In response to an urgent request from the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Australian Government organised an RFS Linescan aircraft to be deployed and gather aerial intelligence at the site of the tragic landslide in Papua New Guinea's Enga Province.

Today, a #RFS helicopter has been deployed to Northern Queensland to assist @QldFES with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Our aircraft will be undertaking aerial intelligence and search and rescue operations across a wide area to support affected communities.

Today, Commissioner @robrfs joined Minister for Emergency Services @jihaddibmp to open the RFS Aviation Centre of Excellence in Dubbo. The facility will play a crucial role in developing specialist aviation personnel, ensuring they are well-prepared to respond to emergencies.

Today, Commissioner @robrfs, Deputy Commissioner @pmmckechnie, Minister for Emergency Services @jihaddibmp and Member for Barwon @RoyBarwon visited teams working on the Hudson Fire in Coonamble and Glengarry.

Communities have today honoured the courageous emergency services personnel who have paid the ultimate sacrifice at a memorial service in Sydney. Minister for Emergency Services @jihaddibmp joined Commissioner of the RFS @robrfs at the event to commemorate the fallen.

Today marks the official start of the bush fire season, with the Bush Fire Danger Period beginning in most NSW Local Government Areas. If you’re planning on conducting a burn, you’ll require a permit from your local Fire Control Centre or #RFS brigade. rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP

Our #RFS brigades are a group of like-minded people from all walks of life, who want to serve the community, make new friends or learn new skills. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, learn about the different roles by visiting our website: rfs.nsw.gov.au/join

At 6pm there are 73 fires burning in NSW, with 30 uncontained. There are over 1000 firefighters working across NSW. A Total Fire Ban will be in place for the North Western area tomorrow. Despite easing conditions in coming days, it will remain dry. rfs.nsw.gov.au/fnm

As of 6pm, there are 70 fires burning across the state, with 14 not yet contained. Over 750 firefighters and IMT members have been working to contain these fires. Tomorrow, a TOBAN will be in place for the Greater Sydney Region, Greater Hunter & Upper Central West Plains areas.

Due to stronger than forecast winds along the Far South Coast, Catastrophic fire danger is expected this afternoon. For your survival, avoid being in fire risk areas today. Stay up to date, review your bush fire survival plan and know what you will do if a fire threatens.

Hazard reduction burns are underway across NSW. This includes a number of burns in and around Sydney Smoke from these burns is likely to settle locally with broader impacts expected overnight & early Friday & Saturday mornings. Rain likley on Sunday.

ADVICE: Conimbla Rd Fire, Cowra (Cowra LGA) Firefighters continue to work on containment of the fire, supported by waterbombing aircraft and heavy machinery, the fire is now approximately 322ha. Today crews are focusing on containments lines on the western edge of the fire.

Eight #NSWRFS members have been recognised for their dedication to the community as part of the Australia Day Honours List. We asked some of the recipients, who together they have more than 310 years of service, what it means to receive an Australian Fire Service Medal.