Recruiting now
It is worth noting that the brigade is run entirely by volunteers, and we need volunteers for this important emergency service to function.
If you have ever considered becoming a member or feel you can contribute, please make yourself known to us. Call Captain David (Dusty) Smart 0412 865 638 or Senior Deputy Captain and Training Officer Dave Alexander 0400 022 405 to discuss the steps required to join us.
Now is a great time to start your training, as we will be running the Bush Firefighter course in the Valley in the coming months. This training will be run as part of the weekly brigade training held each Wednesday at 6 pm at the Kangaroo Valley Station.
Incidents
9 March – spillage Cambewarra Mtn – KV Crew stood down on route (oil spill from broken down vehicle)
11 March – tree down Mt Scanzi Rd. Crews cut the tree up and reopened the road. Please remember to be aware of trees at this time of year and their potential to drop branches.
28 March – Motor Vehicle Accident – Moss Vale Road
29 March – Flood rescue – Priddles Ln Wattamolla – a driver attempted to cross a flooded causeway with over 600mm of fast-moving water. This resulted in being swept off the causeway and the driver was still trapped in the car until brigades could provide assistance to assist her out. The car was washed a further 300m downstream in the following days. If it’s flooded, forget it.
29 March – Spillage – Cambewarra Mtn – Large diesel spill extending for over 10km throughout the valley. Four brigades used spill sorb on the worst sections and corners to improve road condition
30/31 March – Trees Down – Three separate call outs to trees down on Tourist Rd, Barrengarry and Cambewarra Mtns, resulting in plenty of chainsaw work to reopen roads
6 April – Motor Vehicle Accident – Barrengarry Mtn – serious three-car accident with two patients being treated by NSW ambulance. This blocked both lanes for over an hour on a busy Sunday afternoon, causing extensive traffic delays
8 April – Smoke Sighting – Mt Scanzi Road – False alarm with no smoke found
Hazard reductions
Crews from KV have assisted with hazard reductions at Tomerong and Joadja in the Southern Highlands assisting NSWNP when favourable conditions have permitted.
KV also carried out a small hazard reduction along Bendeela Rd last week to provide asset protection.
Training
It’s great to see so many of our members stepping up and giving their time to expand their skills, adding to the capability of the brigade. We have seen members completing their VF (Village Firefighter) course which focuses on structural and vehicle fires as well as incidents involving chemicals and electricity. VF is a prerequisite for the BA (Breathing Apparatus) qualification. We have members currently undertaking the AF (Advanced Firefighter) course which is a huge time commitment. AF focuses on what affects bushfire behaviour as well mapping and crew safety. The AF qualification opens the door for members to attain Crew Leader as well as the Arduous and Remote Area Firefighter qualifications. We have one member who is attending the Crew Leader course which is also a major commitment. It is also worth acknowledging the many hours and whole weekends given up by members for numerous other training events and countless re-certifications and upgrades of existing qualifications which keep these members current in the training that is required to run a successful brigade.
Community engagement
RFS crews will once again be involved in the ANZAC day march. Providing logistics and assisting with traffic control along with local police and ambulance services.
Pile burns and burning off
The Fire Permit season finished on the 31 March and will recommence on the 1 September 2025; however, there is a process that still needs to be adhered to prior to burning off in the off-season:
You must notify the NSW RFS at least 24 hours before you light the fire.
Ways to notify the NSW RFS:
ONLINE: Online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify or via the QR code.
PHONE: Shoalhaven FCC 44244424 between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday
You must advise your immediate neighbours at least 24 hours before you light the fire.
You must not light the fire if a Fire Danger Rating is HIGH or above.
At least one person responsible must be present on site until it is extinguished.
Check the upcoming weather conditions, as the pile may continue to smoulder for days.
If you believe you cannot safely control the fire once it has been lit, dial 000.
If you have concerns about doing this yourself, please get in touch with the KV fire brigade, and we can possibly assist you with your pile burn or check your site for you.
Compiled by Tracey Basman
