Thanks for your tireless efforts
Today marks the end of one of the largest fire seasons in modern history across NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) would like to say thank you to the Volunteers and Staff of the NSW Rural Fire Service on behalf of the people of NSW.
The fire season commenced in early spring in the state’s north, had some respite over Christmas and then widespread activity in in January coupled with deployments to assist in fire-fighting efforts in South Australia and Victoria.
President of the RFSA, Tim Arnott said it has been an exceptional year for bush fire behaviour with many of the NSW RFS 70,000 volunteers and staff going above and beyond the call of duty in protecting local communities across the state and further afield.
“We’ve had a large number of major blazes across NSW which took many weeks to control and eventually extinguish. These fires involved large numbers of NSW RFS volunteers and staff, working together with Fire and Rescue NSW, National Parks, Local Councils, SES and Forests NSW, ” Mr Arnott said.
“We all saw what happened in the Blue Mountains at Winmalee and Lithgow early in the season with the loss of more than 200 houses and a number of businesses.
“There have also been major blazes in the Northern region, Southern Highlands, on the Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Eastern Riverina, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Hawkesbury District, Central Ranges and the Central Tablelands.
“Our Members devoted so much of their time to support not only their own communities during a time of need, but also other regions and states, so as an Association we would like to extend our appreciation to every one of them.”
Today’s end to the official bush fire danger period across NSW will not see an end though to the fire-fighting efforts of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) across the state over coming months.
“NSW RFS will also be increasing the amount of hazard reduction work right across the state so we are as prepared as possible for the next fire season.
“It’s also important for people to take this time to seek advice from the RFS as to how to prepare for the next fire season, including undertaking hazard reduction around their homes and property,” Mr Arnott said.
“The Autumn/Winter months are the time to undertake this work and not when a bush fire is encroaching on your home so I encourage you to plan and prepare now while you still have a large amount of time to make those preparations.
“Our RFS volunteers are out there 365 days of the year performing duties for the community, so the next time you see a RFS truck or drive past a fire brigade station, I encourage you to please take the time to consider and appreciate the contribution these people make to their local community.”