Two significant fires at Summercloud Bay and West Nowra early in the season and not much since could have lulled property owners into a false sense of security.

The harsh weather conditions on the weekend and an outbreak on Barrengarry Mountain on Monday were also timely reminders for residents.

RFS District Officer Bradley Collins said the key over this danger period was to be vigilant, adding the bushfire risk was still high.

He said the situation would not ease until mid to late February when cooler weather comes in.

“People also need to be mindful about what the fire danger rating is and if it’s total fire band they can’t have a fire out in the open,” he said.

“There is even limitations on gas and electric barbecues during total fire bans.”

The RFS has not had a huge number of fire related jobs over the festive period but did attend a number of motor vehicle accidents and last week’s incident at the South Nowra Correctional Centre.

The volunteers are pretty much on standby 24-hours a day

Mr Collins said they want to make sure their volunteers are not overworked and added the key was to spread the workload.

He said the region always needed more volunteers.

“We have got about 1600 volunteers in the Shoalhaven which is not too bad and they are all not just firefighting roles,” he said

Volunteers in communications transport catering logistics sections are always needed and valued.

To volunteer with the RFS people can contact their local unit or fire control on 4424 4424.

“All the training and all the personal protective clothing you need to do the job is provided so you can just get on the truck and go,” Mr Collins said.

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