Orana RFS warns of increased risk of grass fires for summer

Orana RFS district officer Bronwyn Waters said farmers and landowners in particular need to be prepared.

"We are expecting the number of grass fires to increase this year, that's probably our biggest risk," Mrs Waters said.

"We're seeing a lot more growth this year, especially in comparison to last year, so there's a lot more fuel out there at the moment.

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"Given the recent rain and the rain that's forecast we're expecting even more growth."

Mrs Waters said grass fires move quickly and can cause a lot of damage, especially to farmers livelihoods.

"We're urging land owners to prepare by cleaning around their sheds and gutters and by putting their own firebreaks in between their crops," she said.

"Work with your neighbour to construct the most effective firebreaks.

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"Firebreaks can help stop grass fires from spreading to valuable assets such as crops, livestock or buildings.

"Keep grass short, mow and graze or plough around crops, valuable assets and fence lines to prevent fire escaping from your property and to reduce the likelihood of fires entering."

Mrs Waters said land owners also need to be mindful of strong wind conditions.

"If we continue seeing wind conditions such as what we have been, than that intensifies the risk," she said.

"Windy conditions make things a lot worse."

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Mrs Waters said land owners also need to have up to date survival plans prepared- the safest option being to leave early.

"It is vital that you have a plan so you and your family will know what to do when a grass fire is close by," she said.

"Even the most seasoned farmer can be caught out by the speed of a grass fire."

For more information on how to prepare visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/farm-fire-safety/grassfires/farming.