The 2013-14 bushfire season only featured one major fire in the Shoalhaven.

Shoalhaven Rural Fire Service Inspector Paul Gooey said the Wirritin fire started on an extreme day but was relatively contained once the wind eased.

“That fire certainly took off, but we didn’t lose any major property. We lost fences and bush but nobody was injured so it was a good outcome,” he said.

Mr Gooey said it was important for Shoalhaven residents to prepare for the next fire season throughout the cooler months because of the unpredictable nature of the weather.

“Looking at fire seasons over long periods of time sometimes we get early seasons and sometimes they’re late,” he said.

“We have had some dry winters in the last few years therefore the start of our fire season has taken off faster than normal.

“But as soon as you say the seasons are starting to change, along comes the rain.

“From a fire services point of view we are monitoring where seasons are going. We’re probably preparing a bit earlier each year to make sure we’re ready.

“We are getting more hazard reduction in place and the public are doing more hazard reduction as well. 

“If people do their fire plans and do the work around their properties it all helps us.

“Put that all together and we are improving the fire preparedness, and awareness, and that can make a big difference.”

Permits to burn off will not be required from March 31 depending on the conditions at the time.

Residents are reminded that the RFS should be contacted prior to burning so firefighters are not sent to attend unnecessarily.