Due to an increase in call outs to backyard pile burns over the past few months we would like to offer these handy hints before you light up.
Pile burning is permitted without a permit between 1st April – 30th September unless otherwise stipulated by the NSW RFS.
Everything is the same as during the fire season except you don’t need the permit.
You will need to do the following:
• Contact NSW Rural Fire Service Lower Hunter Fire Control on 4015 0000 24 hours before you light up.
• Alert all neighbours 24 hours before you light up, this also includes neighbours across roads or rivers.
• An adult must be with the fire until it’s totally extinguished. DO NOT LEAVE IT!
• You must have enough water at the ready to extinguish the fire if necessary
• Check the weather to make sure there are no strong winds forecast.
• Check to make sure it’s not a Total Fire Ban Day.
TO BURN DURING FIRE SEASON (1st October – 31st March unless otherwise stipulated by the NSW RFS) you will require a permit.
Contact Clarence Town Brigade on 4996 4454 if you require permit information. Remember that all RFS Firefighters are Volunteers so don’t leave it until the last minute to ring for a permit or you may be disappointed.
IF YOU DO NOT PROVIDE NOTIFICATION TO THE NEIGHBOURS AND THE RFS, YOUR NEIGHBOURS MAY CALL 000 TO REPORT YOUR FIRE AND THE LOCAL FIRE AUTHORITY MAY TAKE ACTION.
Make sure you are aware of the standards for pile burning -Your brigade will have copies of this standard.
If your council is identified as Part 1 (commonly densely populated areas), then open burning is prohibited unless you obtain an approval from the NSW Environment Protection Authority. Ring your Council or go online to check on this.
Dungog and Port Stephens Councils spells out their burning policies here: www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/live/open-burning-dungogshire-council-area www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/services/communitysafety (you need to scroll right down to the bottom for this link).
Property owners should be aware that the continual heavy rains have made access by RFS vehicles to properties problematic.
If you are planning to burn, make sure you have prepared the site and assets are in place to contain your fire within the prescribed area.
Despite the saturated ground, cured grass burns easily and fire spreads quickly. The owner could be legally liable for damage to neighbouring properties.
PREPARE, ACT, SURVIVE.
Stay safe until next time, Di Bennett OAM
Lower Hunter Zone Community Engagement Team
www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for more information
PREPARE, ACT, SURVIVE.
Stay safe until next time, Di Bennett OAM
Lower Hunter Zone Community Engagement Team
www.rfs.nsw.gov.au for more information
