Chifley region’s bushfire season commences on Saturday, October 1 and it is traditionally the peak time for grass and bushfires across the state.

But, Bathurst has had well above average rainfall since June with 445.3 millimetres recorded in a time period that usually receives 189.7mm.

The result is boggy paddocks and forests across the region.

“At the moment, with the current rain and the forecast rain, it’s making it really hard to predict the season ahead,” NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Chifley/Lithgow Team manager Superintendent Greg Sim said.

But, he warned things can quickly change.

“If it does dry out and the grass grows, it’s a major concern for us because of the worry of grass fires. There’s still the potential for a significant fire season,” Supt. Sim said.

“They are predicting a normal fire season across the state, but even in a normal season, there’s a risk of big fires.”

Supt. Sim reminded people that even though the ground might be boggy, now is the time to prepare themselves and their property for bushfire season.

People should also clear wood piles away from their homes, remove debris from near wooden fences, and clear their property’s gutters.

“Clearing the gutters can make a big difference. The falling embers can land in those gutters and start a house fire,” Supt. Sim.

Burns offs on agricultural land are allowed during bushfire season, however a permit must be obtained at your local RFS fire control centre prior to burning off.

Meanwhile, more than 200 Chifley/Lithgow RFS firefighters held a major training exercise on Saturday at Sunny Corner in preparation for bushfire season.

Crews worked their way through 18 different scenarios including car accidents, house fires, use of a thermal imaging camera, firefighting techniques and communication exercises.

Chifley/Lithgow Team RFS operations officer Brett Taylor said all the crews involved got a lot out of the training day.

“It’s a good way of ensuring everything is in working order before bushfire season,” he said. “It was a great way of getting a refresher and getting everyone back into the right way of doing things.”

Chifley’s bushfire season runs from October 1 until March 31.

To find out more about how to prepare your family and your property for bushfire season, visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Bushfire Survival Plan’.