Summer begins with grass fire threat

As summer begins, Central Coast residents are being warned to prepare now, with this year’s persistent rainfall causing the most significant grass fire risk across the State in more than 10 years.

6 December 2022

 

MINISTER for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said with the arrival of summer, communities across need to be aware of the fire risk this season.

 

“Two years of wet weather has led to prolific vegetation growth across NSW, with the State now facing its most significant grass fire threat in more than a decade,” Minister Cooke said.

 

“It can take just a few days of hot, dry and windy conditions for grass fires to take hold, even in areas which have experienced recent heavy rains and flooding.

 

“It’s important that households and landholders take precautions now and have a plan in place to know exactly how to react in a fire emergency.”

 

Grass fires are unpredictable and they can start easily and spread quickly. In fact, grass fires can move three times faster than a bush fire, leaving you little time to get ready.

 

There is an increased risk of grass fires this summer. It is important that you understand grass fires and how to protect yourself, your family and your property from the threat of fire.

 

Grassfires can travel up to 25 km per hour and pulse even faster over short distances. Grass is a fine fuel and burns faster than bush or forests. Grassfires tend to be less intense and produce fewer embers than bushfires, but still generate enormous amounts of radiant heat.

 

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said the sustained period of wet conditions has the potential to cause complacency in the community.

 

“Our research has found just one in three people is concerned about the fire season this year, which is the lowest level since the devastating 2019-20 bush fires, and less than half have taken steps to prepare for fire,” Commissioner Rogers said.

 

“While the recent focus has been on  flooding events, we can’t forget about the dangers of bush and grass fires. Grass fires can move three times faster than a bush fire. They can start easily and spread quickly - destroying homes, crops and livelihoods.

 

“Farmers can help protect their properties by establishing firebreaks around paddocks, homes and other valuable assets like sheds and equipment, helping to slow a fire’s spread.”

 

Fire and Rescue NSW Assistant Commissioner Cheryl Steer reminded residents to prepare for any summer bush fire emergency.

 

“The public can assist fire crews by preparing and maintaining their homes if they are in an at-risk area,” Assistant Commissioner Steer said.

 

“If you and your family are travelling over the Christmas period, please check the weather and fire danger ratings and make a plan to leave any location threatened by a grass or bush fire.”

 

For information about preparing for grass fires, check www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/grassfires or visit www.myfireplan.com.au.

 

To check the Fire Danger Ratings for your area, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or check the Fires Near Me NSW smartphone app.