Fire authorities are predicting an “elevated” fire risk in the Murray region as we approach bush fire season.
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The season will officially start on October 1, but Mid Murray Rural Fire Service district coordinator Gerard James said waiting to implement safety measures is fraught with danger.
“The time to plan this is now, not when the fire is approaching,” he said.
“Considering the above average rainfall and temperatures we have experienced across the zone for the winter period, and with the soil moisture profile being full, we expect to see fuel loads continue to increase well into the spring.
“The long range forecast is predicting a drier spring with El Nino phase continuing well into 2027.
“The risk of fire across our zone will be elevated due the high amount of rain we have received, and landholders need to start to prepare for the up coming Bush Fire Danger Period.”
To support landholders in their preparations, response agencies have this week been promoting ‘EmergencyRedi Week’.
The RFS also has its ‘Get Ready Weekend’ this Saturday and Sunday.
Mid Murray RFS members will be in the Deniliquin CBD from 9am Saturday - in the Cressy St kiosk - to offer practical advice, answer questions about your property's bushfire risk and teach simple actions that could make a real difference this fire season.
Mr James said taking the time to prepare now can help prevent damage and losses later.
“This work can include cleaning up debris around the house, sheds and property, remove any over hanging trees from buildings, remove any other flammable materials, cleaning spouts and debris from rooflines, mowing and slashing excessive grass growth.
Fire damage to a property on McLaurins Rd, in the Tuppal region near Deniliquin, during the last Bush Fire Danger Period.
“Landholders also need to ensure they have buckets, mops, ladders, back up power supply, shovels, rakes and enough hoses and water supply to defend their property.
“They will also need long sleeved shirts, pants wide brimmed hat, gloves, sturdy boots, goggles and a face mask to endure the heat and smoke of an approaching fire.”
Mr James said an important part of preparation is having a bush fire survival plan.
“This will include whether you decide to leave early or stay and defend, where will you go, how will you get there, what will you take with you and who will you inform of your plans.
“If you plan to stay and defend, do you have the skill expertise and equipment that is needed? Do all the members of the house know what to do in that situation, and what is your back up plan?”
Mid Murray RFS operational officer Jodie Graham said if landholder preparation includes hazard reduction and pile burns, these activities must be notified ahead of time and safety conditions strictly adhered to.
“Many landholders will take the opportunity to reduce fuel loads on their property. It’s essential this is done safely, and that neighbours and fire authorities are notified at least 24 hours before lighting up,” she said.
“We often see land managers rushing to complete burns before the start of the fire season, which can increase the risk of burns escaping and pose a greater risk to neighbouring properties.”
Notifying planned burns also helps reduce unnecessary Triple Zero (000) calls and avoid the deployment of firefighting resources to controlled activities.
“The online tool also provides information about Total Fire Bans and will alert users if conditions mean they should not proceed,” Ms Graham said.
“Before lighting any fire, ensure you have prepared adequate fire breaks and have appropriate firefighting equipment and a sufficient water supply on hand.
“Every landholder is responsible for preventing fire from escaping their property. Leaving a fire unattended can have serious consequences.”
To access the notification portal, and relevant safety information, go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify.
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