Backyard burn approvals to cease from 30 September
Southern Highlands residents are reminded that Council backyard burning approvals will cease from midnight 30 September 2016 in line with the peak bushfire danger period.
A Fire Permit from the Rural Fire Service is required once the Bush Fire Danger period officially begins on 1 October 2016.
In the major towns of Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale and the villages of Balaclava, Braemar, Burradoo, East Bowral, Welby and Willow Vale, burning dead or dry vegetation as a result of normal property maintenance is currently permitted on properties greater than 4,000 square metres until the end of September. Backyard burning is not permitted in these localities on properties less than 4000 square metres or in medium density zones.
Residents outside of these areas can currently burn dead or dry vegetation from normal property maintenance until the end of September.
Anyone wishing to burn in accordance with these approvals must ensure they notify neighbours, minimise smoke, attend to the fire at all times and have a water source available to extinguish the fire.
In the event of a Total Fire Ban or No Burn Day being declared, all approvals are suspended.
As per section 12(2) of the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2010, a person must not burn any vegetation in the open or in an incinerator within a local government area without proper approvals.
On-the-spot fines of $500 for individuals and $1000 for corporations apply for breaches of the ban.
“With spring now upon us and the warmer weather on the way, it’s a timely reminder that even small burns can quickly get out of control and have devastating consequences,” said Council’s Group Manager Planning Development and Regulatory Services, Nick Wilton.
“It’s therefore imperative that we all adhere to the NSW Rural Fire Service regulations to safeguard our Shire from the threat of bushfire.”
For more information visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/backyard-burning or to report an illegal burn phone 4868 0888.
For further information on fire bans, permits and general fire safety visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.