Australia
Australia
Bush Fire Danger Period declared early
30 July 2004
The Bush Fire Danger Period was declared for 54 local government areas from this Sunday (1st August 2004), the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Phil Koperberg advised.
Fire permits are required in those areas from 1st August. The Bush Fire Danger Period was declared two months early due to the current prolonged dry conditions.
“With the lack of rain over much of the state in recent months the amount of moisture in the soil and fuel has declined significantly, increasing the risk of fire,” the Commissioner said.
“By limiting fires in the declared areas to only those with fire safety permits we will be better able to manage fires and prevent major blazes. Fines up to $5,500 and prison sentences may apply if a permit is not obtained or the conditions within a fire permit are not complied with.”
The Commissioner asked property owners to seek RFS advice on fire permits and safe burning practices because dry weather has caused fires to act more aggressively than would normally be expected during the winter months.
“We want land owners and managers to do hazard reduction work on their properties, but it must be done safely. Many recent fires RFS volunteers have attended were burn-offs that got out of control in dry, windy conditions.
“Call your RFS Fire Control Centre for advice on safe burning and what approvals and permits you require. Fire permits are free and can be obtained from Fire Control Centres or fire stations.
“An environmental approval may also be needed to light a fire. Contact the RFS for advice on what approvals may be required. For bush fire hazard reduction works the RFS can assist private property owners by providing a free environmental assessment.”
If you intend to burn –
· Ask the RFS for further advice, fire permits and approvals
· Check weather conditions
· Delay the burn if concerning winds are forecast
· Create proper fire breaks
· Have adequate water resources on hand
· Supervise the fire at all times
· Call triple zero (000) immediately if fire escapes.
A list of Local Government Areas requiring fire permits follows.
Note: Total number of LGAs requiring fire permits is 57. Kiama and Shellharbour have year round permits and Gloucester declared on 15th July – therefore 54 are declaring on 1st August.
NSW Fire Brigades, in consultation with NSW Rural Fire Service, will bring forward the bushfire danger period for Sydney metropolitan, Wollongong and Newcastle areas to 1st August.
Armidale
Baulkham Hills
Blacktown
Ballina
Bega Valley
Bellingen
Byron
Blue Mountains
Camden
Campbelltown
Cessnock
Clarence Valley
Coffs Harbour
Dungog
Eurobodalla
Fairfield
Gloucester (15th July declaration)
Gosford
Greater Taree
Great Lakes
Guyra
Hastings
Hawkesbury
Hornsby
Inverell
Kempsey
Kiama (year round permits)
Kyogle
Ku-ring-gai
Lake Macquarie
Lismore
Lithgow
Liverpool
Maitland
Muswellbrook
Newcastle
Nambucca
Pittwater
Penrith
Port Stephens
Richmond Valley
Severn
Shellharbour (year round permits)
Shoalhaven
Singleton
Sutherland
Tenterfield
Tweed
Uralla
Walcha
Warringah
Wingecarribee
Wollondilly
Wollongong
Wyong
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Source: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
