We might have seen respite from the drought this winter, with Orange's water storage sitting at 60 per cent and many other dams in the region near Blayney, Bathurst and Cowra full, but it hasn't all been good news.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fire season officially begins on Thursday, and Rural Fire Service Canobolas Zone Inspector David Hoadley said while there was a very low fire risk for the start of the season, and extended dry period could make things hairy.
The region avoided the worst of the fires from last summer, and a wet winter has meant there's been "a lot of growth" around the region, and no chance to implement hazard reductions for firefighters across the region.
"During the autumn at the end of fire season, we had a lot of rain and that prevented nearly all of our planned burn-offs," Inspector Hoadley said.
"At the moment it's too green to do any of the scheduled hazard reduction. We won't be able to anything before fire season.
"That doesn't mean we're expecting bushfires right away or even if we'll have many bushfires at all."
He said coronavirus restrictions hadn't affected the RFS' ability to burn off, with the weather the major factor.
The beginning of fire season means people need permits to burn off, and Inspector Hoadley encouraged people to reduce pockets of foliage where possible with burn-offs or bonfires.
"Remember to keep the weather in mind, have personal responsibility around your home and property to prevent a build-up of fuel," he said.
"Use a bit of common sense with it, too."
Permits can be obtained for free from local RFS stations or control centres.
Total fire ban days overrule permits for burning off, and people are reminded to be cautious of wind conditions and weather.
October 4 is also the RFS' Fire Prevention Week, encouraging families and households to put a bushfire prevention plan in place.
Every resident should have a Bush Fire Survival Plan so they know what to do on days of increased fire danger and can immediately put their plan into action if their home is threatened by fire.
For further information on how residents can protect their property or to download a bush fire survival plan, visit the NSW RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
Alternatively, you can call 1800 679 737.
For information on current fires, download the NSW RFS 'Fires Near Me' app on a phone or tablet.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS AND SPORT?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...