Be vigilant with growth, urges Rural Fire Service

The Rural Fire Service is asking landholders to be vigilant with growth due to the wetter than average spring and summer facing the region.

Following the start of the bush fire danger period at the beginning of the month, the RFS has been conducting hazard reduction burn-offs in the area.

The service’s superintendent for the Namoi/Gwydir region Michael Brooks said there would be an increased threat of grass fires in the area with growth in grasslands acting as another source of fuel.

“The season starts now and with all the rain we’ve had there will be increased growth,” Supt Brooks said.

The RFS has conducted a number of hazard reduction burn-offs with the latest held on a property near Kaputar Road.

With the high amount of recent rainfall, Supt Brooks said crews could be available for burn-offs, depending on available resources and weather.

“We assist landowners with mitigation crews and low intensity burns,” he said.

“Contact us if you need a hazard reduction burn.

“When resources are available and conditions are right we may be able to help.

Supt Brooks said the service was expecting a fair few stubble fires from machinery and even lightning.

While he said the RFS would tidy up fire trails and reduce fuel loads, he urged farmers to clean down machinery.

“People should also have their personal fire equipment ready to go, just in case.”