“We had 17 trucks and 50 volunteers out at the height of the week last Tuesday attending fires in the region,” Rural Fire Service superintendent Jim Blackmore said. 

He added that investigators were out checking the cause of the fires but most appeared to be escaped hazard reduction fires which had begun under what appeared to be ideal conditions but went over containment lines when the wind picked up suddenly.

“Now as we move into the worst period for fires in this region we really need everyone to monitor the weather so they are not caught out,” he said, adding that neighbours and the local RFS needed a 24 hour warning before fires are lit.

“Everything is drying out quite rapidly now. The wind is drying out vegetation and the weather is getting warmer. The chances of losing control of a fire are rising.”

The RFS’ senior volunteers across the district are monitoring the situation and reporting in regularly about conditions. Supt Blackmore said that a decision about whether or not to bring the fire season forward from its standard date would be made over the next few weeks. 

In the meantime, Fire & Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife are about to embark upon one of the biggest weeks of controlled burning in some time, with in excess of 60 burns being carried out across the state this week.

“It is important that the community take the lead from fire agencies and land managers by... preparing their properties for the inevitable return of fire conditions,” said NSW RFS Deupty Commissioner Rob Rogers.

Currently the bush fire danger period runs from October until March. It's a timely reminder for those interested that a information session re: burn-offs will be held at Barrington RFS Station on August 24.