As Wagga shivered through some unseasonably cold days towards the end of this week, it was hard to believe that elsewhere in the state bushfires were burning uncontrollably.
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In fact, at last count late on Saturday night according to some reports, there were 47 fires bushfires burning across northern NSW - 43 of which were yet to have been brought under control.
Tragically, three people have been confirmed dead and at least seven others are missing, with authorities fearing the death toll will rise in the coming days.
There are estimates about 150 homes have been lost, as well as other vital community assets such as schools, halls, bridges, power poles and even fire stations.
The drought has left this state in an unprecedented state of vulnerability heading into the summer.
One shudders to think what awaits when the really hot and windy conditions kick-in in the coming weeks.
Even the recent rain, as welcome as it was, appears to have added considerable fuel to potential fires in our region.
As someone who frequently drives the Olympic Highway, I hope the relevant councils have taken note of the hip-high or above dry grasses lining the road and have slashing programs in place.
All it would take is one moron to toss a cigarette from their car and it would be on, putting lives and livestock in jeopardy.
I know newspapers bang on about it ad nauseam, but if you don't have a fire plan in place - no matter how remote you think the possible of ever needing to use it is - you should.
The Rural Fire Service has a simple guide on its website to help you become fire ready to help ensure you and your family's safety.
Our thoughts are with all those people to our north who are going through such a torrid time, as well as those brave men and women of the RFS who are working to keep them safe.
We truly wish you all the best for the difficult week ahead, Ross