Latest news and updates

A spate of fires in homes over the past week and another forecast cold snap over coming days has prompted Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) to warn NSW residents to take every precaution to avoid a fire in the home... Read more about Chilling spate of winter home fires.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters are reminding residents to be careful when it comes to electrical fire safety and home heating in the lead-up to this weekend’s forecast cold snap... Read more about Firies urge caution as winter chill sets in.

NSW Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott and Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins have officially recognised the courage and commitment of firefighters and members of the public who risked their lives to help others during major emergencies in NSW and overseas... Read more about Firefighters honoured.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have been busy responding to a total of 2,855 storm-related tasks over the last 36 hours across the Central Coast, Hunter and Sydney as the severe weather continues to impact eastern NSW... Read more about Firefighters continue storm response.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews across Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Newcastle areas have responded to nearly 1000 storm-related jobs since late yesterday afternoon in one of the busiest nights in the organisation’s history... Read more about Busy night for Fire & Rescue NSW firefighters.

The latest batch of firefighters have today been welcomed into the ranks of Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) by Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott and Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins.Nearly 40 men and women today graduated to full-time firefighters at a special ceremony at the FRNSW State Training College at Alexandria.Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott congratulated the new firefighters as they joined one of the world’s most trusted professions.“These graduates have a unique and rewarding road ahead of them,” Mr Elliott said.“The advanced training they have received has prepared them well for a career which spans firefighting, road accident rescue, high-angle rescue, community risk management, fire science and hazardous materials response.”Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said the new recruits will join fire crews across greater Sydney.“I wish the graduating class well in what is an important, but sometimes dangerous, career and I thank them for choosing a profession dedicated to protecting lives, property and the environment of NSW,” Mr Mullins said.“I know that this unique graduating class will uphold the high standards of integrity, courage and professionalism expected of a FRNSW firefighter, and it is a pleasure to welcome these firefighters to the fulltime ranks.”The following graduates will be taking up positions at fire stations in the Sydney greater metropolitan area:.. Read more about New recruits join firefighting ranks.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is gearing up for its 2015 permanent firefighter recruitment campaign with a particular emphasis on attracting more women to the ranks.The 2015 permanent firefighter recruitment campaign will get underway during May with thousands of would-be firefighters expected to apply.FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said now was the time for firefighter hopefuls to get themselves prepared for what he described as "the best job ever"."We are particularly keen to reach out to fit and healthy women, most of whom have probably never thought of becoming a firefighter. There are hundreds of women who have taken this step over the last 30 years, and so we’re encouraging more to step forward and apply," he said."Being a firefighter is an immensely rewarding career. No two days are ever the same."If you want to make a difference by helping people, and want an interesting, incredibly rewarding career, then why not think about becoming a firefighter?"With only a few weeks until applications open, now is the time to get yourself physically and mentally ready for the recruitment process."Candidates will have to complete an online application and undergo a series of tests, including physical and psychological testing. There will also be special information sessions held across Sydney... Read more about Commissioner: We need more women as Firefighters.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Greg Mullins and NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Assistant Commissioner Steve Yorke today urged families across the state to change the batteries in their smoke alarms when they change their clocks back at the end of Daylight Saving on Sunday, 5 April... Read more about NSW residents urged to change smoke alarm batteries.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is undertaking a hazard reduction operation at Kilaben Bay today (Friday, March 27).From 9.30am, eight FRNSW crews will carry out a 6.52ha hazard reduction at Lakeview Rd, Kilaben Bay.FRNSW Newcastle Zone Commander, Superintendant Brett Davies, said FRNSW was taking advantage of the weather conditions and carrying out the burn not only to reduce fuel loads in the reserve to protect properties, but to encourage native vegetation to regenerate.“This hazard reduction will play a vital role in helping to reduce the intensity of bushfires in the area,” Superintendent Davies said.“Residents in these areas should not be alarmed and should only call Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency.”Residents in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes• Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns• Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage• Remove washing from clotheslines• Ensure pets have a protected area• Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on• Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety• If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice.• Smoke may be visible for up to 24hrs after the burn.. Read more about Hazard reduction at Kilaben Bay.

An Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Taskforce of 54 emergency services personnel led by Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) will head to Vanuatu today to assist with the disaster relief efforts following the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Pam... Read more about Fire & Rescue NSW deploys taskforce to Vanuatu.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) fire officer Andre Van Hoeck’s long and dedicated service as a firefighter has been recognised in today’s Australia Day Honours. A firefighter for 35 years – working as a retained, or on-call, firefighter with FRNSW and Captain of Bellingen Fire Station, Captain Van Hoeck has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)... Read more about Local fire captain named in Australia Day Honours.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Station Officer Clayton Allison has spent the past 33 years providing fire and emergency protection to the people of NSW and today he was named in the Australia Day Honours, receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)... Read more about Australia Day medal for NSW fire officer.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Station Officer Phillip Etienne has spent the past 25 years providing fire and emergency protection to the people of NSW and today he was named in the Australia Day Honours, receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM)... Read more about Australia Day medal for NSW fire investigator.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters from Tamworth are gearing up for a busy country music festival with up to 50,000 visitors in town... Read more about Firefighters welcome country music festival goers.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres has today announced an additional 40 firefighters to strengthen Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW)... Read more about Fire & Rescue NSW stronger than ever.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres, Member for Kiama Gareth Ward and Fire & Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Jim Hamilton today celebrated the completion of the new $2.5 million Albion Park Fire Station... Read more about Major upgrade for Albion Park Fire Station.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW), in conjunction with the Department of Defence, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Willoughby City Council and the NSW Rural Fire Service, will carry out three hazard reduction operations in Sydney’s north, including Middle Head, today <12 November>.More than 20 FRNSW firefighters will conduct the 2.3ha hazard reduction at Chowder Bay Rd, Middle Head, and nearly 20 more FRNSW firefighters will undertake the 1.2ha operation at the Castlecrag Northern Escarpment, Edinburgh Rd, Castlecrag.FRNSW and NSW RFS firefighters also plan to undertake a 0.8ha hazard reduction at Woolrych Reserve, Davidson, this evening from 7pm.There will be a lot of smoke due to the high fuel loads in these areas. Smoke from the Chowder Bay operation will be visible from the city and around Sydney Harbour.Residents in these areas should not be alarmed and should only call Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency.Residents in the area are advised to take the following precautions:• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes• Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns• Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage• Remove washing from clotheslines• Ensure pets have a protected area• Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on• Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety• If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice... Read more about Hazard reductions in northern Sydney.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW), in conjunction with Ku-ring-gai Council, will undertake a hazard reduction operation today at Grevillea Ave, St Ives.The hazard reduction burn will cover 5.2ha and involve up to 20 firefighters. Ignition is expected to start at 10 am and the burn is expected to take a number of hours.There will be a lot of smoke due to the high volume of fuel. Residents in these areas should not be alarmed and should only call Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency.Residents in the area are advised to take the following precautions:• Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering homes• Keep outdoor furniture under cover to prevent ember burns• Retract pool covers to prevent ember damage• Remove washing from clotheslines• Ensure pets have a protected area• Vehicles must slow down, keep windows up, turn headlights on• Sightseers must keep away from burns for their own safety• If you have asthma or a lung condition, reduce outdoor activities if smoke levels are high and if shortness of breath or coughing develops, take your reliever medicine or seek medical advice... Read more about Hazard reduction at Dingley Dell, St Ives.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) firefighters plan to undertake a major hazard reduction in the Lane Cove Valley at Lady Game Drive, West Chatswood, on Wednesday, 29 October... Read more about Major hazard reduction in Lane Cove Valley .

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW), in conjunction with the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), will undertake hazard reduction operations at Camp Breakaway off Highview Ave, San Remo, on Wednesday, 29 October, pending favourable conditions... Read more about Hazard reduction at Camp Breakaway at San Remo.

Since 2pm today, Fire & Rescue NSW has processed several hundred call for assistance. Firefighters have responded to more than 70 wind-related incidents across Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the majority of which have been trees or wires down. Numerous calls were referred to the NSW State Emergency Service... Read more about FRNSW response to strong winds across Sydney/Blue Mountains.

Last night’s unprecedented extreme weather across Sydney and the Illawarra has seen Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) experience one of its busiest nights in history... Read more about Sydney storms - busy night for firefighters.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW), in conjunction with local councils and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), will undertake several hazard reduction operations across Sydney this week pending favourable conditions.Starting today [8 October] at South Turramurra, there will be seven hazard reductions throughout the week at Sutherland, Wollstonecraft, Castlecrag, Belrose, Manly Vale and Allambie Heights.FRNSW Bushfire Team Leader, Inspector Steven Moran, said overnight rain would not affect today's hazard reduction at South Turramurra and firefighters would continue to conduct burns this week in preparation for the bushfire season."FRNSW is working with the relevant local governments, the NSW Rural Fire Service and other agencies to ensure these hazard reduction burns are completed in a fast, safe and efficient manner," he said."These hazard reductions are a priority due to the high fuel load in the area making it a bushfire risk."Specific details on hazard reductions are as follows:.. Read more about Hazard reductions across Sydney area this week.

After a long selection process and a gruelling 13-week course, 19 recruit firefighters have been officially welcomed into the ranks of Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW)... Read more about New recruits join firefighting ranks.

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) will undertake a 6ha hazard reduction operation in Blaxland Rd, Macquarie Hills today.Authorities are conducting the burn in preparation for the bushfire season... Read more about Hazard reduction at Macquarie Hills.

The date is set, the pitch is booked and the Fire & Rescue NSW Rugby Union Club is limbering up for what promises to be a cracker of a tournament against the NSW Police in the inaugural 9/11 Memorial Cup on Thursday 11 September... Read more about Cops v Firies in inaugural 9/11 Memorial Cup - rugby.

The community spirit of residents from bushfire-prone suburbs was recognised at the 20th anniversary celebrations of Fire & Rescue NSW’s Community Fire Unit program at Penrith’s Museum of Fire today (31/08/2014)... Read more about Community Fire Units Celebrate 20th Anniversary.

After a long selection process and a gruelling 13 week course, 24 recruit firefighters have been officially welcomed into the ranks of Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW)... Read more about New Recruits Join Firefighting Ranks.

The funeral service for Firefighter Daniel Howard, who was killed in the line of duty in Cobar on 17 August, will be held at 2pm today... Read more about Firefighter Daniel Howard condolence book.

Fire & Rescue NSW is today mourning the death of one of their own, after a firefighter from Cobar died, and another was injured while fighting a fire at the Occidental Hotel this morning... Read more about Death of Fire & Rescue NSW Officer.