Everyone knows the drought has been particularly bad this year. The dryness will also raise the prospect of bushfires as we head into spring and summer.
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NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is advising Queanbeyan and Palerang residents that fire permits will be required early this year, starting from Saturday September 1.
NSW RFS District Officer Darren Marks said “despite some welcome rainfall over the last few days, the ongoing dry conditions mean fires are more likely to start and spread quickly so the Bush Fire Danger Period has been brought forward to start on September 1.”
“As we move into warmer and drier conditions, people need to be extremely careful when using fire.
“Never leave a fire unattended and if a fire does escape, it is essential to call Triple Zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise the damage.”
With the early start to the fire season the NSW RFS is urging residents to complete a Bush Fire Survival Plan and ensure all members of the household know what to do on days of increased fire danger and if their home is threatened by fire.
Residents should prepare their property by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing gutters of leaves, checking hoses and, where appropriate, conducting hazard reduction activities.
“While it is important to continue hazard reduction we have all seen the devastation that bushfires can bring to a community, so I strongly urge people to exercise caution when carrying out these activities,” District Officer Marks 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.”
It is important to remember that 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.
QPRC residents can also call the Lake George Fire Control Centre on 6128 0600 or the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
