With fires blazing along the east coast, it’s not surprising that the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) have declared an early start to the Bush Fire Danger Period for the Far North Coast.
The Ballina, Byron and Tweed Shires will start the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) early this year and the RFS is urging residents to prepare now for what could be a long and protracted fire season.
Currently there are 65 fires burning in New South Wales and 27 of those are in the Northern Rivers.
The Far North Coast will begin the fire season this Saturday 17 August 2019. Adjoining Northern Rivers shires, including Richmond Valley, Lismore and Kyogle, will also commence their BFDP this Saturday.
NSW RFS Far North Coast Manager, Superintendent David Cook, said a number of factors including local fuel conditions and current and predicted weather patterns, are considered before declaring a variation to the statutory BFDP.
‘Warm and windy conditions across the Far North Coast are continuing to dry out vegetation very quickly,’ said Mr Cook. ‘This is of great concern leading into the bush fire season’.
‘We have also seen a significant increase in fire activity across northern NSW in the past week, particularly in Clarence Valley and Northern Rivers areas, with local resources being deployed to assist.’
Superintendent Cook is urging residents to make and discuss their bush fire survival plan now. ‘This is to ensure all members of the household know what to do on days of increased fire danger and what to do if their home or property is threatened by fire.’
‘Residents should prepare their property by removing flammable materials from their yards, clearing leaves from gutters and checking hoses can reach all around the house’ said Cook.
During the Bush Fire Danger Period, any person wishing to light a fire will require a permit. A fire permit is free to obtain and can be organised by phoning your local Fire Control Centre.
On days of Very High fire danger or above, as well as Total Fire Bans, all fire permits are automatically suspended.
To check the Fire Danger Ratings for your area visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or contact the Far North Coast Fire Control Centre on (02) 6671 5500.
Better late than never? It only took the loss of four houses in the Richmond and Clarence Valleys before they decided to do what neighbouring shires on the tablelands and south of Coffs brought in nearly two weeks ago. Being such an obvious breach of legislation will the RFS now investigate and charge those responsible? They have shown little appetite to do so in the past despite clear indications and good evidence as to who is responsible. Over 90% start with a match.
And with permits starting on the 17th, watch the number of fires increase today and tomorrow as landowners light up before they’re required to get a permit.
And when they do watch the whacky Climate Alarmists work “climate change” into the irresponsibility of land owners.
Thankfully nobody did the rush light up.
How about blaming careless landowners and not the RFS.
It’s not the RFS only that declares the Bushfire danger period. Other agencies are also a part of it
Plenty of people over previous years have been issued infringements.
The only thing that changes during the bushfire danger period is the permit. All other requirements stay the same such as notifying all Neighbours and the permit notification line
Bushfires occurring in the Bushfire season.
Who woulda thought.
Clear evidence of Global Warming/Climate Change et al.
…..apparently.