From Sunday October 1 the Bush Fire Danger period will begin in the South West Slopes Zone which includes Young, Boorowa and Harden.
With a dry summer predicted and the Bureau of Meteorology officially declaring an El Nino effect in place locals are being warned to do the right thing.
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) South West Slopes Zone Superintendent Andrew Dillon is reminding residents in the Hilltops Council and Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council areas that fire permits are required during the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period which begins on Sunday.
"From the 1st of October until the end of the Bush Fire Danger Period, people wishing to light a fire in the open will require a permit, which are free and can be obtained from your local Rural Fire Brigade or Fire Control Centre," Superintendent Dillon said.
"Even if you've been using fire on your property for years, safe burning is your responsibility."
Latest Stories
Superintendent Dillion is especially warning against the illegal lighting of fires throughout the season.
"Every year, the NSW Rural Fire Service attends a large number of incidents which start due to the careless use of fire," he said.
"In some cases, fires have been lit illegally. Many have escaped, threatening homes, crops and livelihoods."
The NSW RFS have suggested some simple steps locals can follow to make sure fires are used safely on properties and to avoid becoming a fire risk to the community.
BEFORE:
- Check you're allowed to burn. Are you allowed to have a burn in your area? Check with your council or local Fire Control Centre. There are alternative ways to get rid of waste or vegetation - talk to your council to discuss further.
- Get a permit. Permits are required during the Bush Fire Danger Period. They're free and easy to get. Let people know. You can let us know of your planned burn at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify or phone the local Fire Control Centre 24 hours before burning. Make sure you also notify your neighbours at least 24 hours before you intend to burn.
ON THE DAY:
- Check weather conditions like the fire danger rating, wind and temperature. Permits may be suspended during bad conditions. If there's a total fire ban, no fire is allowed out in the open.
- Make sure you're using fire safely. Check your permit for any special conditions. Ensure you have a cleared area around any material you're burning and monitor conditions closely.
- If the fire gets out of control, call Triple Zero (000). It's important that you monitor the fire and have firefighting equipment on hand. If you have any problems, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
AFTER:
- Extinguish the fire and monitor it. Keep an eye on the material or area you've been burning and call Triple Zero (000) if the fire causes any concern.
- Residents can call the South West Slopes Fire Control Centre on 02 6386 1700 or the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737) for information about safe burning.
For more information on either the Bush Fire Danger Period, on how to volunteer to become a NSW RFS volunteer or anything else contact the South West Slopes Fire Control Centre on 02 6386 1700.
For current incidents or major fire updates be sure to bookmark and visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
0 comment
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Read and post comments with a
digital subscription.