Residents across New South Wales are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Get Ready Weekend, with more than 300 events scheduled statewide on 20 and 21 September.
Local Rural Fire Service brigades will throw open their station doors and set up information hubs in shopping centres, parks and community venues. Visitors can expect equipment displays, practical demonstrations and workshops designed to help households better understand their bushfire risk.
RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said an unusually wet few years had allowed vegetation to flourish while limiting opportunities for hazard reduction, heightening the threat of fire as conditions dry out.
“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.
While many households in bushfire-prone regions have a written fire plan, Curtin noted that far fewer have taken steps to physically prepare their properties.
“Our firefighters do a great job in very challenging situations, but we can’t have a fire truck at every home. Property owners must also take proactive steps,” he said.
He urged residents to use the weekend to seek advice from brigade volunteers, calling preparation “the best defence” as the warmer months approach.
“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.”
Details of local events are available at the RFS website: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/get-ready
