Relbia Volunteer Fire Brigade

14/06/2026

🚨 A reminder that the new AusAlert test is set to go off on compatible devices at approximately 11am Monday 15th of June. 🚨

AusAlert is Australia's new national emergency warning system, which uses cell-broadcast technology to send targeted, siren-blaring alerts to compatible mobile devices during disasters or major security threats.

AusAlert is a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices.

It will be ready to use in October 2026, but before it launches, we need to test the system in communities across Australia, and Launceston, Tasmania has been chosen as a test location.

Around 11am on Monday 15 June 2026 if you are in or around Launceston, your mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and smart watches, may receive a test alert.

The AusAlert test in your area is a Priority Alert. It will vibrate and include a loud siren-like sound that lasts about 10 seconds. If receiving the test could disrupt you or cause you or someone you know to feel unsafe, visit the AusAlert website at ausalert.gov.au to find out how to turn a Priority Alert off on your device.

As this is just a test, you don’t need to do anything, but in an actual disaster you should follow the alert instructions to keep yourself and others safe.

To learn what an AusAlert sounds like, visit ausalert.gov.au

16/05/2026

Motorists are asked to take care when travelling on Blessington Road, St Leonards, in the states north.

There have been reports of reduced visibility in this area due to smoke from a registered burn.

04/05/2026

A gentle reminder this time of year as people burn off…

PLEASE 🙏 REGISTER YOUR BURN! Register online via the myServiceTas portal or by calling 1800 000 699

This prevents unnecessary brigade call outs 🔥 🚒🚒 🚒

01/05/2026

Relbia Community Notice:

Saturday 2/5 early morning, conditions dependent we will be assisting a property owner with a registered burn off at the start of Relbia Road near Youngtown.

Don’t be alarmed if you see fire trucks in the area. It is also likely to emit a bit of smoke.

🔥 🚒 🌳 💨

11/04/2026

It’s cooling down!!! Brrr 🥶 🧊 ❄️ ⛄️ 🔥

Now is a good time to make things safe this winter...

FIRSTLY PLEASE TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARM AND CHANGE THE BATTERY 🪫 ‼️

During the colder months we see an increase in the use of heating appliances, gas and electric. If you bring a portable heater into a room be sure that it is well away from things that can burn, like clothing, bedding and curtains and always turn it off when you get into bed or leave the house.

If you’re drying clothes in front of a heater of any kind, always keep them at least a metre from the heater.

Top home fire safety tips
* Book a licensed gas-fitter to check your gas heater

* Check chimneys, flues and fire boxes for cracks, rust and debris. Get the chimney professionally swept regularly.

* Check electric blankets for kinks in the wiring

* Clean the lint filter in your dryer (and continue to do this after every use)

* Check appliances for visibly frayed or damaged wiring

FIREPLACES:
It is very important to clean your chimney and flue once a year to remove creosote build-up. Creosote is a black tar-like, highly flammable substance that can clog up your chimney and increase the risk of fire.

Before you light a fire at home:
🔦 Use a torch to inspect your chimney for creosote build-up or blockages.
💥 Use a fire screen in front of open fires to prevent sparks from escaping.
🔥 Keep wood and other combustibles at least 1 metre away from the fireplace.

Avoid dangerous fuels:
🪵 Only burn dry, seasoned wood.
❌ Never burn green (unseasoned) wood or treated timber, as these produce more creosote.

When you're done:
💧 Always extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving your home.

*sourced from CFA Victoria

08/04/2026

Please note the fire permit period has ended.

However if you can do is a favour and register your burn still, it will save unnecessary call outs for our volunteers.

With many vineyards around the Relbia area please also talk to your neighbours about their picking schedule so you don’t risk smoke tainting their fruit 🍇

31/03/2026

We are very excited to announce that we will be getting a new fire truck for Relbia in the coming months! 🚒 🔥 🔋

Due to ongoing fuel supply issues, the decision has been made to fast track the roll out of the new fully Electric 4:1 appliance.

With ours coming to near replacement age, we are set to receive one of the first new trucks.

**April Fools!**

30/03/2026

03/03/2026

Please note it is still a fire permit period. If you have a permit, a condition of your permit is usually to also ensure you register the burn.

$$ FINES MAY APPLY FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER OR OBTAIN A PERMIT

The Fire Permit Period is for all of Tasmania – this means Fire Permits will be required across the state until the end of the 2025-26 bushfire season 🔥📃

If you have a property and you wish to conduct a burn (larger than 1 cubic metre in size) on your property, you will need to apply for a free Fire Permit by submitting an application online at fire.tas.gov.au or calling the Tasmania Fire Service on 1800 000 699

📲 During a Fire Permit Period:
📑 People intending to light a fire for burning vegetation or for a similar purpose must obtain a permit.
📑 People intending to light a fire at a sawmill or factory for burning wood waste or other flammable material must obtain a permit.
📑 People intending to light a fire for cooking, warmth or disposal of garden waste do not require a permit provided that:
❌ The fire is not lit in peat, humus or marram grass.
❌ The fire is attended by a responsible adult at all times until it is extinguished.
❌ All flammable material is removed for at least three metres radius from the fire.
❌ It is less than one cubic metre in size.

22/02/2026

Thankyou to everyone who attended our annual Relbia Community BBQ. A good night had by the roughly 60 people who attended.

We even managed a real life demonstration getting called to a job at the start of the night!

Also a big thankyou to the following sponsors for their donations

Broad Arrow Wines
Bundaleera Vineyard
George Razay
JBS Longford
Mike Chapman
Nutrien Youngtown
Pitt Stop Takeaway
Sen Vineyard