Ministerial media releases

The start of a new era for local NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) firefighters was marked today as the first sod was turned on the new Menai Station.

• 141128 Work commences on new Menai Rural Fire Station.pdf (141.7 KB)

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), will make interim changes to the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Entitlement as it considers submissions received as part of its review of the scheme.

• Review of 10 50 vegetation clearing entitlement.pdf (109.7 KB)

Tough new penalties will empower the New South Wales Police Force and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) to bring those who deliberately and recklessly disrespect Total Fire Ban warnings before the courts after NSW Parliament passed the Rural Fires Amendment Bill 2014.

• 141023 Cracking down on recklessness during Total Fire Bans.pdf (125.7 KB)

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres has joined Blue Mountains MP Roza Sage to mark the one year anniversary of the devastating bush fires which tore through the Blue Mountains and surrounding communities.

• 141017 Blue Mountains rises from the ashes one year on.pdf (128.1 KB)

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres has paid tribute to NSW emergency service volunteers who have lost their lives while protecting others.

• 141012 Tribute to Emergency Service volunteers.pdf (152.7 KB)

Firefighting Air-Cranes 'Ichabod' and 'Gypsy Lady' have returned to Sydney in preparation for the 2014/15 bush fire season.

• Ichabod Crane rides into Sydney for fire season.pdf (240.5 KB)

Police and Emergency Services Minister Stuart Ayres and NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons are urging residents in bushfire prone areas to prepare themselves and their homes for the threat of bushfire.

• Preparation vital for challenging bushfire season.pdf (97.7 KB)

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres has encouraged the community to visit their local volunteer brigade this weekend as part of the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Open Day this Saturday 13 September.

• 140911 Support volunteer firefighters on NSW RFS Open Day.pdf (157.1 KB)

From tomorrow, residents in designated areas will be able to protect their homes from bushfires, with new laws introduced that make it easier to clear trees and vegetation from around their homes.

• New laws and increased fines ahead of bushfire season.pdf (166.4 KB)

Employers are a vital part of the volunteer firefighting effort in NSW and today Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres awarded 12 businesses with Special Commendation for their outstanding support.

• Hidden support behind RFS volunteers honoured (158.2 KB)