The Lower Hunter may have received good rain, and more is forecast, but don't let that fool you this fire season.
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"Don't be complacent," is the message from senior fire officers who said it will only take a week or two of hot weather to produce another powder keg across the region.
"We all know what Australian summers can be like and we plea for people to remain vigilant and report any unattended fires to 000 immediately," said Acting Inspector Roger Whight (Fire and Rescue NSW's Duty Commander Lower Hunter).
"We saw the outcome of last fire season and ask that the public help us by looking after their properties and having a bushfire survival plan," he said.
"Recent rainfall has assisted in returning some moisture after the drought conditions of the last few years. We can expect that this may ease the fire behaviour."
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an El Nina watch, with the current and forecasted conditions leaning towards a La Nina event which is likely bring above average rainfall. "That being said people need to not get complacent. It will only take two weeks of hot weather to dry things out," Acting Inspector Whight said.
"This fire season we still expect fires and again ask the public to remain vigilant. Recent rain means a lot of grass growth and therefore the likelihood of more grass fires.
"The wind has an effect on curing grass, and can lead to fast moving fires. Additionally, our crews are working hard preparing for storm and tempest events where we work closely with the SES to assist the community," he said.
Lower Hunter Rural Fire Service District Officer Bert Pipan said there was an influx last season of volunteers but despite the boost, more are needed. "We're always looking for volunteers," he said. "We had a large influx from the previous season ranging from juniors to retirees which was great."
The new recruits have been trained up, holding Lower Hunter RFS in good stead for the upcoming season.