THE bushfire danger period will begin in the Murray River Council area on Sunday.
RFS district co-ordinator Gerard James said during the bushfire danger period, landowners and land managers were required to obtain a fire permit from their local RFS before lighting any fires, including hazard reduction burns.
“Before you light a fire, it’s critical that you check weather conditions are acceptable for safe burning and that you have the necessary precautions and equipment in place,” Mr James said.
“Never leave a fire unattended and if a fire does escape it is essential to call Triple Zero immediately so that emergency services can respond and minimise the damage.
“With the fire danger period commencing, fire permit holders are required to let fire authorities and their neighbours know at least 24 hours before lighting up.
“You must notify your intention to burn by visiting www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify or calling your local fire control centre.”
Mr James said fuel loads remained high, particularly in the Murray, Edward and Murrumbidgee council areas, and it was important that land managers and residents were prepared and remembered that bush and grass fires could start any time.
“While our firefighters are doing what they can, preparation is a shared responsibility and homeowners and landowners need to prepare their properties too,” he said.
“This means doing simple things like creating firebreaks on your property, cleaning your gutters, removing combustibles from your yard, ensuring hoses can reach all corners of your property and updating and discussing your bushfire survival plan so you know what you will do if fire threatens.”
Information about hazard reduction burning, obtaining permits and required notification is available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP.
