Bush fire danger period starts

30th Jul 2019

The NSW Rural Fire Service is advising landowners of the start of the Bush Fire Danger Period on August 1st in the Armidale Region.
This year being the worst drought on record and with critical water shortages like we have never experienced before in this area, the NSW RFS is urging landowners to consider postponing pile burns until we receive significant rain.
Superintendent Chris Wallbridge said that with Armidale, Guyra, Glen Innes and Tenterfield all being on water restrictions and on-farm water storages almost non-existent, if a fire was to escape the lack of water and the increased distances firetrucks will have to travel to refill will make firefighting problematic.
“Given the greater risks associated with the current climatic conditions and the need to conserve the limited water resources we do have for essential domestic consumption we are asking landowners to delay lighting fires.
If you believe you have an urgent need to carry out hazard reduction burning from Thursday, August 1st landowners will need to have a discussion with their local Fire Permit Issuing Officers or their Fire Control Centre and be issued with a fire permit before conducting any burns in the open.
Fire permits will help landowners to address safety aspects, such as water supply, before and during a burn. Landowners, if they have been issued with a fire permit, will also need to contact all of their adjoining neighbours and their local Fire Control Centre to advise of their intention to burn a minimum of 24 hours before lighting any fire.
This legislative requirement to notify exists all year round.
“Given our current water shortages property preparation will be particularly important this year,” Superintendent Wallbridge said.
“Residents should prepare their property for the upcoming BFDP by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing gutters of leaves, checking hoses and portable pumps, as well as, blocking gaps where embers may be able to enter buildings. Don’t leave it until a fire is approaching your property. Early preparation is the key.”
Monitor any fire you have burning carefully this BFDP and never leave a fire unattended. If a fire does get out of hand, it is essential to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
On days of Total Fire Ban and when the Fire Danger Rating is declared to be ‘Very High or above’ fire permits are automatically suspended.
Always check the Fire Danger Ratings for your area before lighting a fire by visiting www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or contact your local Fire Control Centre.

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