Hawkesbury Residents are encouraged to create or update their Bushfire Survival Plan by attending the Rural Fire Service’s Get Ready Weekend on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026.

The bushfire danger period is from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027; however, it can vary due to local conditions. By attending Get Ready Weekend, you can learn how to create a Bushfire Survival Plan, maintain a defensible space around your property, and understand Fire Danger Ratings.

Your local RFS brigade will open their stations on Get Ready Weekend to provide the community with important information and resources on bushfire preparedness, giving you and your family the best chance of protecting life and property during bushfire events.
Many brigades will host activities for kids, and it is a great opportunity to meet your local RFS Brigade.

Give your property, your family and yourself the best chance of survival should you be threatened by a bushfire, by developing a Bushfire Survival Plan today. To take the first step in preparing for bushfire, visit https://www.myfireplan.com.au/
If you can’t visit your local brigade for the Get Ready Weekend, you can find further information and resources at the links below.

▪ Know Your Risk – https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/know-your-risk

▪ The Australian Fire Danger Rating System – https://afdrs.com.au/

▪ Hawkesbury City Council https://www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/for-residents/community/prepared,
informed-and-ready

Did you know burning on your property requires a permit from the RFS and Council? To learn more and to
apply for a permit, visit https://www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/_resources/forms/open-burning

Preparing your property from bushfires should also be part of your Bushfire Survival Plan. Here are the top
five actions to make your home safer for the bushfire season:
1. TRIM – Trim overhanging trees and shrubs. This can stop the fire spreading to your home.
2. MOW – Mow grass and remove the cuttings. Have a cleared area around your home.
3. REMOVE -– Remove material that can burn around your home (e.g. Door mats, wood piles, mulch,
leaves, paint, outdoor furniture).
4. CLEAR – Clear and remove all the debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding your home. Embers
can set your home on fire.
5. PREPARE – Prepare a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach all around your home and make sure you’ve
got a reliable source of water. –