Total Fire Bans and Fire Permits
In order to limit the number of fires
that escape and threaten life, property and the environment, especially on
days when it is very hot, dry and windy, the NSW Rural Fire Service can
restrict the use of fire through Fire Permits and Total Fire Bans.
Bush Fire Danger Period
The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period in
New South Wales runs from 1st October to 31st 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 permit.
Fire Permits
The aim of the Fire Permit is
to ensure fire will be used safely. The Permit system informs the authorities
exactly when and where landowners intend to burn, to ensure adequate
and appropriate measures are in place, so that fires remain under control.
An example of this may be a Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Burn.
To apply for a Fire Permit, or to find out if you need one, contact your local RFS Fire Control Centre, or NSW Fire Brigade station.
More information on Fire Permits (NSW
Rural Fire Service website)
Total Fire Bans and NSW Fire Areas
Total Fire Bans are declared for days
when fires are likely to escape and be difficult to contain. Extreme
fire danger is caused by a combination of dry vegetation and hot, dry,
windy weather. During a Total Fire Ban, NO fire may be lit in the
open. This includes incinerators and barbecues which burn solid fuel,
such as wood and charcoal.
The NSW Rural Fire Service website has
more information on:
- Total Fire Ban Rules, outlining what you can and can't do during a Total Fire Ban
- Total Fire Ban and Current Fire Danger Map, so you can check if a Total Fire Ban applies to your area.
Total Fire Bans are applied to NSW Fire
Areas, which are based on local government area boundaries.
To find out what NSW Fire Area you are
in, check the NSW Rural
Fire Service Fire Area Map.
Bush Fire
The NSW Rural Fire Service Website has information on how to identify a bush fire hazard, what you can do to reduce the risk of bush fire on your property, what to do if you are facing a bushfire and other useful information