NSW RFS - Clarence Valley District

02/08/2024

RFS crews will be taking advantage of favourable weather conditions over the coming days and undertaking hazard reduction burns in the following locations:

Today, Saturday 3rd August - Halcyon Drive Waterview Heights

Sunday 4th August:
Bettong Drive Coutts Crossing
Clarence Way Whiteman Creek
Dinjerra Road Glenugie

Monday 5th August:
Pinnacles Road The Pinnacles

Smoke will be visible, and will remain in these areas for a number of days after the burns are implemented - we recommend residents keep windows and doors closed and reduce outdoor activities in these area until the smoke dissipates

Landholders who are planning to undertake burning are reminded to provide 24 hours notice to neighbouring properties, and to the NSW RFS https://nswrfsprod.service-now.com/guardian_csp?id=guardian_cat_item&sys_id=9e19819bc361f1d04a9cdc31150131ad

02/08/2024

Thanks to the enthusiastic students from Clarence Valley Anglican School for the interaction and learning over the past few days.
A special thanks to our amazing Volunteer trainers for your ongoing commitment to inspiring these future leaders and hopefully future firefighters.

22/06/2024

Welcome and congratulations to 18 newly qualified fire fighters. These members were put through their paces yesterday by members of our training team and are now qualified to attend call-outs. 7 of the new members have recently joined Nymboida brigade - giving them a much needed boost.
Thanks to our fantastic trainers and caterers 🍔 for your great work.
Thanks to the new recruits for putting your hands up to join the RFS and serve our communities.
To start your own journey and join the RFS - click the link below. There’s a role for everyone.
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs

19/06/2024

Sugar cane burning season is now underway across northern NSW, generally running from July to November each year, with burns often occurring in the early morning or late evening.

These controlled burns are undertaken by farmers before they harvest the cane, making it easier to process by removing the leaves and any excess organic material.

Sugar cane fires can produce large smoke columns and burn extremely hot, so if you're traveling near these fires it's important you don't stop or get too close.

The M1 Motorway between the Tweed Shire and Clarence Valley stretches through sugar cane country, so if you are traveling through the area, please only call Triple Zero (000) if you see an unattended fire.

📷 NSW Rural Fire Service Far North Coast Team
💬 NSW Rural Fire Service

15/06/2024

Well done to all of the participants who have given up their weekend to learn the skills required to be qualified to operate chainsaws.
Thanks to our amazing Trainers and Caterers 🍔 - without your selfless Volunteering, none of this essential training is possible. 👏
Special thanks to The Grafton Hillclimb for the use of their facilities to assist our members with this essential training.

11/06/2024

This is a great initiative - click here to register https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Eusx0fxDdEKp0plVcn_jr1qLH0b3vFxOkSV1v-3-m0lUMkJQRDhYNFg2R1lLODc2UU1KVTBVRjkwQS4u&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2KcGlFJE50w6vbMnG5kDF0G-uCUBZLlCfCZuDKznHMyFDaYkkhHLsfDBg_aem_AVWf33ege94MoravpWd8wedBKjHFZ81mXJiAitdNODM3Rhg6Nc9-POrEtTTekMA2mVYbSw5E24QTVotKbjMBhDF2

Volunteer Emergency service for Floods, Storms and Tsunami

09/06/2024

Congratulations on some well earned recognition for the Clarence Valleys very own Wal Murray. Those of us who have worked alongside Wal have nothing but admiration for his work ethic and knowledge. Wal is one of the Clarence Valleys finest gentlemen. Well done Wal 👏

Congratulations to the eight RFS members receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the 2024 King's Birthday Honour list. The AFSM was instituted in 1988 and recognises those who have rendered distinguished service as a member of the Australian fire service.

Join us in congratulating our eight members on their exceptional service to the NSW Rural Fire Service and their community:
- Firefighter Lorraine Bruce – Mid Coast
- Group Captain Peter Johnstone – Canobolas
- Group Captain (retired) Clifford Last – Coffs Coast
- Senior Deputy Captain Walter Murray – Clarence Valley
- Captain Charles Schusser – Shoalhaven
- Group Captain Richard Scilley – Namoi/Gwydir
- Captain Fiona Stalgis – Blue Mountains
- Firefighter Suzanne Talbert – The Hills

To read more about the recipients, visit the website: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/general-news/eight-rfs-members-honoured-on-kings-birthday

02/06/2024

Well done to all of the participants who have given up their weekend to learn the skills required to be qualified to lead crews at Village incidents (eg structural fires and motor vehicle accidents).
Thanks to our amazing Trainers and Caterers 🍔 - without your selfless Volunteering, none of this essential training is possible. 👏

11/05/2024

Happy Mothers day to all of the amazing mothers in the NSW RFS - Clarence Valley District
Thanks for everything you do ❤️

24/04/2024

On Anzac Day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served and continue to serve our nations. Lest we forget.

18/04/2024

A huge thanks to Serco Asia Pacific for the very generous donation today of a number of items that will assist us to move forward with increasing respiratory protection for our Volunteers. For the past few years - both agencies have built a strong working relationship and we look forward to working with the staff at Clarence Correctional Facility into the future.

12/04/2024

Some nice recognition for our wonderful caterers from the QLD Fire Investigators who have been training in the Clarence Valley over the past week.

10/04/2024

Fantastic MS TEAMS Meeting tonight where over 25 members from the NSW RFS - Clarence Valley District came together to share ideas and lessons learnt with our new Mobile Data Terminals (MDT's).
Thanks to Josh Harris from RFS HQ for facilitating the discussions.

09/04/2024

23/03/2024

A big welcome to this great bunch of newly qualified fire fighters. These members were put through their paces today by members of our training team and are now qualified to attend call-outs.
Thanks to our fantastic trainers and caterers 🍔 for your great work today.
Thanks to the new recruits for putting your hands up to join the RFS and serve our community.
To start your own journey and join the RFS - click the link below. There’s a role for everyone.
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/join-the-nsw-rfs

22/03/2024

Thanks to all members from almost all of our brigades for giving up your time to come and learn about Mobile Data Terminals (MDT’s).
MDT’s are currently being installed in approx 90 of our tankers and command vehicles. MDT’s have various features that we are learning about - such as crew management, emergency activation, incident management, navigation and more.
This will enable crew leaders to send thru updated, real time information on incidents. This info will then flow through more efficiently to the public.
Once again thanks for giving up your time to learn these new skills.
Thanks also to Sandra and Cara for delivering the training.
Thanks to our amazing caterers 🍔 🍰

21/03/2024

19/03/2024

Thanks to Kirra and Michael for your great work over the past few years.
NSW RFS - Wooloweyah Brigade is in a strong position because of your efforts.
Good luck to you both for the next chapter.

Wooloweyah RFS and the entire Clarence Valley RFS community would like to say a huge thank you and good luck to Kirra and Michael as they journey into this next chapter of their lives in Tasmania.

The brigade will miss you both - not only your companionship but also your invaluable contributions to the team.

Kirra has served as Captain of Wooloweyah RFS for the last couple of years and we are all incredibly grateful for her dedication in sharing her experience, knowledge and passion for all things RFS. Kirra has been an incredible leader, consistently encouraging other members to develop their skills and expertise.

Micheal has been president of Wooloweyah RFS for the last year, bringing valuable contributions to the executive team and demonstrating reliability and dedication on the fire ground.

Thank you Kirra and Michael for your commitment, enthusiasm and teamwork. We appreciate you both, the time we got to spend learning and helping our communities alongside you, and wish you the very best for your exciting future ahead.

14/03/2024

14/03/2024

Wesley Mission Maclean Green Room members attended Gulmarrad Rural Fire Brigade Station and were shown the equipment used during fire fighting activities. They all had a turn at using the monitor on a fire truck and a hose, which was very exciting and enjoyed by all.

24/02/2024

Some great skills being learnt today by approx 30 Clarence Valley RFS members. Participants are progressing through the First Aid Application course. Skills learnt on this course will help our dedicated Volunteers to better assist their peers and casualties during incident responses.
A special thanks to trainers Steve, Steely, Peter J & Brian.
Once again - thanks to our wonderful caterers; Lyn, Steph, Venneta and Maureen. These courses aren’t possible without your great work 🍔 🌭

14/02/2024

Fire agencies and land managers are developing a new Bush Fire Risk Management
Plan for communities within the Clarence Valley Council area. The Clarence Valley
Bush Fire Management Committee (BFMC) is inviting the community to participate in
this process by having a say on how bush fire risk is managed.

To complete a short, 5 minute survey, scan the QR Code or visit:
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/managing-bush-fire-risk/bush-fire-management-committees/clarence-valley

08/02/2024

01/02/2024

A huge step forward tonight with members from Lawrence Fire Brigade and NSW RFS - Gulmarrad Brigade as well as Mayor Peter Johnstone - Clarence Valley commencing training to become qualified as Breathing Apparatus Operators (BAO). This is the 1st session of many to be rolled out in the coming months as we improve respiratory protection for our fantastic Volunteers.
A big shout out to Aaron and Chris from NSW RFS - Alphadale Brigade for giving up your time to help us build capability in the Clarence Valley.

27/01/2024

A huge thanks for a job well done by our selfless dedicated Volunteers. Members from over 25 brigades from across the Clarence Valley gave up their long weekends and time away from their families to help contain these fires. 🙏

27/01/2024

26/01/2024

Advice - Sandon River Fire, Minnie Water (Clarence Valley LGA). Monitor Conditions - Minnie Water, Diggers Camp, Wooli.

Easing conditions and more easterly influenced winds has reduced the threat to the village of Minnie Water, with this linescan image showing the area of fire activity. If conditions allow this evening, crews will undertake backburning operations in the area of south of Sandon and Minnie Water.

A southerly change is forecast to cross the fireground early tomorrow morning (Saturday 27th) which may then push any fire in a northly direction, so it is important to monitor conditions in case the situation changes and fire threatens.

More information is available at https://brnw.ch/21wGpoz conditions and stay up-to-date with the Hazards Near Me NSW app and at https://brnw.ch/21wGpoy

26/01/2024

26/01/2024

Watch and Act - Sandon River Fire, Minni Water (Clarence Valley LGA). Prepare Now - Minnie Water

Firefighters, assisted by aircraft, are working to contain this fire burning to the north of Wooli, approximtely 55km north of Coffs Harbour. Fire activity has increased to the north of Minnie Water and the fire is moving in a southerly direction under northly winds towards Illaroo Road and Minnie Water Road. The fire continues to burn to the south west of the Minnie Water village between Lake Hiawatha and the coast.

Minnie Water Road is now closed from the intersection of Wooli and Minnie Water Roads.

More information is available at https://brnw.ch/21wGp9z

Monitor conditions and stay up-to-date with the Hazards Near Me NSW app and at https://brnw.ch/21wGp9y

25/01/2024

Advice: Sandon River Fire, Minnie Water (Clarence Valley LGA)
Stay up to date: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/major-fire-updates/mfu?id=12031