Rural Fire service volunteers quickly brought a grass fire at Four Mile Creek Road under control on Sunday.
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But the blaze, extinguished by Sunday afternoon, is a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers when fire season rolls around.
Four trucks from the North West Orange Rural Fire Brigade took care of business over the weekend, the fire not equating to more than a hectare in size.
"The fire is now under control," the North West Orange RFS brigade said on Sunday, before a warning for the region.
"Even though we have had heaps of rain, fires can still start. So prepare now for the fire season."
Parts of NSW had their bush fire season brought forward in 2021, with the dangerous conditions - warm temperatures and high winds - creeping into September.
Over coming weeks and months, grass fires will be of particular concern, especially in these areas that have entered the bush fire danger period.
- NSW Commissioner Rob Rogers
At the time of the fire at Four Mile Creek Road, wind gusts swept past the 60 kilometres-per-hour mark.
"Over coming weeks and months, grass fires will be of particular concern, especially in these areas that have entered the bush fire danger period," NSW Commissioner Rob Rogers said.
"Land holders and firefighters have reported increased grass growth from recent rain, particularly west of the ranges. The threat of grass fires will increase as this dries out."
The official start of the Bush Fire Danger Period on is October 1.
"Anyone wishing to light a fire during the Bush Fire Danger Period must obtain a free permit in addition to notifying their local fire authority and neighbours 24 hours before lighting up," Commissioner Rogers added.
"While hazard reductions are an important part of preparations, landholders need to be extremely careful, as escaped burns can lead to heavy penalties.
"If a fire does escape, make sure you call Triple Zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond and minimise the damage."
Commissioner Rogers said while firefighters were busy preparing, residents should do the same.
"Now is the time to update and discuss your bush fire survival plan. Have the conversation with your family about what you will do during a fire - talk about when you'll leave, where you'll go, what you'll take and what you'll do with animals."
For details on making a bush fire survival plan visit www.myfireplan.com.au
For information about the Bush Fire Danger Period, go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP
To notify of your intent to burn, use the online burn notification tool at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify
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