NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons are urging residents in bushfire prone areas to prepare themselves or the threat of bushfire.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
The official Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) has commenced today, Wednesday, October 1.
A spokesperson said the Bureau’s outlook through to December indicates drier than average conditions and warmer than normal temperatures for NSW.
“While firefighters and emergency agencies will do everything they can to keep the community safe, protection is a shared responsibility and the community needs to do its part,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“Know what you need to do to prepare yourself, your family and your home before a bushfire and know what each member of your family will do if a fire threatens.
“I urge everyone living in bushfire prone areas to download a free Bush Fire Survival Plan from www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and have a conversation with the family. There are only two pages to fill in and those two pages could save the lives of you and your loved ones.”
Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said it is also important for people who do not live close to bushland to make preparations.
“Embers from bushfires can travel great distances, across several streets or even up to 30 kilometres in the worst of weather conditions and when they land they can start new fires,” Commissioner Mullins said.
“That is why it is essential that you have a Bush Fire Survival Plan and prepare your property, even if you don’t live right next to the bushland.
“This means clearing gutters of leaves, maintaining gardens and checking that your garden hoses can reach all corners of your property.”
Anyone wanting to conduct a hazard reduction burn during the BFDP must contact their local NSW RFS Fire Control Centre or local fire station and apply for a free permit.
