Ben Millington

Deputy Commissioner with NSW Rural Fire Service and Churchill Fellow. These are my views and opinions.

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

Congratulations to the seven #RFS members receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal in the 2026 King's Birthday Honour list. Join us in congratulating the following members on their exceptional service to the RFS and their community. For more info: https://t.co/pzZl0IZc5s

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

Yesterday, AFAC released the Winter Bushfire Seasonal Outlook. NSW has experienced a warmer and drier autumn than usual. Forecasts suggest winter is likely to be drier than average, particularly later in the season, with warmer daytime temperatures expected across much of NSW.

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

Last week, a new batch of Air Attack Supervisors learnt the ropes in Dubbo. The airspace over a fireground is a busy place, with waterbombing aircraft working to support ground crews and slow the fire. Air attack supervisors play a crucial role in coordinating those aircraft.

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

Hazard reduction burns are underway across NSW this weekend, including the Grays Point burn in the Royal National Park (Sutherland) and Hawkesbury area. Smoke may be visible locally and settle overnight. Only call Triple Zero (000) for unattended fires. https://t.co/AjOpjT3bG2
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[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

It’s NSW Youth Week. This year’s theme recognises the passion, courage and determination of young people, and the positive impact they have in their communities. We’re proud of the thousands of young #RFS members who volunteer their time to protect communities across NSW.

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

That’s a wrap on the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show! Thank you to everyone who visited the #RFS stand to learn about home preparedness and meet our crews. A big thank you also to our members who gave their time to support the display and engage with the community.

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

Hazard reduction burns continue today across parts of NSW. Smoke may be visible over coming days, with winds helping disperse it. Thanks to #RFS volunteers and other fire agencies and land managers reducing risk. More info at https://t.co/XrE2qbbZzP and the Hazards Near Me app.

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

Hazard reduction burns are underway across NSW this weekend, including Greater Sydney. This video shows work in The Hills to reduce risk and protect communities near Maroota. Smoke may linger overnight in areas. Only call 000 only for unattended fires. https://t.co/XrE2qbbZzP

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

At the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the #RFS display lets children experience life as a volunteer firefighter! Check out a real fire truck, pick up your own toy helmet and get a selfie with Smokey, our mascot! Find us at the Show in Hall 2, Home & Lifestyle Pavilion. #myeastershow

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

Although the official Bush Fire Danger Period is coming to an end on 31 March, #RFS crews continue to train for a variety of emergency situations. Over the weekend, members across NSW undertook numerous training courses covering a variety of skills including Fire Boat Crew.

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

For #RFS helicopter pilots and aviation crews, realistic training is an essential part of day-to-day operations. Recently, HT202 took part in simulated water rescue training at Western Sydney Lakes. The exercise gave crews the opportunity to work through realistic scenarios.

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

This week aerial firefighting training took place at Sunny Corner, east of Bathurst. The 737 Large Air Tanker ‘Marie Bashir’, supported by a lead plane, completed practice drops to strengthen Australian LAT capability. Training like this keeps crews ready to protect NSW. #RFS

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

800 NSW firefighters and support personnel have assisted Victoria with bush fires since Jan, 573 from #RFS. Crews worked in tough conditions alongside Victorian agencies to help protect communities. While RFS crews have now returned home, NSW support continues in South Australia.

[7NEWS Sydney @7NewsSydney]

Former prime ministers and premiers were among those who attended the state funeral of Dame Marie Bashir, NSW's first female Governor. @PaulKadak

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

Since 8 Jan over 430 #RFS firefighters & incident management specialists have deployed to Victoria, with 44 more departing tomorrow. This strike team (pictured), responded to grass fires, extinguished hot spots and assisted with fencing, hazardous trees and wandering livestock.

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO. An extraordinary public servant and inspiration to NSW, her legacy of service and leadership endures. Bomber 210 was proudly named in her honour. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

Building Impact Assessment teams are continuing their work to assess losses across several firegrounds. They have now completed their assessment of the Nimbin Rd, Koolewong fireground in the Central Coast LGA.

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

Maxwelton Rd Fire (Federation LGA)Firefighters, local landholders and aircraft worked through the afternoon to extinguish a crop and grass fire which is now contained. Footage shows RFS Waterbomber 210 laying a retardant line to stop the fire’s spread.

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

Today, AFAC released the Bushfire Seasonal Outlook for Summer. Northern & Central parts of NSW are carrying high grass fuel loads and are entering summer drier than normal, with no clear indication of increased rainfall to ease conditions. More details: https://t.co/REBe3L4Pyu

[NSW RFS @NSWRFS]

Increased fire danger for much of NSW this week, some areas reaching Extreme from Tue-Thu. Dry fuels, hot and windy conditions mean fires can spread quickly. Review your Bush Fire Survival Plan. Ensure recent burns are fully extinguished. If you see an unattended fire, call 000.