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Prepare, Act, Survive the Fire Season

 

As the weather warms and rainfall remains low, the danger of wild fires increases, particularly after such lush growth earlier in the year.

Reduce excess grass growth around your houses and sheds, clean gutters, study the information available on the RFS Website on how to prepare for this bushfire season.

If you think this sort of work is unnecessary or that fire won’t bother you, watch this video…..and think again!

Fire Stories

 

Prepare, Act, Survive the Fire Season

Planning to make a plan is not a plan

If you live, work or travel in bush fire areas, you need a Bush Fire Survival Plan. Don’t put it off.

Grass fires

Grass fires can start and spread quickly, destroying homes, crops and livelihoods. Take action now.

Concerned about a fire hazard?

If you’re concerned about a fire hazard near you, the NSW RFS can provide advice. Report a fire hazard.

Fire permits now required in some areas

Permits are now required in most areas across NSW. Check your area here.

Neighbourhood Safer Places

Neighbourhood Safer Places are a place of last resort which can be used during a bush fire. Check for a Neighbourhood Safer Place in your area.

You won’t find any listed in the Hartley Valley. Something to check with your local Rural Fire Service officers.

 

Rural Fire Service   www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Public Enquiries freecall 1800 679 737

Fire Control – Silcock St (cnr Bent St), Lithgow  phone 6353 1862

 

Fire Brigade Membership

The Rural Fire Service is governed by the Rural Fires Act 1997. This Act brought to an end the opportunity for spontaneous volunteering of untrained firefighters, requiring that volunteers need to join the RFS and be appropriately trained before they are allowed to fight fires.

So what is the process?

In the first instance volunteers make contact with their local brigade captain. Enrolment paperwork is completed and the member enters a period of probationary membership. The member then attends an intensive 16 hours Firefighting (BF) training program. On completion they are issued their uniform of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and are eligible to attend call outs.

As full members, recruits are expected to attend say six local brigade training sessions a year. Many members are happy to maintain just their basic BF level of training but many more courses are offered to those seeking broader firefighting skills, these include Advanced BF, Crew Leader, Village Firefighting and a range of useful skills eg first aid and chain saw use.

If you are interested in joining your local brigade contact Hartley Captain Brad Collins on 0425 240 342 or Kanimbla Captain Jim Commens on 0417 273 438.

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Hartley Bushfire Brigade

Captain – Brad Collins. Phone 0425 240 342. Meets on the first Sunday of each month at 10am, at their shed on Mid Hartley Road.

Kanimbla Bushfire Brigade

Captain – Jim Commens. Phone 0417 273 438. Meets at their shed, Coxs River Road on the last Friday in March and the first Saturday in July.