Be a bright spark when it comes to fire

There’s help on hand in Brewarrina if a fire occurs thanks to Roger Peattie, Chris McHughes, Doug Gordon, Peter Gordon, Sam Willoughby (Deputy Captain), Romana Moylan-McGuirk and Chris Frail (Captain) – but, preventing a fire is preferable to fighting one. Photo Supplied NSW Fire and Rescue

Fire and Rescue NSW crews in Brewarrina and Bourke are urging residents to take simple but critical steps to reduce fire risk as dry conditions continue across the region.

Brewarrina Fire and Rescue Captain Chris Frail said grass fires had been a feature of the season, driven by hot, dry weather.

He said while larger incidents attract attention, everyday fire risks around homes can be just as dangerous if people are not prepared.

“A lot of people out here don’t barbecue the same way you see in the city, and are generally sensible, but fire still starts from everyday activities,” he said.

Mr Frail also encouraged residents, particularly older people, to make use of Fire and Rescue NSW’s free home safety services.

“We can come and do a home safety fire visit,” he said. “You just go on the Fire and Rescue website and request it, and we come around and check things. It can give you real peace of mind.”

Deputy Captain at Bourke Fire Station, Chris Morrall, echoed Mr Frail’s comments, and said summer conditions had led to an increase in callouts.

“Over summer there’s been rapidly increasing dry conditions,” Deputy Captain Morrall said. “We experience a lot of grass fires in the area, and you also get the odd house fire or car fire.”

Mr Morrall said preparation around the home could significantly reduce risk and damage during fire season. […]

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