Get ready, it's fire season

October 18 and 19 has been declared the state’s Get Ready Weekend and the Rural Fire Service is encouraging everyone to prepare for the possibility that fire could threaten your property this summer.

Ken Neville from the Rural Fire Service’s Mid Lachlan Valley command says bushfire season is coming on fast. 

He urges everyone to take the time to prepare their property in case of bushfire.

Key things farmers can do include clearing around their infrastructure and ensuring they have safe paddocks for stock on high fire danger days.

Mr Neville said people should be mindful of the sort of activities that can spark a fire as all too often someone is left saying “I didn’t think it would get away so quickly.” 

“Every year we have the same problems,” Mr Neville said.

“Be wary of welders, grinders and slashers on those bad days. Accidents can happen but we need to try to prevent them.” 

Illegal fires – any outdoor fire started during a total fire ban or any fire that leaves your property – attract on the spot fines from $1000.

Getting ready for the bush fire season could be easier than you think. Here are the Rural Fire Service’s top tips:

* Prepare a Bush Fire Survival Plan

* Clear leaves, sticks and other things that could burn from your gutters. Gutter guards are a good idea 

* Prune shrubs and trees so they’re not overhanging the home

* Rake up leaves and litter and move firewood away from your home

* Keep your lawns mowed and your garden well maintained

* Keep things that can burn like flammable liquids in an enclosed area and not out in the open

* Make sure you’ve got a good hose that will reach all corners of your home. 

* If you’ve got a water tank, pool or dam, get a Static Water Supply sign from your local NSW RFS so firefighters know there is another water source on the property 

* Enclose underfloor areas and make sure there are no gaps or broken tiles in the roof - they can let in burning embers.