The coming fire season will be less extreme than last summer's, RFS Southern Tablelands Zone operational officer Michael Gapps expects, but residents should still be on the alert for grass fires.
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A cool, wet spring is predicted, and recent rains across the south-east, Mr Gapps said, will promote grass growth leading into summer; that lush grass will dry out during the warmer months, making it more prone to burning.
"That will probably present a few challenges for us across the Zone in the warmer months," Mr Gapps said.
Already this week there have been a few small grass fires - but, Mr Gapps said, nothing of great concern at this time.
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While the Southern Tablelands were lucky to escape the worst of the fires compared to neighbouring areas, there is still a lot of dry fuel around the region, Mr Gapps said - another concern for the RFS.
To prepare for summer, the RFS has run training courses across the zone. More than a hundred new firefighters have signed up since the start of the year, keen to prevent another catastrophe, while existing members have been trained in leading crews, management, and remote area firefighting.
COVID restrictions have hampered training - some brigades were unable to meet due to social distancing - so local brigades have had to work around the limits. Some, using videoconferencing platforms like Skype and Microsoft Teams, have gone online to devise worst-case fire scenarios in their areas: If a fire starts at this location under these conditions, Mr Gapps explained, how can we combat that? What are we going to need? Who's at risk?
"Touch wood that it doesn't happen," Mr Gapps said, "but in the event it does, they've already got planning in place."
Many local brigades have applied for grant funding from the RFS - including the $10,000 available to each brigade raised through comedian Celeste Barber's Facebook campaign - to improve their stations or purchase gear such as infrared cameras and radios. "It's certainly been well received by the local brigades, and they're very thankful for these donations," Mr Gapps said.
The RFS will run community meetings and information events leading up to summer, such as the Get Ready Weekend on September 19 and 20 - described as an opportunity to engage with your local brigade, find out about the bush fire risk in your area, and plan for the fire season. In the past, many brigades opened their stations to visitors; under COVID restrictions, some brigades are turning to social media instead.
Mr Gapps advised residents to have a bush survival plan, and ensure they and their family know what they will do should a fire threaten. The public can get in touch with the RFS office or brigade members if they are unsure what they can do to prepare, or want an experienced pair of eyes to review their plan.
Residents should also clean up around their house and sheds; ensure their lawns are mowed, and that there's no debris or combustible materials against their properties; and clean out their gutters. They should also test their hose pumps and make sure they work.
The RFS will publish information over the Southern Tableland Zone social media page. The RFS website has a range of resources, including fact sheets, advice on preparing bushfire plans, and information on nearby fires.
Mr Gapps also recommended downloading the Fires Near Me app, which provides warnings and incident information.
Concerned citizens can also call the Bushfire Information Hotline (1800 679 737) for information on major fires, total fire bans, advice on protecting your property and other fire-related safety information.
If you want to serve your community during the fire season, the RFS is always looking for new members - not just to man trucks and fight fires, but to help with communications, catering, logistical support, and aircraft support.
"Many hands make light work," Mr Gapps said. "It makes life a lot easier for everyone in the brigade as well as throughout the service."
If you want to sign up, you can find contact details for your local station or fire control centre on the RFS website, as well as a membership form. Alternatively, you can get in touch with your local brigade and inquire about membership, or visit the RFS offices in Crookwell or Yass.
After October 1, you will need a permit if you want to burn off. Until then, you can notify the RFS of your planned burning (visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify). You will still need to notify your neighbours 24 hours in advance.
- Follow the RFS on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nswrfs and Twitter: https://twitter.com/NSWRFS
- To report a fire, ring triple zero (000) immediately.
- Bush Fire Information Line: 1800 679 737 (NSW RFS)
- Fires Near Me: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me