Despite one of the driest winters on record, a “substantial” number of total fire bans and an earlier than usual fire season, the Lower Hunter fared relatively well over the bushfire danger period, according to Rural Fire Service operational officer Guy Baddock.
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The danger period came to an end on Saturday, hopefully closing the door on prolonged intense weather conditions that kept firefighters on edge throughout spring and summer.
“We’re all looking forward to some calmer weather,” Mr Baddock said.
Thirsty ground fuel from a lack of winter rainfall put firefighters on notice as early as August last year.
Then the season ahead looked even worse when a major fire broke out at Richmond Vale in September.
The 800 hectare inferno brought back not too distant memories of fires that raged within metres of homes at Abermain, Neath, Kurri Kurri and Port Stephens the previous season.
“It had the potential to go that way,” Mr Baddock said.
Over the 2017-18 season, Lower Hunter firefighters were also called into battle for several other large fires across the region including blazes at Chichester, Bulga and Masonite Road while consistent grass, car and structure fires also kept local crews busy.
But Mr Baddock said a combination of factors, including hazard reduction burns, permit suspensions and working closely with the community, helped to limit the amount of major incidents in the area compared to the season before.
“We want to thank the community for their part, and a big thanks to all the volunteers too,” Mr Baddock said.
While the danger period is over, work doesn’t stop for Lower Hunter firefighters.
Mr Baddock said crews were looking to start hazard reduction burns as early as the end of this week, and would be kept busy with reduction burns, training and community engagement over winter.
“We certainly don’t get much downtime,” he said. “Business doesn’t stop.”
And Mr Baddock also reminded residents to remain fire ready over winter and prepare for the next season.
“If we are to walk into another season like last year, August is just four months away,” he said.
Outside of the bushfire danger period, residents are legally allowed to perform burns without a permit but must alert neighbours and the local fire control centre and abide by council policies.
