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Stay alert for grass fires - RFS

Western Plains App

Paula Doran

20 January 2025, 6:40 AM

Stay alert for grass fires - RFS

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) has warned of an increase likelihood of grass fires across the Western Plains.


The Service has asked residents to be on alert, as the warmer temperatures bring an increase in grassland curing. 



This follows a grass fire outside Lightning Ridge last week which was attended by the Goodooga RFS and the Lightning Ridge team. It's believed the blaze on Bangate Road was sparked by lightning.


Acting District Manager for NSW RFS North West Zone, Inspector Boyd Townsend said despite the rainfall in the lead up to Christmas, there was continued risk of grass fire ignition.


“Grass fires can start easily and spread quickly, catching people off guard. They produce huge amounts of heat and can kill those caught in their path,” he said.


“The safest place to be during a grass fire is well away from the fire. If you are threatened by or are fighting a grass fire, always protect yourself by covering all exposed skin with protective clothing, and think about areas of safe refuge, such as burnt or clear ground. 


“Being a proactive landowner increases your chances of protecting your property from fire,” said Inspector Townsend. “Maintaining fire breaks around buildings, crops, pasture, storage areas and along fence lines can help prevent fire escaping from or entering your property.” 


“Knowing what you will do in the event of a fire is important for the safety of your family.” Inspector Townsend said.


Farm fire units trial


Meanwhile farmers are being urged to take part in a trial of farm fire units.


Under a NSW Government trial in place until 31 March, private farm vehicles used for firefighting purposes known as Farm Fire Units – or Farm Fire Fighting Vehicles (FFFVs) – can be used unregistered under certain conditions. 

NSW Farmers Business Economics and Trade Committee Chair John Lowe said the catastrophic damage caused by bushfires overseas was a reminder of the importance of having key firefighting tools available in emergency situations. 

“These out of season bushfires are burning out of control in the United States, and they’re nothing if not a stark reminder of how fires here in NSW can get out of hand if we don’t have the right tools available locally,” Mr Lowe said. 

“Farm Fire Units play a key role in firefighting efforts in our rural communities, and a trial of these units will be key to ensuring we can find a permanent pathway to using these units legally and under the protection of third-party insurance. 

“Stopping fires as quickly as we can is critical, and Farm Fire Units have been a proven cornerstone to fast bushfire control, year in, year out on-farm.” 

As the state’s bushfire season continued, Mr Lowe urged farmers in NSW to nominate eligible vehicles to participate in the trial and support efforts to secure a more permanent solution for the use of the vehicles. 

“If you’ve got a vehicle that’s in a safe operating condition and has firefighting equipment permanently attached, then we strongly encourage you to nominate it for the trial as soon as possible,” Mr Lowe said. 

“Farmers deserve to have as many tools in the toolbox available to fight fires safely and effectively, and this trial will take us one step closer to ensuring that.

“Preventing the devastation we’ve seen overseas and in our own country, in years not long past, is something we want to avoid at all costs.” 

To nominate a vehicle for the trial, submit this digital Farm Fire Fighting Vehicle Nomination Form and declare that your vehicle is in a safe operating condition. More information on the program and criteria for eligible vehicles is available via this factsheet