Thursday the 1st of August will be the official start of the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) on the Far South Coast and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is urging residents to prepare for the fire season now.
While 1 October is the official commencement of the 2019 bush fire season for much of the state, some areas, such as the Far South Coast are commencing their danger period early due to continuing dry conditions.
NSW RFS Superintendent John Cullen is urging residents to complete a Bush Fire Survival Plan and ensure all members of the household know what to do on days of increased fire danger and if their home is threatened by fire.
“While it is important to continue hazard reduction there are many ways of achieving the right result without burning. We are encouraging people to focus on the simple things like mowing and raking and relocating flammable materials to safer locations” Superintendent Cullen said.
“With ongoing moisture deficit and the potential for strong spring winds, conditions are becoming more conducive to the spread of fire and people need to be extremely careful when using fire and we would prefer that people looked at alternative means of reducing risk.”
“Never leave a fire unattended and if a fire does escape, it is essential to call Triple Zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise the damage.”
During the Bush Fire Danger Period any person wishing to light a fire will require a permit.
Please contact our local Fire Control Centre (4474 2855) or message our page for details on how to obtain a fire permit if required.
On days of Very High Fire Danger all permits are automatically revoked. To check the Fire Danger Ratings for your area visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or contact your local Fire Control Centre.
For more information on permits and the Bush Fire Danger Period please check www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP
