Almost 100 bush and grass fires were burning in NSW on Wednesday as acting manager of the Orana Team of the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Inspector Bob Conran encouraged residents of Dubbo, Wellington and Narromine to “take care”.
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A day earlier state Member for Dubbo and NSW Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant was urging people living near bushland and areas prone to grass fires to start preparing for the season ahead. “Last summer we experienced some of the worst bushfire conditions on record,” he said. “Unfortunately, a dry winter has followed, so we need to ensure households and families are prepared for the worst-case scenario this summer. After the driest winter in 15 years, NSW faces challenging conditions as the bushfire season approaches.”
The Bushfire Danger Period begins in the NSW RFS Orana district on October 1. It was brought forward to September 1 in the Gilgandra, Warrumbungle, Mid-Western Regional, Bathurst, Oberon and Lithgow local government areas because of little rain, warmer daytime temperatures and forecasts of below-average rain.
Inspector Conran reports of dry and volatile conditions in Dubbbo Regional and Narromine local government areas, resulting in “constant” calls for help. He has warned people working outside that “any machinery that can cause a spark” poses a fire risk.
Mr Grant is encouraging NSW households to update or create a bushfire survival plan which can be downloaded at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/resources/bush-fire-survival-plan. He also suggests trimming of trees and shrubs, mowing of lawns, removal of flammable materials from backyards, cleaning of gutters and installation of hoses that cover the perimeter of a residential property.
The NSW RFS is running Get Ready events this weekend. On Saturday Get Ready will be held at Eumungerie and Eulomogo stations from 10am to 2pm. On Sunday they will run from 10am to 2pm at Minore and 9am to 1pm at Elong Elong stations. The Boothenba brigade will run Get Ready at Bunnings Dubbo on Saturday followed by the Orana Support Team on Sunday.