Be bushfire ready, the RFS urges

The Rural Fire Service is urging people to be bushfire ready now that warmer and drier conditions have arrived.

Wet conditions experienced throughout 2022 have resulted in large amounts of potential fire fuels.

“Excessive grass growth across the entire area is causing the Rural Fire Service significant concern as we start to heat up,” acting Namoi/Gwydir district manager Shellie Smyth said.

“We are now seeing an increase in hot days and fire danger ratings.”

Grass fires have been experienced recently across the North West, and the advice from the RFS to the community is simple – be bushfire ready.

“It is really important that our communities and people on farmland are prepared,” Ms Smyth told The Courier.

“It is time to be thinking about your bushfire survival plan and making sure it is up to date.

“Make sure your family and friends know what you will do in the case of a bushfire.”

Ms Smyth said ideally, people should inspect their property, reduce the amount of vegetation and create fire breaks.

“Make sure an inner perimeter around the home is maintained,” Ms Smyth said.

General clean-up, including checking gutters and water sources, and the removal of combustible material is also advised by the RFS.

Current predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology indicate that the North West will see a higher rate of bush and grass fires following the end of the wet season.

“It is a significant risk now that it is heating up and we are getting more fire danger days,” Ms Smyth said.

Ms Smyth has particularly urged people to familiarise themselves with the new fire danger ratings which were introduced in 2022.

The changes were designed to make the ratings simpler.

The new fire danger ratings are used across Australia, meaning the same system is used whether you’re at home or away.

When there’s minimal risk, like on days it’s raining, people will see ‘No Rating’ displayed on signs, apps and websites.

Ratings start at moderate, followed by high, extreme and catastrophic.

This bushfire season is the first for the new ratings system, and Ms Smyth stressed the importance of understanding the ratings.

The ratings and total fire ban information is available on the RFS website.

Ms Smyth has also encouraged people to ensure they have access to the Fires Near Me app.

“You should know the fire danger ratings in your area,” Ms Smyth said.

“Keep an eye on the conditions and make sure you know what your risks area.”