AS Blayney gears up for a hot and dry summer, local firefighters are gearing up for a busy bush fire season.
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Recent rainfalls in the central west have seen a growth in potential fuels and Canobolas Rural Fire Service (RFS) operations officer Brett Bowden has warned once the grasses dry off, there will be a greater risk of fire.
"Given we've had good rainfall right across the central west especially in November, this has given way to good growth in pastures and in forestry," he said.
"Over the next two-three weeks, if we continue to have temperatures like we've had in the last week, grasslands will become fuel for fire," said Mr Bowden.
Residents are also encouraged to keep any grasses around the home short.
"The shorter the grass, the greener. The greener the grass, the less risk of fire," said Mr Bowden.
Mr Bowden urges residents to check their properties for any potential fire hazards and are encouraged to follow rules and total fire ban restrictions.
Machinery such as tractors, grinders and welders have been identified as affecting the incidence of fire and residents should think carefully about potential risks before using them.
To ensure the local community stays as safe as possible, Mr Bowden recommends putting a bush fire plan in place and eliminate any potential hazards around the home which could ignite a fire.
A template for a bush fire safety plan can be downloaded from the RFS website.
"Plans save lives. Have that plan ready to go," said Mr Bowden.
Mr Bowden said residents should keep an eye on fire danger levels and download the 'fires near me' application for smart phone devices to keep track of fire alerts within the region.