HALFWAY through the bushfire season Port Stephens has escaped largely unharmed, but the best prevention is never enough, say the region's Rural Fire Service.
The mild summer and bouts of rain have been contributing factors.
"We have certainly had some rain mixed in which has kept the fields moist," Lower Hunter Rural Fire Service superintendent Jayson McKellar said. But both he and the Port Stephens Rural Fire Service learning development officer David Templeton are issuing a caution to property owners to remain vigilant ahead of some hot weather and increased fire risks. In particular, home owners built in and around bushland should be erring on the side of caution.
Mr McKellar said the focus was on the interface with state forests and national parks and bushland areas around towns such as Nelson Bay. Tips include keeping grass slashed, gutters cleared and leaf blockages removed.
He said for anyone with a valid fire permit the best time to back-burn was early morning, late afternoon or just prior to forecasted rain.
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