Firefighters in the Local Government Area of Region West have battled 500 fires during the 2017/18 financial year, with firies now preparing for another brutal season ahead.
The Region West LGA covers 65 per cent of New South Wales, with towns including Walgett, Coonamble, Narromine, Parkes, Forbes, Wedding, Cowra, Cabonne, Bourke, Orange and Blayney.
RFS Region West operations manager Superintendent Paul Whiteley said some of those fires have been the cause of escape burns.
“Many people were trying to do the right thing with hazard reduction burns, but because its been so dry, some have gotten a little out of control,” Supt Whiteley said.
“I think its taken people by surprise. It doesnt take much.”
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Other causes have been roadside fires and accidental.
Supt Whiteley said his team are ready for the bush fire season, which will be hotter, windier and drier.
“We do have some forest/bush areas in the east that are a cause of concern (coming into the bush fire season), but well be monitoring it closely,” he said.
“Things will get hotter, drier and windier as we head into the bush fire danger period and the BoM is saying it will continue, but were prepared for that.”
He encouraged people to service their vehicles and motorbikes as sparks are likely to cause a fire.
“And keep them free of dry material,” Supt Whiteley said.
This story Region West firefighters battled hundreds of fires over the 2017/18 financial year first appeared on Western Magazine.
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