NSW RFS Lower Hunter

11/10/2026

🔥 TOTAL FIRE BAN - Fire Danger Rating 12 October 2026: HIGH 🔥

❌ Permits are suspended in the Cessnock, Dungog, Maitland and Port Stephens LGA’s

🟡 There’s a heightened fire risk. If a fire starts, it could be harder to control, so make sure you’re prepared.

🟡Decide what you will do before a fire starts

🟡 The safest option is to avoid bush fire risk areas.

✅ Review your Bush Fire Survival Plan

📱 Download the Hazards Near Me app and set a watch zone:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app

Stay alert, stay safe, and know what you’ll do if a fire starts near you.

01/10/2026

01/10/2026

🔥The Bush Fire Danger Period starts today 🔥

From 1 October, the Bush Fire Danger Period is in place across the Lower Hunter, which means you’ll need a fire permit if you’re planning to burn off.

📋 Fire permits are free and easy to obtain through the NSW RFS. Before lighting up, make sure you understand the rules and have everything in place to safely manage your burn.

🔥If you’re burning off:
• Get your fire permit
• Notify the NSW RFS at least 24 hours before burning
• Check the weather and conditions
• Make sure you have the equipment and people needed to control the fire
• Never leave a fire unattended

🚒 Now is also the time to review your Bush Fire Survival Plan.
✅ Prepare. Act. Survive.
👉 Visit myfireplan.com.au

☎️ See an unattended or out-of-control fire? Call 000.

For the latest information affecting our local community, keep an eye on the NSW RFS and Fires Near Me app.

28/09/2026

🔥 The Bush Fire Danger Period is set to start on 1st October in the Cessnock, Maitland, Dungog and Port Stephens LGA’s.

📋 A fire permit will be required when it starts. These are free and easy to obtain. Go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and apply. It is important you know the rules.

🔥 Notifications are still required minimum 24hrs to NSW RFS prior to burning

🚒 Practice safe burning every time. Even experienced landholders should review safe burning practice, check the weather and be prepared to control the fire at all times.

✅ Live Bush Fire Ready.
Prepare, Act , Survive
www.myfireplan.com.au

☎️ Report all unattended fires to Triple Zero (000) and stay up to date by visiting www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fnm or checking the Fires Near Me NSW app

24/09/2026

Update: Back burning operations have been completed and crews will continue to patrol the fire over the coming days to make sure that it stays with in containment lines.

Advice: Masonite Rd, Tomago

Firefighters are on scene of a bush fire burning in the vicinity of Masonite Road, Tomago. The fire is burning in a southeastern direction towards Masonite Rd. If you are in the vicinity of Cabbage Tree Rd and Masonite Rd you should monitor conditions.

Masonite Road has been closed while back burning operations take place.

Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.

For more information, visit the Hazards Near Me app and website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fnm

21/09/2026

🔥 Tomago Road is closed near Westrac Drive due to a grass fire. Avoid the area. Emergency services are attending to the blaze.

Use the Pacific Highway, Richardson Road and Nelson Bay Road instead. This will add about 15 minutes travel time, and is suitable for all vehicles.

For the latest info on this incident see Live Traffic NSW: https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/288671, or check comments below - we'll keep you updated when the situation changes

21/09/2026

Residents of Tomago please be advised.

Updated: 3:27pm - Firefighters have gained the upper hand on the fire. The fire has now been downgraded to Advice. Those in the vicinity should continue to monitor conditions.
____________________

Watch & Act: Westrac Dr Fire, Tomago (Port Stephen LGA) – Prepare Now: Tomago Rd and Masonite Rd

Firefighters are on scene of a grass fire burning in the vicinity of Westrac Dr, Tomago. The fire is burning in a northeastern direction towards Masonite Rd. If you are in the vicinity of Tomago Rd and Masonite Rd you should prepare now.

Check and follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation changes. Leaving early is your safest option.

For more information, visit the Hazards Near Me app and website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fnm

21/09/2026

🚁 Residents of Dungog - Advice

For those living in Dungog please be advised that we currently have fuel tankers and helicopters working out of the Dungog showground.

For the safety of our emergency service personnel and the community please do not enter or travel into the area unless you absolutely need to do so.

20/09/2026

🚒 🔥 - Newline Rd Raymond Terrace

Be advised crews are on scene at a current running fire along Newline Road Raymond Terrace.

Be aware Newline road is currently closed whilst crews work to contain the fire.

Residents are advised to keep up to date via the Hazards Near Me app or www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fnm

📷 Photo courtesy of Raymond Terrace brigade.

20/09/2026

🔥 Abundance Rd Fire Update


Crews, aircraft and heavy plant have worked hard in hot conditions today. Crews will continue to work and patrol tonight.

Residents will continue to see and smell smoke and those with asthma or other respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area, stay indoors with your windows closed and activate your health plan if required.

With the predicted temperatures and winds tomorrow crews and aircraft will continue to black out and work on the fireground.

A reminder to please call triple zero (000) if you can see an unattended fire. For more information visit the Hazards Near Me app or the RFS website www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fnm