Residents in the Armidale Regional, Glen Innes/Severn, Inverell, Tenterfield, Uralla and Walcha local government areas will need to obtain a permit before conducting burning in the open, including broad acre and pile burns, from August 1.
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Tuesday will mark the official start of the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) across the region.
“Fire permits help landowners to address safety aspects before and during a burn,” NSW RFS Superintendent Steve Mepham said
“Residents can ask their local Fire Control Centre for assistance in carrying out safe hazard reductions.
“While it is important to continue hazard reduction we have all seen the devastation that bush fires can inflict on a community, so I strongly urge people to exercise extreme caution when carrying out these activities.
Superintendent Mepham is warning landowners never to leave a fire unattended and if a fire does escape, call Triple Zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise the damage.
On days of Total Fire Ban and when the Bush Fire Danger rating is very high or above, all fire permits are automatically suspended.
Residents are also being urged to prepare their property for the bushfire season by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing gutters of leaves, checking hoses and, where appropriate, conducting hazard reduction activities.
“These preparation tips, as well as helpful information about what to do in the event of a fire, are contained in the Bush Fire Survival Plan guide, which can be downloaded from the NSW RFS website,” Supt Mepham said.
“As well as completing or updating our Plan, it is also important to have a conversation with your family so everyone knows what to do if a fire threatens.”
To check the Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Ban declarations for your area visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.