Pictured: Mayor of The Hills Shire Dr Peter Gangemi pictured with District Manager of The Hills RFS Glen McCartney.
Hills Shire residents are encouraged to prepare for bushfire season this Get Ready Weekend (16-17 September 2023).
Get Ready Weekend is an initiative of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) that encourages residents and landowners to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season.
Mayor of The Hills Shire Dr Peter Gangemi urged residents to be aware of the risk of fire this season and to have a plan in place.
“The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting very hot and dry conditions this summer with an expected El Nino weather pattern, increasing the risk of grass fires after three summers of rapid growth under La Nina conditions,” Mayor Gangemi said.
“We have many residents backing onto bushland in the rural and suburban areas of our Shire who might not have experienced bushfires before.
“I’m asking every Hills resident to please take a moment to best prepare your property and consider your fire plan to keep your family safe.”
District Manager of The Hills RFS Glen McCartney also expressed concern for this year’s bushfire season.
“With several years of wet weather, grass and scrub have grown across NSW. As this dries out, the risk of grass fires increases. Grass fires can start easily and move quickly,” Mr McCartney said.
“The recent wet weather has also hampered the efforts of fire agencies to reduce hazards.
“Know your risk this bushfire season and prepare well ahead.”
As part of Get Ready Weekend, local RFS stations in The Hills are opening their doors to help residents plan for the fire season ahead. Stations will be conducting children’s activities, vehicle displays and conveying information about preparing your home in the event of a bushfire.
Brigades participating in Get Ready Weekend include:
- Rouse Hill: Saturday 16 September, 10am – 2pm
- Glenhaven: Saturday 16 September, 10am – 2pm
- Kenthurst: Saturday 16 September, 10am – 3pm
- North Rocks: Saturday 16 September, 2pm – 8pm
- Kellyville: Sunday 17 September, 11am – 2pm
- Box Hill Nelson: Sunday 17 September, 10am – 2pm
- Sackville North: Sunday 17 September, 11am – 3pm
- Glenorie: Sunday 17 September, 9am – 2pm
The RFS recommends some simple steps that you can take to prepare your home for bushfires:
- TRIM: Trim overhanging trees and shrubs. This can stop the fire from spreading to your home
- MOW: Mow grass and remove the cuttings. Have a cleared area around your home
- REMOVE: Remove material that can burn around your home (e.g. Door mats, wood piles, mulch, leaves, paint, outdoor furniture)
- CLEAR: Clear and remove all the debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding your home. Burning embers can set your home on fire
- PREPARE: Prepare a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach all around your home. Make sure you’ve got a reliable source of water.
For more information about Get Ready Weekend activities at local RFS stations as well as tips on how to prepare your home, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Get Ready Weekend.’
