General news

In February 2014, bush fires affected many parts of Victoria.

The NSW RFS has become one of the first agencies to be using a new social media technology, just launched in Australia - Twitter Alerts.

In mid-October 2013, a number of large and destructive fires affected communities including the Blue Mountains, Port Stephens, Central Coast, Hawkesbury and Southern Highlands.

The NSW RFS Annual Report 2012/13 is now available for download.

Around 1700 delegates from across the world attended the AFAC and Bushfire CRC Conference in Melbourne in September 2013.

Over two weeks in some of the State's hottest ever weather a fire burned in Yarrabin through grasslands, grazing lands and the heavily forested Kybeyan Range.

The Cobbler Road fire, which started under Extreme conditions, burnt quickly, travelling 35 kilometres and covering 14,000 hectares within six hours. It caused significant damage to farming country including extensive livestock losses.

In mid-January 2013 a bush fire swept through the Warrumbungles National Park to the west of Coonabarabran, threatening Australian's largest optical observatory and destroying neighbouring farm land and properties.

National Volunteer Week runs from 13 to 19 May 2013 and is a chance to say "thanks a million" to the volunteers who protect, serve and give time to communities right across the country.

This week is National Youth Week, a celebration of young people in Australia. The NSW Rural Fire Service is a key supporter of youth and recognises the important role young members play in the future of our Service.