NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) president Ken Middleton has today thanked the state’s volunteer fire fighters for their incredible efforts throughout January and February’s severe bushfires. In just the past two months, volunteers have fought ferocious fires across the Central West, Sydney, the Illawarra, Blue Mountains, Northern and Southern Tablelands, Hunter Valley, Northern NSW and the North West Slopes. RFSA President Ken Middleton said their tireless efforts protected lives and property. “January’s conditions were extreme and we saw over 1,900 bush and grass fires across the state, burning almost 110,000 hectares,” he said. “On January 27 alone, there were 95 bush and grass fire burning across the state, and volunteers worked around the clock to bring the blazes under control. “In fact, since July last year, 11,182 fires have burnt 237,869 hectares, prompting seven Emergency Warnings and twenty-five Watch and Act alerts. “With hot, windy weather continuing into February some fires continue to burn and experience flare ups, and new fires have ignited – and throughout this the volunteers maintained their fire-fighting efforts. “More than one thousand volunteers have been involved in the response to the fires. They act immediately to respond, taking time away from their jobs and families, to protect people and property across New South Wales. “I want to thank all of the volunteers who have spent those long days and nights on the fire grounds to keep communities and property safe. “The RFSA is proud to support your incredible service and I know all those communities across New South Wales are grateful for all of your work”.

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