Catastrophic. It was the word used to issue a dire public warning about the fire dangers across NSW last week.
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It was a warning that made people pay attention to what was going on around them and the potential for devastating consequences should there be a fire.
And they didn't have to look too far to recognise the truth behind the warning.
The Southern Highlands was not at the centre of the catastrophic consequences - this time.
But our friends, families and many thousands of native animals on the north coast of NSW and in parts of QLD were in the grip of devastation.
Maybe Highlanders can cast their thoughts back a few years to recall what that was like.
Remember October 2013 when out of control flames threatened homes and lives in the northern suburbs of our region such as Balmoral Village, Yerrinbool, Hill Top, Bargo Alpine, Aylmerton and neighbouring Wollondilly.
There have been many other blazes that have also threatened our community, or beaten down on our neighbours in the Shoalhaven, Illawarra, Goulburn-Mulwaree and Wollondilly.
The danger of fire is very real especially as we head into summer. The warning last week was 'catastrophic' and the impact of a fire, should it break out, could be just that - 'catastrophic'.
READ ALSO: The race that stops the Highlands is back
As we head in to summer we should be heeding all the warnings of last week not just out of fear but with a sense of responsibility. We should not becomes lax because the 'catastrophic' warning has been lifted... for now. It could return and most likely will if the current Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) seasonal outlook is any indication.
According the BOM we can expect drier than average conditions for the second half of November for most areas, with summer likely to be drier in large areas of the east of the country but wetter in the northwest.
Other conditions of the summer outlook include:
- Above average daytime temperatures across most of Australia
- Warmer than average night temperatures nationwide from December to February
- Rainfall is likely to be below average across most of the country into December
- The summer (December to February) outlook is more neutral, although much of eastern Australia remains likely to be drier than average
The best thing we can do now is make a fire plan, be aware of the weather and environmental conditions, know the rules and the fire bans in place and be mindful of the behaviour of others. Report that person who flicks a cigarette out of their car window, or lights a fire in a paddock.
We can all be a part of ensuring a 'catastrophic' potential does not become a reality.
Learn more about how to establish a fire plan here.
During a total fire ban you cannot light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire. More rules here
If a fire is burning in your area stay up-to-date by monitoring the NSW RFS website at and Fires Near Me app
