Residents from Lithgow, the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains as well as tourists who experienced the bushfires, will assist the NSW Rural Fire Service as part of a new research project to continue to improve bushfire safety
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Conducted by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre and the University of Wollongong for the NSW Rural Fire Service, researchers want to hear directly from both residents and visitors to the area about their fire preparedness and response to the bushfires across NSW in 2019/20.
Lead researcher Dr Josh Whittaker said the views of anyone who was affected by the fire are important.
"It is important to hear from residents, as well as tourists, visitors or those who might have been at their holiday home," he said.
"Your experience is unique and can help make a difference during future bushfires.
"We would like to better understand bushfire risk and awareness, actions you may have taken to plan and prepare, and how you responded to warnings and the bushfires, whether you were directly or indirectly affected."
Due to COVID-19 interviews will be conducted via phone or web conferencing such as Zoom and Skype, and take between 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
Researchers are available after hours and on weekends throughout August.
The results of the research will be used to inform community engagement strategies, said Anthony Clark, Director Communications and Engagement at the NSW Rural Fire Service.
"The 2019/20 fire season was devastating and affected so many people right across New South Wales. By hearing from you, we will be able to continue improve community bushfire safety in NSW."
Results from the research will be available here once the study is complete.
Register your interest in participating here.
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