Barney Downs Rural Fire Brigade - RFS

Barney Downs Rural Fire Brigade - RFS Barney Downs Rural Fire Brigade is part of the RFS covering Tenterfield & District

A proud day for the brigade, with Captain Glen Curry the recipient of the Commissioner's Commendation for Service as par...
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.

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

Barney Downs #7 & #9 along with NSW Fire & Rescue (Tenterfield #457), NSW Ambulance & NSW Police responded to a singl...
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.

Barney Downs #7 responded to Gunyah Road last night to assist Sunnyside #7, Homestead #7, Sandy Flat #7, Steinbrook ...
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 !!

Last night Barney Downs #9 assisted Group 8, Sandy Flat #7, Steinbrook #9, Pyes Creek #7, Dundee #7 and Torrington ...
03/02/2026

Last night Barney Downs #9 assisted Group 8, Sandy Flat #7, Steinbrook #9, Pyes Creek #7, Dundee #7 and Torrington #9 control a fire at Pyes Creek from Sunday nights lightening. A controlled back burn was undertaken for property protection.

Barney Downs #7 & #9 along with Fire & Rescue Tenterfield #457, Drake #1, Tabulam #1, NSW Police and Ambulance and...
30/01/2026

Barney Downs #7 & #9 along with Fire & Rescue Tenterfield #457, Drake #1, Tabulam #1, NSW Police and Ambulance and Essential Energy responded to a house fire 42km east of Tenterfield in the early hours of this morning, unfortunately there was little crews could do on arrival as the home was fully involved and was going to be a total loss. Crews made sure everyone was accounted for before putting out over 12,000 litres of water to make the scene safe for the owners. The best outcome was no injuries or loss of life.

Barney Downs #7 & #9 along with Sunnyside #1, Steinbrook #6 & #7, Homestead #7, Fire & Rescue Tenterfield #457 (b...
29/01/2026

Barney Downs #7 & #9 along with Sunnyside #1, Steinbrook #6 & #7, Homestead #7, Fire & Rescue Tenterfield #457 (both pumpers), Townes contracting water tanker and local land holders responded to 2 deliberately lit fires today with one taking hold of a substantial body of old love grass. Crews worked well to contain the fires under very windy and warm conditions. Please keep an eye out for suspicious roadside activity, these fires have been reported to Police and Fire investigators.

Barney Downs Rural Fire Brigade was nominated for and received the 2026 Australia Day Award for Local Emergency Services...
27/01/2026

Barney Downs Rural Fire Brigade was nominated for and received the 2026 Australia Day Award for Local Emergency Services Group of the Year.
While we never seek recognition, being acknowledged in this way is a huge boost to brigade morale and something each and every member can be extremely proud of. The brigade prides itself on getting the job done and, most importantly, returning home safely to our loved ones, who hope and pray that our training allows this on every single call-out.
This award came on the back of a hot afternoon and night fighting a fire at Back Creek — a reminder of the dedication, teamwork, and resilience shown by our members whenever duty calls. This fire saw a big rollout of RFS Crews with Barney Downs #7 & #9, Homestead #7, Mingoola #7, Sunnyside #1 & #7, Steinbrook #7 & #6 being assisted by local landowners.
Congratulations to Lisa Dalton on Australia Day citizen of the Year, all other nominees and award winners and the newest Australian citizens.

27/01/2026

FIRE PERMITS SUSPENDED – 28th January 2026
Due to the forecast High Fire Danger, all fire permits in Tenterfield LGA are suspended from midnight tonight for 24 hours.
This measure is being taken to reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading under the heightened fire conditions.
If you currently hold a fire permit, you are unable to light new fires or stoke up existing fires during the suspension period. Please ensure any planned burns or activities requiring a permit are postponed.

15/12/2025

CHRISTMAS FIRE PERMIT SUSPENSION

Please be advised that all fire permits within the Northern Tablelands will be suspended from 0001 hours on 23 December to 2359 hours on 2 January (inclusive) over the Christmas / New Year period.

This suspension is being enacted under Section 91 of the Rural Fires Act 1997 (NSW), which allows the appropriate authority to “cancel or suspend a fire permit at any time by notice given to the permit-holder.”

Normal permit operations will resume from 3 January, subject to prevailing weather and fire danger conditions.

Barney Downs Rural Fire Brigade wish all a happy and safe Christmas.

31/10/2025

Barney Downs Rural Fire Brigade wish to thank and acknowledge the generosity of DTB Fabrications who have donated a custom made tool box to our brigade.
DTB Fabrications are wonderful supporters of the Tenterfield Community at large and we are just one of the many beneficiaries of their community support.

Address

Timbarra Road
Tenterfield, NSW
2372

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