Communities in Wagga Wagga urged to Get Ready for fire season

This weekend is the annual opportunity for residents to discuss fire safety and preparation with local firefighting crews, with warmer weather and prolific vegetation growth after consecutive wet years increasing the fire risk.

The Bush Fire Danger Period is just weeks away, and residents are encouraged to take simple steps to lower their fire risk, including:

1. Trim overhanging trees and shrubs
2. Mow grass and remove the cuttings and have a cleared area around your home.
3. Remove material that can burn around your home, such as door mats, wood piles, mulch and flammable liquids.
4. Clear and remove all debris and leaves from gutters surrounding your home.
5. Prepare a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach around your home.

The RFS has been preparing for this season by undertaking hazard reduction burns when weather conditions allow, and the NSW Government has funded 100 additional hazard reduction crews to conduct this important work.

Get Ready Weekend events planned across the state include firefighting displays and opportunities to get aboard a fire truck, get to know your local firefighters, and see some of their specialist equipment.

More than 300 events are being held at brigades across the state. This year's Get Ready Weekend events can be found at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/getready.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

"Get Ready Weekend is a great opportunity for residents across NSW to familiarise themselves with the basics of bushfire preparation as summer nears.

"More than 300 RFS Brigades across the state are hosting Get Ready events this weekend, and residents should get along to learn the simple steps they can take to prepare their households.

"It's simple things like removing debris and flammable materials, having hoses in place, having a fire plan, and having the Hazards Near Me app so you can know when fires are nearby."

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:

"I would like to thank our hardworking RFS volunteers for everything they do to keep communities safe.

"As the weather warms up, the risk of bush and grass fire increases, and residents in the Wagga Wagga electorate need to do everything they can to prepare for the season ahead.

"The RFS has been conducting hazard reduction and other work to prepare for the season ahead, but it is incumbent on communities to do their bit as well and Get Ready Weekend events are a great place to learn how."

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said:

"After a number of very wet years, the threat of bush and grass fires is returning across the state.

"While our firefighters are continually training and preparing for fires, it is important property owners do what they can to prepare themselves, their family and their home, and encourage their neighbours to do the same.

"The most important thing you can do is have a conversation about important decisions like when to leave and what to take if a fire threatens your home, or where you will go. These conversations are much easier to have now and not when fire may be on your doorstep."

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