Johns River community celebrates opening of new fire station

by Featured News

Johns River opens new $1.6 million fire station

Modern facility built to support local firefighters

NSWThe New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service has officially opened a new $1.6 million fire station for the Johns River Rural Fire Brigade.

The opening was celebrated on Thursday 9 October 2025 with brigade members, community guests and Rural Fire Service (RFS) Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie in attendance.

The new purpose-built facility replaces the brigade’s previous weathered station, which was no longer suitable for operational needs.

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie described the opening as an important day for both the brigade and the local community.

Peter McKechnie, RFS Deputy Commissioner, said: “The brand-new facility located on the existing site sees two vehicle bays, a dedicated office, multi-purpose meeting and training room as well as accessible amenities.”

“It has been designed with state-of-the-art technology and firefighter health and safety in mind, replacing the existing weathered facility which is no longer fit-for-purpose in the current day and age.”

Jointly funded project supports long-term community protection

According to the RFS, the project was supported through combined funding from the Bush Fire Local Economic Relief Fund (BLERF), the Rural Fire Fighting Fund and local brigade fundraising efforts.

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie said: “The million-dollar plus investment includes brigade fundraising efforts, as well as funding through the Bush Fire Local Economic Relief Fund and the Rural Fire Fighting Fund.”

He noted that the new station provides modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that will support members well into the future.

McKechnie added: “The RFS is dedicated to providing our members with the latest technology and facilities to ensure they are prepared to respond when emergencies arise.”

Appreciation extended to local volunteers and supporters

The Deputy Commissioner also thanked local members, families and employers who continue to support the brigade’s work across the Mid Coast area.

He said: “Our members don’t just attend emergency incidents; they also have a strong focus on preparedness and continually engage with the community about the threat of fires.”

“I take this opportunity to thank all of them, particularly when dealing with emergencies here in the Mid Coast area.”

“We also thank the family, friends, employers and colleagues of all RFS volunteers. We know it takes their ongoing support and patience to assist and enable our volunteers to do what they do to save lives and property.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The opening of the new Johns River Rural Fire Brigade station highlights the ongoing investment in regional emergency infrastructure within New South Wales.

For fire and rescue chiefs, it demonstrates how funding from multiple sources – including government recovery programs and local fundraising – can deliver sustainable facilities for volunteer services.

For training officers and brigade managers, the inclusion of a dedicated training and meeting room supports operational readiness and continuous development.

For equipment specifiers and facility planners, the project provides an example of how modern station design integrates firefighter health, safety and technology upgrades into one site.

Killara Brigade open new $3.1 million fire station

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Killara Rural Fire Brigade members celebrated the official opening of their new fire station, providing a purpose-built base for their emergency operations to protect their community.

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Rob Rogers, The Hon. Greg Donnelly MLC, Government Spokesperson for Davidson, representing the NSW Government, members of other emergency services, and Mayors of Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby joined the members to mark the opening and recognise the Brigade Deputy Captain’s service over five decades.

The ceremony also includes the presentation of Long Service Medal, recognising Deputy Captain Stuart Clark for 50 years of dedicated service.

Commissioner Rob Rogers, NSW Rural Fire Service’s statement

“Today’s opening marks a significant milestone for the Brigade’s 56 members and the local community,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“More than $3.1 million has been invested into this facility, including an impressive brigade fundraising effort and grants from the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation program and Bendigo Bank.

“With three truck bays, change rooms, amenities and a multi-purpose space for training and meetings, this station is designed to serve the growing needs of the area.

“Formed in 2018, the Killara Brigade had previously housed its vehicles at the Ku-ring-gai Brigade station, but now has a permanent facility to call its own.”

Commissioner Rogers said the new station would support RFS volunteers in their ongoing efforts to protect the local community: “The RFS is dedicated to providing our members with the latest technology and facilities to ensure they are prepared to respond when emergencies arise.”

Deputy Captain Stuart Clark receives Long Service Medal

Commissioner Rogers spoke on Deputy Captain Stuart Clark recieving the Long Service Medal: “Since joining in 1973, Stuart has provided the most distinguished level of service to the RFS, its members and community across the Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai District.

“As a founding member of the Killara Brigade, he has also been a driving force behind its growth and development and the station we open today.

“Our members selflessly give up so much to prepare and protect their communities and I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of them.”

New station opened in the Ku-ring-gai District: Summary

The Killara Brigade has celebrated the opening of their new fire station. Commissioner Rob Rogers said that the unveiling marked a great milestone for the Brigade’s 56 members and the local community.

Annual Field Exercise at Glen Innes to showcase Rural Fire Service firefighter skills

by Featured NewsTraining

Overview of the Northern Field Exercise

This weekend, Glen Innes Showground will be the hub for the 22nd annual Northern Field Exercise, a key event where hundreds of New South Wales Rura Fire Service (NSWRFS) members will sharpen their firefighting and emergency response skills.

Deputy Commissioner Field Operations, Peter McKechnie AFSM, is set to welcome over 300 RFS members on Saturday morning.

Participants include more than 40 crews from 15 RFS Districts and two Queensland fire services.

The exercise is designed to test members in roles like firefighting, catering, communications, and incident management, essential in large-scale emergencies.

Training Scenarios and Crew Participation

Crews will engage in 11 training scenarios, encompassing bush firefighting, motor vehicle accident response, gas attack, and vehicle maintenance.

Deputy Commissioner McKechnie remarked: “Members will have their skills tested across the weekend in a number of roles including firefighting, catering, communications and incident management functions; all critical roles in large scale emergencies.”

He also noted the significance of this event following one of the busiest bush fire seasons since 2019-20, with over 1,100 bush and grass fires attended by RFS crews in the state’s north.

Commitment to Comprehensive Training

The RFS’s commitment to equipping its members with thorough training and state-of-the-art equipment is echoed by Deputy Commissioner Preparedness and Capability Kyle Stewart APM.

Stewart, attending Sunday’s exercises, emphasised the importance of such events: “These exercises provide a safe learning environment in which volunteers and staff can refine their skills, learn new techniques and share ideas with each other,” he said.

Additionally, he highlighted the value of the exercise in recognising the volunteers’ dedication to community protection.

IFSJ Comment

The 22nd annual Northern Field Exercise at Glen Innes exemplifies the dedication and continuous skill enhancement of RFS members.

The diverse and realistic scenarios ensure that RFS crews are well-prepared for a range of emergencies.

Such initiatives are crucial in maintaining high standards of emergency response and community safety.

By providing a platform for practical training and knowledge exchange, the RFS reinforces its commitment to excellence in firefighting and emergency services.

This event not only strengthens the capabilities of individual members but also enhances the collective readiness of the RFS, making it an invaluable component of their training regimen.

Enhanced fire protection for Duffys Forest

by Featured NewsProjects

Boosted community safeguard with state-of-the-art fire station

Members of Duffys Forest Rural Fire Brigade celebrated the official opening of their new fire station on 25 June. The facility, costing $2.4 million, will act as a central and secure hub for brigade members as they continually strive to offer high-quality fire protection to their community.

New station to accommodate growing volunteer ranks

The opening ceremony saw the participation of RFS Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stewart, who joined the brigade members and special guests. He expressed his gratitude towards the volunteers for their unwavering service to the community. According to Stewart, the new station will accommodate the brigade’s expanding volunteer membership, serve as a community hub and act as a base for the Northern Beaches Remote Area Firefighting Team.

Volunteers’ operational needs enhanced with superior facilities

“With four truck bays, office space and a large mezzanine area, this station features amenities which will improve the experience and operational needs of our volunteers”, said Deputy Commissioner Stewart. He also highlighted that the facility would be a welcome addition for the over 160 current volunteer members of the brigade.

The Deputy Commissioner also praised the volunteers for their role in adding to the project’s value by fundraising $134,000.

Praising volunteers’ relentless dedication and contribution

Deputy Commissioner Stewart commended the Duffys Forest Rural Fire Brigade members for their ongoing hard work and dedication. He extended his gratitude to the volunteers for being readily available around the clock. He further thanked the families, friends, employers, and colleagues of the volunteers, recognising their ongoing support which enables RFS volunteers to do their critical work of protecting lives and property.

About the NSW Rural Fire Service

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is the leading combat agency for bush fires in NSW, with a history spanning over 100 years. The NSW RFS, known as the world’s largest volunteer fire service, has its members trained to very high levels of competence to ensure they know what to do in an emergency. The service’s goal is to minimise the likelihood and impact of fires through comprehensive risk management programmes.

Comment from International Fire & Safety Journal

The new fire station in Duffys Forest signifies an essential development in community fire safety. Enhanced facilities and expanded volunteer capacity will undoubtedly optimise response times and effectiveness in emergencies. This is great example of how effective investment and volunteerism can significantly strengthen community resilience against fire-related incidents.

NSW Rural Fire Service issues warning as bush fire danger period begins

by Featured NewsIndustry SectorsWildland Fire

Following the start of the bush fire danger period on 1 October, the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has encouraged residents to know and understand their fire risk, with the increased potential for grass fires.

NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the official Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) begin in a further 92 Local Government Areas on 1 October 2022.

“Recent rain has led to good grass and crop growth across the state especially in western areas of NSW, and with more rain predicted over spring, this vegetation will continue to flourish. said Rogers. “As warm weather sets in, this will dry out, increasing the risk of dangerous and fast moving grass fires.

“Despite the wet weather, we have already seen more than 1000 grass fires across the state since July, and the risk will increase in the months ahead.”

Commissioner Rogers said the introduction of the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System will help people make informed decisions this bush fire season.

“Know your risk, and check the daily fire danger ratings. The new Fire Danger Rating System has four levels – Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic – with clear actions for each level,” Rogers added. “Each rating gives an indication of the consequences of a fire if one was to start.”

Permits are required in areas where the Bush Fire Danger Period is in place, and landholders using fire must notify the RFS, such as online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify.