In past years, February has brought the full horror of raging infernos racing across the land, threatening residents, destroying livestock, crops, homes and livelihoods.

Few in the Orana region (and beyond) will forget the devastation brought to the areas hit by the Sir Ivan fire in February 2017.

The people from the small villages and farms there are still trying to claw their way back from the disaster, which made national headlines.

The region has been fortunate there have been no major bush fire outbreaks so far this season and that the climate conditions have worked in our favour.

The emphasis is on “so far”. The annual bush fire season runs from October 1 to March 31 so there is some way to go before we are safe.

The NSW Rural Fire Service Orana brigades doused 58 grass, scrub and bush fires in the last three months of 2017, down from 78 in the same period in 2016 and the fires were less intense, easier to control and consumed less ground.

But, the RFS warns that is no reason for complacency.

Despite cooler temperatures in the past week after that awful heatwave, things can change fast.

The weather can change fairly rapidly and with that other conditions.

The RFS warns – as it does constantly – that people still need to take precautions.

People need to have a bush fire survival plan and discuss with their families what will be done if a blaze starts nearby.

They need to prepare and clean up any potential fire fuel from their property and avoid using or be highly cautious if using equipment like slashers, angle grinders or welders that can cause sparks.

Homes can be prepared with simple tasks like cleaning gutters and ensuring water hoses reach right around the property. Know where to get information if fire threatens.

The RFS and other fire brigades are in a high state of readiness throughout the season.

The recent heatwave will have dried things out, so the risks remain.

The firies have our backs, that is certain. We should have theirs and stick to the letter of their advice. It might save us.