Bush Fire Danger Period starts early
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Ken Halstead is urging residents to remain vigilant to the threat of fire as the NSW Rural Fire Service brings forward this year’s Bush Fire Danger Period.
“No one needs reminding of how dry the current conditions are,” the Mayor said.
“In conjunction with the long-term weather forecast, the current dry spell has increased the potential for fire,” he said. “This has forced our colleagues at the NSW RFS to bring forward this year’s Bush Fire Danger Period by a full month.”
The 2018/19 bush fire season officially commenced on Saturday 1 September 2018.
The early start to the Bush Fire Danger Period covers both the Wingecarribee and Wollondilly Local Government Areas.
“Don’t be fooled into thinking that because the temperature is still cool there’s no risk of bush fire,” the Mayor said.
Throughout winter more than 70 fires have threatened properties across NSW including the nearby Shoalhaven region.
“I recommend that all residents use the milder spring months to update and discuss their own Bush Fire Survival Plan with family and friends,” Councillor Halstead said.
“Forewarned is forearmed and hopefully none of us ever need to activate our Bush Fire Survival Plans,” the Mayor said. “But having no Plan is a sure fire recipe for disaster.”
To view how to prepare a Bush Fire Survival Plan visit www.myfireplan.com.au. Hard copies are also available from Council’s Moss Vale Civic Centre.
“We can’t escape the fact that most of our Shire is bush fire prone land,” the Mayor added. “This means we all have a role to play in fire mitigation.”
“And while risk cannot be entirely removed, it can be managed with proper processes.”
As of 1 September 2018 backyard burning and pile burns are not permitted during the Bush Fire Danger Period without a fire permit. Within our Shire, fire permits are allocated by different fire authorities depending on the location of the property. Any existing permits are automatically revoked on days of Total Fire Ban.
The NSW Rural Fire Service will continue to monitor conditions and any changes of status will be issued by this agency.
To report an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000).
To learn more about the Bush Fire Danger Period including Fire Danger Ratings visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or contact your local Fire Control Centre.
To read more about Council’s role in managing bush fire visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/services/bushfire-management.