Intense drought conditions, tinder dry bushland and the prediction of a very hot summer has firefighters in the Southern Highlands concerned about the potential for dangerous bushfires.
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Months of below average rainfall since the beginning of the year has caused bush and grasslands across the region to dry out, creating the perfect conditions for large and fast-moving bushfires.
Fire and Rescue NSW bushfire officer, Ryan Clarkstone, said that despite much welcome rain in October, bush and grass areas in the Southern Highlands remained extremely dry.
“Firefighters have seen an alarming increase in the number of bush and grass fires since June, and this is likely to continue as we move into what is expected to be a very hot summer,” He said.
And it’s not just those that live in rural areas that are at risk.
Areas on the outskirts of large towns, such as Welby, North Mittagong and Willow Vale, where five houses were lost in a bushfire in 2002, are also at high risk.
Firefighters urge residents to begin preparing themselves and their properties for bushfire now.
Mr Clarkstone said that this begins by having a discussion with everyone in your household about what you would do if threatened by a bushfire.
In order to assist residents prepare for bushfire, firefighters will conduct a free workshop at Mittagong RSL November 25.
The 1.5-hour presentation will assist residents in preparing a Bushfire Survival Plan for their household.
The workshop will begin at 1pm in the Carrington Room, at Mittagong RSL, and is open to all residents.
For more information on the workshop visit Fire and Rescue NSW Mittagong Fire Station’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/488116718359182/
For more information on preparing for bushfire visit RFS.nsw.gov.au
