Media Response Newcastle

15/09/2026

14/09/2026

The fire danger rating for tomorrow is High in the Greater Hunter which affects the council areas of: Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter

This means:

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.

14/09/2026

Yesterday was Abernethy's HR near the Dam, a really well put together HR.

While we were tasked with working on this HR we only captured some interesting spots while fulfilling other roles required for this HR with some interesting 4wding.

But just like the Neath HR we had on Sunday, such a smooth operation.

Keep in mind this Weekend coming is Get Ready Weekend, Brigades will have their doors open to give you a look at what they do.

Check the link below to see what brigades are doing what and where you can check out and view some trucks or even ask questions.

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news.../get-ready-weekend-2026

Get prepared now at https://www.myfireplan.com.au/

13/09/2026

It was good to get out and be in the field today but it was an interesting day and a great and well put HR that burnt really well.

Keep in mind this Saturday coming is Get Ready Weekend, Brigades will have their doors open to give you a look at what they do.

Check the link below to see what brigades are doing what and where you can check out and view some trucks or even ask questions.

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/get-ready-weekend-2026

Get prepared now at https://www.myfireplan.com.au/

13/09/2026

🚒 Firefighters in the Lower Hunter Valley are taking advantage of favourable conditions to conduct hazard reduction burn in Neath today.

Residents in the area and motorists on Cessnock Rd and Duffies Dr may see and smell smoke.

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

📸 Newcastle media response - Neath South HR

06/09/2026

05/09/2026

CALGA

FIRE IS NOW 100% CONTAINED.

UPDATE 4.40PM: Firefighters have gained the upper hand and fire has now been downgraded to Advice level.

UPDATE - FIRE UPGRADED TO WATCH AND ACT - https://www.facebook.com/nswccincidentalerts/posts/pfbid0DRrT7Hn7xVGgaGQC9oYNQoeEHce91foN2AEBgbniLQ6cH7AHyGraDauLA3QwB3Wpl

INITIAL REPORT:
A grass fire has been reported in the vicinity of Bandaroo Road at Calga.

NSW Rural Fire Service are on scene. The fire has spread into the bush towards Jones Road.

Further updates to follow.

UPDATE: Crews are positioning themselves to protect the veterinary practice and surrounding buildings as firefighting efforts continue.

FURTHER UPDATE: Fire has spotted onto the median on Peats Ridge Road. Peats Ridge Road may be closed to allow safe firefighting activities. Please use alternative route.

FURTHER UPDATE 1.30pm: Aerial appliance now on scene assisting firefighting activities.

UPDATE 2.15PM: Crews, along with aerial appliances, continue to work on the north/western side of Peats Ridge Road. Road to remain closed until further notice. Two more aerial appliances requested.

UPDATE 2.30PM:

The fire has grown to approximately three hectares and is moving in a south-easterly direction towards the Pacific Motorway.

The Pacific Motorway remains open at this stage, however smoke from the fire may affect visibility. Motorists should slow down, drive to the conditions and take extra care through the area.

Firefighters are working to contain the fire and slow its spread, with waterbombing aircraft assisting crews on the ground.

If you are in the affected area, fire may threaten your property. Complete your final preparations now.

• Fill buckets, sinks and bathtubs with water to help extinguish spot fires.
• Block downpipes and fill gutters with water where possible. Do not climb onto your roof.
• Move outdoor furniture, doormats and other combustible items away from your home.
• Have any firefighting equipment ready for use.
• Wear sturdy footwear and protective clothing made from natural fibres that covers exposed skin. Keep plenty of drinking water available.
• If you and your property are not prepared, leaving early is the safest option.

04/09/2026

A hazard reduction burn is planned to be undertaken at 2 Lookout Road New Lambton Heights (Newcastle City Council LGA) on Monday 7th September 2026, between the times of 0900-1600

If you live nearby, please consider doing the following:
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering buildings.
- Outdoor items such as outdoor furniture, trampolines, playground equipment etc should be either taken inside or covered. Where this is not practical, items should be hosed down regularly to prevent ember damage.
- Retract plastic or synthetic pool covers to prevent ember damage
- Remove washing from clothes lines.
- Ensure any outdoor pets have a sheltered area.
- If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities. If smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice.
- If you are driving a vehicle, slow down, keep windows up and turn headlights on.

Never fly drones or Remote Piloted Aircraft near bush fires or hazard reductions, where other aircraft may be operating. Penalties apply.

For more information check the Hazards Near Me NSW App or visit
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me

04/09/2026

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

Hazard reduction burns are taking place across NSW this week where favourable conditions allow, to reduce bush fire risk and help protect communities ahead of the next fire season. Today, RFS crews are assisting the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service with the Blaxland Ridge East Stage 2 hazard reduction burn in the Hawkesbury region of the Wollemi National Park.

Smoke from this burn may be visible locally and in areas of western Sydney this afternoon, settling overnight in to tomorrow morning before clearing through the day.

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