Local residents prepare for bushfire season
9th October 2009Ministerial media release
More than 2000 residents living in bushfire-prone areas have upgraded their training to prepare their homes and neighbourhood in the lead-up to the bushfire season, Minister for Emergency Services Steve Whan said today.
Mr Whan said residents living in bushfire prone areas play a vital role in preparing and protecting their homes from bushfires by joining a NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) Community Fire Unit (CFU).
"Homes can catch alight as a result of embers carried by the wind before and after the main front of the fire," Mr Whan said.
"CFUs are made up of local residents who support firefighters by taking responsibility for preparing and defending their properties from spot fires before and after the fire front passes.
"This frees up fire crews from the NSWFB and Rural Fire Service to respond to moving fire fronts."
More than 6000 residents in 418 CFUs across the state are part of the State's network to help prepare homes in their neighbourhood, which boost local communities' bushfire preparedness this summer.
Mr Whan said under the State Government's CFU program with the NSWFB, CFU members are equipped with personal protective uniforms, helmets, boots, smoke masks and protective gloves.
"The Fire Brigades trains them in fire behaviour so they can defend their homes against ember attack and are on standby to help in their neighbourhood," he said.
"CFU members are not volunteer firefighters, but their training and equipment does help them prepare and defend their homes against spot fires and ember attack during a bushfire.
"Like all members of the community, CFU members are encouraged to leave early when bushfire conditions are likely to become dangerous."
The NSW Government has committed $16.4 million in capital and recurrent funding to the CFU program from 2002/03 to 20010/11.
For more information on the CFU program contact the NSWFB on 1300 238 238 or visit at the website www.fire.nsw.gov.au.
Local residents prepare for bushfire season (PDF 32KB)