NSW RFS - Shoalhaven

04/12/2025

HIGH FIRE DANGER

Elevated bush fire danger conditions continue to affect the Shoalhaven.

What does this mean?

Our bush and grassland areas have dried out considerably and on warm, windy days fires typically spread quickly and put more people as risk.

What can you do?

Follow directions from the RFS and do not undertake illegal pile burns. If you have conducted a pile burn in the last month, re-check the area to ensure that it's fully extinguished and there is no heat left in it.

Heat Wave 'Watch and Act'

NSW Ambulance has issued a Heat Wave Warning for the South Coast. Check the details here: https://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/in-the-community/warnings/south-coast-heatwave-warning


Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District
ABC Illawarra
South Coast Register
WIN News Illawarra
94.9 Power FM
Chance and Bec Brekkie Show - Triple U FM
Radio 2ST
NSW Ambulance

02/12/2025

ELEVATED FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS CONTINUE

The fire danger rating in the Shoalhaven remains at HIGH. With the exception of Wednesday (where conditions are on the cusp of Moderate and High) we anticipate elevated fire danger conditions through to Sunday.

INTENSE HEAT BUILD UP

Temperatures are forecast to rise from Thursday, with some areas set to experience up to 37 degrees on Friday and 40 degrees on Saturday.

Temperature alone does not elevate bush and grass fire conditions, wind and humidity are also key drivers.

PREPARE NOW

The community is encouraged to prepare for the risk of bush fires. We live in a bush fire prone area and as we have experienced in the past few weeks, the landscape continues to dry out after a period of below average rainfall and higher than average winds. You can visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for information on how to prepare your family and your home.


Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District
ABC Illawarra
South Coast Register
WIN News Illawarra
94.9 Power FM
Chance and Bec Brekkie Show - Triple U FM
Radio 2ST

30/11/2025

LEMON TREE CREEK FIRE | BEING CONTROLLED

RFS and Forest NSW firefighters responded to reports of a bushfire at 230pm this afternoon. Upon arrival crews found a fire burning under gusty westerly winds into difficult to access terrain. An RFS helicopter was dispatched to support operations and heavy plant from Forest NSW has moved into the fireground to improve access to the fire edge.

At its height this afternoon, 30 fire trucks were committed to the incident as a southerly wind change moved across the area and firefighters faced flame heights of up to 5m across multiple fire edges.

Thanks to the weight of response crews are now gaining the upper hand and sound containment strategies are being implemented.

There is no immediate risk to people or property in the area, however with HIGH fire danger conditions forecast tomorrow and very high temperatures later in the week, people in the area should continue to monitor the situation.


Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District
ABC Illawarra
South Coast Register
WIN News Illawarra
94.9 Power FM
Chance and Bec Brekkie Show - Triple U FM
Radio 2ST

Advice: Lemon Treek Creek Rd Fire, Termeil (Shoalhaven LGA) - Monitor Conditions: Those in the vicinity of Termeil

A bush fire is burning in the vicinity of Lemon Tree Creek Rd, Termeil, 8km north of Bawley Point. The fire is currently being impacted by erradic localised winds, with smoke likely visible from the Princes Hwy. Those in the vicinity of Termeil should Monitor Conditions.

For the latest information, visit the Hazards Near Me app and the website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fnm

29/11/2025

SHOALHAVEN CREW DEPLOYS TO DUBBO

Firefighters from several Shoalhaven brigades have formed a crew and deployed on short notice to Dubbo as locals work hard to contain the 1300ha Garlings Trail fire in Elong Elong.

As part of an Area Command Strike Team, our firefighters will work alongside local and out of area multi agency crews to bring the fire under control.

We wish them safe travels and are most appreciative of their commitment and professionalism.

Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Register
ABC Illawarra
WIN News Illawarra
Radio 2ST
Chance and Bec Brekkie Show - Triple U FM
94.9 Power FM

29/11/2025

OPERATION SILENT ASH

Our multi-agency engagement and fire risk reduction operation continues. Marine Rescue NSW crews undertook proactive operations on St. Georges Basin during the week and NSW Rural Fire Service Marine crews will be on the waters of the Shoalhaven across the weekend.

ONE EMBER CAN END IT.

Marine Rescue Shoalhaven
Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District

27/11/2025

HIGH FIRE DANGER TODAY

Elevated fire conditions are anticipated for the next 4 days. As we head into summer the days are likely to get warmer and vegetation drier.

Reporting fires early is key.

Call triple zero ‘000’ and provide the location and description of what’s happening.

PREPARE YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR HOME

Visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for fact sheets and guidance on preparing for bush and grass fires.

Shoalhaven City Council

27/11/2025

FIRE PERMITS SUSPENDED UNTIL TUESDAY DECEMBER 2

The Shoalhaven is forecast to continue experiencing HIGH fire danger conditions for another 4 consecutive days.

As a result of the forecast all fire permits issued by the RFS have been suspended in the Shoalhaven. If you have a permit and you conduct any burning activities during this time, you may face being fined by an RFS legal process officer.

Windy and dry conditions continue to create a real fire risk across our landscape. It's incumbent upon all of us to be cautious with the use of fire.

ONE EMBER CAN END IT

Embers from a fire can spread quickly and quite a distance, putting communities well away from the main fire at risk. Unfortunately we still experience careless fire ignitions, often by accident, but some through carelessness.


Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District
South Coast Register
ABC Illawarra
WIN News Illawarra
Radio 2ST
94.9 Power FM
Chance and Bec Brekkie Show - Triple U FM

26/11/2025

HIGH FIRE DANGER CONTINUES

Consistent HIGH fire danger days + minimal rain through November has increased the fire risk throughout the Shoalhaven.

The accumulative effect of these day-to-day conditions means that fires are likely to take hold quicker, have faster rates of spread and drier fuels are more prone to dropping embers well ahead of the main fire.

The time in which to respond and contain fires is critical - like we saw during the TOTAL FIRE BAN yesterday (Wednesday). Your diligence and vigilance is important. Don’t conduct pile burns on days of HIGH fire danger or where the ensuring days after a proposed burn will be HIGH.

Visit the RFS website to see the forecast fire danger ratings for up to 3 days ahead.

Together lets reduce the risk of fires in the Shoalhaven.

Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District

26/11/2025

A CLOSE CALL

Firefighters reacted quickly to locate and extinguish a fire west of Ulladulla this afternoon.

Whilst in attendance at an incident involving downed powerlines, firefighters spotted a column of dark smoke several kilometres to their south. Quickly taking a bearing from their position, additional RFS tankers were dispatched and crews arrived on scene to find a vehicle and surrounding grass well alight. Just metres from the bush with winds gusting over 50 kph the fire was able to be contained and its spread limited.

Under EXTREME fire conditions this fire would likely have spread quickly and become uncontrollable had fire crews not spotted the fire in its early stages.

HIGH FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS CONTINUE

Whilst there is no TOTAL FIRE BAN in force tomorrow (November 27) the fire danger is HIGH and conditions are forecast to remain warm and gusty. Permits remain suspended and you should call triple zero ASAP if you see smoke or fire.


Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District
ABC Illawarra
South Coast Register
WIN News Illawarra
94.9 Power FM
Chance and Bec Brekkie Show - Triple U FM
Radio 2ST
NSW RFS - Milton Brigade
Bawley Point RFS
Lake Tabourie RFS
NSW RFS - Conjola Brigade

25/11/2025

TOTAL FIRE BAN

A TOTAL FIRE BAN is now inforce across the Shoalhaven. No fires in the open are permitted and you must not undertake works which could start a fire, such as weilding and grinding in the open.

Know the rules: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans/total-fire-ban-rules

Under EXTREME fire danger conditions fires will likely spread quickly and be very difficult to control. They will put lives and property at risk.

🔥 Check previous pile burn sites from within the last few weeks - the risk of re-ignition is high

🚒 Call triple zero if you see smoke or fire - a timely response is essential

⚠️ Have a plan and know to do if a bush or grass fire starts near you

⚠️ Download the ‘HAZARDS NEAR ME’ app, set a watch zone and enable notifications - stay up to date on new fires and warnings

Together let’s use care and caution.

Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District
ABC Illawarra
South Coast Register
WIN News Illawarra
94.9 Power FM
Chance and Bec Brekkie Show - Triple U FM
Radio 2ST

25/11/2025

*****REVISED FIRE WEATHER FORECAST***** WEDNESDAY

The BoM has updated our fire weather forecast - EXTREME fire danger conditions are now forecast for tomorrow (Wednesday November 26) with deteriorating conditions from mid-morning.

Isolated rainfall over the weekend has been of benefit, however given the gusty, warm and dry conditions bush and grass fires will likely be difficult to contain.

We anticipate elevated fire danger conditions through to Friday, with the possibility of it extending into the weekend.

PERMITS SUSPENDED

Permits will be suspended from tonight through to Friday - we will review the need for an extended suspension once the weather forecast firms up.

PREPARE NOW

As we saw during the recent Larmer Ave. fire, you need to be PREPARED and ready to act as road closures and warnings may be dynamic. Discuss your plans as a family and know what you will do if a bush for grass fire starts near you.

Report all fires to triple zero '000' and provide your location and a description of the fire and any threats.


Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District
ABC Illawarra
South Coast Register
WIN News Illawarra
94.9 Power FM
Chance and Bec Brekkie Show - Triple U FM
Radio 2ST

24/11/2025

You might just surprise yourself.

Bring your passion and your skills, we'll provide the training and mentoring. But be careful.... you might just surprise yourself.

Show your love for the Shoalhaven. Join your local RFS brigade.

ENQUIRE HERE:
https://form.jotform.com/Shoalhaven_NSWRFS/rfs-shoalhaven-new-member-enquiry


Shoalhaven City Council
South Coast Police District
ABC Illawarra
South Coast Register
WIN News Illawarra
94.9 Power FM
Chance and Bec Brekkie Show - Triple U FM
Radio 2ST