According to New South Wales Rural Fire Service South West Slopes Zone Inspector Tom McDevitt favorable weather conditions across the Southwest Slopes Zone region have allowed New South Wales Rural Fire Service volunteers to complete much needed hazard reduction burns, which will help protect local communities from potentially damaging bush fires in the months ahead.

Inspector McDevitt said the Rural Fire Service is committed to protecting lives and properties by reducing bush and grass hazards.

"Southwest Slopes Zone New South Wales Rural Fire Service volunteers have been working hard in recent weeks, undertaking a number of controlled burns,” Inspector McDevitt said.

Burns have already been conducted in Cootamundra, Wallendbeen and Young with further strategic hazard reduction burning by the Rural Fire Service are planned for Frampton and Harden.

"Hazard reduction burns are weather dependent and while conditions remain suitable, New South Wales Rural Fire Service volunteers will continue these activities.”

Inspector McDevitt thanked local Brigades for their effort and commitment to the hazard reduction operations.

“New South Wales Rural Fire Service members are on call 24-hours a day, 7 days a week - ready to attend any type of emergency,” Inspector McDevitt said.

“During busy periods our members give up a lot of their time and their dedication is admirable.

“While we should all be proud of their commitment, the community should also recognise the support of the volunteers’ families and employers.”

With the recent fire at the Young Showground many members of the local community have raised their concerns over the need for more hazard reduction burns to occur before the start of summer and the fire season.