It’s been a dry winter and it is time to prepare for the fast-approaching bush fire season.
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The season will officially commence on October 1 and residents have been urged to take appropriate measures to protect themselves, their pets and property.
Many people think that because they don’t live near the bush, they are not at risk of bushfire, but this is not the case.
Research has found that around 90 per cent of homes destroyed by bush fire are due to burning embers. Embers have the ability to travel many kilometres from the fire. This means that even if you live well away from the bush you can still be at risk.
Little things you do now can make a big difference during a bush fire. One of the most important things you can do have a conversation about exactly what you’ll do in a bush fire.
Wingecarribee Shire Council have partnered with the RFS Southern Highlands Brigades to bring residents the Bush Fire Six Week Get Ready Challenge.
The Challenge will commence on Monday, September 18, participants will receive one email each week for six weeks to assist in preparing for the season.
Highlanders have the chance to meet brigade members and discuss preparations for bush fire season this weekend.
Get Ready events will be held at:
- Burrawang, 22 Hoddle Street, September 16, beginning at 10am
- Penrose, 901 Penrose Road, September 16, from 10am
- Wingello Firestation, Railway Parade, September 16 from 10am
- Canyonleigh, 2030 Canyonleigh Road, September 16 from 10am
- Moss Vale, 49 Berrima Road, September 16 and 17 from 10am
- Berrima, 18 Wilkinson Street, September 16 and 17 from 9am
- Mittagong, Bunnings Mittagong, September 16 from 9am
- Colovale, 55 Church Street, September 17 from 10am
- Hill Top, 9 West Parade, September 16 from 9am
- Yerrinbool, 45 Everest Street, September 16 from 10am
NSW RFS Superintendent Martin Surrey said all residents in the Wingecarribee need to be prepared for the bush fire season.
“The bush fire seasonal outlook indicates above average potential for fires in a large area of the state, following a winter with below average rainfall and above average temperatures, the landscape is more susceptible to burning,” Superintendent Surrey said.
“Get Ready Weekend is a chance for all residents to do their bit to prepare and protect their family and property in the event of a fire."
The weekend Get Ready events will include firefighting displays, opportunities to get on board a fire truck, seeing specialist firefighting equipment up close and having your picture taken with a firefighter.
Due to the continuing drying of ground fuels and soil moisture content residents have been strongly advised to monitor weather conditions before attempting to carry out a burn.
With higher temperatures predicted for later part of this week, the rural Fire Service has reminded residents intending to burn to postpone this activity until cooler weather is forecast.
Penalties may apply where a pile burn has escaped and caused damage to neighbouring properties or infrastructure.
Madeline Crittenden
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
Madeline Crittenden is a journalist for Fairfax Media at the South Coast Register.
