The Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) begins in the Southern Highlands on 1 October and the RFS is urging residents to prepare now.
RFS Superintendent Daniel Osborne said following several wet years, fuel loads remain high across the state and the risk of serious bush and grass fires is returning.
“Now is the time to review your plans, prepare your properties and have the conversation with your family about what you will do during a fire,” Superintendent Osborne said.
“Having a bush fire survival plan will ensure all members of the household know what to do on days of increased fire danger and what actions to take should a fire threaten your home.”
Superintendent Osborne said while the RFS is doing everything it can to mitigate the risk of fire, preparation is a shared responsibility and property owners need to do their part too.
“Worryingly, recent research tells us less than half of residents living in bush fire prone areas have undertaken any preparatory work on their properties,” Superintendent Osborne said.
“Residents should prepare their property by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing leaves from gutters, checking hoses can reach all around the house and where appropriate, conducting hazard reduction activities.”
During the BFDP, landowners and managers are required to obtain a Fire Permit from their local Fire Control Centre before lighting any fires, including hazard reduction burns.
“While hazard reductions are an important part of preparations, landholders need to be extremely careful, as escaped burns can lead to heavy penalties,” Superintendent Osborne said.
“Before you light a fire, it’s critical that you check that conditions allow for safe burning and you have the necessary precautions in place.
“If a fire does escape, make sure you call Triple Zero (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond and minimise the damage.”
Information about hazard reduction burning and required notifications is available on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/BFDP.
