The bushfire danger period was extended in the Cudgegong RFS District to include April, but what does that mean for residents?
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Normally the statutory Bushfire Danger Period would end on March 31, which was the case for all local government areas across the state except for the Mid Western, Snowy Valleys, and Tamworth Regional LGAs.
This was due to high fuel loads coupled with a forecast of hot, dry weather.
Fire Permits are required during the Bush Fire Danger Period for most fires that are lit outdoors. This includes fires used for land clearing and the creation of fire breaks.
“Just because it’s the Bush Fire Danger Period doesn’t mean you can’t use fire, but there are restriction to ensure fire is used safely and to minimize the danger to you, your family, your property and the community,” acting Cudgegong District manager Andrew Williams said.
“Getting a permit is free and easy. Just contact the Cudgegong Fire Control Centre on (02) 6372 4434 and we can organize your permit. But remember, there are heavy penalties if you fail to follow restrictions and rules.”
With all such fires you should notify the Fire Control Centre and your neighbours 24 hours in advance of lighting up.
This kind of notification helps prevent the inconvenience and risk of sending our RFS volunteers out on fire calls when there is really no cause for alarm.
Permits are not required for a cooking fire provided it is in a permanently constructed fireplace, at a site surrounded by ground that is cleared of all combustible materials for a distance of at least two metres all around and has a supply of water available.
You must completely extinguish such fires before leaving the site. Before lighting a fire you should ensure that it can be contained and controlled within the specified area.
You should also check the RFS website for whether a Total Fire Ban is in force for your area and the EPA website for whether a No Burn day has been declared for environmental reasons.