Barney Downs Rural Fire Brigade - RFS

30/08/2026

Barney Downs #7 had a busy Sunday afternoon, firstly paged to a fire on Mt Lindesay Road which continues to burn today with further resources being sent in before being redeployed to Bolivia Hall to assist Sandy Flat and numerous other brigades fight a fast moving grass fire with numerous assets under threat.

30/08/2026

31/07/2026

Bush Fire Danger Period Starts Tomorrow

The Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) commences tomorrow, 1st August 2026 for the Tenterfield, Inverell and Glen Innes Severn LGAs.

✅ Make a Bush Fire Survival Plan
✅ Prepare your property now
✅ A Fire Permit is required during the BFDP
✅ Notify your neighbours and the Fire Control Centre at least 24 hours before lighting up

Don't wait until it's too late. Get prepared now and help keep our community safe this fire season.

For more information visit: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP

24/07/2026

BUSH FIRE DANGER PERIOD commences 1 August 2026

The Bush Fire Danger Period will commence across the Northern Tablelands District from Saturday, 1 August 2026 to 31 March 2027.

From this date, landholders planning to undertake burning activities will need to obtain a Fire Permit before lighting up. Fire Permits are free and can be obtained through a local Fire Permit Officer, by contacting the Northern Tablelands Fire Control Centre, or applying online using the link below:

Once landholders have been issued their Fire Permit, they MUST also notify the NSW RFS and all adjoining neighbours at least 24 hours before the fire is lit.
Landholders can advise the NSW RFS of their intention to burn by submitting a Burn Notification:
• Online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify; or
• By calling the Northern Tablelands Fire Control Centre on (02) 6739 6900

To obtain a permit online, click here
https://nswrfsprod.service-now.com/guardian_csp

04/05/2026

A proud day for the brigade, with Captain Glen Curry the recipient of the Commissioner's Commendation for Service as part of the 2026 St Florian's Day awards.

The awards are held each year to recognise acts of bravery and outstanding service within the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Glen is someone that goes about his volunteering with the RFS quietly and not in search of recognition, but equally, is someone that goes above and beyond as a volunteer firefighter in tireless dedication to helping the community in what is often times of need and hardship.

A very well deserved moment of recognition, congratulations Captain!

ZC.

14/04/2026

On Sunday 12th April, Barney Downs 7 responded to a grass fire at Boorook, East of Tenterfield.

Assisted by Homestead 7, Steinbrook 7, Helitak air support and neighbouring landholders, crews were met with a fast moving fire in largely inaccessible terrain pushed by strong winds.

Crews worked through the afternoon and night, as well as the next day to contain this fire.

Barney Downs 7 was redeployed from this fire to reports of another grassfire on Black Swamp Road mid afternoon.

Alongside Barney Downs 9, Group 8, Sandy Flat 7, Sunnyside 7 & 1, Steinbrook 6, Liston 1, Northern Tablelands Support 1 & 9, Glen Innes 7, Inverell 7, Tenterfield Fire and Rescue 457, NSW Police and Ambulance, crews again faced a fast moving fire in trying wind conditions placing a number of properties under threat.

With the help of local landholders, in particular Bruce Lyons and Mark Brown, crews were able to bring this fire under control with no known loss of property.

With the current dry conditions, Sunday’s fires are a timely reminder to have your fire plan ready, be fire safe and take extra precautions not to increase the risk to you or your neighbours.

05/04/2026

Barney Downs #7 & #9 along with NSW Fire & Rescue (Tenterfield #457), NSW Ambulance & NSW Police responded to a single vehicle MVA approximately 18km east from Tenterfield last night. The driver had luck on their side and following initial treatment on scene, the driver was taken to Tenterfield Hospital by NSW ambulance with fire crews making the scene safe and assisting with the recovery of the vehicle so the highway could be opened to traffic. Drive safely today and return home safely.

04/04/2026

Barney Downs #7 responded to Gunyah Road last night to assist Sunnyside #7, Homestead #7, Sandy Flat #7, Steinbrook #7 and #6 and Group #8 to contain a grass fire with crews on scene until 1am this morning. Crews have returned today to patrol. Happy Easter !!