Take care during the bushfire season

Inspector Craig Warwick, District Officer Far West Team NSW Rural Fire Service. Photo TWH

Take care during the bushfire season

The NSW Rural Fire Service is reminding Far West area residents that fire permits are required during the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period.

NSW RFS District Manager, Superintendent Craig Warwick, who is responsible for the local government areas of Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Central Darling and the Unincorporated Area, said that with the wetter than normal season, residents of the Far West should not become complacent.

“From the 1 October 2022 until the end of the Bush Fire Danger Period 31 March 2023, people wishing to light a fire in the open will require a permit, which are free and can be obtained from your local fire station or Fire Control Centre,” Superintendent Warwick said.

“During a Total Fire Ban, the lighting of any fire in the open is banned, even if you have a fire permit,” he said.

On a day of Total Fire Ban the lighting of fires is prohibited. This includes cooking fires using incinerators and barbecues which burn solid fuel, such as wood or charcoal.

Gas or electric barbecues are permitted under the following conditions:

• They are on residential property within 20m of the house

• They are in a picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, NPWS or State Forests

• They are under the direct control of a responsible adult

• The ground around and above a barbecue is cleared for 2m of all material which could burn

• You have an immediate and continuous supply of water available.

“We urge all residents in the Far West Area to be vigilant and extremely careful with fire during the Bush Fire Danger Period,” Inspector Warwick said.

“Every resident should have a Bush Fire Survival Plan so they know what to do on days of increased fire danger and can immediately put their plan into action if their home is threatened by fire.”

Information about Total Fire Ban declarations is published at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. Locals can also call the Cobar Fire Control Centre on 0268361226 or Bourke Fire Control Centre on 0268724023 or the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).