Rural Firefighting News

with Tony Belton

Early Fire Season

NPWS Officers have been busy doing hazard reduction burn offs locally in preparation for the summer bushfire period.

We have been subjected to some incredibly strong, dry North- Westerly winds and high temperatures, which has brought forward our Bush Fire Danger period to September 13, instead of October 1. It has also been the catalyst for a number of Total Fire Bans being declared already!

During the Bushfire Danger Season, a permit is required for any fire lit out in the open. Any fire, apart from a cooking fire (see campfire or BBQ below) requires a permit. Permits are required until the end of March, and can be extended by the relevant Authority should conditions warrant it.

It is illegal to light a fire without a permit, and substantial penalties apply. Observe all conditions set out in the permit. Failure to comply can result in substantial penalties. Permits are available by ringing your local Rural Fire Brigade, listed in the phone book.

A campfire or BBQ may be lit for cooking provided:

• they are only lit in a permanently constructed fire place with at least 2m cleared of combustible matter

OR

• at a site with at least 3m cleared of combustible matter

• an adult is in attendance

• the fire is completely out before leaving the area

It is important to have sufficient water on hand in case of an emergency.

During Total Fire Ban Periods no fire is permitted out in the open.(any permits issued are suspended)

Campfires, solid fuel barbecues, ovens and kettles are prohibited (i.e.: those using wood, heat beads, charcoal or briquettes).

Total fire bans are declared through radio, TV and News print. It is your responsibility to stay informed.

Gas or electric BBQ's can be used (in a total fire ban) provided:

• it is on a residential property

• within 20m of a house or dwelling

• or in an area with council approval

• It is under the direct control of an adult

• the ground within 3m of the BBQ is cleared of all materials which could burn

• you have a continuous supply of water available

Breaching Total Fire bans can cost $5500 in fines or up to 12 months in Jail.

On a local note, Lismore (and neighboring Districts) Rural Fire Service has been kept busy with numerous call outs to local fires, but more specifically to the Section 44 Fires currently running between Lismore and all points West and South on the North Coast.

There has been round the clock resourcing of crews and trucks to help contain a number of substantial fires burning locally.

Also helicopters and earth moving machinery, as well as all the infrastructure of sustaining a prolonged fire campaign are in place.

Please take extreme care outdoors at the moment, and ensure that any equipment you use such as tractors, mowers, brush cutters and chainsaws are safe from spark ignition.

When welding or grinding outdoors, make sure you have an extinguisher or hose handy.

Visitors from other country's need to be made fully aware of the fire conditions and regulations, before they set off for any camping or day trip into the countryside. Brochures are available.

Information is available at the Rural Fire Service web site at www.bushfire.nsw.gov.au or by contacting your local Fire Control Center listed in the Yellow pages under Rural Fire Service.