Bush fire season comes early around NSW
1st September 2009Ministerial media release
Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan has warned that the Bush Fire Danger Period starts across much of New South Wales today, with many areas experiencing hot, dry weather and an increased risk of bush fires.
Mr Whan urged residents to be vigilant about fire danger in the current conditions and prepare their properties now to reduce their fire risk.
"The fires we have already seen on the South Coast, Central Coast and in the Northern Tablelands are a warning that we cannot afford to be complacent," he said.
"While the official start of the bush fire season in NSW is October 1, the unseasonably hot and dry conditions experienced in August have led the Rural Fire Service to bring the start of the fire season forward in 30 areas.
"This means that from today residents in these local government areas require a permit to burn. Residents in the New England district have required permits since August 1.
"Our fire services’ preparations for the fire season are well advanced and authorities have taken every chance to carry out hazard reduction through the winter but we cannot afford to let down our guard as we head towards summer.
"Early indications suggest that an El Nino weather event is looking likely, bringing with it high temperatures and dry conditions."
Fire crews worked overnight to strengthen containment lines and carry out backburning operations on the fires in Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla. Between them, these fires have burnt out almost 6000 hectares of bushland. Crews are patrolling the Fingal Bay fire.
Mr Whan said the Government was committed to ensuring the RFS had the resources it needed for its vital work of protecting the community.
This year’s record $216 million Rural Fire Fighting Fund includes a $6 million boost for aerial firefighting resources and $31.3 million for more than 200 bush fire tankers.
RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons urged residents in bush fire prone regions not to wait until the peak of summer but to take the time now to prepare their properties.
"People need to exercise the utmost care and caution with fire. It is not only the law but a matter of public safety that they acquire a permit if they plan to burn now in any of the declared regions," he said.
"It is essential that residents clear combustible fuels from around their properties and ensure their homes are well equipped to survive the potential ember attack that comes with a bush fire."
The Bush Fire Danger Period starts today (September 1) in Ballina, Bega Valley, Bellingen, Byron, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Eurobodalla, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Liverpool Plains, Maitland, Moree Plains, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Narrabri, Palerang, Queanbeyan, Richmond Valley, Shoalhaven, Singleton, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Tweed and Upper Hunter Local Government Areas.
It began on August 1 in Armidale/Dumaresq, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha Local Government Areas.
The remainder of the State, including Sydney, the Central Coast, Illawarra, Blue Mountains and Central and Far West, will start on October 1.
Residents who have concerns or questions on preparing their property or need a fire permit should contact their local Fire Control Centre or visit the Rural Fire Service website at rfs.nsw.gov.au.
Bush fire season comes early around NSW (PDF 28KB)