With a lot of the Riverina drenched or flooded after five months of above-average rainfall the bushfire season is shaping up to be a risky one.
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Waterlogged grounds mean farmers and landholders are unable to put in firebreaks and complete other bushfire preparation which would normally take place this time of year.
Rural Fire Service operational officer Bradley Stewart has warned of the potential impending dangers around the region.
He said the wet weather and resulting flooding was like a “double edged sword”.
“It reduces the window of opportunity to do regular maintenance activities which reduce the threat of fire,” he said.
“We expect above average level of growth in grasslands around the area which will lead to an increase in fuel available when the grass dries out.
“It’s difficult for landholders to prepare at the moment. We’ve had reports they are unable to do firebreaks, slash, mow or plough because they are getting bogged.”
Mr Stewart hopes to see landholders prepare their properties as soon as they can.
The official start of the bushfire season on November 1.
From that date, no fires can be lit without a permit with the exception of cooking fires and campfires.
These fires must be supervised at all times, able to be extinguished by nearby water and at least two meters away from any combustible material.
While landholders may be unable to prepare fire breaks, Mr Stewart advices them to complete other preparation like machinery maintenance and cleaning gutters.
For those living in town or on the “urban interface” (houses which back onto bushland), cleaning out gutters and removing combustible materials from around the house is a must ahead of November 1.
Residents who struggle physically to prepare for bushfire season may be eligible for a free service under the Assist Infirm, Disabled and Elderly Residents (AIDER) program.
For information on eligibility or to apply phone 02 8741 4955, email aider@rfs.nsw.gov.au or go to www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.