Fire Permits Required To Conduct Burns

With bushfire season upon us, residents will require fire permits to conduct any burns on their property from October 1.

There are also additional restrictions on what can be burnt and when.

No timber or pile burns will be permitted.

Fires cannot be lit before 4 pm and must be fully extinguished by midnight.

It is important to ensure that only natural materials like timber and prunnings are burnt.

Prohibited items include:

• Treated pine logs;

• Plastic;

• Tyres; and

• Other hazardous materials.

These materials not only pose environmental hazards but could also lead to fines if found burning.

Avoid unnecessary callouts by ensuring that you notify the RFS of burns.

It is mandatory to notify the RFS before conducting any pile burn year round.

Failing to do so can result in fire trucks and volunteers being unnecessarily dispatched to attend a burn, often disrupting their personal and work lives.

A RFS spokesperson said volunteers were leaving their jobs, families and meals on the table to respond to burns that should have been notified.

“It’s frustrating when they arrive to find that no real emergency exists,” the spokesperson said.

To avoid this, the RFS has asked that residents take just 60 seconds to notify them online before conducting a burn.

Not only will that prevent unnecessary callouts, but it could also save residents from embarrassment when multiple fire trucks arrive at a controlled burn site.

Moreover, failing to notify the RFS could result in a $1,100 fine.

Notifying the RFS is a simple process that can be done online via the NSW RFS website.

Doing so takes very little time and ensures local fire brigades are aware of planned burns, allowing them to avoid unnecessary responses and focus on genuine emergencies.

As the fire season draws closer, it’s crucial that residents do their part in reducing fuel loads through controlled pile burns, while also adhering to the rules set out by the RFS.

Burning now, before restrictions take effect, will help ensure properties are prepared for the summer while minimising the risk of unwanted fires.

Preparation today could protect homes, crops and entire communities in the coming months.

• Topics:

• Bushfires
• Agriculture & Farming