Rochester CFA crews attended fires in Ravenwood last summer. Photos: Supplied.
Heavy crop growth and roadside vegetation are Rochester CFA’s biggest concerns heading into the fire danger season, with crews warning grassfires could spread quickly through the district's open farming country.
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Rochester CFA captain Chris Nisbet said a wet and productive spring had resulted in strong crop growth, with many paddocks yet to be harvested and roadside vegetation also remaining high.
He said wet conditions had delayed council’s ability to cut roadside grass, adding to the potential fuel load across the district.
“We’ve had a very good spring. I think the farmers are in for a bumper yield crop-wise,” Mr Nisbet said.
“But we've also got a lot of growth on the side of the road to contend with as well.”
Mr Nisbet urged motorists to avoid throwing cigarette butts from vehicles, warning roadside grass could provide a starting point for fires, which could spread into nearby crops.
He said residents should not assume living in open farming country meant they were less exposed to fire risk.
“Certainly bushfire risk without the trees around you, you don’t have the bushfire risk, but grassfires burn very fast and very hot,” he said.
“Just because you can see a fire a couple of kilometres down the road, with the right wind conditions and the right temperatures, that fire can be at your back door within seconds.”
Rochester CFA crews attended fires in Yarroweyah last summer.
Mr Nisbet said the brigade had undertaken intensive pre-season training over six weeks, including exercises covering fire tactics, pumping, burnovers, entrapment and hazardous trees.
“We’re well prepared as a brigade to be ready for the upcoming season,” he said.
Residents were urged to prepare their properties by clearing gutters, trimming trees, checking water supplies and ensuring fire trucks could access driveways.
Mr Nisbet said narrow or obstructed driveways could prevent crews reaching properties, potentially requiring fences to be cut to gain access. Clear property numbers and street signs were also important to help crews locate homes during an emergency.
Rochester CFA recently held a Get Fire Ready session, attracting about 110 people.
Mr Nisbet said the season had the potential to be more intensive than recent years and urged residents to take preparations seriously.
