AS Orange gears up for a hot and dry summer, firefighters are gearing up for a busy bushfire season.
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Recent rainfall in the Central West has resulted in a growth in potential fuels and Canobolas Rural Fire Service (RFS) operations officer Brett Bowden has warned once the grasses dry off, there will be a greater risk of fire.
“Given we’ve had good rainfall right across the Central West especially in November, this has given way to good growth in pastures and in forestry,” he said.
“Over the next two to three weeks, if we continue to have temperatures like we’ve had in the last week, grasslands will become fuel for fire.”
Residents are also encouraged to keep grass around the home short.
“The shorter the grass, the greener. The greener the grass, the less risk of fire,” Mr Bowden said.
He urges residents to check their properties for potential fire hazards and encourages them follow total fire ban restrictions.
He said machinery such as tractors, grinders and welders can spark fires and residents should think carefully about potential risks before using them.
To ensure the community stays as safe as possible, Mr Bowden recommends putting a bushfire plan in place and eliminate any potential hazards around the home that could ignite a fire.
A template for a bushfire safety plan can be downloaded from the RFS website.
“Plans save lives. Have that plan ready to go,” Mr Bowden said.
Mr Bowden said residents should keep an eye on fire danger levels and download the ‘fires near me’ application for smartphone devices to keep track of fire alerts within the region.
ellen.dunger@fairfaxmedia.com.au
