Macleay NSW RFS firefighters celebrate as rain falls across the region

The Macleay received close to its average monthly rainfall in just four days, following the deluge over the weekend.

The whole East Coast was warned about the heavy falls, with areas across the state moving to flood watch over the past few days.

Weatherzone recorded 150mm at the Kempsey Airport gauge since Thursday, with some areas receiving over 200mm.

"Kempsey received close to its February monthly average of 165mm over four days," Weatherzone meteorologist Brett Dutschke said.

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Lower North Coast Superintendent Lachlann Ison said the rain has brought a swift end to the 2019/2020 fire season, at least for the short term.

Firefighters from the Macleay region were deployed over the weekend to assist with fighting fires on the south coast at Pambula.

However, fortunately they brought the rain with them and were not required to attend any active fire zones.

Mr Ison said the risk of bushfire flare-ups has reduced significantly across the region, due to the widespread nature of the rain event.

Firefighters will now use the favourable conditions to transition other important requirements, such as hazard reduction burns to mitigate the risk of a future hazardous bushfire season.

Mr Ison said he doesn't believe firefighters from the region will be required to travel again to help out other areas in the state.

Since the start of 2020 crews have travelled to Inverell, Tamworth, Albury and a number of locations on the south coast.

Mr Ison thanked the crews for their ongoing dedication and willingness to help other locations in the state, in light of the crisis which happened locally.

He said the rain was a positive for the whole community.

The local RFS has gained many new members as a result of the bushfire crisis, which Mr Ison said was one positive which came out of the event.

Fire permits will most likely remain in place until the end of the bushfire danger period on March 31. However this will be reviewed later in the month, reflecting local conditions.

Up until now fire permits have been issued for small piles only, however burning of larger piles (windrows) and broad area burning will now be permitted.

For more information, or to join the RFS please visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Macleay Argus. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE