The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is throwing open station doors this weekend as residents are urged to begin preparing for the upcoming bushfire season.
This Get Ready Weekend, 20 and 21 September, more than 300 Rural Fire Brigades are hosting events across the state. These events include firefighting equipment displays, information stands, and workshops at various community venues such as shopping centres, local parks, and fire stations.
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said that years of wet weather have led to significant vegetation growth and limited opportunities to undertake hazard reduction work.
“It only takes a few days of warm, dry, and windy weather for fire conditions to return, and with high fuel loads, we are particularly concerned about grass fires this season,” Commissioner Curtin said.
“Research shows that 70 per cent of residents living in bushfire-prone areas have some sort of plan for fire emergencies, but alarmingly, less than half have undertaken any preparatory work on their properties.”
“Our firefighters do a great job in very challenging situations, but we can’t have a fire truck at every home, so property owners must also take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and communities.”
Commissioner Curtin said it is crucial for everyone living, working, or visiting bushfire-prone areas to know what they will do if threatened by fire.
“The best defence against bushfire is preparation, and our brigades are making it easy for people to get the right information and practical advice,” Commissioner Curtin said.
“Having a conversation with our skilled and friendly volunteers could be the most important step you take to protect your family and your home this season.
“The time to prepare is now, not when a fire is at your doorstep.”
New England RFS stations involved
Glen Innes: 100 Lambeth St, Glen Innes 2370, 10 am to 2 pm
Armidale: 41 Shand Drive, Armidale 2350, 9 am to 4 pm
Ashford: 48 Martyn Street, Ashford 2361, 9 am to 12 pm
Attunga: 24b Attunga Street, Attunga 2340, 10 am to 3 pm
Caroona: 10 Boundary Street, Caroona 2343, 11 am to 1 pm
Tenterfield: Coles – Rouse Street, Tenterfield 2372, 10 am to 4 pm
Curlewis: 1 Goran Street, Curlewis 2381, 6 pm to 8 pm
Delungra: 28 Inverell Street, Delungra 2403, 9 am to 4 pm
Inverell: 27 Rifle Range Road, Inverell 2360, 9 am to 12 pm
Tamworth–Moore Creek: 1015 Upper Moore Creek Rd, Moore Creek 2340, 10 am to 2 pm
Quirindi: East Street & Wallabadah Road, Quirindi 2343, 7 am to 5 pm
Somerton: 42 Brook Street, Somerton 2340, 11 am to 2 pm
Tamworth: Lockheed Street, Tamworth 2340, 8:30 am to 3 pm
Warialda: “Monomeeth”, Gragin Road, Warialda 2402, 8 am to 6 pm
Warral: Warral Road, Warral 2340, 10 am to 2 pm
To learn more and find local events, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/get-ready
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