As we move out of winter into spring, new, green growth is starting to pop up across the Far West.
NSW Rural Fire Service Superintendent Vaughn Elsworth said they are mindful of the impact of this new growth and the potential for fire.
“With the destocking of properties after the drought and limited native wildlife spotted, the increased grass fuels have the potential to pose local, isolated risks,” Superintendent Ebsworth said.
He said landholders’ obligations include: preparing their properties and maintaining fire breaks; and notifying neighbouring landholders and the local Fire Control Centre at least 24 hours before they intend to burn.
“While we are currently outside the Fire Danger Period there is no permit required however, notifications are a year round obligation,” Superintendent Ebsworth said.
Landholders can now report their intention to burn online at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify/.
Landholders will need to supply their contact and location details.
“This is so the location can be mapped on a shared map similar to the Fires Near Me application. We can also lodge the burn via the Fire Control Centre,” he said.
In the event of a Total Fire Ban being declared in the area, messages will automatically be sent out to all registered landholders.
“We need to know where legitimate hazard reduction burns are being undertaken so brigades do not get called out unnecessarily.”
He said the local duty officer can stop the response to a Triple Zero (000) call and avoid unnecessarily calling on volunteers.
