NSW RFS - Lower Hunter Communications Brigade

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.

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 experiences landholders should reciew 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

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

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.
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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

20/09/2026

🔥Fire Danger Rating Tomorrow is Extreme with a Total Fire Ban in place for Lower Hunter.

🟠Take action now to protect life and property.

-These are dangerous fire conditions

-Check your bush fire plan and ensure your property is fire ready

-If a fire starts, take immediate action. If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before fire impacts.

-Reconsider travel through bush fire risk areas.

☎️ A reminder to please only 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.for.nsw.gov.au/fnm

18/09/2026

It’s Get Ready Weekend! Today and tomorrow, brigades right across Lower Hunter will be holding events and providing advice on how you can get ready for this year’s fire season.

We can answer all your questions about preparing your property, creating your Bush Fire Survival Plan and much more. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone come along, have a chat and get prepared.

To find your nearest Get Ready Weekend event, visit the website: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/get-ready-weekend-2026

18/09/2026

Today crews from Lower Hunter, supported by Fire and Rescue NSW, conducted a hazard reduction burn at Black Hill.

Firefighters have now completed burning operations, although smoke and burning logs may remain present for the next couple of days.

Crews will continue to patrol and monitor the area across the weekend ensuring it remains safe.

15/09/2026

11/09/2026

🔥Hazard Reduction - Neath South HR Cessnock LGA🔥

Firefighters will be taking advantage of favourable conditions to conduct a Hazard Reduction Burn on Sunday 13 September 2026.

Residents in the area may see or 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 to activate your health plan if required.

A reminder to please 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

06/09/2026

💙 Happy Father’s Day 💙

Today we’d like to wish all the amazing dads, grandfathers, stepdads and father figures in our brigade and across our community a very Happy Father’s Day! 👨‍🚒❤️

To our incredible RFS dads who volunteer their time to protect and support our community often spending weekends, nights and special occasions away from their families thank you for everything you do. And to the families who support our volunteers, thank you too. ❤️