South Durras is not alone in its shortage of volunteer firefighters, nor is it an orphan when it comes to paltry preparation at household level.

Better offers aside, Rural Fire Service captain Judee Bryant and her team doorknocked every house in peaceful South Durras on Saturday afternoon.

Their mission was to give every household a fire survival plan and start a conversation, where they could, about early preparation.

It’s a conversation that applies to many in the Eurobodalla, no matter how safe they feel when the skies are grey.

Just three weeks of hot dry weather is enough to crisp the bush into kindling, loaded with fuel from several wet years.

Beachside suburbs with narrow winding access roads should 

not be complacent. Evacuation is a great plan, but householders must prepare for the worst. 

Don’t wait for a howling nor-wester and smoke in the air before doing everything you can to prevent your house catching alight.

Under ember attack, a small build up of leaves can become a blazing fire on your deck or verandah, which may in turn ignite your house.

Scattered objects may appear innocent enough, but if it can catch fire, they should be safely stored away from flying embers.

Overstretched Volunteers will do all they can in an emergency, but cleaning up your yard is not their responsibility.

It’s not worth the risk: have the conversation with your family and neighbours and get organised now.