The NSW Rural Fire Service is calling on all Far South Coast residents to join with volunteer firefighters and prepare for the coming bush fire season on Get Ready Weekend.
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On Saturday and Sunday, September 22-23, Far South Coast residents can get involved in fun family events including kids activities, firefighting displays, opportunities to get aboard a fire truck, and see some of their specialist equipment. Importantly they can also get some information and advice on preparing their properties for the bush fire season.
NSW RFS Superintendent John Cullen said all residents in the Far South Coast need to continue with their preparations for the bushfire season.
“It has already been a busy start to the fire season with more than 2000 bush and grass fires across NSW during August,” Superintendent Cullen said.
“We currently have a 18000ha bushfire to the west of Bega that has been burning for five weeks and continues to provide challenges for firefighters.
“With all of NSW in drought and a forecast of ongoing warm and dry conditions, there is the potential for a long and protracted bush fire season.
“NSW RFS members are already busy firefighting as well as maintaining firefighting equipment and undergoing training.
“Get Ready Weekend is a chance for Far South Coast residents to do their bit to prepare and protect their family and property in the event of a fire."
Superintendent Cullen said 23 events will be held in the Far South Coast, covering an area from Long Beach to Eden and Nelligen to Wyndham.
“Volunteer firefighters will be available to talk to about the simple things you can do to reduce your bush fire risk,” Superintendent Cullen said.
“Preparing for bushfires is easier than people may think. It could be as simple as talking to your family about what you would do if a bushfire was to start near them.
“Get Ready Weekend on September 22 and 23 is the ideal opportunity to take that action.”
Far South Coast events
If you can’t make one of the events, contact your local RFS or visit the RFS website and download a survival plan. Phone the Bega Valley Fire Control Office on 6494 7400 for contact details of your local RFS.
Saturday, September 22
Cobargo Co-op 8am-12.30pm
Jellat RFS station, Thornhill Rd, 10am-3pm
Wolumla Hotel, Scott St, 10am-2pm
Merimbula Visitor Information Centre car park, 9-10am; Millingandi - Boggy Creek Road intersection, 10.45-12pm; Bournda, corner of Kulbardi Close and Sapphire Coast Drive, 1-2pm.
Sunday, September 23
Buckajo RFS station, Gillcrest Drive, 10am-4pm
Eden RFS station, Boyd St, 9.30-1.30
Merimbula RFS station, Merimbula Drive, 10am-12pm
Numbugga RFS station, Snowy Mts Hwy, 10am-2pm
Tathra RFS station, Bega St, 10am-2pm
Wyndham Hall, cnr Clarke and Gordon St, 9am-12.30pm
A full list of local events is available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/getready.
