The embers had floated from kilometres away, in rural Woodville, where an out-of-control grass fire was tearing across farmland. 

Only two weeks out from Winter and Maitland Fire and Rescue is calling on the community to be bushfire ready – this season could go very pear-shaped. 

The region itself is hit with bushfires like clockwork – Abernethy in 2002, Heatherbrae in 2013, Neath last Summer. 

“But the last big fire [Maitland surrounds] had was more than 10 years ago,” said the brigade’s Captain Paul Casey. 

That’s a problem because when a damp Winters (as 2016’s has been) and Spring is followed up by a hot Summer (as is predicted) plant growth in the bush accelerates.  

“When [the weather] heats up and the sun comes through it all dries out,” Captain Casey said.

“Imagine your lawn in Summer, it’s 10 times worse in the bush and we’ve had 10 years of [growth].”

Captain Casey said each year his firefighters are told “this could be the year” for a massive bushfire in the region and they prepared accordingly. 

“It depends on the weather because the fuel load is all there,” he said.

“If you get those hot days, low humidity, especially that wind from the North West that’s hot and dry.”

Captain Casey said significant preparations for bushfire season were underway, with a hazard reduction burn being considered for the Bolwarra area in the next month.

But he stressed the importance of bushfire preparations for residents who live both at the edge of bushland and in town.

“Clear your gutters, trim bushes, keep your own are clear,” Captain Casey said.

“If you have a sprinkler put it on your roof… lock up all doors and windows.

“Have a bushfire plan ready if you live near the bush and be ready for ember attacks.”

To ensure your family are prepared for the upcoming bushfire season visit rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare