Despite heavy rains in much of the area, the prolonged hot ‘summer’ weather has prompted The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) to extend the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period for the Ballina, Byron and Tweed Shires.
NSW RFS Far North Coast Manager, Superintendent David Cook, said the Bush Fire Danger Period, which usually ends on 31 March, had been extended this year to 30 April 2019 due to prevailing weather conditions in the Far North Coast District.
‘The extension means anyone wanting to light a fire in the Ballina, Byron and Tweed Local Government Areas (LGA) after 31 March 2019 will still require a Fire Permit,’ says Superintendent Cook.
‘Fire Permits are free and available from your local fire station or the NSW RFS Fire Control Centre’s in Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah.
‘As always, residents must also notify neighbouring land owners and contact the burn notification line on 1300 632 174 at least 24 hours prior to burning.’
Superintendent Cook said the decision to extend the Bush Fire Danger Period was made in consultation with the local Bush Fire Management Committee and is consistent with other areas including the Northern Rivers, who are also extending their Bush Fire Danger Period.
‘These decisions are never made lightly and involve a number of stakeholders from the local area,’ he said.
‘Our overriding concern is the safety of all residents in the Ballina, Byron and Tweed areas, and we have acted accordingly by extending the Bush Fire Danger Period until 30 April 2019.
‘Now is not the time for anyone to become complacent about the risk of bush fires.
‘I urge all residents to know what they and their family will do if a fire was to threaten. When will you go, what will you take and where will you go? Ask yourself, how fireproof is your plan?
Please report any unattended fires you see to Triple Zero (000) immediately.’
For more information visit the NSW RFS Far North Coast website.
