Riverina Highlands RFS

01/10/2026

🔥 Bushfire Danger Period Reminder 🔥

More Local Government Areas (LGAs) have commenced their Bushfire Danger Period overnight.

For Snowy Valleys LGA, the Bushfire Danger Period will commence on 1 November.

As we get closer to this date, bushfire risk will begin to increase, so now is the time to start preparing and taking extra precautions.

🌡️ Please monitor weather conditions carefully.
🔥 Take plenty of precautions when using fire outdoors.
📞 You must notify 24 hours in advance before conducting any burning — this applies all year round.
📝 Once the Bushfire Danger Period is in force, you will also need a permit to burn.

Please stay informed, stay prepared and help keep our community safe. 🚒

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

29/09/2026

HAZARD REDUCTION BURNS – GOOBARRAGANDRA

Riverina Highlands District RFS crews are currently assisting Snowy Valleys Council, undertaking a multiple-pile hazard reduction burn at Goobarragandra as part of ongoing efforts to reduce bush fire risk around the local community.

Residents and motorists in the area may notice smoke from the burns, particularly while the piles are being burnt and during subsequent mop-up operations.

Hazard reduction burning is an important part of preparing our communities for the upcoming bush fire season by reducing available fuels and helping protect homes, properties and surrounding areas.

The burns are being conducted under appropriate conditions and with consideration given to weather, smoke impacts and the safety of the community.

Location: Goobarragandra
Activity: Multiple-pile hazard reduction burning

Thank you to Snowy Valley Council, RFS volunteers and crews involved in this important work.

Please remember: if you see smoke, it doesn't always mean there is an emergency. However, if you are concerned or believe a fire is uncontrolled, call Triple Zero (000).

Snowy Valleys Council NSW RFS South Eastern Area Command

27/09/2026

A new home for Talbingo Brigade

This morning we were proud to officially open the new Talbingo Rural Fire Brigade Station, marking an exciting new chapter for the brigade and the Talbingo community.

The new station provides a modern and purpose-built facility for our volunteers, including three appliance bays, workshop facilities, a kitchen and training room, male and female amenities and lockers, a compressor and clean firefighter facilities in preparation for the rollout of CABA.

The new facility replaces the brigade’s former station, a building with more than 60 years of history that originally served the Snowy Hydro community. While the old station served the brigade well, the new facility provides the space and facilities our volunteers need to support the community well into the future.

Talbingo Brigade has a proud history of service, responding to incidents across the local area and supporting the broader Snowy Valleys community, including major bush fires, motor vehicle accidents, structural fires and emergencies involving Snowy Hydro assets.

We also recognise the dedication of the brigade’s members, past and present, whose commitment and service have helped make Talbingo Brigade such an important part of the local community.

A special thank you to everyone who has contributed to the planning, funding and construction of the new station, and to the Talbingo community for continuing to support our volunteers.

Congratulations to Talbingo Brigade on your new station! Tumut and Adelong Times The Daily Advertiser ABC Riverina Sounds of The Mountains FM96.3 FM94.3 FM94.1 Dr Joe McGirr MP Snowy Valleys Council NSW Rural Fire Service NSW RFS South Eastern Area Command

22/09/2026

Funeral Details and live link for Fridays funeral service for Beloved Wolseley Park Brigade Captain Roch McGrath.
Rest in peace.

https://www.wgmproductions.com/beavanslive

The team at Lyons Funeral Services are sharing the funeral notice for the late Roch Patrick McGrath.
The family appreciates your support.
For those unable to attend, livestreaming will be available at: https://www.wgmproductions.com/beavanslive

21/09/2026

This coming Sunday 27th September 2026 we will be officially opening the new Talbingo Brigade RFS Station as well as presenting a number of awards.

The event starts at 10.00am and will be great asset to the brigade.

18/09/2026

It is with deep regret that we inform you all of the passing of Wolseley Park Brigade Captain, Roch McGrath.
Roch was a long-serving and highly respected member of the RFS, having joined in 1970 and dedicated more than 50 years of service to the organisation. He had served as Captain of Wolseley Park Brigade since 2007 and made a significant contribution to his brigade, the local community and the broader RFS.

In recognition of his outstanding commitment and service, Roch was awarded his RFS Long Service Medal for 50 years’ service in 2024.

Roch’s passing will be deeply felt by his family, friends, fellow brigade members and the many people he worked alongside throughout his long association with the RFS.
Our thoughts are with Roch’s family, friends and the members of Wolseley Park Brigade at this very difficult time.

Funeral Arangments below

All Saints Catholic Church, Tumbarumba next Friday 25th September at 11:00 am

The funeral will be followed by a gathering at the Tumbarumba Golf Club.

Following the service, the RFS will conduct a Guard of Honour as a mark of respect for Roch and to acknowledge his remarkable contribution to the Service and the Tumbarumba community over more than 50 years.

RFS members attending the funeral are respectfully requested to wear RFS uniform and, where possible, participate in the Guard of Honour.

This will be an important opportunity for family, friends and members of the RFS to come together to farewell Roch and recognise his many years of dedicated service.

Our thoughts remain with Roch’s family, friends and the members of Wolseley Park Brigade during this difficult time.

08/09/2026

HumeLink West have advised us works at Ellerslie Road will be carried out tomorrow Wednesday 8 September, 2026.

The work will involve a temporary day time road closure of Ellerslie Road and a vehicle detour. For more information, please see the work notification attached.

07/09/2026

A small hazard reduction (HR) / Pile burn is scheduled for Saturday 19th September 2026.

FRNSW and RFS will be in attendance and conducting some joint training during the burn

The burn will be in the Boonderoo Rd Tumut Area. and its possible the smoke from this burn may settle over Tumut over the next weekend.

Please only call Triple Zero (000) if you see unattended fire.
For more information visit the Hazards Near Me app or the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/hr”

04/09/2026

🔥 FIRST TOTAL FIRE BAN OF THE SEASON – GREATER SYDNEY 🔥

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Greater Sydney tomorrow, Saturday 5 September.

If you’re travelling to Sydney or the surrounding areas over the weekend, please keep a close eye on the weather and developing fire conditions and stay up to date with official advice.

📱 Stay informed with the Hazards Near Me NSW app — set up a Watch Zone to receive notifications about bushfires, total fire bans and other emergencies in your area.

👉 Download Hazards Near Me NSW

🚫 On a Total Fire Ban day, fires cannot be lit in the open and additional restrictions apply.

Please take care, plan ahead and help keep our communities safe. ❤️‍🔥

A Total Fire Ban will be in place tomorrow, Saturday 5 September for the Greater Sydney Region, with Extreme fire danger forecast.

Warm, dry and windy conditions are forecast across parts of the state, with much of northeast NSW experiencing High fire danger.

Take action now. Know your fire risk and what you will do if fire threatens. Remember to 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

31/08/2026

At this time the Snowy Valleys LGA will commence the Bushfire Danger Period from 1st November. We will assess later in September to determine if required to be brought forward to October.

In the meantime a number of LGA's commenced today.

Today, 27 Local Government Areas (LGA) commence their Bush Fire Danger Period, with several areas beginning a month earlier than normal due to the prevailing dry conditions.

Additionally, two LGA's will commence their Bush Fire Danger Period on 14 September, which is two weeks earlier than normal.

Residents and land holders should ensure they understand the rules around the use of fire. Along with required fire permits, you must also notify your local fire authority and neighbours of your intent to burn 24 hours in advance.

Know the risks for your area, have a bush fire survival plan and discuss what you and your family will do if threatened by fire. For more information, visit the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP