Fire Permits Suspended in Bathurst and Lithgow Rural Fire Districts

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has suspended fire permits from 1 November 2019 until further notice in the Bathurst and Lithgow Local Government Areas due to current and forecast hot, dry and windy conditions.

NSW RFS Inspector Mick Holland said the decision to suspend fire permits had been made in order to help keep the local community safe from bush and grass fires.

“In hot, dry and windy conditions fires can start quickly and spread rapidly and the potential is there for dangerous fire weather to eventuate in the coming weeks,” Inspector Holland said.

“Just one spark from a planned hazard reduction can cause a fire to spread and threaten life and property.

“While fire permits have been suspended, we encourage residents to undertake other activities to protect their property from fire, such as clearing leaves from their gutters and removing flammable materials from around their homes.”

Serious penalties, including fines and/or imprisonment, apply for starting a fire without a permit during the Bush Fire Danger Period.

Permits may be authorised in exceptional circumstances, such as public safety or essential business works. To request an exemption, contact the Chifley/Lithgow Team Fire Control Centres.

For further information on how you can protect your property, or to download a Bush Fire Survival Plan, visit the NSW RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or call the Chifley/Lithgow Team Fire Control Centres on 1300 258 737.

 For information on current fires, download the NSW RFS Fires Near Me app to your phone or tablet.