Valley Heights Rural Fire Brigade

18/09/2026

🔥 BUSHFIRE PREPAREDNESS – COME AND CHAT WITH YOUR LOCAL RFS 🔥

Valley Heights RFS would like to warmly welcome all local residents to our station tomorrow, Saturday 19th September, for a conversation about preparing for the upcoming bushfire season.

With the season expected to bring hot and dry conditions, now is the perfect time to make sure you, your home, your family and your pets are prepared should a bushfire occur.

Our firefighters will be on hand to answer your questions, provide practical advice and talk with you about steps you can take to prepare your property and your family.

🏡 How can you prepare your home?
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What should your bushfire plan look like?
🐶 How will you keep your pets safe?
🔥 What should you do if a bushfire threatens your area?

We are especially encouraging all residents who are new to the Blue Mountains to come along. Bushfire preparedness is an important part of living in our community, and our firefighters are more than happy to have a chat and help you understand how you can best prepare.

Come down, meet your local firefighters, ask questions and make a start on getting prepared.

Valley Heights RFS looks forward to welcoming you tomorrow! 🚒🔥

📍 Valley Heights RFS Station
📅 Saturday 19th September

05/09/2026

04/09/2026

On Saturday 29th August 2026 Valley Heights RFB and composite members participated in the 2026 Navshield. Team Alpha: Andrew Galea, Brett Cahill, Gabe Wasson, Team Bravo: Warwick Dougherty, Hayley Stone, Damien Lombardi-bainaves, Team Charlie: Bert Clarke Hugh Paterson.
(Navshield (Australian Emergency Services Wilderness Navigation Shield) is an annual wilderness navigation event delivered by NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue (BSAR). Using only map and compass, teams navigate rugged bush terrain to locate checkpoints, building teamwork, endurance and practical land search capability in a realistic field environment.)
This year’s event was held in the Belanglo State Forrest. With over 200 teams Team Alpha came in 10th overall and 2nd in RFS Division. Team Bravo came in 30th and Team Charlie 74th. This was great result for the whole team. All members are now looking forward to next year’s events.
If you would like to become part of this event and become a Bush Fire fighter come and join the Valley Heights RFB. Contact: [email protected]

19/08/2026

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-19/bushfire-risk-australia-ahead-of-el-nino-warning/107049892

Fears have been growing around what Australia's spring and summer will look like after the weather bureau declared an El Niño in June, which has the potential to become the strongest on record.

24/07/2026

The FDR Sign (Fire Danger Rating) describe the potential level of danger should a bush fire start. They do not indicate the chance of a fire occurring, although this is a common misconception.
The FDR Sign is important because bush fires can be extremely dangerous, and people need to be forewarned so that they can take action to protect themselves and their community. The sign allows the local community as well passing motorists to know what the current level of threat is.
This sign was able to be purchased and erected outside the Valley Heights Brigade station as a result of a Federal Government Grant by our local member Susan Templeton.
Valley Heights is always looking for new members and if you would like to find out more about the NSW Rural Service email [email protected]

23/06/2026

The Brigade was recently presented with a small gift from Bunnings (Valley Heights) as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation the Service does for the community on the Thank You Responders Day.

23/06/2026

Training continues even through the winter months, getting new members prepared to the Bush Fire Season. Running drills for “Small Fires” and “Property Protection” forms a small part of our Brigade training calendar. It is important that skill levels are maintained.
The Brigade is always looking for new members. For further information on how to join the RFS contact: [email protected]

04/06/2026

Valley Heights Rural Fire Brigade held their Annual General Meeting on the 2 June. Over 35 members were in attendance together, Rob Vinzenz, District Manager Blue Mountains RFS, Group Captain Anthony Black and East Sector Group Captain Greg Corrigan, Deputy Group Captain Col Brown and Deputy Captain Greg Martin. Election for the 2026-2027 officer bearers was than conducted. The results of the key positions were: Captain: Bob Pascoe, Senior Deputy Captain: Warwick Dougherty, President: David McPherson, Treasure: David Clarke, Secretary: Caroline Pyszko.
A number of Long Service Medals were presented as well as course certificates.
The NSW Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation was present to 13 Brigade members for their contribution and service to the 2022-2023 NSW Flood emergency response. During those two years, the state faced compounding catastrophic floods that set new records for rainfall in river catchment and flood levels across many regions.

02/06/2026

On Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st the Safe Working on Roofs course was conducted at Valley Heights Rural Fire Station. The Safe Working on Roofs (SWR) course is specifically designed for brigade members engaged in storm damage operations. Safe Working on Roofs (SWR) is a RFS course that provides learners with the competency to use safety systems for emergency repairs on roofs after storms and fires. There were seven Blue Mountains RFS Brigade members who participated in the course and all passed. A special thanks to the Trainers and Assessors Ben, Jason, Hugh and Luke.

26/03/2026

Valley Heights RFS is honoured to attend another great Community event hosted by Bunnings Valley Heights.