Before the Bush Fire Danger period officially starts this Sunday the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has already suspended fire permits.
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The NSW RFS has reminded residents that fire permits are required during the statutory period which officially begins on October 1.
NSW RFS Inspector Martin Siemsen said hotter and drier conditions mean fires are more likely to start and spread quickly during the Bush Fire Danger Period.
“Due to current and predicted weather conditions, permits will be suspended from the 1st October 2017,” Inspector Siemsen 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 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 if they are on residential property within 20 meters of the house or dwelling or they are in a picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, National Parks and Wildlife Services or State Forest.
The barbecue must be under the direct control of a responsible adult and the ground around it is cleared for two metres of all material which could burn.
When using a gas or electric barbecue you must have an immediate and continuous supply of water available.
“We urge all residents in the Dungog LGA area to be vigilant and extremely careful with fire during the Bush Fire Danger Period,” Inspector Siemsen 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. Residents can also call the Lower Hunter Fire Control Centre on 4015 0000 or the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 679 737.