Council urges residents to be aware of bush fire risk
Wingecarribee Shire Council is advising residents and visitors to be prepared for bush fires while travelling these school holidays.
The call comes as the Shire continues to experience unusually dry and windy conditions.
Council’s Local Emergency Management Officer Amanda Lawrence said that travellers need to be prepared and alert to bush fire risk.
The NSW Rural Fire Service’s online Fires Near Me application allows users to get information on current bush fires across NSW.
“Over the weekend a blaze at Paddy’s River caused extensive delays on the Hume Highway,” said Ms Lawrence. “Travellers are reminded to always carry bottled water with them as dehydration can be a major problem for motorists.”
As well as being informed and prepared, travellers need to be aware of their surroundings, drive to the conditions and understand the Fire Danger Rating (FDR) system.
Fire Danger Ratings are based on predicted conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind and the dryness of the landscape. The higher the fire danger rating, the more dangerous the conditions.
“It is essential that all tourists and holidaymakers keep a close eye on the FDR system while travelling throughout the Wingecarribee Shire and surrounding areas,” said Ms Lawrence.
“We’ve seen in the last few days how quickly fires can develop so it’s a timely reminder to get ready,” she added. “I’d encourage all residents to update their Bushfire Survival Plan and discuss it with their family.”
To help residents prepare, Council in conjunction with the Southern Highlands Rural Fire Service have developed a free Six Week Bush Fire Get Ready Challenge.
Residents can sign up to receive weekly emails with tips to prepare their families and homes against bush fires at www.getreadychallenge.com.au.
For more information on the Fires Near Me application visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information.