Bushfire information
Preparing for bushfires
If you live in or close to bushland, grassland or farmland, a bushfire may threaten your home.
Preparation will give you and your family the best possible chance of surviving a bushfire and reduce the effects on your property.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) recommends making a Bushfire Survival Plan so you know what you'll do if there’s a fire near you.
For detailed steps on how to make your plan, visit Get ready for disasters.
New South Wales fire information
The RFS provides up-to-date information on:
- fire incidents
- bushfire danger ratings
- total fire bans
- which areas are bushfire prone, including a mapping tool to locate your property
- how to report a fire hazard on your property or a property near you.
Hazards Near Me app
Hazards Near Me is the official mobile phone app of the RFS and SES, providing information and warnings about bushfires and floods across New South Wales.
The app is available at the App Store or Google Play.
Neighbourhood Safer Places
A Neighbourhood Safer Place is a building or space in the community that can provide a higher level of protection from the immediate life-threatening effects of a bush fire.
Neighbourhood Safer Places can’t be considered completely safe; there is still some risk in moving to them and sheltering in them. They are a last resort in emergencies only.
Remember:
- When you are travelling to your Neighbourhood Safer Place, there may be heavy smoke and poor visibility.
- Water, toilets and food may not be available at the Neighbourhood Safer Place and emergency service personnel may not be present.
- The conditions at the Neighbourhood Safer Place may be uncomfortable and you may be affected by heat, smoke and embers.
- Neighbourhood Safer Places are not intended for pets or livestock.
Neighbourhood Safer Places in Kempsey Shire
| Name |
Type |
Location |
| Kempsey Showground |
Open space |
Sea Street, West Kempsey |
| Crescent Head Country Club |
Building |
Rankine Street, Crescent Head |
| Willawarrin Sports Ground |
Open space |
Armidale Road, Willawarrin |
| South West Rocks Country Club |
Building |
2 Sportsmans Way, South West Rocks |
| Hat Head Bowling and Recreation Club |
Building |
Reserve Road, Hat Head |
| Gladstone Oval |
Open space |
Barnard Street, Gladstone |
| Joe Donovan Sporting Complex |
Open Space |
Banksia Street, Stuarts Point |
For the latest list of Neighbourhood Safer Places near you, visit the RFS website.
AIDER program
The AIDER (Assist Infirm, Disabled and Elderly Residents) program is a free, one-off service aimed at reducing bush fire hazards on people’s properties.
AIDER is designed for aged residents and residents with disabling conditions who:
- live on bushfire-prone land, and
- have limited domestic support available from family, relatives, friends or other services.
You can apply for AIDER online or by phoning 02 8741 4955.