Coal & Candle Rural Fire Brigade

02/10/2026

Some great information on a new feature in the Hazards Near Me app.

04/09/2026

A Total Fire Ban will be in place tomorrow, Saturday 5 September, for the Northern Beaches. Warm, dry and windy conditions are forecast across the Sydney Region, increasing the fire danger. Know your fire risk and what you will do if fire threatens.

Take action now.
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

03/09/2026

With the planned burn now underway near Bobbin Head, smoke is likely to drift across the Northern Beaches overnight and again tomorrow.

Smoke may affect areas from Terrey Hills through to Elanora Heights, as well as Belrose and Forestville, and may reach parts of Sydney tomorrow.

Please don’t be alarmed if you see or smell smoke in the area.

While this is a planned burn, it’s also a good reminder to make sure you’re prepared for bush fire season. Know your risk, discuss your plan with your household and make sure you’re ready to act if threatened by fire.

Only call Triple Zero (000) if you see an unattended fire.

14/05/2026

When did you last check your smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms, unlike w**e, do not age well over time.

Did you know that most smoke alarms have a use-by date? Some modern smoke alarms have a life-span of up to ten years and may not have a battery to change, making it easy to forget how long since they’ve been installed.

Remember to regularly clean and test your alarms, and check the use-by date to help keep track of their age.

08/05/2026

Smoke from a hazard reduction burn near Kurrajong in the Hawkesbury is currently drifting to our north towards the Central Coast.

There is the potential for smoke to settle lower overnight before drifting along the Hawkesbury River, which may impact parts of the Northern Beaches.

If you see or smell smoke in these areas, please remember this is likely related to planned hazard reduction activity.

Only call Triple Zero (000) if you see an unattended fire.

Thank you for your understanding.

04/11/2025

VALE CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT CRAIG GEDDES

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the sad passing of Chief Superintendent Craig Geddes last night.

From the moment he joined the Beacon Hill Brigade on 1 February 1980, Craig’s dedication to the RFS never wavered, and he maintained a proud connection to the brigade throughout his life.

Craig became a staff member in September 1994 as the Fire Control Officer at Warringah Council, before being appointed District Manager of Warringah Pittwater in 2001 and later District Manager of Northern Beaches in 2016.

Deeply respected by both volunteers and staff, Craig was known as a practical and grounded leader who always placed people and community at the heart of his work.

Throughout his distinguished career, Craig also held several key temporary assignments including Manager Region East, Manager Operational Doctrine and Standards and Regional Services Manager, Business and Operations.

As a Level 3 Incident Controller, he played an instrumental role in leading the Service’s response to many major fire events, including the 1994/95, 1997/98, 2000/01, 2013/14 and 2019/20 Black Summer fires.

In his most recent role as Manager, Operational Response, Craig made a significant contribution to modernising the Service through the implementation of Centralised Dispatch and Computer Aided Dispatch systems across all Districts. These initiatives have transformed how the RFS operates, enhancing coordination, communication and response.

Craig also served as a Deputy State Operations Controller and State Duty Operations Officer, where his calm leadership and deep operational expertise guided the Service through complex statewide incidents.

Despite personal tragedy, Craig demonstrated unwavering commitment to the Service and its members. His exceptional work ethic, compassion and willingness to mentor others earned him the respect and admiration of all who worked with him. The State Operations Centre will not be the same without Craig’s presence, leadership and humour.

Craig’s service to the NSW Rural Fire Service and to the people of NSW spanned more than 45 years. He leaves a legacy of professionalism, integrity and dedication that will long be remembered.

Craig’s passing will be deeply felt across the RFS community. During this time, it is important that we look after one another and I remind everyone that support services are available for anyone who may need them.

Our thoughts are with Craig’s sons, Luke and Matthew, and his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.

21/10/2025

A Total Fire Ban will be in place tomorrow, Wednesday 22 October, for the Northern Beaches area.

Hot, dry and windy conditions are forecast across most of the state, increasing the fire danger. 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

26/06/2025

Coal and Candle’s DC Myles Holloway along with other RFS members is Canada bound to assist in another bad fire season for our northern friends.

11/03/2025

A huge congratulations to Dr Ken Hughes for 45 years of service to the RFS! From his roles as President, Secretary and Treasurer at Coal and Candle Brigade to his vital contributions during major fires and storm events, Ken’s contribution has been invaluable. His work with the Warringah Pittwater Rural Fire Welfare Fund and Donations Fund has made a lasting impact. Thank you, Ken, for your incredible dedication and service!

28/02/2025

Two burns are now underway along Mona Vale Rd at Terrey Hills near Par 3 and the Pistol Club. The burns will take a number of days to complete and provide protection for homes in the area. A reminder to only call Triple Zero if you see an unattended fire not just because you smell smoke.