Bush Fire Danger Period – Commencement 22 September 2020

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has declared that the start of the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) will commence on Thursday 1 October 2020 for the following local government areas:

Bathurst Regional Council Lithgow City Council Oberon Council

NSW RFS is reminding residents that fire permits are required during the Bush Fire Danger Period.

“From the 1st October until the end of the Bush Fire Danger Period, people wishing to light a fire in the open will require a permit, which are free and can be obtained from your local fire station or Fire Control Centre. Please request your fire permit several days before you plan to light the fire to allow time for the area to be inspected and the permit to be issued,” Inspector Mick Holland said.

“Many land owners have taken advantage of the conditions during winter to prepare their properties and undertake safe burning activities. As the grass will begin to grow and cure as the weather warms up, the risk of grass fires will increase.” Inspector Holland said.

“When conditions are particularly bad, such as on days of Very High, Severe, Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger, the NSW RFS may declare a Total Fire Ban, prohibiting the lighting of any fire in the open, even if you have a fire permit.”

On a day of Total Fire Ban the lighting of fires is prohibited. This includes cooking fires using incinerators and barbecues which burn solid fuel, such as wood or charcoal.

Gas or electric barbecues are permitted under the following conditions:

They are on residential property within 20 metres of the house or dwelling They are in a designated picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, National Parks and Wildlife Services or State Forest They are under the direct control of a responsible adult The ground around a barbecue is cleared for 2 metres of all material which could burn You have an immediate and continuous supply of water available.

“We urge all residents in the Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon area to be vigilant and extremely careful with fire during the Bush Fire Danger Period,” Inspector Holland said.

“Never leave a fire unattended and if a fire does escape, it is essential to call Triple Zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond accordingly and minimise the damage.”

“Every resident should have a Bush Fire Survival Plan so they know what to do on days of increased fire danger and can immediately put their plan into action if their home is threatened by fire.”

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 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737). For information on current fires, download the NSW RFS Fires Near Me app to your phone or tablet.

Last updated : 22nd September, 2020, 9:35 AM