newy.com.au – Fewer than half of people surveyed by the NSW Rural Fire Service have taken steps to prepare their properties for bushfire, despite 70 per cent saying they have a bushfire plan.
The service is urging households to act as parts of northern and south-eastern NSW enter spring drier than usual, with those areas expected to face the state’s highest bushfire risk in early spring. Its seasonal outlook also warns of warm weather, large amounts of grass fuel in the west and south, and drought in parts of the north-east.
More than 520 rural fire brigades will host Get Ready Weekend events across NSW on 19 and 20 September. Residents can meet local firefighters, learn about risks in their area and get practical advice on preparing their homes and families.
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin warned that households could not rely solely on firefighters to protect their properties.
“Our firefighters will do everything they can to protect communities, but there won’t be a fire truck at every home,” he said. “The work you do before a fire starts can make your property safer and help protect you, your family and our firefighters.”
Mr Curtin said embers could travel many kilometres ahead of a fire front and reach gutters, gardens and other areas around a home, igniting leaves, debris and other flammable material.
The RFS recommends clearing leaves from gutters, trimming overhanging vegetation, removing flammable materials from around the home and checking hoses are in good condition.
The research also found 62 per cent of people were unaware that free RFS preparation resources were available. Newcastle and Hunter residents can check the service’s website for those resources and Get Ready Weekend event locations.
Fire and Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Paul McGuiggan also urged people planning to travel over summer to consider the fire risk at their destination.
“Before you leave, check the weather forecast and fire danger ratings for that area and have a plan to leave should a fire take hold,” he said.
