Fire up for Open Day at 350 Brigades

Minister Gallacher said more than 350 Rural Fire Brigades are throwing open their doors to the community from tomorrow onwards.

The Open Day events mark the beginning of 'Bush Fire Awareness Week', ahead of the official start to the bushfire season on 1 October.

"The Open Day is a great opportunity for families to meet their local volunteer firefighters and learn more about how to prepare themselves, their families and their homes for the risk of bush fire.

"Kids will be able to climb inside the RFS' fire trucks, try on helmets for size or have photos with their local heroes, the volunteer firefighters of the NSW RFS.

"People will also able to get important information about how to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season; information that could help save their family, home and property," Minister Gallacher said.

The NSW RFS Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons said it was important that people acted now so they were ready for the bushfire season.

"The recent fires throughout the state were a timely reminder that fires can threaten and impact homes at great speed.

"The high fuel loads combined with hot, warm, windy weather creates the perfect conditions for fires," Commissioner Fitzsimmons warned.

"Bush Fire Awareness Week is about encouraging people to plan now for what they will do if a fire hits their area, so they are not making potentially lifesaving decisions at the last minute.

"I ask everyone to download a Bush Fire Survival Plan and make the time to discuss and practise their Plan with family members," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

More information about NSW RFS Open Day, Bush Fire Awareness Week and protecting your property from fire is available on the NSW RFS website.