The Bush Fire Danger Period begins a month early across much of the New England North West today, Tuesday, 1 September, with the NSW Rural Fire Service urging residents to prepare now for warmer, drier conditions.
Gunnedah, Gwydir, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Tamworth and Upper Hunter are among 27 local government areas statewide starting their Bush Fire Danger Period a month ahead of the statutory start of 1 October, following the AFAC Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring, which identified above normal fire potential across northern and south eastern NSW.
RFS Chief Superintendent Paul Metcalfe said the early declaration reflected the region’s increased fire risk.
“Many parts across the New England and North Western area are experiencing above average temperatures and dry conditions, and beginning the Bush Fire Danger Period ensures the community understands the increased risk and takes steps to prepare,” Chief Superintendent Metcalfe said.
“People should use this time to prepare their properties and review their bush fire survival plans.”
“Having a bush fire survival plan means everyone in the household knows what to do on days of increased fire danger and if a fire threatens.
“Recent RFS research found that while 70 per cent of people say they have a bush fire plan, less than half have taken steps to prepare their property, with many unaware that there are free and easy RFS resources and actions available to help them prepare.”
“Simple actions can make a difference. Clear leaves from gutters, remove flammable materials from around your home and ensure hoses can reach all sides of your property,” he said.
During the Bush Fire Danger Period, landowners and managers must obtain a Fire Permit from their local Fire Control Centre before lighting any fire, including for hazard reduction burns. On Total Fire Ban days, all Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Certificates are automatically suspended.
The RFS’s Namoi Gwydir Team, based in Narrabri, said the permit requirement did not stop landholders carrying out legitimate agricultural burning or hazard reduction, but added a layer of protection by ensuring burns went ahead in suitable conditions with the right notifications made.
Anyone lighting a fire, at any time of year, must notify neighbours and local fire authorities at least 24 hours beforehand, online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify. Further information is available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP, or by contacting the North Western Area Command on 02 6761 1700.
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