BUSHFIRE danger period will soon come to an end in Oberon and the Chifley/Lithgow region.
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From Sunday, April 1, fire permits will no longer be required for the Bathurst, Oberon and Lithgow local government areas for standard pile burns and agricultural burns.
NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Inspector Mick Holland said members of the public must still abide by the law when conducting hazard reduction burns, which includes notifying the RFS 24 hours prior to any burning.
“Penalties still apply for failing to notify NSW RFS and neighbours that you are lighting a fire and for allowing fires to escape,” he said.
“Even though the weather is cooling down, there is still the potential for fires to threaten life, property and the environment.
Penalties still apply for failing to notify NSW RFS and neighbours that you are lighting a fire and for allowing fires to escape.
- NSW RFS Inspector Mick Holland
“We have had many running grass fires recently in areas that have not had much rain and with high, cured grass. Land owners still need to be extremely careful.”
Inspector Holland said if residents wish to conduct burning activities, they should ask the RFS for advice, permits and approvals and:
- Give fire authorities and neighbours 24 hours notice
- Check weather conditions/total fire bans
- Delay the burn if concerning winds are forecast
- Create proper fire breaks
- Have adequate water resources and fire fighting equipment on hand
- Supervise the fire at all times
- Call triple-0 immediately if fire escapes.
Chifley/Lithgow Team RFS operational officer Gary Hansen said fire control centres are able to provide information on how to safely conduct hazard reduction activities such as slashing, trittering and burning.
Information can also be provided on how to your for the next bushfire season.
Inspector Holland said the community should not become complacent to the danger of bushfire.
“I urge all residents to continue to take the threat of bush fire seriously and to prepare their families and homes. Now is also a fantastic time to ensure your family has completed a BushFire Survival Plan,” he said.
“Your local fire control centre can provide advice on how to safely undertake hazard reduction work and how to best prepare yourself, your property and your family for the next bushfire season”.
To notify your intention to burn or arrange a Bushfire Hazard Reduction Certificate, contact your local fire control centre on 1300 258 737.
Although fire permits will no longer be required from April 1, property owners in Bathurst and Lithgow council areas must still ensure they abide by council’s Open Burning Policy.
Regulations remain in place with regards to any burning, including pile burns, agricultural, stubble or use of fire to destroy waste.
To check whether you need a council approval, please contact your local council on Bathurst 6333 6111, Oberon 6329 8100 or Lithgow 6354 9999.
- Stay up-to-date with any fires in your region by visiting the NSW RFS Fires Near Me website.
