Emergency services across the Northern Rivers have tested their response to major bushfires and extreme heat as Lismore residents are urged to prepare ahead of the coming bushfire season.
Emergency management teams from Lismore City, Ballina Shire, Kyogle and Richmond Valley councils recently joined emergency response agencies at the Fire Control Centre in Casino for Exercise Firestorm.
The multi-agency exercise tested how services would respond to simulated high-intensity bushfires and extreme heatwave conditions, with a focus on coordination, information sharing and operational responses.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said emergency services were working to ensure local systems were ready, but community preparedness was equally important.
“Emergency services are putting their own plans and systems to the test and now we’re asking our community to do the same,” he said.
“Being prepared isn’t just the responsibility of emergency services. Every household should understand its local risk, have a plan and know what they will do if conditions become dangerous.”
Lismore City Council Emergency Management Coordinator Jessica Anderson said residents should prepare well before an emergency.
“Understanding your local risk is the foundation of being prepared,” she said.
“With Get Ready Weekend coming up, now is a good time to sit down with your family, make or review your emergency plan and prepare your property.
“A few simple actions taken now can make a significant difference when conditions escalate.”
Get Ready Weekend will be held across NSW on Saturday, 19 September and Sunday, 20 September.
Led by the NSW Rural Fire Service, the statewide initiative gives communities an opportunity to prepare for the bushfire season, meet local brigades and get practical advice on staying safe.
Lismore City Council is encouraging residents to make or update their Bush Fire Survival Plan, clear gutters and overgrown vegetation and reduce potential hazards around their homes.
Residents are also being encouraged to connect with their local Rural Fire Service brigade and learn more about bushfire preparedness and the Australian Fire Danger Rating System.
Several community events will be held across the region, beginning with the Jiggi Valley Brigade at the Jiggi Spring Fair at Jiggi Hall on Saturday, 12 September from 11am.
The Wyrallah Brigade will hold an event at Wyrallah Rural Fire Station from 4.30pm on Friday, 18 September.
On Saturday, 19 September, the Caniaba Brigade will be at Adam Gilchrist Oval from 10am to 3pm, while the Alphadale Brigade will be at Bunnings Warehouse Lismore and the Woodburn Brigade will attend the Riverside Festival.
The Nimbin Brigade will be at the Nimbin Country Show on Saturday, 19 September and Sunday, 20 September.
The Tomki Brigade will be at Bunnings Warehouse Lismore on Sunday, 20 September, while the Clunes Brigade will hold an event at Clunes Rural Fire Station from 10am to noon.
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