TIME for everyone to prepare for that awful summer danger - bushfire.
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The official fire season starts tomorrow and the NSW Rural Fire Service in Orana wants to see residents and communities prepare their properties against fire so lives are not put in danger.
The firefighters want you to help them help you. They can't risk members' lives by sending them onto a dangerous property which hasn't been prepared.
The solutions are easy: remove excess vegetation and any firewood stacked up in winter, slash or graze vegetation on lifestyle acreage, clean the gutters and get rid of anything that could catch on fire.
Crucially, have a bushfire survival plan which can be used by family members and others to help protect lives.
The RFS stresses the importance of fire plans each year, but some people just don't get the message.
City dwellers can help their local fire brigades by clearing gardens and other areas of combustible materials.
Fire fighters will help people get precautions and plans in place. Residents should contact them if they need advice.
The Orana region is no stranger to arson. Any community member who sees or knows of someone lighting fires (or likely to) should notify the authorities. Arsonists are dangerous, destructive creatures.
The heat is on its way. Everyone should do their bit to limit the risk to lives, property, the environment and the community.