Northern Beaches Rural Fire District

Multi-Agency Emergency Exercise Training - Exercise Paratus 2026

Today’s interagency exercise brought together Ambulance, Police, Fire Rescue NSW, NSW RFS, St John and supporting agencies in a controlled 90-minute emergency response scenario focused on communication, coordination and operational safety.

The exercise tested:

• Multi-agency incident response
• Casualty management and triage
• Crowd control and scene safety
• Dynamic risk assessment
• Radio communications and command coordination
• Firefighter, police and medical interoperability

Realistic smoke effects, simulated casualties and live scenario injects helped crews train in a high-pressure environment while maintaining strict safety protocols and oversight from dedicated safety officers.

Exercises like these are critical for building operational readiness, strengthening relationships between agencies and improving our collective ability to respond to major incidents safely and effectively.

A huge thank you to all participating agencies, coordinators, safety staff and volunteers who contributed to making the exercise a success.

NSW Ambulance NSW Police Force Fire and Rescue NSW St John Ambulance NSW SES NSW Rural Fire Service Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

Photos: NSW RFS media, Simon Whittaker Photography

Important information.

When did you last check your smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms, unlike wine, do not age well over time.

Did you know that most smoke alarms have a use-by date? Some modern smoke alarms have a life-span of up to ten years and may not have a battery to change, making it easy to forget how long since they’ve been installed.

Remember to regularly clean and test your alarms, and check the use-by date to help keep track of their age.

Smoke from a hazard reduction burn near Kurrajong in the Hawkesbury is currently drifting to our north towards the Central Coast.

There is the potential for smoke to settle lower overnight before drifting along the Hawkesbury River, which may impact parts of the Northern Beaches.

If you see or smell smoke in these areas, please remember this is likely related to planned hazard reduction activity.

Only call Triple Zero (000) if you see an unattended fire.

Thank you for your understanding.

HAZARD REDUCTION NOTIFICATION – 09/05/2026
Yanada HR, Duffys Forest

The Northern Beaches Rural Fire Service (RFS) will be conducting a hazard reduction burn at the rear of properties on Yanada and Joalah Roads, weather permitting.

Operations are scheduled to commence at approximately 8:30am on Saturday 9th May 2026, with crews conducting regular patrols until the burn is declared safe.

During this time, residents are advised to be mindful of increased traffic along Yanada Road, Namba Road, Joalah Road and Birramal Road in the vicinity of the burn area.

What to expect:

Smoke may impact surrounding areas. Fire may be visible Saturday and into Saturday Night.
Only call 000 if you see unattended fire.

To reduce the impact on your property and health:
- Keep doors and windows closed.
- Bring outdoor furniture under cover.
- Remove washing from clotheslines.
- Ensure pets have a protected area.

If you have asthma or a respiratory condition, limit outdoor activity. If you experience shortness of breath or persistent coughing, use your reliever medication or seek medical advice.

For more information, visit: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Stay prepared: Live Bush Fire Ready

A burst of real winter weather is on the way, with the coldest mornings of the season expected over the coming days.

Temperatures are forecast to dip into the single digits across parts of the Beaches by Friday morning, so now is the time to check that smoke alarm.

As we move into the colder months, fire agencies often see an increase in house fires as residents use their fireplaces and heaters to stay warm. With temperatures dropping and possible snow forecast across parts of the state in the coming days, it’s important you know how to stay safe.

Remember, you won’t smell smoke while you’re asleep, so make sure your bleeping smoke alarms are working. A working smoke alarm can save your life and give you and your family valuable time to escape a burning home.

As forecast smoke from hazard reduction burns occurring near Mt Colah has drifted towards the coast overnight and has settled across the area.
This is expected to lift this morning as the day warms up.

The Powerline Trail hazard reduction burn continues, with crews from the and NPWS working in the Mt Colah and Bobbin Head areas. Smoke from the burn will be visible to motorists travelling on the M1 Motorway.

The smoke is currently affecting the local area around Hornsby and into parts of Parramatta. Overnight, it is expected to drift towards the city and the Northern Beaches before lifting during the day tomorrow.

Please call Triple Zero (000) only if you see an unattended fire. For the latest information, visit the Hazards Near Me app or the RFS website.

**Today's Hazard Reduction has been postponed due to rain fall overnight**

HAZARD REDUCTION NOTIFICATION – 18/04/2026
Bungendore HR Stage 1, Ingleside

The Northern Beaches Rural Fire Service (RFS) will be conducting a hazard reduction burn behid 5 Chilton Road Ingleside, weather permitting.

Operations are scheduled to commence at approximately 10:00am on Saturday 18 April 2026, with crews conducting regular patrols until the burn is declared safe.

During this time, residents are advised to be mindful of increased traffic along Addison Road and Chiltern Road in the vicinity of the burn area.

What to expect:

Smoke may impact surrounding areas. Fire may be visible Saturday evening and into Sunday.

Only call 000 if you see unattended fire.

To reduce the impact on your property and health:
- Keep doors and windows closed.
- Bring outdoor furniture under cover.
- Remove washing from clotheslines.
- Ensure pets have a protected area.

If you have asthma or a respiratory condition, limit outdoor activity. If you experience shortness of breath or persistent coughing, use your reliever medication or seek medical advice.

For more information, visit: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Stay prepared: Live Bush Fire Ready

Smoke from hazard reduction burns in St Ives and as far away as the Blue Mountains has drifted across the area, setting the scene for another striking sunset.

As seen last night, smoke may settle at lower levels overnight before beginning to clear tomorrow morning as temperatures rise and winds pick up.

A reminder to only call Triple Zero (000) if you see an unattended fire.