Media Response Newcastle

15/12/2025

These images were taken today at a grass fire in Tomago.

This is a side of firefighting you rarely see in the news or newspapers—not because it isn’t important, but because once the flames are out, it’s no longer considered “newsworthy.” That’s not a criticism of news crews at all; they do an incredible job. This is simply a look at the aftermath and the work that continues long after the fire front has passed.

What you’re seeing here is known as mopping up and blacking out. This is where crews systematically work through the fireground, identifying and extinguishing remaining hotspots. No log is left unturned, ensuring that anything still hot is made cold—making the area safe and reducing the risk of re-ignition.

We’re also sharing this to help reinforce a message recently raised by the NSW Premier about joining the NSW Rural Fire Service.

The NSWRFS offers a wide range of roles. Firefighting is just one of them. If being on the fireground isn’t for you, there are many support options available, including communications, support, and catering. These roles are vital to operations and still place you in a position where you’re directly contributing—often right alongside active incidents.

While I’m no longer active as a frontline firefighter, I continue to serve in a support role. I’ve just returned this morning from a deployment to Quirindi, around two and a half hours from home, assisting with communications for helicopters working the large Milsons Gully Fire currently burning in the area.

There truly is a place for everyone in the NSWRFS. It’s about finding the role that suits you and how you want to contribute.

If you’re interested in joining, there’s a link below with more information. And if you have questions, need guidance, or want help finding your nearest brigade, feel free to reach out—we’re more than happy to point you in the right direction.

Join the NSWRFS -
⁦https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs⁩

12/12/2025

09/12/2025

Here is our vision (videos) from the Koolewong Fire.
I need to make warning some of these videos might be distressing to see, just like they were distressing to see in person but part of what we do.

I will add, this was the start of a long two days.

NSW Rural Fire ServiceFlashover - Australian FirefightingFire and Rescue NSW

09/12/2025

In recent days, we've recieved reports of unauthorised drones flying in the vicinity of the Pacific Highway Fire, which is burning to the south of Buladelah.

Remember, you must not fly a drone during firefighting operations. Flying drones near fires is a major safety concern to firefighters and aircraft, which can result in heavy fines or penalties for the drone pilot. If you fly your drone, we can’t fly our aircraft.

Know the rules: casa.gov.au/rpafire

08/12/2025

These are the vision (photos) from the Redhead Fire.

This fire was local to us, as we showed in the Go Pro footage we posted yesterday morning.

This fire was intense and the strong winds were fanning it hard to the point an emergency warning was issued quickly.

Due to the situation that morning, a lot of the time we were standing way back from the fire to the point we ended pulling out until it calmed down a bit. Safety is the main priority for us. Knowing what it can turn in to and how one thing can change, knowing when run and move away even if there isn’t a exact direct threat but situational awareness of where it might go to make that decision.

The fire crews that morning did an amazing job, Just like myself, there was crews on this fire from the Central Coast that turned up at 2am in the morning directly after being on the Koolewong Fire (all day), doing what they could to assist the local crews with Lower Hunter Crews being called in as well as extra FRNSW crews who some of were also on that same fire.

A well prepared home is more likely to survive a Bush-fire. Prepare around your home to reduce your risk.
To find out more, check the RFS website:
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and.../firedanger-ratings or www.myfireplan.com.au

Flashover - Australian Firefighting

08/12/2025

Here is our vision (photos) from the Koolewong Fire.

I need to make warning some of these photos might be distressing to see, just like they were distressing to see in person but part of what we do.

NSW Rural Fire ServiceFlashover - Australian FirefightingFire and Rescue NSW

08/12/2025

Just to give you an idea of what we do as just like NBN News and other journalists. We all have training and uniforms we have to wear on the fireground.

While our team is trained as firefighters already, we also still have to follow the media side as we are acting as Media and not in the seat of a firefighter but for us it does give us a bit more knowledge and a bit more situational awareness to whats around us.

Thanks NBN News for sharing this, A great way to show people the outside of what we all do to cover bushfires.

NBN Television

07/12/2025

This is real footage from the GoPro mounted on our helmet.
It’s 3am. The wind is roaring. The heat is extreme. And embers are being thrown through the air like sparks from a grinder—but these embers can travel more than 100 metres ahead of the main fire. This is what’s known as an ember attack, and it’s one of the leading causes of homes being lost during bush fires.

Many people think the flames are the biggest threat, but often it’s the embers you never see coming that start spot fires around homes, in gutters, and across roads.

We’re sharing this now because this could be the start of a very challenging fire season. So ask yourself — how prepared are you?

Things you can do right now:

🔸 Clean leaves and debris from your gutters
🔸 Remove items around the yard that could fuel a fire
🔸 Maintain vegetation and create space around your home
🔸 Know your exit route and your plan before a fire starts
🔸 Have your Bush Fire Survival Plan ready

No one can guarantee safety, but a well-prepared home is more likely to survive a bush fire and reduce the risk from ember attack.

Take the time to get ready. The more you prepare, the safer you and your family will be.

Create your plan or learn more:
👉 ⁦www.rfs.nsw.gov.au⁩
👉 ⁦www.myfireplan.com.au⁩

06/12/2025

Update: 3:27pm - With easing conditions across the fire ground, firefighters supported by aircraft are continuing to strengthen containment lines. Those in the vicinity should continue to monitor conditions.
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Update: 9:28am - The southerly change has now reached the fire and we are seeing an increase of fire activity. Those in the vicinity should continue to monitor conditions and stay up to date with the latest information.
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Watch and Act: Collier St, Redhead. (Lake Macquarie LGA)
A bush fire continues to burn north of Redhead on the western side of Redhead Rd.

A southerly change is moving up the coast, currently passing through Sydney, and is expected to reach the fireground in around one hour. This change will push the fire north towards Dudley, Whitebridge and Gateshead

People in these areas should monitor conditions closely and know what they will do if the fire threatens.

For the latest information, visit the Hazards Near Me app and the website: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/major-fire-updates/mfu?id=12501

06/12/2025

Update: 3:27pm - With easing conditions across the fire ground, firefighters supported by aircraft are continuing to strengthen containment lines. Those in the vicinity should continue to monitor conditions.
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Emergency Warning: ‘Collier St, Redhead’ Fire – Too late to leave – Whiddon Nursing Home and south to Collier Street as well as Bently Street, Shortland Street and Beresford Close

There is a bush fire in the Redhead Road area burning in a south easterly direction.

If you are in the area of Whiddon Nursing Home and south to Collier Street as well as Bently Street, Shortland Street and Beresford Close, you are in danger. Seek shelter now, or as the fire approaches. It is too late to leave.

For more information, visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/major-fire-updates/mfu?id=12501