With a potentially dangerous bush and grass fire season on our doorstep, the State Government is urging communities on the Central Coast to start to plan and prepare to stay safe.
As thoughts return to the devastating fires of 2019-20, the declaration of an El Nino climate driver has confirmed predictions of a hot and dry summer, while substantial vegetation growth over successive wet years has heightened the risk of grass fires.
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has already been in the field containing several bush and grass fires across the state and the government has invested $10M in the recruitment of crews to bolster hazard reduction efforts.
Since July 1, hazard reduction has been conducted across more than 40,000ha, including the Central Coast, and will provide protection to thousands of homes.
The government has also invested $9M in a new Chinook helicopter, the first of its kind to be based in Australia.
With the capacity to carry up to 10,000 litres of water or retardant, the Chinook will increase the RFS aerial firefighting capabilities and will lessen reliance on aircraft borrowed from overseas.
While experts do not expect this bushfire season to be as dangerous as the 2019-20 Black Summer fires, which came off the back of a four-year drought, communities are being urged to plan and prepare with some simple steps to take around the home.
These include: trimming overhanging trees and shrubs; mowing grass and removing the cuttings; having a cleared area around the home and remove material that can burn such as door mats, wood piles and mulch; clearing and removing all debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding the home; and preparing a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach all around the home.
Families and individuals should have a bushfire survival plan, particularly if they live near bush or grass land.
At a minimum, members of households should discuss whether to leave early or stay in the event of a fire in their area, with the RFS advising that leaving early is the safest option.
Coasties are being encouraged to download the new Hazards Near Me NSW app (which replaces the Fires Near Me app) and can be downloaded from the iOS and Android app stores.
A new fire danger rating system has been simplified and implemented with four categories: moderate, high, extreme and catastrophic to alert communities to current fire risk.
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said residents needed to be prepared.
“Our emergency services stand ready to protect communities across the Central Coast and NSW, but everyone needs to play their part,” he said.
“Be aware of the current fire rating.
“If there is a total fire ban in your area, don’t start a fire out in the open.
“That means no barbecues using wood or charcoal, and it means you shouldn’t conduct activities like welding or grinding out in the open.
“Have a plan and know what you need to do to stay safe this fire season.”
Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said it was important for residents to do an audit of their properties.
“Are the gutters clear, are there overhanging trees, are there flammable objects around your property like wood chips and blocks, is there a hose you can use that reaches around your property?” she said.
“Ensuring that you are adequately prepared in the event of a bushfire can save not just your home, but your life.”
Member for The Entrance David Mehan said the RFS website was a credible and accurate source of information on preparing, planning and acting for a bushfire season that has already begun.
“Community preparedness is the key to assisting the RFS and government agencies who continually work hard to keep us all safe,” he said.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said we must work together as a community to reduce our bushfire risk.
“Creating a bush fire survival plan is the best way to proactively plan for the bushfire season and I encourage Coasties to be prepared and make a plan,” she said.
“Thank you to our fantastic RFS teams who are already on the ground keeping our communities safe ahead of the bushfire season.”
More information, including how to prepare and the new fire rating system can be found at rfs.nsw.gov.au
Residents can also call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 670 737, and are encouraged to follow RFS social media updates, and listen to local radio and news channels to keep updated.
Source:
NSW Government