The Yass River-Nanima Rural Fire Brigade is a volunteer bushfire brigade of the NSW Rural Fire Service. Our brigade’s area of operations (see map) embraces 11,000 ha situated in one of the highest fire risk areas in NSW. There are more than 120 properties and a population close to 200 in our area. For ease of use, in general communications including on the fire-ground and on our vehicles, the shortened name “Yass River” is used to describe our brigade. The shortened name “Yass River Bushfire Brigade” is used, where appropriate, in this communication.
Modern, professional bush fire-fighting relies more than ever on brigades working together to suppress fire outbreaks. Members with specialised training also provide assistance at structure fires and motor vehicle accidents. We are a substantial organisation with a strong membership, well-trained firefighters, a positive culture, a purpose-built fireshed and a fleet of four NSW Rural Fire Service vehicles and a brigade owned quickfill trailer.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is the lead combat agency for bush fires in NSW. For over 100 years the NSW RFS been a significant part of the history and landscape of NSW.
Today the NSW RFS comprises over 2,100 rural fire brigades with a total volunteer membership of approximately 72,000. In addition, over 900 staff members are employed to manage the day to day operations of the Service at District Fire Control Centres, Regional Offices, Customer Service Centres, Operational and Mitigation Support Service bases and Headquarters at Lidcombe.