Wagga Wagga, Junee, Lockhart and Coolamon residents have been urged to join with NSW RFS volunteer firefighters this month and prepare for the coming bushfire season.
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The RFS will run a ‘Get Ready Weekend’ on September 22-23 where Riverina Zone residents can get involved in fun family events including kids activities, firefighting displays, opportunities to get aboard a fire truck, and see some of their specialist equipment.
Residents will also be able to get some information and advice on preparing their properties for the bush fire season.
NSW RFS Operational Officer Bradley Stewart said all residents in the Riverina Zone need to be prepared for the bushfire season.
“It has already been a busy start to the fire season with more than 2000 bush and grass fires across NSW during August,” he said.
“With all of NSW in drought and a forecast of ongoing warm and dry conditions, there is the potential for a long and protracted bush fire season.”
“NSW RFS members have been busy preparing by undertaking hazard reduction burns, maintaining firefighting equipment and undergoing training.”
“Get Ready Weekend is a chance for Riverina Zone residents to do their bit to prepare and protect their family and property in the event of a fire."
The RFS will hold three events in the Riverina Zone area.
The principle activity for Wagga Wagga will be the Riverina Fire Control Centre Open Day.
The Open Day will include access to members, equipment and resources from the NSW RFS, Fire + Rescue NSW, NSW Police Force, Wagga Wagga Rescue Squad, NSW Ambulance Service and the NSW State Emergency Service.
The Wagga Open Day will be held at the Riverina Fire Control Centre at 208 Fernleigh Road on September 22 from 10am to 2pm.
The Riverina Aviation Brigade will hold a display and barbecue at Wagga Bunnings on the corner of Dobney and Pearson streets from 9am to 4pm on September 23.
The Rock Brigade will hold a display at The Rock Foodworks Supermarket on Urana Street from 8am to 1pm on September 22.
“Visitors will get a glimpse into your local emergency services,” Operational Officer Stewart said.
They will have the opportunity to look through a Fire Control Centre, get up close with a fire fighting helicopter, hop on fire trucks and chat with emergency service workers to learn more about what we do every day and how you can protect yourself and your family during times of an emergency”
“Get Ready Weekend on 22 and 23 September is the ideal opportunity to take that action.”
A full list of local events is available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/getready.
For more information contact the Riverina Zone Fire Control Centre on 6971 4500.
