ONGOING drought conditions across the region have prompted an early start to the bushfire danger period in Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon.
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The long-running drought has left the region's grasslands parched and forested areas tinder dry.
Bushfire danger period usually commences on October 1, but this year it will start on September 1 in the Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon local government areas.
NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Chifley/Lithgow Team district assistant Michael Dunn said the very dry conditions were a concern.
"We can see some sign that there could be more risk of fire due to dry conditions," he said.
"We knew after the frosts that there's an increased risk of fire."
We can see some sign that there could be more risk of fire due to dry conditions.
- NSW Rural Fire Service Chifley/Lithgow Team district assistant Michael Dunn
NSW RFS Inspector Mick Holland said from September 1 anyone wishing to light a fire in the open will require a permit, which are free and can be obtained from your local fire station or fire control centre.
"Please request your fire permit several days before you plan to light the fire to allow time for the area to be inspected and the permit to be issued," he said.
"When conditions are particularly bad, such as on days of very high, 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 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 20 metres of the house or dwelling
- They are in a designated picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, National Parks and Wildlife Services or State Forest
- They are under the direct control of a responsible adult
- The ground around a barbecue is cleared for 2 metres of all material which could burn
- You have an immediate and continuous supply of water available.
Inspector Holland urged residents in Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon to be vigilant and extremely careful with fire during the bush fire danger period.
"Never leave a fire unattended and if a fire does escape, it is essential to call triple-0 immediately so that emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise the damage," he said.
"Every resident should have a Bushfire 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."
For further information on how you can protect your property, or to download a Bush Fire Survival Plan, visit the NSW RFS website or call 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).
For information on current fires, download the NSW RFS Fires Near Me app to your phone or tablet.
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
