NSW Rural Fire Service mitigation, hazard reduction crews announced for Tamworth region as bushfire season approaches

New crews of NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) mitigation and hazard reduction workers will be sent to the Tamworth area to help the region get ready.

The crews are being deployed across NSW in the aftermath of last season's devastating fires, and 14 are set to get to work locally.

NSW RFS Assistant Commissioner Peter McKechnie was in Tamworth for the announcement on Wednesday.

The crews will be based in Moree, Tamworth, Armidale and Glen Innes.

READ ALSO:

"As we learn the lessons out of the last season - which none of us would ever want to go through again - we're also turning our attention to preparing for this season and these mitigation crews ... are a key part of that," he said.

Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said the window of suitable weather conditions to carry out hazard reductions safely has been narrowing, so more hands on deck means crews will be ready to strike at any time.

"The more work we do now, the less loss hopefully we'll see this season ... and the fire season is right upon us," he said.

Mitigation crews will help with hazard reduction by backing up local volunteers, removing fuel loads around homes and assets and clearing paths for firefighting efforts.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliot also made the trip to Tamworth, and said RFS members have proven themselves to be "angels of mercy" during the horror bushfires seen in the past year.

"That is what the rural fire service is focused on doing in the off season - making sure we prepare ourselves for the devastation," he said.

Findings of the NSW bushfire inquiry are expected to be released next week, and Mr Elliot said he expected the importance of hazard mitigation would be recognised.

The new recruits are part of a $10.7 million investment to fast-track the state's hazard reduction program.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall welcomed the crews to the region, but said more had to be done to brace for bushfires.

"Last summer was the very worst bushfire season the Northern Tablelands has ever experienced ... no one in our communities ever wants to see that again," he said. "We need to see better management of our public lands ... to make sure the best neighbour anyone can have is the state government and at the moment, that is far from the truth."

Mr Marshall said introducing limited grazing into national parks could be critical in managing fuel loads.