Face of Nation : Tinder-dry conditions in NSW have forced the Rural Fire Service to bring forward its bushfire danger period for parts of the state’s east coast and Northern Tablelands.
Twelve areas – Armidale, Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Glen Innes Severn, Inverell, Kempsey, Mid Coast, Nambucca, Port Macquarie Hastings, Tenterfield, Uralla and Walcha – will all start their bushfire danger period from August 1, the RFS announced on Thursday. Traditionally the official start to the danger period is October 1.
“Conditions across the state are drier and warmer than average, with more than 98 per cent of NSW drought-affected,” NSW RFS Acting Commissioner Rob Rogers said in a statement.
“Last season we saw more fires in July and August than the whole of summer combined.” During the bushfire danger period, landowners and managers need a permit before lighting any fires on their properties.
Mr Rogers said the period also meant it was time for residents and managers to prepare for the threat of bushfires. “Recent fires on the Mid Coast and in the Hunter region have shown that bushfires can strike at any time and it is vitally important to be prepared,” he said.
“This means doing simple things like cleaning your gutters, removing combustibles from your yard, ensuring hoses can reach all corners of your property and completing or updating your bushfire survival plan, so you and your family know what you will do in the event of a bushfire.”
