SIXTEEN illegal/careless fires have been lit in the Bathurst local government area so far this financial year, with the NSW Rural Fire Service warning land owners that penalties can apply.
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With the region now experiencing cooler weather many land owners have been conducting burning activities on their property, and while this is allowed, the RFS say strict rules must be followed.
Chifley/Lithgow Team RFS Inspector Mick Holland said members of the public must abide by the law when conducting hazard reduction burns on their properties.
“Penalties apply for failing to notify the NSW RFS and your neighbours that you are planning to light a fire, for allowing fires to escape or by not abiding by the conditions of a fire permit,” he said.
Earlier this month a Lithgow land owner was issued $3300 in penalty notices for lighting a fire without notifying the RFS and for leaving the fire unattended.
“The fire was intense and uncontrolled, burning towards buildings on a nearby property,” Insp Holland said.
The fire was intense and uncontrolled, burning towards buildings on a nearby property.
- NSW Rural Fire Service Inspector Mick Holland
“Many volunteer firefighters worked to prevent the fire from destroying nearby neighbouring properties.
“The decision to impose penalty notices was not taken lightly.”
There have been 31 illegal/careless fires lit in the Chifley/Lithgow RFS zone by property owners so far this financial year – 29 people were issued with warning letters and two with penalty notices.
Of these fires 16 occurred in Bathurst, nine in Oberon and six in Lithgow.
Insp Holland said he hopes that these fines help to convey a message to other land owners regarding the importance of having a safe, and legal, fire on their property.
“We encourage people to seek advice from their local NSW RFS fire control centre on how to safely conduct hazard reduction activities such as slashing, trittering and burning, and how to prepare their homes for the next bush fire season,” he said.
“This message should also help to remind all land owners that they must notify the NSW RFS at least 24 hours prior to lighting a fire on their property – whether they need a formal fire permit or not.
“Your local fire control centre can provide advice on how to safely undertake hazard reduction work and how to best prepare yourself, your property and your family for the next bush fire season.”
For more information contact your local fire control centre on 1300 258 737.