BUSHFIRE danger period has finally come to an end in the Cudgegong district following months of hot and dry conditions.
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The drought and well below average rainfall prompted the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to extend the danger period by two months this season.
Rather than start on October 1 last year it was brought forward to September 1; while the period was also lengthened to finish at the end of April 2019 rather than March.
Cudgegong RFS District acting manager Andrew Williams told the Mudgee Guardian in March that the season was extended due to the dry conditions.
"Even though we have had some rain and some places are greener than others. But there are some that are just so dry," he said.
"A good example would be Goolma, they haven't had much rain out there, so if something was to start it could take a bit of a run and even though it's cooling down it could happen quite easily."
Mudgee experienced a very dry April with just 0.4 millimetres of rain, Bureau of Meteorology data from Mudgee Airport shows.
Overall this year, however, Mudgee has actually recorded above average rainfall.
By this time of year an average of 224.2mm of rain has usually fallen, but so far this year 255.2mm has been received into the airport's rain gauge.
Even though bushfire danger period may have finished, local council regulations still apply, including notifying local fire authorities and neighbours at least 24 hours prior to lighting.
Safe Burning Checklist
The NSW RFS have reminded residents that if they have been using fire on their property for years, that safe burning is your responsibility. The RFS issued this Safe Burning checklist:
Before:
- Check you're allowed to burn. Are you allowed to have a burn in your area? Check with your council or local Fire Control Centre. There are alternative ways to get rid of waste or vegetation - talk to your council to discuss further.
- Get a permit. Permits are required during the Bush Fire Danger Period. They're free and easy to get. Contact your local Fire Control Centre or Fire and Rescue NSW fire station at least 24 hours before you plan to burn.
- Let people know. Make sure you notify your neighbours at least 24 hours before you intend to burn.
On the day:
- Check weather conditions like the fire danger rating, wind and temperature. Permits may be suspended during bad conditions. If there's a total fire ban, no fire is allowed out in the open.
- Make sure you're using fire safely. Check your permit for any special conditions. Ensure you have a cleared area around any material you're burning and monitor conditions closely.
- If the fire gets out of control, call Triple Zero. It's important that you monitor the fire and have firefighting equipment on hand. If you have any problems, call triple-0 immediately.
After:
- Extinguish the fire and monitor it. Keep an eye on the material or area you've been burning and call triple-0 if the fire causes any concern.
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
