The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is urging land managers and property owners to carefully consider weather conditions before burning off this weekend - and to make sure they notify fire agencies and neighbours.
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NSW RFS Inspector Dave Millsteed said escaped fires pose a very real threat to both people and property.
"Problems occur when people do not adequately supervise fires or underestimate the conditions," Inspector Millsteed said.
"Already this month we have seen more than 40 escaped private burns so residents must consider both the current and forecast weather conditions before lighting up.
"Also, you must notify your neighbours and local fire authority at least 24 hours before starting your burn.
"Given forecast warm and windy conditions in areas of the state, it is also vital that landholders only burn off when it is safe to do so.
"Ensure you have adequate and functioning firefighting equipment on hand and follow the rules.
"For those areas within the Bush Fire Danger Period a Fire permit us required, which is free to obtain."
"Don't be the fire risk to your community, know your obligations if conducting burns and know the costs if you do the wrong thing, but most importantly, if a fire does get out of hand, make sure you report it immediately to Triple Zero (000)," Inspector Millsteed said.
"A person who lights a fire without the required approvals is guilty of an offence, with penalties including large fines and/or imprisonment.
"Every landholder has a responsibility to prevent fire spreading from their property and there can be serious consequences for people who light fires and leave them unattended."
Information about hazard reduction burning and required notifications is available on the NSW RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP.
To notify of your intent to burn, use the online burn notification tool at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify.
Landholders can also notify the NSW RFS and obtain more information by contacting their local Fire Control Centre.
When are permits required?
The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period runs from 1 October to 31 March, however it may vary due to local conditions. If you are planning to light a fire in the open during this time, you will need a Fire Permit.
Also depending on the type of fire, a permit may be required all year round. For example, a Fire Permit is required at all times if a fire is likely to be dangerous to a building.
When are permits not required?
Fire Permits are not required for fires that are lit for the purpose of land clearance or the creation of a fire break during the Non Bush Fire Danger Period.
Additionally, Fire Permits are not required for fires for the purpose of cooking food, provided that: the fire is in a permanently constructed fireplace; at a site surrounded by ground that is cleared of all combustible materials for a distance of at least two metres all around; the fire is completely extinguished before leaving.
What else do I need to do?
Before lighting the fire ensure that:
- it can be contained and controlled within the specified area
- it does not contain toxic materials, such as rubber tyres, plastics, paint etc; and
- it must not cause an air pollution problem by producing excessive amounts of smoke.
