Matcham Holgate Rural Fire Service

16/05/2026

Congratulations to Sharna for successfully completing her RFS Firefighter training & assessment at the Kariong Fire Control Centre today. As our latest Firefighter to join the Brigade, we look forward to her active participation going forward.

Matcham Holgate Rural Fire Service Brigade has been serving our community since 1958. If you are interested in joining RFS and becoming a volunteer, we would love to hear from you.

You can visit us at 15 Wattle Tree Road on any Thursday from 7 pm – it is typically our training night so come in and meet the team, or message us on Facebook, call us on 4367 7563, or email [email protected]

06/05/2026

As we move into the colder months, fire agencies often see an increase in house fires as residents use their fireplaces and heaters to stay warm. With temperatures dropping and possible snow forecast across parts of the state in the coming days, it’s important you know how to stay safe.

Remember, you won’t smell smoke while you’re asleep, so make sure your bleeping smoke alarms are working. A working smoke alarm can save your life and give you and your family valuable time to escape a burning home.

04/05/2026

27/04/2026

Matcham Holgate Rural Fire Service crew out today assisting with Hazard Reduction (HR) at Barnsley. HRs are an important part of community Bushfire risk mitigation when suitable weather allows.
Contact us if you’d like to know more or get involved.

22/04/2026

It is the Hazard Reduction (HR) season, and RFS is busy conducting several large burns across the state as weather permits. Matcham Holgate Brigade supported a number of these activities, including the Wards Hill Rd HR last week, during which the brigade conducted evening patrols.

A list and map of planned hazard reduction burns are available on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/HR. You can be alerted to burns taking place by setting a Watch Zone in the Hazards Near Me app on your phone.

22/04/2026

Congratulations to Jai and Taylor on finishing their RFS Firefighter training and assessment over the weekend and earning their qualification as our newest Firefighters. We look forward to their active involvement in brigade activities.

Matcham Holgate Brigade has been serving our community since 1958. If you are interested in joining RFS and becoming a volunteer, we would love to hear from you.

You can visit us at 15 Wattle Tree Road on any Thursday from 7 pm – it is typically our training night, come in and meet the team, or message us on Facebook, call us on 4367 7563, or email [email protected]

15/04/2026

You may see and smell smoke from hazard reduction work being undertaken across the Central Coast over coming days. Smoke is likely to accumulate near burn sites and settle overnight in parts.
NSW Rural Fire Service - Central Coast District & NPWS will continue to use current favourable conditions to implement this important work to protect communities.
Please only call Triple Zero (000) if you see an unattended fire, not just if you smell smoke.
A list and map of planned hazard reduction burns is available on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/HR and the you can be alerted to burns taking place by setting a Watch Zone in the Hazards Near Me app.

02/04/2026

Pile Burn Ready to go?...
Before lighting a Pile Burn outside of Bushfire Danger Period:
1. Check your pile complies with Central Coast Council Open Pile Burn Policy - also see pile guide attached (note pile size requirements) - https://cdn.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/.../openpileburningpo...
2. Notify RFS 24hrs prior - online at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify
3. Notify neighbours 24hrs prior - in person, phone, message or note (Social Media post alone is not recognised as a notification).
4. Check conditions are safe on the day
5. Ensure you have sufficient access to water to extinguish if needed
6. Don't forget the marshmallows...
Contact Matcham Holgate Rural Fire Service if you have any queries or concerns.

14/12/2025

Oh my goodness, Christmas is nearly here...
Santa's coming with the Brigade to see all the well behaved children on Sunday 21st... Not long now to practice being very good...
Check the map for approximate times on when we'll be near you.