The start of October marked the official start of the 2024-25 bush fire season, as high fuel loads present challenges for fire agencies across the state.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is prepared for a predicted warm summer, with firefighters having responded to more than 1,600 bush and grass fires across the state since July 1.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib joined Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers for a helicopter flight to survey some of Sydney’s most at-risk suburbs on Monday, September 30.

Taking off from Arcadia Rural Fire Brigade station, the Minister and Commissioner inspected recent hazard reduction work undertaken in the Hornsby area, as fire agencies and land managers continue work to reduce fuel loads for the warm months ahead.

“Consecutive years of wet weather have fuelled growth of vegetation like grass lands, particularly west of the Great Dividing Range. Grass fires can be especially dangerous because they start quickly and spread rapidly, destroying homes and stock," Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said.

The NSW Government has funded 100 additional hazard reduction crew members to conduct this important work.

“We have already seen dangerous fire conditions in NSW, with recent hot, dry and windy weather rapidly drying out bush and grass land areas, increasing the fire risk," Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said.

“With high temperatures forecast this summer, we cannot be complacent. Everyone needs to take the time now to make sure they understand their risk, discuss their Bush Fire Survival Plan with their family and download the Hazards Near Me app.”

RFS firefighters train and prepare year-round to respond to fire and other emergency incidents and with most of NSW now in the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP), it is important that the community prepares as well.

“Our firefighters are out on the ground doing everything they can to mitigate the risk of fire, but preparation is a shared responsibility, and we need property owners to do their part, too," Mr Rogers said.

“There can never be a fire truck outside every home, so people need to have a plan in place if threatened by fire. Make sure your whole family knows whether you will stay and defend your home or will leave early - and if so, where you will go.”

Residents are encouraged to take simple steps to lower their fire risk, including:

1. Trim overhanging trees and shrubs.

2. Mow grass and remove the cuttings and have a cleared area around your home.

3. Remove material that can burn around your home, such as door mats, wood piles, mulch and flammable liquids.

4. Clear and remove all debris and leaves from gutters surrounding your home.

5. Prepare a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach around your home.

The statutory bush fire season runs from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

“I thank all our RFS volunteers and emergency service personnel for their work to protect communities across the state and encourage residents and landowners to do their part to prepare themselves, their families and properties," Mr Jihad said.

Bush Fire Survival Plans and information on preparing your property and family are available on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Residents can stay up to date on fires in their area using the RFS website, the Hazards Near Me app, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.

Fire Permits are now required in the Mid Lachlan Valley Team (Forbes, Parkes, Lachlan and Weddin LGAs) for all fires from now until April 1 2025.

During the Bushfire Danger Period, you must obtain a permit for the property on which you intend to burn. You are also required to provide 24 hours' notice to all direct neighbours and to the RFS (Mid Lachlan Valley Fire Control Centre on 02 6852 5600 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) or online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify).

To contact your local Volunteer Permit Officer, call 02 6852 5600 and speak with our staff at the Mid Lachlan Valley FCC.

They can provide the details of your local permit officer, who will assist you as soon as they are available.

Please keep in mind that permit officers are volunteers who juggle their time between work, family, and the RFS.

They may not be able to respond to you immediately, so please be patient and allow them reasonable time to issue you a permit.

If your property is within a Fire and Rescue district, you can apply via the Fire and Rescue website at https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=200.

There are heavy penalties if you don't follow restrictions or rules.