Barney Downs Rural Fire Brigade - RFS

05/10/2026

03/10/2026

20/09/2026

Another weekend, another callout with Barney Downs #7 and Sunnyside #7 responding to a fire east of Tenterfield in difficult timbered terrain. A helicopter working on a fire to the north of Tenterfield was re-tasked to provide better intel and further fighting capabilities. All three appliances were then re-tasked to Mount Mackenzie with Barney Downs #9 also responding to join Sunnyside #1, Homestead #7, Sandy Flat #7 and Group #8 & #11 to extinguish a fire before it was lost into bushland. Please remember that permits are not being issued due to the poor seasonal conditions and the number of fires that are having to be dealt with.

07/09/2026

Members of the Barney Downs RFS Brigade were pleased to join members of other local brigades last Friday evening as the NSW Rural Fire Service acknowledged and celebrated more than 1,000 years of combined service within the Tenterfield Shire.

Chief Superintendent Elizabeth (Liz) Ferris AFSM JP represented the RFS Commissioner, with District Manager Inspector Scott Keelan officiating at the presentation. Tenterfield Shire Council was represented by Mayor Bronwyn Petrie and Acting General Manager Matthew Francisco.

Barney Downs Brigade members recognised for more than 10 years of service, collectively contributed an impressive 130 years to the total of more than 1,000 years of service recognised on the evening.

The Barney Downs Brigade congratulates all members who were recognised for their dedication and commitment to the NSW Rural Fire Service and to protecting and supporting our local communities.

A wonderful achievement and a testament to the commitment of our volunteers.

07/09/2026

FIRE PERMITS SUSPENDED – MONDAY 7th September until MONDAY 14th September
due to the forecast High Fire Danger, all fire permits in Inverell & Tentrerfield LGA's are suspended from midnight today until Midnight Monday morning.
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.
Failure in complying with this suspension WILL result in heavy fines.

06/09/2026

Another busy Sunday for RFS Brigades. Barney Downs #7 along with Sandy Flat #1 and #7, Sunnyside # 7, group # 8 Homestead #7,QLD rural Fire Service and Fire & Rescue attended a fire on Brushabers Road before being re-tasked to Tabulam where Barney Downs #9 had already responded to an Emergency situation with assets lost and under threat. A large turnout of brigades including Frazers Cutting #7 and #9, Tabulam #1 and #7, Woodenbong #1 and #9, northern rivers group 6, 3 x helitak appliances plus other brigades and land holders got the situation under control. There are numerous other fires burning across the shire stretching brigade resources with assistance now being requested from further afield. Please be mindful of the current weather.

06/09/2026

Update: 5pm: The fire burning near Paddys Flat Road and Bruxner Road has slowed, with firefighters gaining the upper hand.
The fire has burnt just over 80 hectares and is currently being controlled.
Firefighters will use tonight’s cooler conditions to identify containment lines and continue work to bring the fire under control.
Weather conditions over the coming days are expected to be more favourable, with moderate fire danger forecast.

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Update: 3:55pm: Fire activity has reduced. Alert level reduced. People in the Bruxner Rd and Paddys Flat Rd should continue to monitor conditions.
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Emergency Warning: Bruxner Hwy Fire, Tabulam (Tenterfield LGA) - Seek Shelter Now: Those in the Bruxner Rd and Paddy's Flats Rd area

An emergency warning is in place for the Bruxner Rd and Paddy's Flat Rd area, west of Tabulam due to a bush fire. The fire is spreading in an easterly direction towards the Clarence River and Clarence River Rd.

If you are in the area of Bruxner Rd and Paddy's Flat Rd, you are at risk. Seek shelter now or as the fire approaches. It is too late to leave.

For more information, visit the Hazards Near Me app or the website: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/major-fire-updates/mfu?id=12771

03/09/2026

FIRE PERMITS SUSPENDED – THURSDAY 3rd September until MONDAY 7th September
due to the forecast High Fire Danger, all fire permits in Inverell, Tentrerfield and Glen Innes LGA's are suspended from midnight today until Midnight Monday morning.
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.
Failure in complying with this suspension WILL result in heavy fines.

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.