Fire and Rescue NSW steps up hazard reduction activity ahead of summer predictions - VIDEO - Mittagong
Published: 01 Aug 2023 02:56pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is carrying out a hazard reduction burn in the Southern Highlands today, taking advantage of favourable weather conditions to reduce the fuel load ahead of summer.
Heavy rains and flooding since the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20 have accelerated the growth of rural grasslands, particularly west of the Great Dividing Range.
They have also limited the window available for firefighting hazard reduction operations ahead of the fire season.
Bushfire Commander, Superintendent Scott Donohoe, said, “FRNSW is stepping up its efforts to reduce as much of the fuel load as possible to minimise the impact of the predicted summer bushfire risks.
“We are also assisting other agencies' operations with our fleet of four-wheel drive Bushfire Tankers, able to negotiate rugged terrain off fire trails,” Supt Donohoe said.
FRNSW has responsibility for safeguarding areas where bushland meets urban areas and today's operation has focussed on burning heavy fuel loads around Greyladys Lane at Mittagong.
Residents are urged to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season by:
- Ensuring they have a Bushfire survival plan
- Downloading and monitoring the Hazards Near Me app for major bushfire updates
- Clearing and removing fuel loads or built-up materials around your property
Further burns are scheduled over the next few weeks. Please refer to the RFS website for additional information - https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/ [external link]
Media note - FRNSW footage of today's operations are available here: https://vimeo.com/850413010/71cd2b9328?share=copy [external link]
Updated: 01 Aug 2023 03:00pm
Related safety topics
Most people have a plan for what they will do during a bushfire. Unfortunately, not every plan will withstand the test of a bushfire. Take 5 minutes to improve or make a plan at www.myfireplan.com.au [external link]
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
10 Bowral Road, Mittagong NSW 2575
16 Merrigang Street, Bowral NSW 2576
64 Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577