NSW RFS asks Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon to ‘Get Ready’ for bush fires

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is calling on all Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon residents to join with NSW RFS volunteer firefighters and prepare for the coming bush fire season on Get Ready Weekend.

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 Greg Sim said all residents in the Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon areas need to be prepared for the bush fire 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 Sim said.

“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 have been busy preparing by undertaking hazard reduction burns, maintaining firefighting equipment and undergoing training.

“Get Ready Weekend is a chance for all residents to do their bit to prepare and protect their family and property in the event of a fire.”

Superintendent Sim said thirteen events will be held in the Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon areas in coming weeks, including firefighting displays, opportunities to get on board a fire truck, seeing specialist firefighting equipment up close and having your picture taken with a firefighter.

“Volunteer firefighters will be available to talk to about the simple things you can do to reduce your bush fire risk,” Superintendent Sim said.

“Preparing for bush fires is easier than people may think. It could be as simple as talking to your family about what you would do if a bush fire was to start near them.

“Get Ready Weekend on 22 and 23 September is the ideal opportunity to take that action.”

A full list of local events is available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/getready.

NSW RFS’s Top Tips for Bush Fire Preparation on Get Ready Weekend:

DISCUSS        what to do if a bush fire threatens your home

PREPARE      your home and get it ready for bush fire season

KNOW            the bush fire alert levels

KEEP              all the bush fire information numbers, websites and the smart phone app

Events occurring in Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon, for Get Ready Weekend and beyond:

What Who When Open Day and interactive displays with NSW RFS volunteer firefighters at

Victoria Park, Durham St, Bathurst

Bathurst Rural Fire Brigade Saturday 22 September 10am – 3pm Display stand and interactive displays with NSW RFS volunteer firefighters at

Bathurst Bunnings Warehouse, Stockland Drive, Kelso

Chifley Operations Support Rural Fire Brigade

&

Raglan Rural Fire Brigade

Saturday 22 September 9am – 4pm Display stand and interactive displays with NSW RFS volunteer firefighters at

Clarence/Dargan Rural Fire Station, Chifley Road, Clarence

Clarence/Dargan Rural Fire Brigade Saturday 22 September 10am – 4pm Display stand and interactive displays with NSW RFS volunteer firefighters at

Bill Lyle Reserve Beyers Ave, Hill End

Hill End Rural Fire Brigade Saturday 22 September 9am – 3pm Display stand and interactive displays with NSW RFS volunteer firefighters at

Marrangaroo Rural Fire Station, Great Western Highway, Marrangaroo

Marrangaroo Rural Fire Brigade Saturday 22 September 9am – 4pm Display stand and interactive displays with NSW RFS volunteer firefighters at

Oberon Farmers Market Ross Street, Oberon

Oberon Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade Saturday 6 October 9am – 1:30pm Open Day and information sessions with NSW RFS volunteer firefighters at

Palmers Oakey Rural Fire Station Palmers Oakey Rd, Palmers Oakey

Palmers Oakey Rural Fire Brigade Saturday 22 September

9am – 12pm