“This year’s statutory Bush Fire Danger Period is starting on September 1, rather than the normal start date of October 1,” Inspector Greg Freeman, acting District manager, said.“That’s this weekend.

“From Saturday, September 1, it will be mandatory for everyone to get an RFS fire permit before lighting up. The amount of fire activity that is already occurring across the state is alarming. We are preparing now for another busy and drawn out fire season. Bringing forward the requirement for Fire Permits is one of the key measures we are putting in place to reduce the risk in this area.”

Fire permits are free and are easy to obtain. You can get them from at the Fire Control Centre in Depot Road, Mudgee, or from your local RFS brigade Permit Officer. For more information on getting fire permits you can call the Fire Control Centre on (02) 6372 4434.

Permits help ensure that fire is used safely during the Bush Fire Danger Period by imposing conditions on the how fires are lit and maintained. It is a legal requirement for landholders to get a permit before lighting a fire on their property during the period.

Failure to get a permit and follow the conditions of the permit can lead to heavy fines and penalties.

“Everything out there is tinder-dry despite the recent rain,” Inspector Freeman said. “We’ve seen high fire danger ratings on even very cold days this month because winds have been high from the West, up to 40kph with gusts to 60kph. What rains we have in coming weeks are expected to be scattered, with some areas getting a good soaking and others remaining bone dry.

“With these conditions it is easy for fires to start and quickly spread. There’s not a great deal of growth left in grassland areas, but there’s a lot of forest fuels and I urge you to be careful if you light up even with a Fire Permit. We haven’t had as many escaped burns this year as last because thankfully people have been more careful, and in the months ahead we need to redouble our efforts.”

The requirement for fire permits and other safety measures will continue until the Fire Danger Period ends, normally at the end of March.

“With the start of the Danger Period we are urging you to prepare for the fire season now,” Inspector Freeman said. “Please complete a Bush Fire Survival Plan now if you have not already done so and practice it to ensure all members of your household know what to do on days of increased fire danger or if your home is threatened by fire.”

In addition to obtaining a fire permit you should notify the Fire Control Centre and your neighbours at least 24 hours in advance of lighting up. This kind of notification helps prevent the inconvenience and risk of sending RFS volunteers out on fire calls when there is really no cause for alarm.

Permits are not required for a heating or 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 any fire you should ensure it can be contained and controlled within the specified area.

If it does escape you should immediately call Triple Zero (000).

You should also check the RFS website before lighting up to see 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.