Bushfire Danger Period: Permits required for 27 NSW council areas from September 1

Danger depends on where you live as a clear bushfire risk emerges in the state’s north - from the Hunter to the Tweed -prompting the RFS to introduce new rules on open fires.

The start of the state’s bushfire season has arrived and with it comes the introduction of mandatory permits which will be required for anyone wishing to light an open flame.

From Wednesday September 1, any open fire in one of the designated council areas across the state will first need approval via a free bushfire permit from the local Rural Fire Service Control Centre.

The Bushfire Danger Period has already come in to effect across six designated local councils which the RFS have deemed to be of increased risk of bushfire event.

A further 21 will be added to that list from Wednesday and the rest of the state will be added by October 1.

Bushfire permits will be required from tomorrow across 21 council areas. Pic Nathan Edwards

Six regions in the Northern Tablelands area were ordered to obtain permits on August 1, due to high fire risk fuelled by strong grass loads not affected by the 2019 bushfire season.

“Over coming weeks and months, grass fires will be of particular concern, especially in these areas that have entered the bush fire danger period,” NSW Commissioner Rob Rogers said.

“Land holders and firefighters have reported increased grass growth from recent rain, particularly west of the ranges.

“The threat of grass fires will increase as this dries out.

“Anyone wishing to light a fire during the Bush Fire Danger Period must obtain a free permit in addition to notifying their local fire authority and neighbours 24 hours before lighting up.

“While hazard reductions are an important part of preparations, landholders need to be extremely careful, as escaped burns can lead to heavy penalties.

“If a fire does escape, make sure you call triple-0 (000) immediately so that emergency services can respond and minimise the damage.”

Commissioner Rogers said while firefighters were busy preparing, residents should do the same.

“Have the conversation with your family about what you will do during a fire – talk about when you’ll leave, where you’ll go, what you’ll take and what you’ll do with animals,” he said.

Many areas still reeling from the 2019 black summer bushfires across NSW have had their bushfire status downgraded this season as the undergrowth from the devastation continues to recover.

The National Council for Fire and Emergency Services noted in its spring Bushfire Outlook Report, published this month, that a ‘below normal fire potential’ was predicted for these regions.

But for areas around the Northern Tablelands, northern NSW and parts of the Hunter, the opposite applies.

The report stated that ‘there is the potential for an above normal fire potential’ which is being driven by good grass and crop growth.

NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers. Picture: James Gourley

Permits for those seeking to light fires will be provided on a 12-month basis, and must be carried by the permit holder or another person at all times at the site of the fire.

Fires must be supervised at all times and notifications given to the NSW RFS, and adjoining neighbours at least 24 hours prior to the fire being lit.

The NSW RFS has the authority to vary, cancel or suspend a permit, depending on weather conditions.

For more information on how to obtain a permit, or for bushfire-related information, visit the NSW RFS website.