As temperatures rise into the mid to late-20s again this weekend, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) is encouraging residents to dedicate this weekend to preparing themselves and their homes for the upcoming bushfire season.

This 'Get Ready Weekend' (21 and 22 September), more than 300 Rural Fire Brigades will be hosting events across the state. These events will include firefighting equipment displays, information stands and workshops at various community venues such as shopping centres, local parks and fire stations.

In the Lismore LGA, there will be two events:

• Bunnings at South Lismore on Saturday (September 21) between 8am and 4pm
• Wyrallah (22 Emily Street) on Sunday (September 22) between 10am and 2pm

For those close to Alstonville, Mortgage Choice at Alsontville Plaza between 8am and 1pm.

At Bunnings, you can get your sausage sandwich, as well as have a fire truck or two for the kids to climb through, with six to eight people ready with information about how to prepare for this coming bushfire season.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said with a return to hot and dry conditions anticipated this summer, now was the perfect time for residents to prepare for the heightened risk of bush and grass fires.

“We can’t be complacent. After several years of rainfall and flooding, the vegetation has grown quickly, and that is now drying out with the warmer weather, adding to fire risk,” Minister Dib said.

“Recent research shows that 70 per cent of residents living in bushfire-prone areas have some sort of plan for fire emergencies, but alarmingly, less than half have undertaken any preparatory work on their properties.

“Volunteer firefighters will be on hand this weekend to discuss simple and cost-effective measures to reduce bush fire risk, such as clearing out gutters, trimming overhanging branches, and completing a Bush Fire Survival Plan.”

Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said volunteers were already hard at work across the state, having responded to more than 1,100 bush and grass fires since the beginning of July.

"While our firefighters are doing everything they can by conducting hazard reduction burns when weather conditions allow, preparation is a shared responsibility,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“Our crews do a great job in very challenging situations, but we can’t have a fire truck at every home, so property owners must also take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and communities.

“Have a plan - know when you should leave, what to take and where you can go to. And look out for your family, friends and neighbours – make sure they, too, are ready and have a plan.

“The time to prepare is now, not when a fire is at your doorstep.  That’s often too late and could cost the life of a loved one or loss of property.”

The RFSs Get Ready Weekend is this Saturday and Sunday, 21 and 22 September. To find yours visit  www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/get-ready