BULAHDELAH Rural Fire Service (RFS) recently held a Community Bushfire Forum which allowed the public to ask questions about local bushfire safety.

Staff were present from the Mid Coast District Office and representatives from National Parks and Wildlife Service and State Forests.

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Bulahdelah RFS captain Rod Paar said, “As much as we want to share information with the public we also want to hear your concerns.

District Officer Mid Coast Darrin Briggs told NOTA, “The purpose of this event is that the community of Bulahdelah had concerns about what was going on regarding reduction burning and other issues.”

Issues discussed included increasing awareness, the unpredictability of fires and how hazard reduction burns are conducted.

Hazard reduction burns are conducted on a seven to ten year basis and involve an extensive planning process that involves taking into account the fuel moisture content, wind direction and the effect on flora and fauna.

“It’s about the community being self-aware of the issues and the way landowners can help fireproof their properties to build up bushfire resilience,” said Mr Paar.

There is a fifty percent chance of an El Nino coming up, which will result in an increase in the potential for bushfires.

Therefore it is important to make sure you have a bushfire plan which is updated regularly and to make sure your home is well prepared.

In times of distress, information concerning local fires is broadcast on the ABC radio network and on the RFS website https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me.

By John SAHYOUN