NSW RFS district co-ordinator Gary Hansen said he was expecting “a much later start” to the fire season in the Chifley zone, which includes Oberon, given recent rain.

However, the RFS, which is supported by 2800 volunteers across Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon, has already started to prepare for what may come. 

“This has been a much quieter season than we had last year and we’ve been using this time to do more training and raise public awareness,” Mr Hansen said. 

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While the thousands of volunteers aren’t on call all the time, the various brigades across the district are ready to respond should an incident arise.

Mr Hansen said it was important residents started to protect their properties and themselves. 

“It’s very important that people have prepared a bushfire survival plan and talked about it with their families,” he said. 

Residents are also encouraged to clear gutters, keep their lawns short and ensure their properties have good access should crews need to respond to an incident.

It is important that the fire danger rating and Fires Near Me tool is monitored as well.

“That is the best trigger to use to know whether to use your bushfire survival plan or stay to defend your property,” Mr Hansen said. 

For more information about bushfire safety or current fires, visit the RFS website.