Permanent variation to Bush Fire Danger Period

22nd Jul 2025

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) New England Zone has announced a permanent variation to the starting date of the Bushfire Danger Period.
Acting District Manager, Inspector Matthew McKean has confirmed that the new Bushfire Danger Period will now commence from 1 September 2025.
Inspector McKean explained that this permanent variation for the Armidale, Walcha and Uralla Local Government Areas (LGAs) will see the Bushfire Danger Period run from 1 September through to 31 March moving forward. Fire Permits to burn and notifications to neighbours and RFS will remain the same as in previous years.
“Fire Permits to burn are a free service provided by the RFS and can be obtained by visiting the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au and clicking on the Apply, Notify, Enquire link on the front page of the website.”
“Once the permit is issued, the permit holder will need to lodge their notification through the RFS website by again clicking on the Apply, Notify, Enquire link and selecting Notify of your planned burn.”
“Additionally, permit holders can contact their local Fire Permit Officer directly for a paper permit or by contacting the New England Fire Control Centre on 6771 7700 between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday and we can put you in touch with your Brigade Fire Permit Officer”, Inspector McKean said.