It’s been more than five years since Australia’s last bushfire season captured global attention, yet the risk remains as real today as ever. As suburbs like Box Hill, North Kellyville, and Annangrove continue to grow and evolve, so too does the threat of fire. Now, The Hills District Rural Fire Brigades and The Hills Shire Council are urging residents to take action—one week at a time—with the 4 Weeks to Fire Ready Challenge.
The challenge is simple: four short weeks to move fire preparedness out of the ‘too hard basket’ and into your daily routine—potentially protecting your life, your home, and your treasured memories.
For newer residents, the Hills District has a long memory of fire. From Glenhaven and Annangrove in 1975 to Kenthurst in 1991, and the catastrophic 1994 fires that claimed homes and lives across Sydney, the region has seen it all. Major fires continued to devastate Maroota South, Glenorie, and Kenthurst in 2002. Survivors recall burning paddocks, gardens alight, and skies glowing orange as flames tore through their communities. “Something you’ll never forget, and hope you never have to face again,” says one Glenorie firefighter.
Yet, preparedness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The 4-week challenge breaks it down into manageable steps, delivered via a simple weekly email:
- Week 1: Discuss – Decide whether you’ll stay or go and have the conversation with your household.
- Week 2: Prepare – Clean up your property, get your go-kit ready, and reduce fire risk around your home.
- Week 3: Know – Understand local risks, learn about warning systems, and know where to find reliable information.
- Week 4: Keep – Stay informed and maintain your plan.
Many homes are lost not to the fire front itself but to embers—tiny, wind-blown sparks that can travel kilometres ahead, landing in gutters, gardens, or doorways and igniting spot fires. Even brand-new homes, far from the bush, aren’t immune. And with fires spreading faster than ever, a fire truck may not always arrive in time.
“Having a plan doesn’t take long,” says a spokesperson for The Hills District Rural Fire Brigades. “Not having one? That could cost everything.”
The 4 Weeks to Fire Ready Challenge is more than a safety exercise—it’s a chance for neighbours to come together, take practical steps, and protect the community. A few minutes a week could make all the difference when fire threatens.
