Restricted Burning Period brought forward

The Restricted Burning Period in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River has been brought forward by three days and will now apply from 12.01am, Friday 6 November 2020.   This means a Permit to Burn will be required prior to anyone burning more than one (1) cubic metre of garden refuse (smaller garden piles may only be burnt after 6pm and extinguished before 11pm, otherwise a permit is required.)   Chief Bush Fire Control Officer, David Holland said the decision was made based on the dryer than usual conditions being observed for this time of the year.   “Whilst we had some rain over the weekend, it wasn’t enough to significantly change our soil dryness levels, which are above average for this time of year,” he said.   “The Soil Dryness Index is currently sitting at 590, compared with the average of 400 recorded this same period historically.   “The range of measurement for our Shire starts at zero during winter and rises to an average maximum of 1650 during February.    “This makes it prudent for us to bring the Restricted Burning Period forward, ” he said.   “You can apply for a Permit to Burn by contacting your local Fire Control Officer.   “Their contact details are in the Firebreak Notice that was posted out to all households last months and are also available on the Shire’s website.   “Please continue to observe these fire restrictions as we enter the bushfire season,” said Mr Holland.   For more information about fire requirements during the prohibited Restricted Burning Period please refer to the Firebreak Notice and Bushfire Information 2020-2021 at www.amrshire.wa.gov.au