Australia’s east coast is experiencing season-typical storm fronts and wind events earlier than usual and this has caused about 3000 incidents in NSW this month alone.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued multiple wind warnings in the last ten days for regions across the south-east coast following record heat over the Tasman sea.
St Andrews Fire and Rescue inspector Kevin Smith, who leads 13 stations across the Liverpool, Macarthur and Wollondilly regions, said that it was vital for locals to be mindful of their surroundings into the summer months.
“We live in an agronomy,” Commander Smith said.
“General householders in the urban fringe need to think about where they live and the fire risks that may affect them unawares.”
Wind gusts of up to 56km/h rocked Sydney’s western suburbs, worst affecting the Macarthur and Wollondilly regions in what has been forewarned of the approaching intense summer months.
Rural fire services are concerned for the upcoming fire season given how last summer’s “El Niño” delivered record rainfall for large parts of eastern Australia.
“Wet weather conditions increase the native vegetation that becomes fuel in a bushfire,” Commander Smith said.
“Fire safety awareness saves lives.”
Nearly 40 per cent of people living in NSW reside in rural areas, leaving 4.9 million people in higher density areas.
UOW student and local originally from The Rock, Tamara Stewart has found that fire awareness in the Illawarra is weaker than in rural areas leaving a majority of coastal-goers at risk.
“I find people who live in rural areas prepare for bushfire dangers better,” Miss Stewart said.
“A lot of people are complacent.
“They don’t want to plan because they don’t believe they need to.”
In better attempt to raise awareness for fire safety in the lead up to summer, SES and RFS have conducted hazard reductions across the state.
“Everyone should have some sort of plan in the lead up to fire season,” Miss Stewart said.
RFS hosts open days and uploads regularly to their resources page to better equip local communities with fire safety knowledge.
Check out your region’s next open day via the RFS website.
Video: As bushfire season approaches, safety and awareness is dire for residents of both rural and residential areas.
Ex-officer and firefighter Richard Irwin and Scout turned rural resident Brendan Corr have shared their experiences with fire seasons and safety.
They have warned residents to stay safe this summer by preparing homes and keeping on top of updates from Fire and Rescue NSW, RFS and the SES.