NSW RFS - Shoalhaven

30/05/2026

AFAC News released the Bushfire Seasonal Outlook for Winter.

Yesterday, AFAC News released the Bushfire Seasonal Outlook for Winter. NSW has experienced a warmer and drier autumn than usual, with less rainfall than normal.

While parts of the state received some rainfall in mid to late May, it has not been enough to significantly improve the long-term rainfall deficits or ongoing dry conditions. As a result, many areas remain unusually dry, with some parts of northern NSW already experiencing drought conditions.

Looking ahead, forecasts suggest winter is also likely to be drier than average, particularly later in the season, with warmer daytime temperatures expected across much of the state. These conditions, especially across northern, central and eastern NSW, are increasing the risk of bushfires this winter, including fires that may be more difficult to control.

For more information, visit: www.afac.com.au/public-resources/seasonal-bushfire-outlook-winter-2026

29/05/2026

Words into actions

It’s Reconciliation Week and this years theme is ‘All In’.

Our team is proud to actively work alongside colleagues from Wreck Bay Community Council, Jerrinja LALC, Ulladulla LALC and Nowra LALC in protecting the values and integrity of Country.

The work we do intersects each organisation, and we often find ourselves together in the study of fire ecology, planning hazard management strategies, maintaining fire trail networks on Country and responding to incidents.

Sharing knowledge so we can respect Country during fire emergencies and gaining insights into our oldest living culture enriches our lives and fills us with pride.

We’re ‘All In’. We’re proud allies and we’re committed to connecting, respecting and learning.

NSW Rural Fire Service

28/05/2026

Congratulations to Kangaroo Valley Senior Deputy Dave Alexander

24/05/2026

RFS LEADERS - DEVELOPMENT FORUM.

Over the weekend 50 Brigade Captains and leaders came together to discuss and workshop new initiatives, updated procedures and gain insights into emergency management functions that support us as a combat agency.

RFS Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stewart joined us to provide a Statewide overview and left us with thoughts around authentic leadership.

Another exciting and impactful year is on the horizon and our teams are in the best of hands with well equipped, knowledgeable and motivated leaders guiding them.

You can be a part of our proud and committed team too. DM us for details!

18/05/2026

This week is National Volunteer Week, an opportunity to recognise and thank the nearly 1600 volunteer members of the right here in the Shoalhaven.

They work on the frontline, behind the scenes and in so many other was to support our community.

The 2026 theme, ‘Your Year To Volunteer’, celebrates the contributions of volunteers while encouraging people across Australia to get involved in a way that works for them.

We’re thankful for the contribution our members make, the skills they bring when needed most and the care they give to others.

📷 Kangaroo Valley Rural Fire Brigade

fans
Shoalhaven City Council
ABC Illawarra
94.9 Power FM
South Coast Register
Radio 2ST
WIN News Illawarra
South Coast Police District

09/05/2026

NPWS HAZARD REDUCTION | Firefighters from NPWS, assisted by RFS crews will implement the Medlyn Avenue hazard reduction burn today.

Operations are planned to commence mid-morning and continue throughout the day. The site will be patrolled as required over the coming days.

Smoke from the burn will likely push towards the Bay and Basin due to SW winds; before pushing more northerly as winds tend south.

fans
Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District
NSW RFS Sussex Inlet Brigade
Cudmirrah Berrara Rural Fire Brigade
NSW RFS - Wandandian

08/05/2026

NPWS HAZARD REDUCTION ADVICE | Pending ongoing suitable conditions, hazard reductions will be carried out in Vincentia, Hyams Beach and Sussex Inlet over the weekend.

SATURDAY MAY 9

Three areas will be treated by NPWS firefighters, Woden St., Berry St. and Troubridge Dr. in Vincentia and the area behind Aster St. in Hyams Beach.

SUNDAY MAY 10

NPWS assisted by RFS firefighters will implement a hazard reduction burn on Medlyn Ave. in Sussex Inlet.

These important works will significantly reduce the bush fire risk to these communities. Works are scheduled to get underway mid-morning each day. You can expect to see smoke from these burns over several days, however they’ll be patrolled as required. Please only call ‘000’ if you see fire in non-hazard reduction areas.

fans
Shoalhaven City Council
ABC Illawarra
94.9 Power FM
South Coast Register
Radio 2ST
WIN News Illawarra
South Coast Police District
NSW RFS - Vincentia Brigade
Huskisson Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade
NSW RFS Sussex Inlet Brigade
Vincentia Matters
Sussex Inlet Public School

04/05/2026

To all firefighters across all agencies, may St. Florian guide you and protect you as you serve to protect our communities.

May 4th is St. Florian's day, recognised across the world as the patron saint of firefighters, and a day on which we recognise the outstanding service and bravery of our teams across the RFS.

As bushfire prone LGA, we are externally thankful for the commitment and skills of our firefighters.

03/05/2026

Fires and Floods

It’s ok, this is about preparedness. The smoke in the air is the result of over 10 multi-agency hazard reductions being implemented across the Shoalhaven over the course of the past 7-days.

Firefighters and land managers are taking every opportunity afforded to them after 5-years of wet autumns where we could not complete planned works.

It’s still a race against time. Just a few mm of rain will push our program back weeks, as shorter cooler days are not conducive to drying out fuels. If the ground fuels contain too much moisture, we can’t do hazard reductions.

But why the mention of floods?

In amongst their commitment to planning, implementing and patrolling hazard reduction burns, our RFS members still find the time to up-skill and this weekend it’s been about floods!

Several of our senior field commanders and firefighters have spent countless hours training RFS fire boat skippers from around the state as they transfer their sills to become flood boat operators. This additional capability ensures that emergency services can support primary combat agencies with the necessary surge capacity when needed.

A big shout out and thanks to our partner agencies for their hard work and collaboration across these important community safety initiatives.

📷 Kangaroo Valley RFB working with NPWS
📷 Flood boat operators honing their skills

Shoalhaven City Council
fans
ABC Illawarra
Radio 2ST
94.9 Power FM
South Coast Register
South Coast Police District
WIN News Illawarra

03/05/2026

HAZARD REDUCTION ADVICE | NPWS have commenced the Basin View HR, which is located west of the Basin View village in the Corramy Regional Park.

The operation is underway and will be patrolled as required.

For advice on preparing your home and managing your health when hazard reductions are conducted nearby, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/hazard-reductions or HAZARDS NEAR ME APP to download https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app

NSW Rural Fire Service Basin View Brigade
Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Register
South Coast Police District