Fire permits are a must
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is reminding residents of far west New South Wales that fire permits are required during the statutory bush fire danger period, which started on 1 October 2020.
Residents of local council areas of Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar and Central Darling, as well as the Unincorporated Area should always apply for a fire permit before starting a fire.
NSW RFS Inspector Craig Warwick said hotter and drier conditions mean fires are more likely to start and spread quickly during the bush fire danger period.
“From now 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 brigade station, permit issuing officer or local fire control centre,” Inspector Warwick said.
“When conditions are particularly bad, such as on days of severe, extreme or catastrophic fire danger, the NSW RFS may declare a total fire ban, prohibiting the lighting of any fire in the open, even if you have a fire permit.”
On a day of a Total Fire Ban the lighting of fires is prohibited.
This includes cooking fires using incinerators and barbecues which burn solid fuel, such as wood or charcoal. Gas or electric barbecues are permitted under the following conditions:
They are on residential property within twenty metres of the dwelling
They are in a picnic area and the appliance is approved
They are under the direct control of a responsible adult
The ground around a barbecue is cleared for two metres of all combustible material
You have an immediate and continuous supply of water available.
“We urge all residents in the far west area to be vigilant and extremely careful with fire during the bush fire danger period,” Inspector Warwick said.
“Every resident should have a bush fire survival plan so they know what to do on days of increased fire danger and can immediately put their plan into action if their home is threatened by fire.”
Information about total fire ban declarations is published at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
Locals can also call the District Fire Control Centre on: 02 6872 4023 (Bourke), 02 6836 1226 (Cobar) or the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).
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