Federation RFS Zone Captain Greyd’n Davis (C) with emergency services leaders from around the border said residents need to be prepared for a potentially severe fire season ahead.
Photo by
Ian Johnson
Unseasonably dry conditions and early fires are signalling a challenging bushfire season ahead.
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Less than ideal rainfall and warmer weather leading into this year’s fire danger period has sparked an early warning from Federation RFS Zone Captain Greyd’n Davis who cautions that those land holders who haven't prepared early will struggle.
“The bushfire danger period for us starts on November 1, which means there'll be no lighting fires without a permit,” Capt Davis said.
“Permits are based on daily conditions and the weather we're encountering.
“This season is more advanced than previous years; local harvest operations started before the end of October, which is seasonally early, and roadside growth is horrific.”
Captain Davis said permits will be made available for seven to 14 days, depending on conditions, and will be tightly regulated.
After that, there will be a no burn period until March.
The early harvest season has left little time for preparation, and vacant blocks and roadside areas are carrying massive fuel loadings.
Recent fires around Corowa, Coreen and Berrigan has given the local RFS a preview of what the fire season ahead could look like.
“We're at the thin edge of the wedge of our season,” Capt Davis said.
“Fire activity and behavior this early in the season is phenomenal.
“The fire at Coreen ran for 500m under southerly winds on minimal fuel before we were able to get vehicles and water onto it.
“The next day, on the Berrigan/Corowa boundary, we had flame heights more than two metres.
“Fires are burning hotter and bigger than expected this early in the season.”
Captain Greyd’n Davis said the Whitehead Street fire from last year is their baseline with the possibility of conditions being worse this year.
The RFS is expecting warmer temperatures this year, creating conditions similar to what they encountered last year with the Whitehead St fires in Corowa.
While fires are presenting earlier than expected, there’s still much that can be done to reduce their severity and help local firefighters.
“Whitehead St last year is our baseline, and we're looking at the possibility of conditions being worse than that; that's our starting point,” Capt Davis said.
“While grass is still green, you can slash and clean up and be proactive around your households and buildings.
“Make sure gutters are clean and there’s no rubbish lying around.
“Look at what’s recommended, do a general clean up, and have a backup water supply; if you're on a bigger block, invest in a fire pump tank that can go on a trailer.
“And if we do have jobs, and you're not directly involved, stay the buggery out of the road, because that was painful last year.”
People can familiarize themselves with RFS guidelines ahead of the bushfire season at www.nsw.rfs.gov.au and Federation Council has a valuable online resource called ‘The First 72 Hours’ designed to help people prepare for emergencies.
Capt Davis said fires start small, and you're there early enough, they don't get big; being proactive and being prepared can save properties and lives.
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will also commence in Indigo Shire Council (north west) on Monday, November 16 for.
Federation Council’s online resource called ‘The First 72 Hours’ can be found at:
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