Crucial work on ‘last line of defence’ under way ahead of NSW bushfire season [Video]

Fire trails are often the last line of defence to protect communities from raging bushfires.

But with much of the NSW network damaged by bad weather, the government has enlisted some help from above to fix the vital tracks.

Helicopters fly over to survey the fire trails. 

“What it involves is inspecting each trail, doing a condition rating and passing that info on to the bushfire management committees and to our staff,” Crowd Lands worker Paula Gilchrist said.

That data is shared with the soil conservation service and the Rural Fire Service, where they get to work on the ground.

The strategic fire-fighting tracks are cleared and upgraded.

“It’s really critical these trails are ready to go when fire trucks need to get in there to protect lives and local communities,” Crown Lands bushfire manager George Schneider said.

Years of heavy rain and storms have taken their toll on the …