Blue Mountains residents are encouraged to visit their local NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Brigade for Get Ready Weekend on September 21-22, to talk to firefighters about what they can do to prepare for the upcoming fire season.
“The risk of bush and grass fires is increasing as the weather warms up, and prolific vegetation growth after years of wet weather has added to the fire risk,” said Blue Mountains State MP Trish Doyle.
With the Bush Fire Danger Period just weeks away, residents are encouraged to do their bit to prepare for the season ahead. There are five simple things residents can do to lower their bushfire risk:
- Trim overhanging trees and shrubs;
- Mow grass and remove the cuttings and have a cleared area around your home;
- Remove material that can burn around your home, such as door mats, wood piles, mulch and flammable liquids;
- Clear and remove all debris and leaves from gutters surrounding your home;
- Prepare a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach around your home.
The RFS has been preparing for this season by undertaking hazard reduction burns when weather conditions allow, and the NSW Government has funded 100 additional hazard reduction crews to conduct this important work.
There are 14 Get Ready Weekend events planned across the Blue Mountains, stretching from a Glenbrook/Lapstone RFS brigade stall at Glenbrook Markets from 8am-2pm on September 21, all the way up the Mountains to open days at Woodford RFS from 10am-2pm and Medlow Bath RFS from 10am-3pm on September 21.
Events planned include firefighting displays, opportunities to get aboard a fire truck at a brigade station or shopping centre, get to know your local firefighters, and see some of their specialist equipment.
Ms Doyle encouraged Blue Mountains residents to get along to one of the local Get Ready Weekend events and have a chat with a firefighter.
“These events are a great opportunity to get advice on preparing your household for the upcoming fire season. The time to prepare is now,” she said.
“I would like to thank all our hardworking RFS volunteers for everything they do to keep our community safe.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“Get Ready Weekend is a great opportunity for residents across NSW to familiarise themselves with the basics of bushfire preparation as summer nears.
“More than 300 RFS Brigades across the state are hosting Get Ready events this weekend, and residents should get along to learn the simple steps they can take to prepare their households.
“It’s simple things like removing debris and flammable materials, having hoses in place, having a fire plan, and having the Hazards Near Me app so you can know when fires are nearby.”
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said:
“After a number of very wet years, the threat of bush and grass fires is returning across the state.
“While our firefighters are continually training and preparing for fires, it is important property owners do what they can to prepare themselves, their family and their home, and encourage their neighbours to do the same.
“The most important thing you can do is have a conversation about important decisions like when to leave and what to take if a fire threatens your home, or where you will go. These conversations are much easier to have now and not when fire may be on your doorstep.”
For the full list of Get Ready Weekend events visit: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/getready.
