As the quietest bushfire season in more than a decade officially ended last week, NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Rob Rogers urged people to remain vigilant and avoid complacency throughout the colder months, particularly land-holders.
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The 2020-21 bushfire season provided a stark contrast to the devastation caused around the state during the previous year's, with fire activity, property damage and hours committed by volunteer firefighters all significantly reduced.
"Firefighters have responded to just over 5500 bush and grass fires burning 30,963 hectares across NSW, considerably less than the 11,400 fires and 5.5 million hectares lost last season," he said.
It is vital for people ... to not become complacent and to ensure they take the time now to clear, prepare and maintain their properties
- NSW RFS commissioner Rob Rogers
"There has been just 11 days of total fire bans compared to 60 days last season, marking the quietest bush fire season since 2010-11."
However, he warned high grass fuel loads across the Central West - west of the Blue Mountains in general, in fact - are still prevalent, calling for people in the vicinity of bushfire prone areas to think ahead and prepare accordingly.
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"It is vital for people living near bushfire prone land to not become complacent and to ensure they take the time now to clear, prepare and maintain their properties," he said.
"Over the coming weeks and months crews will begin hazard reduction burning when weather opportunities are more favourable to reduce these fuel loads.
"While firefighting agencies will be looking to conduct as many hazard reduction activities as possible, I encourage landholders to do the same."
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Fire permits are not required outside of the bushfire danger period, however property owners conducting private hazard reduction burns are usually required to have a Hazard Reduction Certificate, which are free and can be obtained from RFS Control Centres.
Commissioner Rogers went on to explain while fire activity levels were low this season, RFS members were still consistently called on, particularly recently in helping assist flood-affected communities across the state.
"Time and time again when called upon, our members have stepped up to help," he said.
"As communities up and down the coast were inundated by flood waters, our firefighters were there to help, both on the ground and in the air," he said.
"I am humbled by their want to serve locally and the broader NSW community.
"To see hundreds of our firefighters travelling across the state to help communities in need is testament to their dedication and commitment."
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