The bush fire danger period was officially launched on Saturday for areas including Tamworth, Narrabri, Moree and the Gwydir shire and will run through until early next year.

While crews admit they’ve been lucky in recent years with a traditionally wet season, Tamworth zone Superintendent Allyn Purkiss believes the hot weather will eventually turn up across the region and with a vengeance.

He’s urged locals not to be complacent as a good situation could turn serious quickly.

“The bush fire outlook is still quite bad for that western part of the state, for us in the grassier areas obviously fuel loads do dry out and when they do it’s going to be quite large,” Superintendent Purkiss said.

“It’s certainly going to be a concern but on the other side all of the dams are nearly full so that gives us a good advantage to help us defend when the time does come.”

Superintendent Purkiss said local firefighters are working to create tracks to conduct hazard reduction burns in their known hot spots and encouraged landholders to obtain permits so they can do the same.

“We have all seen the devastation that bush fires can bring to the community so I strongly advise residents to contact their local brigades who can use their expertise to assist carrying out safe hazard reduction burns,” he said.

“Residents also need to ask whether they need a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificate.

“If you start doing hazard reduction burns, there will be a short window, normally when it gets hot it will turn quickly.”

Superintendent Purkiss encouraged all residents to have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, so all members of their household know what to do on days of increased fire danger, and if their home is threatened by fire.

He also urged locals looking for more information to contact Tamworth Fire Control on 6762 7641.