🔥
Spring is coming in hot this year with temps predicted to reach 31 degrees tomorrow.
Please remember that we are now in Bush Fire Season & permits are required.
Only burn if necessary & only with a valid permit.
Landowners should have a reliable source of water to control any planned burns.
Please consider joining the brigade - training is free & provided locally. Help protect the valley, your neighbours & your family.

03/09/2026

On Thursday afternoon, a small pile burn that had been lit last Sunday near the creek and was extinguished by the landholder relit itself. Hot dry winds can do that if the fire is not completely cold.
The fire was extinguished by crews from Baerami and Dalswinton. Local volunteers were either not in the area or unavailable.
Thanks to those who responded.

Lessons learnt:

• Fires must be totally cold before they are left. Vegetation in the creek is always difficult to extinguish.

• Landholders should continue to monitor fires, even when they appear to be extinguished, especially during difficult weather.

• Landholders should have a trailer or slip on unit and be prepared to use them. Early response is essential.

How Can You Help?

Sometimes, local brigade members are not in district and/or not available and resources need to be drawn from some distance away. Remember, brigade members are volunteers and disrupt their own lives to help others.

To increase the probability that local brigades can respond quickly, we need more members.

Learning how to use the truck is not hard and the time involved does not have to be great. Learn with the local brigade.

Landholders who live in Sydney or Newcastle still visit the community and can help if they are in the area.

Join the brigade. Help others and others can help you.
Martindale Brigade Captain ph 6547 3552

Call now to connect with business.

01/09/2026

The Bush Fire Danger Period has started as of today.

🔥 BUSH FIRE DANGER PERIOD HAS COMMENCED 🔥

The Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) has officially commenced in the Hunter Valley (Singleton & Muswellbrook).

As we move into the warmer months, we remind everyone to take extra care with fire and ensure they understand the rules and requirements around lighting fires.

🚒 Before you light a fire, make sure you:
• Check whether you require a fire permit.
• Check for any current fire restrictions or Total Fire Bans.
• Notify your neighbours and relevant authorities where required.
• Ensure your fire is properly controlled and completely extinguished.

🌿 Prepare now. Stay informed. Stay safe.

Together, we can help reduce the risk of bush fires and protect our homes, properties and community.

Apply for a permit – www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
Notify us of your planned burn - www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify

🔥 The Bush Fire Danger Period is now in effect 🔥

19/05/2026

On Saturday 16th May our members, Sophie & Rebecca, attended the Singleton Emergency Services Expo along side members from numerous RFS brigades.
The morning was hosted by Singleton Council & was a great way to get out & show what role the RFS has in the community.
Sophie & her fellow junior members ran a pumping & fire fighting demo for the crowd which was a big hit, especially with the kids.
Sophie & Rebecca then spent time on the stand talking to visitors, explaining the idea of junior membership with the RFS (& all it has to offer!) plus time spent visiting all the other services stands.