NSW RFS - Callala Bay Brigade

24/08/2026

Bush Fire Danger Period commencing 1 September. 📅

The Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) will commence in the Shoalhaven on Tuesday 1 September. From this date, anyone planning to conduct a pile burn or other permitted burn will need to ensure they have the appropriate Fire Permit before lighting.

A permit is only one part of the process. If you're planning a burn, remember:

✅ CHECK - Make sure your proposed burn meets the requirements for a safe and lawful burn. Check your pile, surrounding vegetation, available equipment, and other requirements before applying.

📝 PERMIT - During the Bush Fire Danger Period, obtain the required Fire Permit online here https://nswrfsprod.service-now.com/guardian_csp before lighting your burn

📢 NOTIFY - Once you've identified suitable conditions and intend to proceed, you must provide at least 24 hours' notice before lighting:

Notify the NSW RFS online at https://nswrfsprod.service-now.com/guardian_csp
Notify all adjoining neighbours of your intention to burn.

🔥 BURN SAFELY - Continue to monitor weather and fire conditions right up until you light.

Having a permit does not mean you should proceed if conditions are no longer suitable. These requirements help ensure proposed burns can be appropriately assessed, planned burns are recorded before ignition, neighbours know that smoke or fire may be visible.

There is plenty of information available on the NSW RFS website about Fire Permits, notification requirements, pile burn standards and preparing for a safe burn. Visit rfs.nsw.gov.au for more information.

A little planning before you light goes a long way towards keeping our Shoalhaven communities safe.

14/08/2026

What an exciting morning, Callala Bay had a visit from “Smokey” the bear.
Smokey was in town to visit Callala School & Thank the students & teachers for their time & efforts for their production, which will be performed tonight at “Wakakirri” being held at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
The Wakakirri theme this year is “Guardians of Us”,
the teachers created a Dance Musical piece, representing the work that Callala Bay RFS Brigade does to keep our area safe.

Having seen a part dress rehearsal, I was impressed with the
Insight Into the story & theatrics that accompany the story.

The brigade is so very proud of the students & teachers, & know you will do an awesome job tonight!

Smokey was also seen talking to residents & shop keepers this morning.

01/07/2026

Today marks a significant change for the brigade. For 43 years Sue has helped protect not only the village of Callala Bay, but also many others across the country. 20 of those years has been spent as Captain. Today that helmet is passed onto Pat.
As of today Pat takes over as Captain and Sue steps back to Senior Deputy Captain for a period during transition. Sue will take on the role of Community Engagement Officer and will be a mentor to us all.
Firstly we would like to thank Sue for always having the village and brigade at the forefront. We would also like to welcome Pat into the role of Captain. Please help us support Pat as he takes on this very important role and the huge helmet not shoes to fill.

The brigade Presented Sue with a flame shape Glass Plaque in recognition for her years of service as our Captain.

10/06/2026

We congratulate our Brigade member Gordon Plunkett, who completed this course. Gordon’s gained knowledge is a very big advantage to our brigade.

There is a wide variety of courses available to our members such as Chainsaw operator, Light, Medium & Heavy Ridged Truck Licences. FIrst Aid, Braathing Apparatus Operator, Structural Fire Fighter as well as a Bush Fire fighter & that just a few that are available.

If you are interested in helping your community & joining a great group of people, whether you want to Fight Fires or be a support person.
Please contact the brigade via our page or come down to the station any Sunday morning between 9-10am.

🔥 The NSW RFS Fire Behaviour Analyst (FBAN) Course was recently held in Dubbo at the NSW RFS Training Academy , bringing together participants and trainers from across agencies and interstate for an intensive, hands-on learning experience. 🔥

FBANs play a vital role in supporting Incident Management Teams by analysing weather, fuel, and terrain conditions to predict fire behaviour. Using specialised modelling tools, they test potential fire scenarios and provide clear, time-based advice to planners and Incident Controllers, helping inform critical operational decisions.

Throughout the course, participants strengthened their skills in interpreting fire behaviour models, understanding uncertainty, and communicating complex information through concise briefings and mapping products. A key message reinforced throughout the training was that models are decision-support tools—not answers—and that professional judgement remains essential.

The course also highlighted the value of collaboration and shared learning, with knowledge and experience exchanged across agencies and jurisdictions. Programs like this continue to strengthen capability, build networks, and enhance our collective preparedness across the fire community.

👏 Thank you to all participants, trainers, and support staff who contributed to the success of the course.

NSW Rural Fire Service

10/06/2026

Today was “ Thank a First Responder Morning Tea”, hosted by SCC.
In the Mayors address, she mentioned that these dedicated
People respond at all times day or night,
We wish also Thank all First Responders & our own members of our brigade for their dedication to keeping your community safe.

09/06/2026

THANK YOU

First responders face challenges every day. In rural and regional areas these challenges are often amplified, as community led emergency services members often assist those they know or to whom there is a close connection.

First responders face uncertainty, stress and operational pressure. They often live in the community they serve and are frequently reminded of past events because of this.

Today is a day to wrap our arms around our first responders. To say thank you and to remind them that we have their back.

So ‘Thank you’. Thank you for your professionalism, your empathy and your commitment to our community.



Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District
NSW Rural Fire Service

13/05/2026

What a Great Safety Day we have had with students from Callala Public School.
Members instructed the children on Home Fire Safety for Winter.
We covered things like Home Fire Evacuation, going to a safe place ( as discussed with parents)calling 000, knowing your address & being able to answer other questions that may be asked.
We smoked up our training room to simulate a room full of smoke & to “ Get Down Low & Go, Go, Go"
along with Stop Drop & Roll.
We also talked about getting too close to FirePits & home heaters & the importance of reminding parents about cleaning the lint filter in the clothes dryer & not to leave batteries on charge for long periods.
From the students responses they have had a great day. Thank You to our members who attended & to their employers, who have allowed them the time to assist with this great learning day.