FIREFIGHTERS are calling on Riverina residents to prepare for the bushfire danger period ahead following on from last summer's devastation.
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While an official date is yet to be set for Wagga, the NSW Rural Fire Service's overarching Bushfire Danger Period began on October 1 for much of the state.
A Bushfire Management Committee are set to meet later this month to formalise a date for the region, with November 1 the likely result, according to Riverina Zone RFS operational officer Brad Stewart.
"The committee will look at things like fuel loads, the likelihood of fires, weather, and the ability to manage fires in the area," he said.
When the period officially begins, Mr Stewart said the main consideration for landholders and residents will be the need for fire permits.
"There will be a heavier focus on checking that fires are used safely in different contexts, and that there is a reduced likelihood of fires escaping containment," he said.
"It's also so important to check the fire danger ratings before burning, make sure you're across any permits that are needed, and we do encourage people to provide notification when they plan to burn off."
A focus ahead of this year's danger period is to clear properties of hazards.
"We are really, strongly pushing local land owner to consider putting in wider fire breaks this year, given the prolific growth of grass following recent rain," Mr Stewart said.
"That grass will dry off and present a fire hazard, and this also applies to new residential block owners who may not have built yet in new estates - clear the debris where you can."
Mr Stewart said clearing out gutters and creating defensible space around the home were also important.
"One of the challenges we often find is with people backing onto reserves," he said.
"They tend to dump green waste in the asset protection zones which separates their property from the reserve, and in doing that, it can reduce the effectiveness of that asset protection zone."
Larger land holders are also encouraged to test their firefighting equipment, check their water pumps, and all residents are urged to have a bushfire survival plan ready.
"Don't just think about one, make sure you have one and know it inside and out - I can't stress that enough," Mr Stewart said.
A new public awareness campaign has been launched this month to drive the fact home, featuring survivors of last summer's horrific fires.
The $2 million 'How fireproof is your plan?' campaign saw NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers reinforce the message.
"People need to understand the risk and prepare for it - and do it now," he said.
"The single most important thing every family can do is have that five minute conversation about important decisions like when to leave and what to take if a fire threatens your home."
In other news:
Last season, with 26 people killed and more than 2000 homes destroyed across NSW, there were many stories which emerged which show the importance of being ready.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said it was important to never leave a fire unattended.
"If a fire does escape, it is essential to call Triple Zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise the damage," he said.
Commissioner Baxter also urged people to consider the risk of bush fires when traveling around the State.
"As we move into summer and the holiday period, and especially given the travel restrictions with COVID-19, many people will be visiting bush fire prone areas," he said.
"While they might not typically live in an at risk area, it's important they have a plan for the area they are visiting."
During the BFDP anyone wishing to light a fire for pile burning or hazard reduction will require a permit, which is free to obtain from your local Fire Control Centre. On days of Total Fire Ban all fire permits are automatically revoked.