Education key to preventing tragedy
Published Date: 30 Sep 2013
Summary
Daily Liberal
ORANA's NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigade stations held their annual RFS open day on the eve of the bush fire danger period.
The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period, which runs from October to March, means any plan to light a fire needs a permit.
An early start to the season this year saw volunteer firefighters give people information on how to reduce risks and help them be prepared for fire dangers.
Manager of Orana Rural Fire Service, Superintendent Lyndon Wieland said
people need to be prepared for fires by spraying, grazing and slashing paddocks
around structures so the impacts of fires can be minimised.
"For rural areas and farmers, they need to have areas grazed out to make it safer for their stock and families during the onslaught of a wild fire," he said.
Those who attended the open day went away surprised at how much they got out of attending.
"People said they didn't expect to get so much information out of the open day, which is really a day for the public to see whatever they wished to see or hear on a free agenda," Superintendent Wieland said. Up to 100 people came to the four fire stations in the Orana region when doors were opened, and allowed children to climb fire trucks, see hose demonstrations and ask related questions. "All fire brigade equipment was there with our fire fighters who explained to the public just how to use them and when they're used. "Information about who to contact in a fire situation, where to get vital information and how to make a bushfire survival plan were given to those who came," he said.
Superintendent Wieland said in recent years the RFS have noticed few people fill out bushfire survival plans, which he believes could mean the difference between a life and death fire situation. "It wouldn't hurt to see more people come out to the stations next year to be informed because it is a free service to the public and they really do get a lot out of it. "This year's open day was yet another good chance for people to realise just how vital volunteer firefighter services are to the public who do it to protect the community."
