The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is warning people not to be complacent as they say this year's fire season could be just as intense as the horrific season of 2019/2020.
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Firefighters from stations across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region will host events in line with the NSW RFS Get Ready Weekend on Saturday, September 19.
The sessions provide members of the community with an opportunity to engage with their local brigade, find out about the bush fire risk in their area and to plan and prepare for the bushfire season.
It comes after the NSW RFS announced the Port Macquarie-Hastings region and Mid Coast districts will enter an early bushfire danger period from Tuesday, September 1.
Lake Cathie Rural Fire Brigade captain Chris Brown said there's potential for the area to be impacted again by another severe season.
There are still many pockets of unburnt ground in the Lake Cathie area.
Mr Brown said there's a high chance the land is prone to starting fires, given the fuel load which has resulted from recent rain.
NSW RFS Mid Coast district officer Stuart Robb echoed Mr Brown's comments and said significant rain has resulted in a high amount of grass growth.
"There's a chance we could see fast moving grass fires over the next couple of weeks," he said.
Mr Robb is urging members of the community to ensure their bushfire survival plan is up to date and attend a Get Ready Weekend event to connect with local firefighters.
"It's important people are aware of our warnings and messages," he said.
In 2019 fires would also restart on recently burnt ground, which meant firefighters were constantly called to the same location.
"We saw fires go back over the same land up to three times over the period of November," Mr Brown said.
Get Ready Weekend events will take place at fire stations, public spaces and via online.
For more information on the Get Ready Weekend events, to establish a bushfire plan or to find the closest session near you, please visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
Alternatively people can follow the NSW Rural Fire Service - Mid Coast District Facebook page.
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