Residents Of MIA RFS District Urged To Prepare For Bush Fire Season

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) has called on residents of the MIA to join RFS firefighters for Get Ready Weekend and prepare for the upcoming bushfire season.

RFS Operational Officer Justin MacKellar, has encouraged everyone across the Grong Grong and Hanwood areas to meet their local brigade and to learn how to prepare and protect themselves and their properties.

“After years of wet weather and significant vegetation growth, bush and grass fire risks are returning as conditions become drier and warmer,” Operational Officer MacKellar said.

“Get Ready Weekend is a crucial opportunity for MIA residents to take action in safeguarding their families, homes and businesses in the event of a fire.”

Operational Officer MacKellar highlighted five simple steps to reduce bushfire risk, such as clearing flammable materials from around your home and keeping lawns trimmed:

• Trim overhanging trees and shrubs;

• Mow grass and remove the clippings, creating a cleared area around your home;

• Remove flammable items that can burn around your home (eg. door mats, wood piles, mulch);

• Clear debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding your home; and

• Prepare a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach all around your home.

“Bush fires may not have been at the front of mind more recently, but now is the time for residents to start thinking about what needs to be done to get ready,” Operational Officer McKellar said.

“Preparing for bushfires is easier than people may think.

“Take five minutes to have a conversation and ask yourself - if threatened by fire, when will you go, what will you take, and where will you go?

“We’ve witnessed the devastating impact that bush fires can have, so it’s important that people right across the MIA District live bushfire ready - by knowing your risk, having a plan and getting ready.”

This year’s Get Ready Weekends are this September with community events happening across the state.

Visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/get-ready to learn more and find local events.

If you’re unable to attend an event this Get Ready Weekend, you can always learn more about how to create a bushfire survival plan by visiting www.myfireplan.com.au

For more information, contact the MIA District Office on 6966 7800.

Visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for current incidents or major fire updates.

Events in the MIA include:

Grong Grong Brigide will host an information display at Grong Grong Park, 36 Junee Street, Grong Grong from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday, September 21.

Hanwood Brigade will host an open day and display at Hanwood RFS Station on Oakes Road, Hanwood Bridge on Saturday, September 28 from noon to 3 pm.

Visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/getready to learn more and find out locations of all events for this year’s Get Ready Weekend.

• Topics:

• Bushfires